Audi S4 - anyone got one?

[srebbe64]

I'm test driving one of these on Friday, I'm told they make a nice (V8) sound and are good to drive. What I'm interested in knowing is what the salesman won't tell me, as such any owners out there who can give me some "owning experience"?

ETA: aah, mods could you move this to General Gassing please.

Edited by srebbe64 on Tuesday 6th June 17:48

[FortJefferson]

srebbe64 said:

I'm test driving one of these on Friday, I'm told they make a nice (V8) sound and are good to drive. What I'm interested in knowing is what the salesman won't tell me, as such any owners out there who can give me some "owning experience"?

ETA: aah, mods could you move this to General Gassing please.

Edited by srebbe64 on Tuesday 6th June 17:48

I've just mailed you.

[spartacus]

Sureley you mean the new RS4?

[D_Mike]

sadly i don't own one, but one drove past me the other day. It sounded awesome, a bit like a nascar.

[PetrolTed]

Yep, there are a few S4 owners here.

I owned one for a week until it got nicked...

Should get it back in the next couple of weeks.

[johnp68]

Had my S4 since last December.

Good points are:
- fantastic baby carrier
- doesn't attract attention, so more relaxed about where I park it!
- love the sound of the V8 (but not quite in the TVR league)
- the low down torque means that when I'm feeling lazy I quite often change up two gears at at time and the engine takes this in its stride
- awesome fun in the wet
- Dolphin Grey looks ok even when it hasn't been cleaned for a month or two
- enjoy chucking it around now that I'm used to the car's handling and have got used to the lack of steering feedback
- comfortable, convenient and reliable
- heated seats are great


Not so good points:
- handling was a bit dull at first, but there again a BMW M3 felt disappointing after my previous car - a Boxster S
- fuel consumption is very poor (average around 19 mpg but can drop to 16 mpg on a very spirited run)
- brakes are a bit disappointing, but again I'm comparing to the excellent Porsche brakes
- not particularly impressed with the DVD sat-nav

In my current situation, i.e. needing a four door with a kiddy seat, I'm pretty happy with the S4, but am seriously tempted by the RS4!

Regards
John

[srebbe64]

Cheers for the feedback chaps!

[vixpy1]

Steve.. RS4 !!

[srebbe64]

vixpy1 said:

Steve.. RS4 !!

I thought there was a year's waiting time for on RS4 though Charlie.

[Phil Hopkins]

srebbe64 said:

vixpy1 said:

Steve.. RS4 !!

I thought there was a year's waiting time for on RS4 though Charlie.

Depends if you go through a main dealer or not.

I get offered between 2 & 7 most weeks.

[merlot]

S4 - brilliant. I've got two. You can't beat them for all round ability and with used prices now in the low £20k's they offer great value.

[PetrolTed]

Two!? Excellent.

[srebbe64]

merlot said:

they offer great value.

Buy one get one free?

[Burnham]

Had my S4 for only a week but first impressions are good. Very smooth V8, lots of torque low down. Quiet and comfortable when you need it to be but hooligan if you want it to be. Never had a boot this big before, shame I dont have anything to put in it! I really thought I would miss my 993 more than I am...I think the S4 is making the loss more bearable.

[srebbe64]

Well I test drove both the (automatic) S4 and a (manual) RS4 this afternoon. I have to say, on balance, I preferred the S4. Clearly round a track the RS4 would be quicker, however the S4 was no slouch and offers a smoother ride for general business miles. That said, I was very impressed with both - particularly the engine note and torque. I think the secret is to keep them is "sport" mode all the time.

I'm also going to look at the new Alfa 159 3.2 litre in the next week or so, but I'll be suprised if it's in the same league as the Audi.

[PetrolTed]

I was very impressed witht the Auto on the S4. I do drive it in Auto rather than Tiptronic sometimes which I wouldn't do in the Alpina.

[srebbe64]

Know what you mean, in Sport mode the Auto was very responsive.