Using an S4 as an everyday car

[jimdiesel]

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Keeping my B6 was not an option. Despite it being very low mileage and no bother, it was almost out of warranty, needed an MOT, tyres etc.

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Unlike Microsoft products, Audis are not programmed to self-destruct when the warranty expired so you have to buy a new one Milo.

Ian

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I forgot. Despite being an assembly of thousands of moving parts, they never go wrong because they're an Audi.

On holiday last month I read an article in a motoring magazine. Did you know Audi has something like the 4th worst record in the industry for warranty claims, something like 44 claims per 100 cars IIRC?

But it's OK, they fix everything during those first 3 years so you can sit back and relax

I can do without hassle of worrying about major repair bills so buying new and selling at 3 year old suits me fine.

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The reason for this figure, is because Audi dont quible and do loads of minor stuff under warranty. For example,they replaced all the wheel centres on my 2000 A6 due to very slight pitting. I hadnt even noticed. Contrast this with other manufacturers who will argue the toss about replacing a broken gearbox.

The coilpack problems also reflect on this as well.

[P_G]

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Grunt....

Where's my Kleenex....

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You're not the messiah, you're a very naughty boy!

[jimdiesel]

One of the reasons I swapped my S4, was because I decided I just didnt want to drive that fast any more.

Sparky, you need to think about how you will use the car.

[Sparky]

I'm already being told I drive too fast, so I do wonder!

[Milo]

Fair point Jim. The coilpack problems probably do have an impact on those figures.

I'm not saying Audis are poorly built or prone to breakdowns, far from it. But it is folly (I've been trying to use that word in since I joined TSN) to think because it's an German and an Audi that years 4 and 5 of ownership will be totally without problems.

In my case I could have bought a one year extension for £1500, 4 new tyres, MOTed it, bought new discs and pads all round, paid for a major service and brake fluid change. Or I could buy a new one and start again

[P_G]

Why did you own one in the first instance though Jim? I believe that that might be the satge that Sparky is at?

It's worth having one if you can even if it is just for short while in your life isn't it?

[jimdiesel]

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Why did you own one in the first instance though Jim? I believe that that might be the satge that Sparky is at?

It's worth having one if you can even if it is just for short while in your life isn't it?

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I had owned fairly quick cars before. But the S4 was just so easy, every journey became a 130kmh (cough) adventure. So I decided enough is enough. Ironically my current A6 is just as quick point to point, but its laid back characture means you dont feel the need to drive so quickly.

[lottiefox]

Jim, I trust you'll drive the new TT nice and slowly.

[jimdiesel]

If it ever comes.

[CarMad]

Sparky... Been away for a week and have only just seen this.

I a few years time when my Co car is up I will have the same dilema.

I'd like a second hand M5 or S4. I asked my other half and she is very much against me getting a track car. Answer.... yeah why not !!! She has no problems with me getting either as she puts it you only live once and she knows how giddy I get about cars.

Got for the B6 S4 have loads of fun and see what the B8 is like in 2008. Enjoy mate.

[John_Doe]

So to recap, 2204 posts later in this veritable thread...wots it to be sparks? Yae or nae???

[hashluck]

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One of the reasons I swapped my S4, was because I decided I just didnt want to drive that fast any more.

Sparky, you need to think about how you will use the car.

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I have resisted adding to this thread as I don't use my S4 everyday so am not qualified but I am in the same place as Jim. Though it is not so much I don't want to but where can you (particularly on an 'everyday' drive).

The S4 is actually quite hard work to drive as well (not like my recollection of old S2s), in many ways I preferred my old 3.0 Cab. Right now I am looking for a lightly used 3.2 quattro and thinking about swapping.

Advice: Take an S4 (and then you have to decide manual or tip) on a LONG test drive and certainly on your everyday route before taking the plunge. Go for a 10 minute spin and no doubt you will be hooked.

However you are only young once blah blah and if the sums work out then why not?

