help with an S4
Discussion
Hi there,
i am looking to buy an S4 avant or saloon,
need some advice from all that know about them, as i am totally, new to them,
just with a family and that its what i think suits best..
Basically are they any good,
are they thirsty for what they are..
i had a A4 tdi, and it handled like a bag of sh** hope this will not be the same....
any help would be good,
i have a Tvr cerbera, if anyone is interested and fancy a change.....
cheers
i am looking to buy an S4 avant or saloon,
need some advice from all that know about them, as i am totally, new to them,
just with a family and that its what i think suits best..
Basically are they any good,
are they thirsty for what they are..
i had a A4 tdi, and it handled like a bag of sh** hope this will not be the same....
any help would be good,
i have a Tvr cerbera, if anyone is interested and fancy a change.....
cheers
I would suggest you go over to www.rs246.com thay have a seperate forum for each of the different S4 versions......could be tempted to sell mine at the right price 
I have a 2004 B6 4.2 V8 344bhp 307lbft torque. The car will do 30mph up a 1 in 7 hill in 6th, it will start off in fourth and do 128 in the same gear and I love it. If you take the badges off it just looks like any other A4. Top gear power lap is 1.30.9s. It is stupidly easy, to drive stupidly fast, and of cause when it's wet, it don't make much difference. And there are only 300 saloon's in the country. John
PS mail me if you want to know more.
>> Edited by fortjefferson on Thursday 1st December 17:11
PS mail me if you want to know more.
>> Edited by fortjefferson on Thursday 1st December 17:11
I have the V8 avant. I bought it to get over the fact I needed a 5 door with a new baby. I'm not sure I'd give it a ringing endorsement...
Good bits:
Goes like stink (frightens Novas/Clios/any spotty-mobile that has a go)
Loads of torque so can do anything in any gear
Loads of grip (generally) so pretty safe
Looks nice (IMHO)
Nice noise when you're "pushing on"
Comfy seats (I'm getting old I think)
Bad bits:
Not very big inside (particularly back seat - my 2 yo. has run out of leg room)
Boot seems to be narrow (real problem with push chairs) and narrower than the saloon(?)
Fuel consumption goes from the expected (20ish around town) to the appalling (I can't get better than 26 on a long steady motorway run, that was a real surprise)
Handling is "safe" has similar understeer characteristics to a narrow boat.
My local dealer
Not trying to put you off, just telling it as I see it. I guess you know about the space coming from an A4, so maybe it won't be such a surprise to you. Big question, would I have another? Nope - may be an RS4 if I could get over the looks!
Good bits:
Goes like stink (frightens Novas/Clios/any spotty-mobile that has a go)
Loads of torque so can do anything in any gear
Loads of grip (generally) so pretty safe
Looks nice (IMHO)
Nice noise when you're "pushing on"
Comfy seats (I'm getting old I think)
Bad bits:
Not very big inside (particularly back seat - my 2 yo. has run out of leg room)
Boot seems to be narrow (real problem with push chairs) and narrower than the saloon(?)
Fuel consumption goes from the expected (20ish around town) to the appalling (I can't get better than 26 on a long steady motorway run, that was a real surprise)
Handling is "safe" has similar understeer characteristics to a narrow boat.
My local dealer
Not trying to put you off, just telling it as I see it. I guess you know about the space coming from an A4, so maybe it won't be such a surprise to you. Big question, would I have another? Nope - may be an RS4 if I could get over the looks!
Having recently sold my Boxster S I'm looking for a replacement vehicle. Have a baby daughter now, so must have 4 seats and be fun to drive. Trying to decide between buying an S4 and alternatively getting a BMW - something like a new shape 545i. Can't think of any other alternatives that fit the bill. Test drove the Merc E500 and Jag S Type R and didn't like them much. Considered a 2002ish BMW M5 but bit put off by potential running costs.
I've read all the reviews, and had one fairly short test drive in each of the S4 and 545i. I think I'll have to arrange at least a whole day test drive or car hire to decide which is the one for me. So far, I loved driving the S4, it gave me a huge grin, no doubt largely due to the glorius sound of the V8. The 545i is still quick, but is automatic and feels a lot heavier. On paper the S4's MPG looks rather scary, even compared to the 545i. Seems like the 545i would be a good choice for a quick and roomy family car, but if I were being selfish I'd be tempted to choose the S4.
Just wondered if anyone here has owned both and so can offer a comparison of what these cars are like to live with on a longer term basis.
