Okay, I hate to be such a newbie, but I am planning on buying a new car for about $30k. I've decided on an audi over saab and bmw. My next step is to decide on going for an older s4, or getting a newer 1.8t and just mod it. I'm asking for help with the reliability of an older s4 (2002). Is it worth the risk? I'm definitely interested in the performance factor, but I also do not want to spend time with the car in the shop. Help!

 

I absolutely love my '02 S4 and couldn't imagine an A4, modded or not. Of course, I have slight mods on my S4.
Why don't you test drive them both and find out for yourself?
Another thing to think about is for less than $30,000.00, you would have no problem getting an awesome, completely loaded '02 S4, you can get one with low mileage and Audi Certified which will give you about 3 years and up to 100,000 miles of warranty.

Obviously no doubt what to do in my mind, but we are talking about you.

Drive them.

 

Check the archives on this.
This question has popped up every three or four months from newbies. The answers are always the same: it depends.

It depends on your level of confidence in modding, your tolerance for German cars needing constant attention (the more complicated, the more attention needed), and it depends on your desire for "prestige" over practicality. Those are some of the basic points that have been discussed in the past. Search the archives and see what you think.

 

Thanks guys, I know this question must always arise. I am going to look for a certified 02 s4. I'm interested in pushing payments for 60 months, so I need to check and see the financing options on an 02. I'll post pics once I complete the deal. Thanks so much!