What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 40
What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
Hi all,
I am trying to decide on my new-(used) Audi and am having problems deciding.
Here are my choices: (All Manuals)
2004 Allroad 2.7T/4.2
2004 S4 Avant 4.2
2005.5 A4 Avant 2.0T
All have around 40,000 miles and are Audi Certified.
I live at 9000 ft altitude and would like the extra power. The only reason I am considering the A4 Avant is the gas mileage. I have a GTI VR6 right now, but it is time to move on. I am sick of getting stuck with the huge snow year we are having in Colorado.
Any ideas on a car that might have a few less mechanical issues, would be appreciated, but they all would have an Audi Certified warranty.
One last question. What isn't Audi going to cover with the extended warranty?
Thanks Bennett
I am trying to decide on my new-(used) Audi and am having problems deciding.
Here are my choices: (All Manuals)
2004 Allroad 2.7T/4.2
2004 S4 Avant 4.2
2005.5 A4 Avant 2.0T
All have around 40,000 miles and are Audi Certified.
I live at 9000 ft altitude and would like the extra power. The only reason I am considering the A4 Avant is the gas mileage. I have a GTI VR6 right now, but it is time to move on. I am sick of getting stuck with the huge snow year we are having in Colorado.
Any ideas on a car that might have a few less mechanical issues, would be appreciated, but they all would have an Audi Certified warranty.
One last question. What isn't Audi going to cover with the extended warranty?
Thanks Bennett
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,847
RE: What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
2004 4.2 s4 avant would be my choice hands down. But as this is in the s-car forum there is a big bias.
The s4 has more power and better performance than the other 2, the 4.2 motor is very robust and relyable. Because it dosnt have turbos its prolly going to have less mechanical issues than the other 2 anyway.
The s4 has more power and better performance than the other 2, the 4.2 motor is very robust and relyable. Because it dosnt have turbos its prolly going to have less mechanical issues than the other 2 anyway.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 671
From: Denver
RE: What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
The S4 would be nice, but at 9000ft you're going to suffer a fairly sizeable amount of HP loss due to the air density. Naturally aspirated engines (the 4.2) will suffer a large portion of this effect whereas a turbocharged engine will not have nearly as much of a problem. Have you thought about a B5 S4? Honestly, a chipped B5 will definitely have more power than a B6+ at this altitude.
Where in Colorado are you?
Where in Colorado are you?
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 40
RE: What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
I am in Silverthorne, CO at 9200' . My VR6 loses significant power up here. My brother's 2.0T GTI easily has as much power.That is why I was thinking an Allroad with the 2.7T. I really don't see many low mileage B5's, and I would like some kind of warranty if possible. I am scared of the adjustable suspension on the Allroad, but it sure would be nice in deep snow.
My main problem is that I really like summer driving up here and the S4 would be so much fun up here, but the other six months I think the Allroad would get me through the snow a little better.
Then the last choice the 2005.5 A4 2.0T Avant with some modification would have decent power, but not near the gratification.
Decisions, decisions!!
My main problem is that I really like summer driving up here and the S4 would be so much fun up here, but the other six months I think the Allroad would get me through the snow a little better.
Then the last choice the 2005.5 A4 2.0T Avant with some modification would have decent power, but not near the gratification.
Decisions, decisions!!
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 83
From: San Diego / San Francisco
RE: What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
You are choosing from a great list of wagons =)
Here's my opinion, but this is just based simply on what i would see as practical for myself... you obviuosly know your financial situation better than anyone here.
I'd get the 2.0T A4 + a stage 1 chip. 1. decent power (after ECU mod) 2. great gas mileage 3. maintenance does not seem to be as expensive as the S4 lines you listed.
Audi will not cover timing belt...and that's gonna be a pretty penny w/ the S4 lines unless you know how to wrench yourself.
I would love the power of the 4.2, as would anyone else, but the gas mileage is a concern if you have a tendancy to pay attention to your wallet and the environment.
Brian
www.avants.com
yes, we have an allroad forum too =)
Here's my opinion, but this is just based simply on what i would see as practical for myself... you obviuosly know your financial situation better than anyone here.
I'd get the 2.0T A4 + a stage 1 chip. 1. decent power (after ECU mod) 2. great gas mileage 3. maintenance does not seem to be as expensive as the S4 lines you listed.
Audi will not cover timing belt...and that's gonna be a pretty penny w/ the S4 lines unless you know how to wrench yourself.
I would love the power of the 4.2, as would anyone else, but the gas mileage is a concern if you have a tendancy to pay attention to your wallet and the environment.
