Stuck here... Which Choice Will I LEAST Regret?

**mraudimax** · 03-03-2017 08:35 PM

Hello, new here on the forums & very excited to be a part of this community!

So far I have only owned one Audi. Was an '01 5-Speed B5 Avant (1.8T). Supposedly APR Stage 1, had high miles (195xxx) & a rebuilt title but literally ran like a dream. That snappy low-end spool from the K03 had me addicted immediately, as well as pairing with the silky-smooth five speed tranny. Interior was black, MINT, & still smelled like a new car (was unbelievable I swear only the driver seat was ever sat in). Ever since parting with that wagon I have since been longing for another Audi. Recently I just sold all my personal vehicles except for one ('96 Passat TDI, total beater-bomb, currently only pop-starts

). Anyways I love my rot-box TDI but honestly it looks like it was dragged out of a ditch & it's not always the most dependable vehicle despite the motor still being in perfectly good-health. (Can't complain I only paid $700 for it & was so determined that I made an eight-hour round trip to upstate NY & drove it back in a blizzard LOL but averaging 50mpg the whole way home made it all worthwhile

)

Now to the actual point of my post... I am on the fence between purchasing three particular Audi's right now. I'm literally losing sleep deciding what to do here & was hoping that some of you on this forum could help shed some light on my situation. I am looking for something I can easily daily during nice weather while having some worry-free backroad fun on the weekends. I don't ever plan to sell my TDI & will continue driving it whenever the weather is inclement. That being said, I want something with class & something clean. Would like to be as comfortable as possible on my daily commute (30 miles total, half city/half hwy) & be a car that I don't have to worry about leaving me curb-side if I decide to take a trip a couple hours away. Must be 300+hp to keep my adrenaline flowing, & obviously the less body-roll the better (I tend to be a bit aggressive around the bends). Personally, I've always been biased towards turbo cars due to their overall efficiency, curvy power-bands, & all of the sweet noises that associate with a forced induction setup. But, this does not mean I am opposed to trying something a little different. I sort of like the idea of a V8 due to its simple design & hard-hitting torque right out of the box.

Below are three cars w/ links attached. I would love to just "drive them all to see which I like best" but each car is 2.5+ hrs away. I can only afford to take the time to make one round-trip due to my current schedule. I also need a car ASAP! I've never been good at keeping any of my cars for more than six months. My plan is to change that mindset with my next car, which is why I'm upping my budget for something I'll love & keep for YEARS!

Important General Questions:
- Which gearbox will feel the most similar to my '01 B5 A4? I instantly fell in love with the effortless buttery shifts that car provided. Could engage fourth gear using just my pinky!

- Which will take corners best? (B7 S4 - SoloWerks Coils... B5 - H&R Coils... B7 A4 - ST Coils...)
- Which will "FEEL" the fastest when romping the throttle, snapping you back in the seat on-demand?
- Which will lose it's magic the fastest? (Being bored, wanting more from the car, ect.)
- Which will have the least interior creaks, rattles, & shakes?
- Which will retain the most value in a couple of years?
- Based on what the advertisements suggest, which is least likely to have me forking fistfuls of money to a shop every month? I only do basic wrenching on my own so most labor will cost me $$$

NOTE: My initial spending budget is $12-13k MAX.

#1 - 2005.5 Dolphin Grey B7 S4 - > https://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/6014443616.html
- Pros: Timing Chains replaced, most other maintenance up to date with paperwork, very tasteful modifications (exactly how I would want a 4.2 in terms of aftermarket mods)
- Cons: Six total owners, drinks fuel, cheapest coilovers of all three cars, heavier nose due to V8 = more understeer, just a pig in general (+300lbs vs. B5 Avant).

#2 - 2001 Silver S4 Avant (STG III) - > (current owner) https://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5988731783.html (2nd link is for-sale post from prior owner who sold to current owner) > http://www.audiworld.com/forums/vehi...miles-2890325/
- Pros: Basically whole entire car was overhauled in the last 5k miles, obviously more hp/tq than the B7, better suspension, nimble, & come on it's a twin-turbo luxury station wagon.
- Cons: 160k although average is still high-mileage, will need immediate attention (wheel bearings), constant fear of making something go *boom* because reality is it's ~200whp over stock...