[P_G]

Hard work how?

[hashluck]

OK hard work may be overstating it but after, say, 40-50 miles you get out and you have felt every bit of the journey (which is what some people want). It is a heavy car as well and feels it sometimes despite all the power.

I for one also do not like the servotronic steering which seems to be over assisted at slow speeds and under at high and does not always smoothly change from one to the other (roundabouts). I am getting used to it but would prefer the car without it.

[John_Doe]

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One of the reasons I swapped my S4, was because I decided I just didnt want to drive that fast any more.

Sparky, you need to think about how you will use the car.

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I have resisted adding to this thread as I don't use my S4 everyday so am not qualified but I am in the same place as Jim. Though it is not so much I don't want to but where can you (particularly on an 'everyday' drive).

The S4 is actually quite hard work to drive as well (not like my recollection of old S2s), in many ways I preferred my old 3.0 Cab. Right now I am looking for a lightly used 3.2 quattro and thinking about swapping.

Advice: Take an S4 (and then you have to decide manual or tip) on a LONG test drive and certainly on your everyday route before taking the plunge. Go for a 10 minute spin and no doubt you will be hooked.

However you are only young once blah blah and if the sums work out then why not?

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Hard work? Nah....very easy infact IMO, in tip trim I might add. Get in, adjust gonads, muzac on, select D and go like fook!!

[rjgreen4]

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Sparky,

IMO (which usually counts for nothing) if you have the slightest problem or doubt over the fuel consumption, then dont buy a S4!!!!

Even your "Driving miss Daisy" mind frame will go once you drive a S4

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My mind frame has'nt gone

Just buy an S4, I use mine for every day commuting and have put 10k on it in the last 5 months - Best thing since sliced bread - coming from someone who had a B7 A4 2.0T Quattro Sline

[JamesB]

Are you sure you didn't buy a rebadged 1.9TDi by mistake?

[rjgreen4]

its that dual fuel - works a treat

[UBM]

Sparky - Get a 2.0TDI. Light as feck, tunrs on a sixpence and you don't know you're driving it!

I think you will have to have a spin in mine to see how the A4 B6 and B7 compare.....(note : I didn't say the S4!)

[Sparky]

Right, well some are getting impatient on here regarding an answer!

I've got some test drives arranged now over the next coming weeks and my local dealer is looking out for me too, and it looks like I have to wait 2 months before I can break out of my PCP on my current car - which gives me good time to research the right car.

As much as I love the 2.0TDI, UBM, I feel I want to have something "silly" as my Mum would put it, for a little while. I doubt very much when the B8 platform emerges, I'll be able to get an S4 immediately, or even afford one, so I think I should get on the S4 bandwagon now, keep it until the B8 is out and see if I even like them.

Having said that, I'm not guaranteeing that I shall buy one - I'm going to hold out for the one that I want, rather than the first one in price range and I've got a few test drives of a 2.0T SE 220 lined up too, for comparison.

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on here, via PM and through MSN - it's all been great. Voice mails of revving S4's were amusing!

It's certainly been an interesting thread and I never expected this number of replies! Isn't TSN great!

Watch this space ...

[UBM]

Sparky.

Time is a great healer!

Hope it all goes well.......

[Edited to add - the 3.0L cab was my silly car, which had to go after the meet last year... ]

[J_C]

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Biturbo reckons his B5 lost 3k overnight with the launch of the B6 S4 in late 2002.

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Wasn't it April/May 2003?

[SPLiiX]

Since only yesterday I have missed 56 posts on here!!! WTF!

I'm not reading all that!

[lottiefox]

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Since only yesterday I have missed 56 posts on here!!! WTF!

I'm not reading all that!

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Summary: Sparky is still thinking, UBM is also now still thinking about an S4, there was a small TSN trip to Stansted to see some S4s, various debates over petrol and dates, Sparky will be buying an S4 very soon.

[SPLiiX]