Hello All,
Noob here, knowing that I should be "searching" the forum, instead of posting, but I just have no idea where to start.

I'm looking at either a 2001 S4 or a 2002-on B6 1.8T. I'm looking to spend between 15K and 20K roughly. What should I be looking for? Reliability is a big issue for me, as I will be putting on a good bit of miles on this car. General thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance for not beating me down. [sm=sorry.gif]

 

Go S4 fo sho!

 

Yes Yes YES!!!! You'll love the S4!

 

Hmm...the b6 is roomier than a b5 and you could mod it and get the same or better performance than a s4. But if thats not an issue for you get the S4.

 

i saw some s4's on E-gay. might want to check it out

i think there was a 01 s4 with 75k on it for 13-14k (by it now) it had a salvage title tho.
there was another 01 s4 for 19k i think (bid)

 

Thanks fellows!

To give you a little background, I'm getting out of my 03 E46 M3 because I've been given a entrepreneurial opportunity that is going to require more road travel. I don't want to put a ton of miles on my M.... just doesn't make sense with my car payment in mind.

The purpose is really to have a good DD that I can put miles on and not worry about reliability. I'm a car nut and really meticulous when it comes to cleaning and servicing, so I'm not too worried about keeping up with that. My concern is more with the inherent reliability of say a 60-70K miled B5 S4 vs. a 35-45K miled B6 A4. I like the modding potential of both, but to be honest, aside from some software updating I can't see myself modding too much (that is a lie, but I'm trying to tell myself that.)


With that said, I know the S4 is going to be more fun out the gate, but aside from performance and fun-factor... which one makes more sense?

 

An s4 with just a chip is pretty damn quick. You have to worry about the turbo's going the s4 though, which costs quite a bit in labor. The A4 would probably be more reliable.

 

don't listen to these guys, they just like S4s..

you would be better off getting a B6 A4, or even a B5 A4 2.8 if it's going to be a commuter. the 2.8 is more reliable, less sludge problems, and no turbo or associated parts to fail on you.

 

honestly, if you already have an m3, and you're just looking for a nice, reliable daily driver, the a4 is the obvious choice.

the s4 is quicker, but the later model a4 is a much nicer car, nicer interior, much more solid, roomier...etc...

plus, for a little money, (which you'll have if you're an "entrepeneur") you'll easily be able to make the a4 faster down the road if you want.