#3 - 2008 Fully-Built Dolphin Grey B7 A4 (is $13k price not listed) - > https://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/6011875964.html
- Pros: Everything mechanically on the car has been replaced/re-done, build was paid for to be assembled in a certified shop, "theoretically" could be less upkeep b/c only four-cylinders, makes as much torque as an average stage III car (dynoe'd 325awhp, 406tq @ 28lbs K04 + Meth Spray).
- Cons: Again, the fear of *kaboom* due to being a high-hp built motor, how long before I destroy the A4 tranny, who knows if the tune is really safe or not, car sprays meth to create 101 octance under boost, idk... again, reliability, may not be so great?

Thanks to anyone who shoots me a reply. Any constructive advice is greatly appreciated!

**james 408** · 03-03-2017 10:17 PM

Important General Questions:
- Which gearbox will feel the most similar to my '01 B5 A4? I instantly fell in love with the effortless buttery shifts that car provided. Could engage fourth gear using just my pinky!
gearboxes all fine
- Which will take corners best? (B7 S4 - SoloWerks Coils... B5 - H&R Coils... B7 A4 - ST Coils...)
not enough detail, about even.
- Which will "FEEL" the fastest when romping the throttle, snapping you back in the seat on-demand?
depends on rpm and preference. see torque/hp curve and estimate turbo lag
- Which will lose it's magic the fastest? (Being bored, wanting more from the car, ect.)
all of them
- Which will have the least interior creaks, rattles, & shakes?
whichever has the fewest broken tabs or reassambly by apes
- Which will retain the most value in a couple of years?
b5 is done depreciating
- Based on what the advertisements suggest, which is least likely to have me forking fistfuls of money to a shop every month? I only do basic wrenching on my own so most labor will cost me $$$
bahahaha

might wanna read into: Without Clutch, spare ecu, upper control arms: $9,5000 firm.

all 3 are gotta see to buy, all fine. i'd visit them 2-3-1. call me bias, but 2 in proper condition is the best buy there. from interior/daily perspective, I'd take a close look at 1.

**mraudimax** · 03-04-2017 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by james 408

Important General Questions:
- Which gearbox will feel the most similar to my '01 B5 A4? I instantly fell in love with the effortless buttery shifts that car provided. Could engage fourth gear using just my pinky!
gearboxes all fine
- Which will take corners best? (B7 S4 - SoloWerks Coils... B5 - H&R Coils... B7 A4 - ST Coils...)
not enough detail, about even.
- Which will "FEEL" the fastest when romping the throttle, snapping you back in the seat on-demand?
depends on rpm and preference. see torque/hp curve and estimate turbo lag
- Which will lose it's magic the fastest? (Being bored, wanting more from the car, ect.)
all of them
- Which will have the least interior creaks, rattles, & shakes?
whichever has the fewest broken tabs or reassambly by apes
- Which will retain the most value in a couple of years?
b5 is done depreciating
- Based on what the advertisements suggest, which is least likely to have me forking fistfuls of money to a shop every month? I only do basic wrenching on my own so most labor will cost me $$$
bahahaha

might wanna read into: Without Clutch, spare ecu, upper control arms: $9,5000 firm.

all 3 are gotta see to buy, all fine. i'd visit them 2-3-1. call me bias, but 2 in proper condition is the best buy there. from interior/daily perspective, I'd take a close look at 1.

Saying I "might want to read into" suggesting that those are three things that may soon need addressing? #1 definitely falls under the "most practical" category due to updated interior/chassis. I think i agree though that #2 would be the best buy due to the extensive preventative maintenance. Guess it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

**Cysco abt S4** · 03-04-2017 06:29 AM

I'd take that b5 s4 any day

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**mbonder** · 03-04-2017 08:03 AM

I'd go #2 as well, the K04 setup is fairly mild compared to many other options at this point and has been around for over a decade so it's fairly tried and true. People are pulling 600+whp from these engines, 400 isn't really as taxing as people once thought. Plus it's an avant, if you do anything active or like to take road trips you'll be happy to have the extra space.

Plus Bode Miller man! You can drive drunk and still make it down the hill...

**tar** · 03-04-2017 09:42 AM

Only 2 of those I would consider would be the s4s.

