My previous car was recently totalled the other night by a negligent driver so I'm looking for a new vehicle. I will be getting a decent amount of cash from that and I'm looking to take that and put it towards the purchase of a new car. I've found a couple of '00 and '01 S4's with the TT V-6 that I'm interested in, but I don't know a whole lot about them other then the performance aspect. I was hoping that you guys could offer some information and help me decide if the S4 is right for me. I'm looking for a well built sport, luxury car. Something that is nice and respectable, but also something I can have fun with on the back roads with.

Would you guys suggest the auto or the manual tranny? I think I would prefer a manual, but I was curious if you guys think the auto is a better overall choice. Also, are there any common problems with these cars? What about rattles? My last car had a rattle in the glove box and it drove me crazy, but my sisters 13 year old Mercedes doesn't rattle so I'm hoping the S4 is as well built and won't rattle.

I'm assuming that like other turbo cars that cat-back and a chip would make some really good power. I'm guessing there is a general FAQ that has the basics of modding your S4, but I haven't found it yet. If someone could link it to me that would be great. I'm not looking for much, but it's always nice to have a little extra.

My last question is about the interior options. I saw a burgundy S4 that had black seats with white suede in the middle and what looked like polished aluminum instead of wood trim. I really liked that interior, but I haven't found it on any blue S4's. Do those interior options only come on certain exterior models or am I just not finding the right blue S4?

Sorry if some of these questions are easily answered, but I've been busy lately dealing with the insurance and doctors and such so I haven't had much time to research it yet. I appreciate any info you guys can give me on the S4. Who knows maybe I'll end up buying one and visiting here more often.

 

You can find all of that info in this forum...just search for it. I'm sure everyone here could talk all day about your questions...car is awesome...sport + luxury...a real headturner and very much respected on the road by anyone who knows something about nice rides.

check this out.

https://www.audiforums.com/m_311808/tm.htm

 

get the car. it's well worth it. but when buying a b5 expect to set some time and money aside for some maintenance. buy a pair of ***** and get the manual. be sure to take it easy though, and if your tranny busts (which will most likely happen) get it rebuilt by stasis. it's the best way to go with the tranny, it feels great after the rebuild. you're going to want to replace some stock parts too just because of weakness and some oem parts are prone to tearing. hope you go with the right decision (buy the s4!!)

(sorry if this post is a bit dickish, haven't been able to sleep in a couple days)

 

Where's the best place to buy a pair of *****?? www.awetuning.com?? LOL. That was a hilarious recommendation .

 

I here upgrading to ***** gives you a 27% power increase at 3500 rpm's. ****'n crazy.


Anyways, get a manual, before you pick it up have it inspected by a dealer, check for cracked CV boots, any signs of boost leaks or could-be boost leaks in the future, turbos spool up good, clutch isn't slipping, etc. Remember after driving it hard that you want to allow yourself 3-5 minutes to let the engine run at idle to cool down the turbo's (will improve their life). A good first buy would be a SAMCO throttle body boot and MAF sensor. I could go on, but that's a quick rundown, ask any more questions if you'd like.

 

actually upgraded ***** increases your car's tourqe by a whopping 100!!!

 

oh man...its sucks when you blow your *****...I had to have them replaced @ audi...kinda embarassing.

 

You mean these!!!!.....

Sorry couldn't resist. I'm sitting here on a conference call that has absolutely no need for me!

I will be an S4 owner in about 2 weeks. Its being shipped from Houston to Atlanta. 2002, 40k mi, 6 spd, silver, no mods. Formal intro w/ pics when car arrives and I sign the final paperwork.

Alexi21 - This forum was most helpful in my search and decision. Listen to these guys and trust their advice. Take your time, find the best S4 you can afford, and buy the car!!!

Thanks,
Andrew

 

haha I'm pretty sure I have the ***** for the S4. I prefer a manual over an auto, but I've heard of some cars in which the owners seem to prefer the auto so I just wanted to make sure that the manual is the way to go. I'm closing on a house on Aug. 8th, so I won't buy a car until after that, but the S4 is at the top of my list right now. I live in Champaign, IL so if anyone around there is selling one, please let me know.

So do the trannys just go out because of poor design? Or is it because people add too much power or launch too hard? I'm guessing it's safe to assume that parts to rebuild the tranny would be costly. Is there one or two parts that are usually the main culprits behind transmission failure? Any other info would be appreciated on that subject.

Is there a list of basic performance upgrades that are common among S4 owners? Nothing too crazy, but something like intake, exhaust, and a chip that add some more fun to the car, but not enough power to where it causes problems? I checked out that AWE Tuning site and it seems like there are plenty of parts to purchase. I just don't want to get too crazy with this car, since I would like to drive it often.

The only thing I dislike about the car so far are the wheels that come on it. I know some may like them, but in my opinion I'm sure there are better looking options. I will have some more time now and I will start looking for pictures, but if anyone has wheels on their S4 feel free to post some pics.

I appreciate the quick responses and hopefully I can own one of these awesome machines. Once again feel free to add anything else.

 

http://homepage.mac.com/edyjun1/S4/index.htm. That link has all your answers.