hey my names Max, I'm about to turn 18 and im ready to sell my subie and get a new ride. After I turn 18 I'm planning on taking a $10,000 loan out (not to be a dick, but please don't lecture me on how thats a stupid decision. I already know it is, but I love cars...) The four cars I'm contemplating are a 2001 S4, 2000 2.5rs (probably WRX swap), a 2006 STI (would need a bigger loan), or a 2005 Evo.

I've heard good and bad things about all these cars and just would like to get other peoples outlook on this. I understand that Audis are stereotyped to be money pits, but I love them, and I love working on cars.

Thanks for your time.

 

I'm not gonna lie, they are money pits.
If I were in your position, I would find one that at least has upgraded turbos, clutch and DPs. That way you shouldn't have to take the engine out anytime soon.
If you look around, you can find one with the k04 swap, timing belt, DVs, TBB, clutch, DPs and probably stage 3 or 3- fueling and tune already done.
Just be patient and the right one will come along.

Just remember, once you start to up the power and torque on any car, the closer it gets to becoming a money pit.

 

Agree w/ Red. They aren't cheap...especially if when you start modding.

However, if you like/know how to work on cars, you can significantly reduce your maintenance costs. There are plenty of resources on this site for finding cheap/used parts...much cheaper than the dealer. If you eliminate your labor costs, an S4 (or anyone of them for that matter) will be much more affordable.

 

Is $10,000 your limit? If so, the RS is the only car in your budget, unless you don't mind an S4 with over 100k miles (which seems to be about when they become "money chasms" nevermind money pits.) Unless you have a very steady income with money to burn, I wouldn't get the S4.

I love subies, have a WRX myself. Get a subaru. Easy to work on, cheaper mods, bigger aftermarket community, less $hit to go wrong. When you pay off your Subaru loan and are through college, get an 09 S4. By then they'll have depreciated to within reason. my 2 cents

 

Even the 2006 STi makes more sense than the S4 to me. The B5 s4 may cost under $10g's NOW but it was a $45,000 car new and it is still a $45,000 car to maintain. You will be taking out a new $10,000 loan every 2 years at least to keep the car running. Now figure in that the S4 is approaching 10 years old, and will most likely have 100-150k on it at that price point, its really a losing situation for you.

Thats my opinion. I have a few friends with newer 2.5RS's and one with a WRX. None of them have spent a dime past oil changes or have has a single problem. STI's arent bad for relyability if you keep them stock, and they have some power.

Your better off buying something thats not going to break the bank for you over the next four years. Once your out of college youll have plenty of money to get a nice car.

 

well if I sell my current car, take out the loan, and with graduation money I should have about $16-18,000 (sorry, shoulda put that in there earlier).

Thanks for the opinions tho, keep them coming!!!

 

Well at that price you should be able to find a pretty good s4. It can really be a crap shoot though.... just a warning. I have have exactly $0 in the bank because of this car. I pretty much have my paychecks spent before i get them.

But do i regret it? Nope. Am i going to sell it? Never.

 

bro. i have driven all of the above.. i had a similar choice to make back in july.. and i am where i am... 2000 s4.. no other car i have ever driven communicates the road to me as well.. i have never lost it in a turn and knew exactly what i had to do to be a superhero as i have with this car as with any other.. every trip in this car becomes an experience that i will never have with another car.. now.. dont get me wrong.. its not a classic 911 or ferarri .. which i have not driven.. but i have never so much cherished running out of milk to have to drive 3 miles down the road to the supermarket before.. i love this car.. yes.. i will spend way too much money.. and as hp stated.. i will not sell it.. unless of course i upgrade and get another audi with quattro drive... ; )

 

Man, I know exactly what you mean!
She's not my daily driver so I find any excuse pull her out.

 

Haha, definitely leaning for the s right now haha.
so the 2.5 and the Evo. are of the picture, but I've been looking e30 m3's...just a though.