I would lean towards the b5 since avant and hands down better motor. Even with the b7 having chains done. V8 is nice but boost>

**chaos2984** · 03-04-2017 10:18 AM

The V8 is nice and sounds good with intake and exhaust but has no power and no real way to add power thats even remotely affordable. I would only go with B7 S4 if you want the tech and new updates. But If thats what you want I would get the B7 A4 Sline. Its just about the same. Except engine and seats

**Wagonholic** · 03-04-2017 11:09 PM

You're in the B5 S4 subforum, so the choice is clear.

B5 S4 ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. lol

**Seerlah** · 03-05-2017 02:35 AM

If you want a practical car, an Audi simply isn't it. Many of us own an Audi with a back up car for a reason. Mine is a Nissan Maxima....reliable, dependable, and practical.

**chaos2984** · 03-05-2017 04:01 AM

You have to look at what you want and where you want to be. I have a B8.5 S4 and i just got a B5 S4 for a daily driver. I started in 2005 with a B5 S4. I had an Imola yellow stage 3. I sold it in 2008 at the market crash and got a smoking deal on a B7 S4 and sold my B5 to pay for it. It was Automatic. Did I like the car yes. Did I love it no. I regretted selling the B5. But it was a good move financially. I enjoyed driving it. But the car just doesn't have much power and no way to add more without making it rain. I sold that and bought a suv and a boat. Enjoyed that for awhile and then got back into Audi and bought a brand new B8.5 S4. I've had that for almost 3 years and just picked up a B5 S4. For me its all about the right deal that I am comfortable with.

You have to ask yourself what you want and where you want to go. If it was me and that was my budget I would avoid that A4. I would look at the B5 and the B7 S4. If you want a comfortable car and more tech and some what fast. Go for the B7. If you want lots of power and fun get the B5. Honestly That engine can handle Stage 3 all day every day. But If someone is going to beat the piss out of it every day its not the car for me. I would look at leaks and such.

My S4 i just picked up is a 2000 and has 181k on it. Engine has just recently been resealed completely. And new turbos. It leaks nothing. And was all stock except for exhaust. Never been modified. It was the one i was going to buy after i test drove and looked it over. So I wouldn't be scared by mileage. It all depends on how people took care of the car.

**jnaarnold** · 03-05-2017 04:44 AM

Even though I am fairly new to this forum and to the B5 S4 in general, I too faced this dilemma when looking for the right car. I also have three other vehicles to drive and that might my choice a bit easier. With that said, I would definitely consider choice #2. A lot easier to work on than that 4.2L IMHO. Also, as someone here previously stated, the B5 will not go any lower in value. In fact, you might even get it a little cheaper than the asking price. I bought my B5 S4, stage III car for $5k!, and it is in pristine condition. I love these cars, and I am even looking for a B5 Avant for my wife now...her daily is a full size Yukon..we have 5 kids (two of which are college level, and one is a senior high school, so only two will be at home in a few years). Lastly, something that never fails me before making a decision----> prayer.. :)
J

**rdcyclist** · 03-05-2017 08:00 AM

The B5 for sure. The B7 while nice is as you and others have stated, a nose heavy, underpowered pig. Besides the usual and listed stuff on the B5, the wheels gotta go. Fuckin' flat black wheels look stupid on a silver avant. IMHO...

**a4kamila6** · 03-07-2017 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Seerlah

If you want a practical car, an Audi simply isn't it. Many of us own an Audi with a back up car for a reason. Mine is a Nissan Maxima....reliable, dependable, and practical.

My backup is a slushbox 2.8 b5 :)

Not too wise but she has been running strong and serving as my daily since 2011.

and to OP, b5 all the way.

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**QuinnsterKID** · 03-08-2017 07:49 AM

B5 S4 ftw....but make sure you know how to work on them when things do go wrong.

**blitz2190** · 03-08-2017 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Seerlah

If you want a practical car, an Audi simply isn't it. Many of us own an Audi with a back up car for a reason. Mine is a Nissan Maxima....reliable, dependable, and practical.

my backup is a b6 a4 :p, but to the op I'd go with #2 as well the b6 s4 is a catastrophe of an engine, with the b5 the worst thing that is going to happen is you lose a turbo but can still drive and have a solid engine, the b6 s4 can and most likely will cost you double the asking price all said and done once the inevitable timing problem happens and thats if your lucky enough to not have gouges in the cylinder walls.

*edit

Saw that the timing chain was done, still wouldn't buy it as they are know to eat their own cylinder bores and burn tons of oil.