S4 2.7T - worth buying?

[pentoman]

Hi,

I'm tempted by an early one of these and would like your opinion. I don't know why because I've never actually liked the A4 to drive (it's a bit bouncy) but I'm sure I'll learn my lesson if I hate it.

I prefer my mum's old shape A6 really, as it doesn't seem to have that bouncyness.

Anyway, is it a decent car? I had a '97R (new shape) A6 2.8Q saloon manual and thought it was a great car. Not terribly torquey but drove very nicely in a grippy-Quattro sort of way.

Is an S4 nice? The best A4 I've driven was a lazy 2.6 auto saloon. Does the S4 make a nice everyday car or is it stiff riding and stupid making me better off with an A6 or A8? It would have to be nicer than the Peugeot 406 coupe V6 with it's lovely ride, (sound) and handling and the Mercedes 190E 2.5-16v which I feel will just suit me more than the S4.

I don't care much for chipping or anything - are early ones likely to have been messed around with?

opinions please

P.S. Sorry for the odd-reading disjointed post!

Russ
'86 190E, '62 Elan

[jamesk]

I am looking for one too. Me and many many others. I would have to say this is one of the most saught after 2nd hand cars I have EVER come across. It's demand tells you what a fantastic all round car it is.

Apart from general wear and tear items and the turbo's which need to be looked after (like any turbo) I have yet to come across a single bad word said about it. Even in standard form it is superbly capable and yet utterly docile when required(unlike the RS4 which has no rounded edges).

Just dont buy the one I want when I see it!

[MJ1]

All I can say is I got one of these in June, its a 99v although its a 2000 model, Avant, Just about every extra possible, I have had far too many cars over the years and this has to be best all round car. I went to rallyday on saturday and had loads of fun with some scoobys and evos on the way home! My wife drives it everyday and she has not complained about a harsh ride and believe me she would, It tows my racing car quicker than the race car goes around the track.

I found this car by accident, search s4 as oppose to S4 AVANT on autotrader, and it was listed and an estate!!!

I agreed a deal without even seeing it the flesh, never sone that before, You have to move quickley on these things, since I got the car I have been offered at least 2k more than I paid for it.

Good luck in the search

[JonRB]

I'm very much in favour of chopping in the Corrado for an S4 2.7TT Avant, which believe me is a ringing endorsement for the Audi.

Trouble is the missus doesn't like the ones we've seen so far (aesthetically).

On the plus side, she loves the RS4, but on the down side we can't afford an RS4.

[dazren]

Russ come along to the next Bristol pub meet where you'll meet Yertis who is a guru on these cars. Along with his S4 he is also running a proper Quattro.

DAZ

[agent006]

pentoman said:

I prefer my mum's old shape A6 really, as it doesn't seem to have that bouncyness.

Then go for a 100 based S4 or Mk1 S6. As Daz says, Yertis has an S4 avant.

Oh, and they have the 5 cylinder engine, saves on buying CDs i hear.

[heightswitch]

I have had a Nogaro S4 Avant for 3 years now. it is the best car i have ever owned. Wife drives it daily. I have driven a new S4 V8 and an RS4 back to back when considering trading up and to be honest I preferred the S4.

The 20k price difference in trading up just isn't worth paying. on the road the S4 feels quicker than the RS4 which has to be spooled up alot more because of the bigger turbos. The V8 make a lovely noise but it doesn't give you the kick in the back that the S4 2.7 does. both of the newer cars are undoubtedly faster, but as an all round package in my opinion the S4 is a better package.

It is a subtle family supercar that can be driven every day. it pulls from tickover and doesn't have any vices that usually come with turbo cars.

if you buy second hand you will incur costs. You will have to replace diff seals, and you will get tired of changing discs and pads which are marginal for the car. You can chip for more power, but you loose some of the low down traction the car is reknowned for.

If you buy Buy standard and upgrade the brakes with the Porsche AMD conversion. This will make for a perfect vehicle and £20k cheaper than the current audi's which just are not worth the extra.

This is the reason you don't find many for sale. I aint selling mine. and its nudging 100k now.

Neil.

[Fat Audi 80]

agent006 said:

Oh, and they have the 5 cylinder engine, saves on buying CDs i hear.

LMAO I have the 5 pot in my S2 and it is beautiful. If you have never heard these purr pot bang roar and scream you have to try one....

I'm off to drive mine home in the sunshine with the the windows open and the stereo OFF

[pentoman]

agent006 said:

Then go for a 100 based S4 or Mk1 S6. As Daz says, Yertis has an S4 avant. Oh, and they have the 5 cylinder engine, saves on buying CDs i hear.

Our A6 has a 5-cylinder diesel.. It's just not the same, but still has a unique sound thats appropriately brawny for the big old 2.5. It also has over 275,000 miles now.

Cheers all, I'll try to make it to the next meet. It appears I recently missed one.. - there's no way of keeping up with PH without broadband! I Didn't realise they were so sought after so I'll keep my eye out for any nice ones that come my way then .

thanks again


Russ
'86 190E, '62 Elan