Brian
www.avants.com
yes, we have an allroad forum too =)
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 75
RE: What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
Go with the S4, I am in the same spot you are living in Colorado and sick of my fwd daily driver, I have gone out and test drove a ton of cars over the past four ta five months started off thking a STI or evo would be a good idea but to expensive for what they are, test drove a 04 A4 which was nice just slooooooow, then test drove a S4 and fell in love but I am getting a2.7T S4but the 4.2s move pretty well also up at this alt. I would go S4 you can find quite a few here in colorado 2.7T, or the 4.2 there is tons for sale herein Colorado !
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 40
RE: What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
OK, I just got back from test driving an Allroad and an S4 Avant.
No comparison.
Coming from driving GTI's for 20 years the Allroad felt like a wagon. Not at all sporty. The S4 felt great. The gas mileage would be a bitch, but it only gets a mile or so less per gallon then the Allroad, and I assume that would be the same with the A5 Avant.
Now comes the 2.0T. They didn't have one with a manual, so I didn't drive one. I am guessing to get an A4 Avant 2.0T to drive something like an S4, it would take a new suspension,stage 1 chip,Recaro seats,bigger wheels,etc. This would cost as much as a 2004 S4 Avant, and then not have the performance. I would save gas money, though.
Does anybody know what a timing belt replacement costs on an S4? The dealer said they had a warranty plan that covered the next three scheduled maintenance's, and one included the timing belt replacement for around $650.00.
Thanks for all the input!
No comparison.
Coming from driving GTI's for 20 years the Allroad felt like a wagon. Not at all sporty. The S4 felt great. The gas mileage would be a bitch, but it only gets a mile or so less per gallon then the Allroad, and I assume that would be the same with the A5 Avant.
Now comes the 2.0T. They didn't have one with a manual, so I didn't drive one. I am guessing to get an A4 Avant 2.0T to drive something like an S4, it would take a new suspension,stage 1 chip,Recaro seats,bigger wheels,etc. This would cost as much as a 2004 S4 Avant, and then not have the performance. I would save gas money, though.
Does anybody know what a timing belt replacement costs on an S4? The dealer said they had a warranty plan that covered the next three scheduled maintenance's, and one included the timing belt replacement for around $650.00.
Thanks for all the input!
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 83
From: San Diego / San Francisco
RE: What should I buy? S4,A4,Allroad (Avant)
ORIGINAL: coloartist
OK, I just got back from test driving an Allroad and an S4 Avant.
No comparison.
Coming from driving GTI's for 20 years the Allroad felt like a wagon. Not at all sporty. The S4 felt great. The gas mileage would be a bitch, but it only gets a mile or so less per gallon then the Allroad, and I assume that would be the same with the A5 Avant.
Now comes the 2.0T. They didn't have one with a manual, so I didn't drive one. I am guessing to get an A4 Avant 2.0T to drive something like an S4, it would take a new suspension,stage 1 chip,Recaro seats,bigger wheels,etc. This would cost as much as a 2004 S4 Avant, and then not have the performance. I would save gas money, though.
Does anybody know what a timing belt replacement costs on an S4? The dealer said they had a warranty plan that covered the next three scheduled maintenance's, and one included the timing belt replacement for around $650.00.
Thanks for all the input!
OK, I just got back from test driving an Allroad and an S4 Avant.
No comparison.
Coming from driving GTI's for 20 years the Allroad felt like a wagon. Not at all sporty. The S4 felt great. The gas mileage would be a bitch, but it only gets a mile or so less per gallon then the Allroad, and I assume that would be the same with the A5 Avant.
Now comes the 2.0T. They didn't have one with a manual, so I didn't drive one. I am guessing to get an A4 Avant 2.0T to drive something like an S4, it would take a new suspension,stage 1 chip,Recaro seats,bigger wheels,etc. This would cost as much as a 2004 S4 Avant, and then not have the performance. I would save gas money, though.
Does anybody know what a timing belt replacement costs on an S4? The dealer said they had a warranty plan that covered the next three scheduled maintenance's, and one included the timing belt replacement for around $650.00.
Thanks for all the input!
The packages on the A4 and S4 are definitely different. I would think that even if you spent $1000 on performance and (realistically) $2000-3000 on coilvers and wheels/tires you would still be saving money. You'd just have to be happy without the trim package (seats/interior) that you get if you bought the S4.
The biggest overall advantage of the S4 is gonna be that instant (non-turbo-lag) power available from the 4.2L engine. If you want that power without having to deal w/ upgrading then maybe this is your best bet. Think of the Recaro's as teh icing on the cake.
The 2.7T allroad 2000-2002 can be found for between $12,000 and $18,000, condition varies, but man..... That's just an excuse to spend more money to go Stage 3 if you ask me =)
so:
Lightly modded 2.0T A4 or 4.2 S4 ready to go!
