Contemplating S4 Cab purchase. Any major issues to be aware of?
01-22-2008, 08:16 PM
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Contemplating S4 Cab purchase. Any major issues to be aware of?
I'm contemplating purchasing an S4 cab, with plans to sell it later this year once the allroad project is completed and proven.
My only competing thought is a 993 (non-cabrio), maybe a C4S. Pretty bulletproof, and at least it wouldn't depreciate. Not the most comfortable thing to drive 5 hours up to Mammoth for skiing though...
As for the S4 (which would be nice driving up to Mammoth), I'm aware of the cowl shake and general chassis flex vs the sedan and avant, but I'm not really interested in the sedan or avant as they mostly duplicate the allroad's capabilities. Living in San Diego makes the soft top a nice thing to have most of the year, too. I also have a Jeep Wrangler, in addition to the allroad, but it's relegated to surfboard duty and other dirty work.
So I'm wondering if there's anything in particular to be aware of with the S4 cabriolet over model years '04 - '06?
Only differences I know of, all re the '06 year:
* 40/60 center torsen split (I assume this also applied to the cabrio 6 speed manual?)
* BBS CH (?) wheels
* RNS-E nav system became more commonplace
* V8 badge (distinguishes the 40/60 torsen cars)
Other than that, I know of no differences for '06, and no differences at all between '04-'05.
Is the top reliable?
Trouble points?
Is the red interior as bright red as it looks in photos?
Other 'B6 S4'-related issues?
Prices seem to be in the upper $20's to upper $30's for '04-'06 6M cars with 15-40k miles. I have a line on an '04 w/ 40k for $28k and an '06 w/ 30k for $37k so far, with others in between.
I think I'd probably choose a black one, and install the 5-spoke 19" RS6 wheels, and some type of chip, exhaust and downpipes (LaBree or GMG, need to hear some in person).
And yes I know it's called a 'fehg top'. I don't care, I like the thought of the V8 exhaust with the top down, and it's always sunny out here.
Thanks in advance for any insight...
- Sarge
My only competing thought is a 993 (non-cabrio), maybe a C4S. Pretty bulletproof, and at least it wouldn't depreciate. Not the most comfortable thing to drive 5 hours up to Mammoth for skiing though...
As for the S4 (which would be nice driving up to Mammoth), I'm aware of the cowl shake and general chassis flex vs the sedan and avant, but I'm not really interested in the sedan or avant as they mostly duplicate the allroad's capabilities. Living in San Diego makes the soft top a nice thing to have most of the year, too. I also have a Jeep Wrangler, in addition to the allroad, but it's relegated to surfboard duty and other dirty work.
So I'm wondering if there's anything in particular to be aware of with the S4 cabriolet over model years '04 - '06?
Only differences I know of, all re the '06 year:
* 40/60 center torsen split (I assume this also applied to the cabrio 6 speed manual?)
* BBS CH (?) wheels
* RNS-E nav system became more commonplace
* V8 badge (distinguishes the 40/60 torsen cars)
Other than that, I know of no differences for '06, and no differences at all between '04-'05.
Is the top reliable?
Trouble points?
Is the red interior as bright red as it looks in photos?
Other 'B6 S4'-related issues?
Prices seem to be in the upper $20's to upper $30's for '04-'06 6M cars with 15-40k miles. I have a line on an '04 w/ 40k for $28k and an '06 w/ 30k for $37k so far, with others in between.
I think I'd probably choose a black one, and install the 5-spoke 19" RS6 wheels, and some type of chip, exhaust and downpipes (LaBree or GMG, need to hear some in person).
And yes I know it's called a 'fehg top'. I don't care, I like the thought of the V8 exhaust with the top down, and it's always sunny out here.
Thanks in advance for any insight...
- Sarge
01-22-2008, 08:49 PM
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Its heavy. Like 100lb > S4 avant heavy.... so dont get an auto
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/69834/picture_122.jpg"></center><p>Had one. It was a dog compared to my sedan 6spd. Top worked like a champ. Raod noise was pretty loud, but thats what you sign up for with a cab.
01-23-2008, 04:01 AM
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I've got an '04 Cab. No problems. I won't have one of those 4 dr S4's
They are no fun at all. I've got 34k miles and had no problems with engine, top, manual trans., or running gear. If you want 4 doors get an A6 (wife's car) or allroad (sold it to my son). Hey all just having fun with you. All S4's are great.
