I bought my b5 s4 brand new in november of 2002 it has been a great car since, but the last 6 months I have put over 3000.00 into it. Timing belt change and all the stuff that comes with it, torn turbo boot, new DValves, and a fuel pump and there is still a chugging after it gets in top gear . My car only has 60000 miles on it, but it sems like it is nickle and diming me. It still runs strong and has plenty of power. Since the warranty ran out it has always been to the same mechanic. My mechanic says it is still a very strong car.

I guess my question is, do I trade it in on a new car or just take my chances. I would be trading it in on a new s4 maybe a new A6 (more room). My car is completly stock and has always had mobil 1 synthetic. Any thoughts would be great. Any suggestions on other 4 door sports cars? Thanks.

 

I love my B7 S4. I just sold my A6, which was nice too and definitely had more room, but the S4 is 100 times more fun, and the back seat is a little roomier now than the older ones. Of course, you could get the best of all worlds and get that insane new V10 S6 I've been hearing about. They say you're usually better off holding onto an older car and putting the money into fixing it up because new cars cost so much, but for me it just gets frustrating regardless of the numbers.

 

All depends how much you love the car and the experience you get with it. Your likely to have to keep spending...possbly even for a turbo (x2) replacement at somepoint in the future...so yes - it will cost...but so will a new car...You'll only get so much out of your S4 - though now might be better then later in that regard. For replacements I might recommend a Subaru Legacy or a Mazdaspeed 6 or some such...or- depending what you might want to spend (and how long you might want to wait) - a new BMW 335 (I think they will be doing a sedan version at some point). Even Infinity G35/45 might warrent consideration or possibly Lexus (not really so sporty)...and Volvo S40/50 is nice and for a smaller car quite roomy in the back. Also like you said a new S4 could be in the mix (or RS4!)...but you seem to be indicating that your not into spending the $...so I'd probably keep the B5 if I were you...and just plan on putting $$ aside for repairs/maintenance...

 

Thanks for the input. I just looked at a b7 s4 for $48000 w/ 5600 miles on it, but it was an automatic and I thought the price was a little high. For know I will probably keep the b5 and see what happens.