I have been looking at both b5 A4 (2001 manual v6) and S4 (2000 auto). Both would have around 80,000-100,000 miles and both would be quattros. I am only 17 and no one in my family has ever owned a euro so i am asking for your advice. Which one would be the best for me to buy at my age? I want something that is fairly reliabe since it will be a daily driver(although i do know that euro's take extra work but i am willing and have the ability to do matainence) I like the a4 but eventaully i know that i will want something with MORE POWER!!! Based on your experience with B5 S4 (specifically 2000) how reliable are these cars as daily drivers and what is the avg. resale price for 2000 S4 (kelly blue book has it rated at $7,500 for one in "good" condition but all the ones i find on vehix and in sales flyers are upwards of $9,000) Thanks for your advice.

 

I have a 2000 B5, and to be honest, even with 171,000 on the odo, i would hop in this and drive it anywhere, anytime, and not bat an eye.

HOWEVER, your point is well taken that maintenance is KEY. Now,even with maintenance, you can see what i am now in the middle of (Complete engine Pull for turbo rebuild) but that is actually fine as i wanted to do piggies for a while now, and Front Mounted Intercooler, and bunch of other small mods/repairs. This is a 25 hour job in and out. Gladly turbo rebuild kits are easy.

There are small mods you can make to tweak power. There are big boy mods you can do to put down insane power. Grow into it.

BUT, get the S4 man !!!!!

http://s994.photobucket.com/albums/a...ebuild%202009/

 

i would counter than and recommend the A4. being that you're still in high school, going to college soon(right?) the A4 is a lot less cheaper to maintain than the S4 and whether you have full ride, parents paying or rich uncle, working full time while going to school just to pay for repairs on your car isnt a good idea. with that being said the S4 is also going to be more on your insurance too. i love the speed and power of the S4 and i know you're going to want that but the A4 can also be easily modded for less money and still be super quick. also the 2000 s4 has some small issues that werent fixed by audi till after 2001.5 and you can read up on that on your own to see the difference. thats just my opinion, i dont know your personal situation because thats none of my business. im just saying the A4 might be more financially smart for a guy of your age.

 

My opinion is go for the A4. I had a 2000 Passat (A4 in VW clothes) and my buddy had a 2000 A4, both us us spent a lot of time working on them, but before I wrecked i had 142K on the ORIGINAL clutch, and no engine problems. Like they said above, your 17, and not to sound like a parent or anything, but you wanna go in steps, and the A4 is still plenty quick, i loved mine. BTW you failed to mention if it is a 1.8T or a 2.8. That can be a big factor.

But like they said for insurance, safety, and maintenance purposes go for the A4. Its not that hard to work on for someone just getting into it, where as the S4 turbo systems are tricky and you will need help doing it.

Also do yourself a favor, stick with MANUAL transmissions. They're way more fun, better on gas, easier to maintain, and a clutch job is a lot cheaper than a tranny overhaul. And did i mention it's fun. I will never ever ever buy an automatic, I would rather shoot myself in the foot first. Get the A4, learn how to drive and maintain an audi, then in a few years step up to your fist S.

Good Luck!

 

oh and dont be alarmed by a check engine light, if your a VW/Audi owner, it basically comes with the territory.

 

it would most likely be an 2001 A4 2.8l, hopefully manual. Guys on the A4 forum said the 1.8t had more problems. One of the reasons i wanted the s4 was not only because of the turbos but the v6 which will run longer and stronger than any 4 cylinder ever will. the only problem is that i dont see much mods out for the 2.8l, that is without breaking the bank for a supercharger or sumthing crazy like that and with going off to college i wont be able to afford a ton of after market parts.

 

welcome to the world of naturally aspirated audi engines haha. your right, the 2.8 is a great and solid platform, but there arent too many mods. but for that car who needs it. get yourself a k&n filter for a stock intake, most intakes for that engine are a waste of money, and a loss of power. theres some work that can be done to the exhaust for some more hp but not too cheap, hks exhaust starts around 500ish. put money in for a good set of shocks (i got an eibach pro kit and love it).

also save some cash for motor mounts, a timing job (9if it hasnt been done yet), control arms and half shafts, and wheel bearings. this may sound scary but it comes with the audi territory. youll learn how to do them the 1st time and theres tons of help here. the control arms and half shafts are commonly bought with lifetime warranties so after 30 or so thousand miles, they go bad but u get a new set in the mail. also dont forget to get a camber kit if u wind up lowering your car (kmac kit) will save u a ton of money on tires.

overall its still an awesome car to have. looks good, handles well, and plenty of speed from the 2.8. also its awesome on gas, so have fun with it

 

Hey I'm 19 and I just traded my GTO on a 2001.5 S4(way lower payments and more fun) a few weeks ago and I love this car! BUT i would not have bought if i did not know i could do all the work on the car myself. So far i have done at least $2500 in maintenance, but because i did it myself i spent about $600
I would suggest getting a 1.8t b5 a4 quattro manual! My friend has one and it is awesome.

 

lol i have a 96 camaro. I am fairly confident i could do most of the work myself, the only thing i am not sure i could do is the turbos. Do you know how to do turbos or do they not have much problems?

 

btw i heard 1.8t had more problems. the 2.8 is more reliable, although with less mods available