01-23-2008, 07:17 AM
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6M only, and it can't be loud vs my tent-on-wheels Wrangler. Probably quieter than my allroad too.
The allroad has full exhaust head back and near solid motor and trans. mounts, so I imagine the cab would be the quietest car I own, even with a LaBree or GMG exhaust and DP's!
I know they're heavy. That's probably my biggest reservation. I really like the relatively light weight of the 997 C2S I sold last fall (prematurely, expecting the allroad project was almost finished).
I can't think of another 'quasi' sports car that I can drive top-down and also use to drive up skiing (i.e. awd). Can you? P-car cabs are just not quite right, and anything else is not awd...
With awd as a requisite, the only other options are hard-top audis and bmw's. I don't want an SUV - I already have a Jeep and an allroad...
I know they're heavy. That's probably my biggest reservation. I really like the relatively light weight of the 997 C2S I sold last fall (prematurely, expecting the allroad project was almost finished).
I can't think of another 'quasi' sports car that I can drive top-down and also use to drive up skiing (i.e. awd). Can you? P-car cabs are just not quite right, and anything else is not awd...
With awd as a requisite, the only other options are hard-top audis and bmw's. I don't want an SUV - I already have a Jeep and an allroad...
01-23-2008, 07:21 AM
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Thanks. Mine will look a lot like that. Debating how much of the front bumper to paint.
I am going to paint the aluminum door rails (swap for 4.2) and the lower sections and the bumpers. I think I may leave the rectangular sections unpainted, like Audi did, but I'm not sure yet.
It would seem to retain a little more of the 'allroadness' of the car, and might look more appropriate with the rest of the trim (painting the door rails, installing black window surrounds and roof raills, black oval exhaust tips, RS type grille).
That's a couple months away though...
It would seem to retain a little more of the 'allroadness' of the car, and might look more appropriate with the rest of the trim (painting the door rails, installing black window surrounds and roof raills, black oval exhaust tips, RS type grille).
That's a couple months away though...
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01-23-2008, 02:36 PM
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'05 cab here, 37k miles.
1) The top has been great. Probably the quietest soft top I've ever been in.
2) No unusual "trouble spots" to report. I occasionally get a little freaked parking it in the city, but so far (knock on wood), no problems.
3) Don't know about the red interior.
4) Having said all that, in your situation I'd go with the 993. You have two other cars that would probably work better for hauling people and ski gear. Having driven the sedans a few times, the S4 cab is noticeably more sluggish. It was never enough of an issue for me to be unhappy with my purchase, but if performance is an issue, you should take note.
Personally, I'm starting to get serious about offloading mine because I need more space these days. So if you're interested, let me know.
Otherwise, good luck with the hunt. For what it's worth, I truly believe, this car is the best in its class.
2) No unusual "trouble spots" to report. I occasionally get a little freaked parking it in the city, but so far (knock on wood), no problems.
3) Don't know about the red interior.
4) Having said all that, in your situation I'd go with the 993. You have two other cars that would probably work better for hauling people and ski gear. Having driven the sedans a few times, the S4 cab is noticeably more sluggish. It was never enough of an issue for me to be unhappy with my purchase, but if performance is an issue, you should take note.
Personally, I'm starting to get serious about offloading mine because I need more space these days. So if you're interested, let me know.
Otherwise, good luck with the hunt. For what it's worth, I truly believe, this car is the best in its class.
01-23-2008, 04:57 PM
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04 6 MT Cab - 20K - no significant issues
I take mine skiing on a regular basis. In fact, one of my main criteria in buying this car was a good vehicle to get me up to the slopes. I am also a former Wrangler soft top owner, and there is absolutely no comparison in terms of the noise that a Wrangler generates. I have a fullback Milltek exhaust and love it.
I haven't had any problems with the top, although it is getting a bit wrinkled with repeated use. Also, after washing the car, water seeps into the door, resulting in streaked windows when they are rolled down and then up. But I would consider these very minor issues.
I haven't had any problems with the top, although it is getting a bit wrinkled with repeated use. Also, after washing the car, water seeps into the door, resulting in streaked windows when they are rolled down and then up. But I would consider these very minor issues.