definitely don't drink then drive and no drugs this like any other car will be your demise regardless of you experience and that's guaranteed

If a 17yr thinks he/she mature enough for a S4 then that is the first sign he/she is'nt. S4 is for speed. There are so many better choices than a S4. I dont think alot of adults have enough control to stay out of trouble with a S4.
I will say, if a 17yr old would graduate college or even buy their own house, pay taxes,etc.. then get a performance car like the S4.
Its all about self discipline.

Well i know a lot of you are gonna start flaming and complaining, but i'm 17 and have an s4. I could have gotten an EVO or an STI and modded the **** out of it and made it redonc fast but i didnt. I chose the one i felt was safet so IF i got into an accident i would be in a better situation. the b5 s4's are not too much to handle at all when you take a look at some of the power new cars are putting down stock, and first hand i can say i can handle this car pretty well. Stock the b5 s4 isnt that fast of a car, modded is a different story. If you can afford it and think you can handle it, go for it. For the record i havent gotten a ticket or gotten in an accident yet. *knocks on wood*

there is no law stating which car you can have when you passed your driving test that im aware of, the UK is about to change that though lets hope the rest of world doesn't listen to us

Get the S4. Use your brain when you drive it. No special driving skills are required.

If you can get your parents to spring for some "safety driving school" that just happens to take place at a local track, then you can raise your competency there.

I got my S4 when i was 18 and i love it. I dont think its hard to handle at all. AWD tons of air bags and its not like it has uncontrollable power. I had WAYYY more trouble driving my truck (which i still have :-P) 95 S-10 with a chevy crate 350 dropped in on stock suspension and stock brakes. YEa well just say it was INSANE and should only be on a drag strip. Going 150 with stock handling and non balanced tires is Not good for business. I say do what you want and learn from your mistakes, if you make any.
The bigest thing i think you should be worried about would be aying for the S. unless its like a present or something. Just for a heads up my car payment is $333 a month, insurance is $4,200 a year, and I usually spend about $250-$350 a month on gas. Soo if your gonna get some parent help or what not i say GO for it, but if you plan on goinbg to college full time i STRESS that you skip out on the S and get like a 01 WRX for like $10k. Much more reasonable.

Mystro, you wrote, "If a 17yr thinks he/she mature enough for a S4 then that is the first sign he/she is'nt.".

That's a gross generalization of 17 year olds. There's a hefty chunk of adults that act less responsibly than the average 17 year old, and that drive faster cars.

I think Ferny has shown at least partial maturity by coming on here and asking other people's opinions. Seeking advice from those with experience is a sign of great maturity.

OK here is my (additional) $0.02...nothing wrong with performance or power or an S4 for younger drivers...but really the S4 is basically a luxury sport class of car - a 4 door car - realatively large (OK not by American car standards...but it really is somewhat big & heavy IMO)...etc. I ussually recommend to younger types to check out smaller, nimble/quick cars with lots of fun factor (even if they might not have the S4 out and out acceleration or top end) - something like a Miata, or a Celica, RSX, Civic Si - or Mazdaspeed 3 even. Even the WRx - but frankly - as nice at it drives it isn;t quite as fun and nimble as some of these others. There is more joy to driving that flat out specs...and as long as you (likely) don't need a 4 door with lots of space and such - I suggest more of a toy/fun car....you may regret when you are older and have to have a larger heavier 4 door that you never had a quick little 2 seater or such to have fun with. When I was in my mid-20s I bought a Toyota MR2 (supercharged) - and man - what a ultimatly fun car...so I sugest that you test drive some cars and think it through and think what really matters to you and what you might likely really enjoy driving and having fun with...and don't be concerned with what anyone else besides yourself thinks....

to start in F1 at 17 your too old

So, I guess the recommendation to go to a little two seater or little Japanese banger is not necessarily a recommendation to go a safer route. I feel safer in my Audi than I did in a '98 Civic I had, is my point of reference.

What you are saying then, Roadhawk, is that he can find a more fun car? I honestly don't think anything that you mentioned will be as fun after he feels the S4 boost--nothing has been fun for me since that.