I could use some advice, guys, as this is really tearing me apart inside.

I've spent the past year replacing part after part on Brunnhilde, and I've got her running great. She's got 125k miles now. Mechanically, the only thing wrong seems to be the low heat at idle issue which I've been battling with for a couple of winters. Other than that, she rides great, runs great.

That being said, there are some cosmetic challenges that lie ahead if I decide to keep her. She's going to need some touch up work on her body where she has a few nic's and scratches. I would need to replace the head lamps because one is really cloudy and scratched. She could also use a new right front fender liner and a new belly pan.

I'm also wanting to put in an S4 suspension and new wheels if I keep her. Add to that, the exhaust is starting to get rusty and I can see that replacement needed in the not-too-distant future. When I start adding up the cost for a new heater core, exhaust, suspension, wheels, paint job, body parts and anything else that decides to go....we're already talking over 3k.

I test drove a few 2004/2005 B6 S4's on Saturday, and I'm completely in love with that car!

So, the dilemma is....do I invest more and more money into a 12 yr old B5, or say goodbye and sell her while she's still work something?

Sure, a good B6 S4 will cost somewhere in the 18-24K range depending upon mileage, but how many more thousands is it worth dumping into my current B5?

 

Dump the 3k into the B5, know exactly how it's going to run and what you've already replaced and know that it's in excellent running condition.

Spend 18-24k on a newer B6, have no idea how the car is going to run and you'd be driving the ugliest Audi ever made.

Save yourself 15-21k and put the money into the B5. That's what I would do.

 

Similar situation for me. I paid $4000 for the car in January '10. In September '10 I stuffed the right front corner into a curb, and have paid $2000+ to date out-of-pocket for parts to repair the damage (this included new CAs, wheels, alignment, tires, etc., but I still have no passenger side airbag...).

Since purchasing the car I have spent about $11K in modifications and maintenance, and have put on only 25K miles. I do all the work myself except tire mounting, alignment, and front bearing pressing.

My car too could fresh paint/minor bodywork. Knowing what to expect from your car and the peace of mind that you CAN fix it if something does happen is very nice. So I agree with Nick, your car is worth it.

 

My thought is if you have a lot of time and money into it, keep it. I've got about $4-5k in mods and maintenance into my car and it's going no where soon. If I'd had that amount put into my B5 I'd probably still have it. Mods are only a waste of money if you sell the car IMO.

 

I have to agree with everyone else here. Knowing exactly whats been done to your car and that its the way you want it is a great piece of mind.

Regarding the b6 s4's though I've heard that those engines arent the greatest v8's audi has ever made.

 

Don't do it. I got a (2005)B6 just on August 13th this year. Big mistake. Has low miles, and what not but my god. I only owe 13k on it now, sure it is fast and sounds splendid and what not..but I have sunk $2,000 into this car so far. Needless to say, I wish I had just bought a new S4.