Been looking around last few days I've been registered here, found some useful information, but still can't decide on what to do.

I currently drive a 2004 Dodge SRT-4, if anyone doesn't know they're also factory-boosted, so I know about turbos enough by now. I am thinking of getting rid of her though in effort to upgrade to a more luxurious and smoother ride, and stumbled upon the S4 as high on my list. However, few things bother me about them and would like opinions on the one I am interested in and would also like some information about S4's in general. I've been reading about them for several weeks and found as much as I can, but want to hear it from owners more so than just magazine articles or reviewers as they're not always accurate.

My worries and questions:

-S4 turbos are weak after 85k, true or not, is that only in regards to heavy driving or modifications to stock setup?
-extremely expensive to maintain, hard to modify and work on by self?
-insurance costs? I have a very good record, so most cars aren't out of my range for coverage, but some may be...
-modifying is insanely costly. my car is extremely cheap, i can go 3k in mods and have 500-600whp safely tuned. BUT, no luxury while doing it and smoothness

I have had my SRT, two years already and want a change of pace, 2 of my buddies are getting S4's and one already did buy a 01 6spd and it's incredible. I am only worried that in being 21 yrs old and about to finish college of drowning myself in debt early on and maybe having the car break down on me. Here's the car I'm looking at, it isn't very expensive so it's definitely in my range for pricing.

2000 Audi S4 Sedan TT
-Silver
-6 speed
-Aftermarket wheels
-50,000 miles
-completely stock engine, never modified
-asking $14,000 obo

What does everyone think? ANy advice is greatly appreciated and noted!!!!

_Chris

 

Get the V8 S4 - just as fast, but not tunable (no turbo). But the trade-off gives you HUGE torque, which makes for a really smooth drive and a huge power band. No need to rev up the turbo to get power.
I previously had a tuned WRX, so I understand the benefits of tuning a turbo, and if that's the main criterion for you, then the V8 isn't for you. But, if you're looking for luxury....go V8. This car is a beast. IMHO torque is greatly under-appreciated.

 

ehhh, go with the biturbo. chipped and stock the turbo spools and pulls hard below 3k rpm's. Chipped, as soon as those things spool, all hell breaks loose, and its like the hand of god is pushing you down the road. with 1/2/3 thousand into it, ull be eating m3's and any of the v8 s4's. Plus, dont let the year scare you away, they are still VERY nice inside. I havent been into a newer s4, but my sister has a 2005 a4, and the s4 beats it by a mile, so its definetly on par with the newer S4 interiors. (except for the amazingseats.)

 

I'm a little new here but I can provide some insight. I recently purchased a 2001 S4. I came out of a 2002 WRX. No doubt that the S4 is much nicer, quieter, and well respected. As for insurance, the S4 is nominally more expesive (few bucks a month). As for mods, they appear to be more expensive than say your SRT or my WRX, but I'm not sure they are any more difficult to make (others may correct me if I'm wrong). As for the S4 with the V8, there is quite a price jump (more than twice the price of the 2000 S4 you are considering). The price looks right so long as it appears to be in good shape. General consensus appears to be to have it checked out by an audi dealer and purchase some sort of extended warranty. This may ease some of your concerns about the costs of repair, etc.

In short, my WRX was fun, but I love this Audi.

 

Well guess I won't be buying it. Seller hasn't responded to my messges in over a week. Motivated seller I'd sure like to see.

 

I have one for sale if you're interested...

https://www.audiforums.com/m_195391/tm.htm