Thanks
John
I've read all the reviews, and had one fairly short test drive in each of the S4 and 545i. I think I'll have to arrange at least a whole day test drive or car hire to decide which is the one for me. So far, I loved driving the S4, it gave me a huge grin, no doubt largely due to the glorius sound of the V8. The 545i is still quick, but is automatic and feels a lot heavier. On paper the S4's MPG looks rather scary, even compared to the 545i. Seems like the 545i would be a good choice for a quick and roomy family car, but if I were being selfish I'd be tempted to choose the S4.
Just wondered if anyone here has owned both and so can offer a comparison of what these cars are like to live with on a longer term basis.
Thanks
John
When the petrol prices were at their peak the other month - it wasn't just the on paper MPG that was scary!
Can't comment on the BMW, but i would say that you could spread your net a bit wider if you are willing to work a bit harder to fit all the baby's things in. I really liked the RX-8, but couldn't justify it as a 3rd car. It would have got all the baby stuff in it, has 4 doors etc. friends who have an A4 and Golf recon the Golf has more all round space - so don't necessarily discount the hatch if you want something "transitional" (excuse to change the car mor frequently!). There is a part of me that wants to swap the A4 for a new focus ST (interestingly oastwife wants to). Maybe I want to go backwards, not grow up!
Can't comment on the BMW, but i would say that you could spread your net a bit wider if you are willing to work a bit harder to fit all the baby's things in. I really liked the RX-8, but couldn't justify it as a 3rd car. It would have got all the baby stuff in it, has 4 doors etc. friends who have an A4 and Golf recon the Golf has more all round space - so don't necessarily discount the hatch if you want something "transitional" (excuse to change the car mor frequently!). There is a part of me that wants to swap the A4 for a new focus ST (interestingly oastwife wants to). Maybe I want to go backwards, not grow up!
It seems from looking at Autotrader that all the RS4's are Avants, which I'm not quite ready for yet! Going to 4 doors and 4 seats is a big step, buying an estate car would be a step too far for me
Does anyone know where I could rent an S4 for a day so that I can be reasonably confident that I'll like it longer term? Preferably not too far from High Wycombe.
>> Edited by johnp68 on Wednesday 30th November 22:29
Does anyone know where I could rent an S4 for a day so that I can be reasonably confident that I'll like it longer term? Preferably not too far from High Wycombe.
>> Edited by johnp68 on Wednesday 30th November 22:29
johnp68 said:
It seems from looking at Autotrader that all the RS4's are Avants, which I'm not quite ready for yet! Going to 4 doors and 4 seats is a big step, buying an estate car would be a step too far for me
To be honest, I think you'd be mad to take any saloon when there's an estate available. Not only do they look better (yes, I said "look better"
and are more practical, they increase your sexual potency. 
I agree, the avants look better but also hold there money better. But then we are all different.
Just ask your local dealer for one for the day, say you want one and are serious but not sure if it is for you.
Most guys tend to get around 180-220 miles out of a tank of fuel depending on whether it is short blasts or longer runs.
Great car though.
Just ask your local dealer for one for the day, say you want one and are serious but not sure if it is for you.
Most guys tend to get around 180-220 miles out of a tank of fuel depending on whether it is short blasts or longer runs.
Great car though.
Aye get the estate. Audi have acheived the impossible and made an estate car that looks better than the saloon version. They are more sought after and some say even handle better!
Re someone elses comments about space in the A4's - very true,, beware if you really do want a family lugger. The A4 is smaller inside than my current 540 and the boot is also smaller in terms of width and depth (obviously height is an estates major plus). For this reason ( I have 2 children under 3) I have ruled out any A4 variant and will be getting an 2.5TDi A6 avant sport but thats another thread
Re someone elses comments about space in the A4's - very true,, beware if you really do want a family lugger. The A4 is smaller inside than my current 540 and the boot is also smaller in terms of width and depth (obviously height is an estates major plus). For this reason ( I have 2 children under 3) I have ruled out any A4 variant and will be getting an 2.5TDi A6 avant sport but thats another thread
fortjefferson said:
It seems from looking at Autotrader that all the RS4's are Avants
No such thing as an RS4 saloon. Getting an S4 to RS4 spec is relatively easy though.
Exept the new B7 RS4 saloon
I imagine he'd struggle to find one on autotrader, or for £25k.
jamesk said:
For this reason ( I have 2 children under 3) I have ruled out any A4 variant and will be getting an 2.5TDi A6 avant sport but thats another thread
It is another thread, and an issue I'd be interested in discussing. I've been considering buying a B5 S4 Avant, but it seems clear it's not going to be big enough. Unfortunately, the S6 is still commanding £16,000+ which is more than I can afford (without taking out a loan anyway!). Has anyone driven the 4.2 version?
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