Why I didn't buy an S4
02-20-2004, 05:18 AM
#12
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"The big issue is potential gas shortages and the inevitable gas lines."
02-20-2004, 05:18 AM
#13
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"I'm not saying that gas lines are inevitable"...which is it?
02-20-2004, 05:38 AM
#16
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Had a 2001 225 TTQC, traded for a B5 S4, bought TT BACK, now have a B6 S4 on order...
Really, the B6 S4 is a completely different car from the B5 S4.
The B5 S4 always felt like an A4 with a big engine stuffed under the hood.
The B6 S4 actually feels very sporty stock - it handles well, stops well and in general doesn't feel like you need to drive it down the street to have $2K of shocks and springs installed 30 seconds after taking delivery.
Both are very nice cars, it all depends on what you need and what you're looking for.
Even the B6 S4 won't handle the way a TT does, in no short part due to the fact it <i>is</i> a larger car and that it weighs about 600 lbs more...
The B5 S4 always felt like an A4 with a big engine stuffed under the hood.
The B6 S4 actually feels very sporty stock - it handles well, stops well and in general doesn't feel like you need to drive it down the street to have $2K of shocks and springs installed 30 seconds after taking delivery.
Both are very nice cars, it all depends on what you need and what you're looking for.
Even the B6 S4 won't handle the way a TT does, in no short part due to the fact it <i>is</i> a larger car and that it weighs about 600 lbs more...
02-20-2004, 05:38 AM
#17
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I don't know how many of you lived through the gas crisis, but I did
and the circumstances in the world now don't remotely approach what was going on 30 years ago.
It sounds like a good excuse not to buy the car.
It's a great car, if you want it, buy it, if the gas price is that big an issue to you, you'd probably never be happy with it.
The only place where mileage is an issue for me, is the cars range. My old 5000S went 450-500 miles, the 200 T about 400, the A4 320, and now at least during the winter when the mileage is worse, 270.
But the grin factor makes it worth it.
It sounds like a good excuse not to buy the car.
It's a great car, if you want it, buy it, if the gas price is that big an issue to you, you'd probably never be happy with it.
The only place where mileage is an issue for me, is the cars range. My old 5000S went 450-500 miles, the 200 T about 400, the A4 320, and now at least during the winter when the mileage is worse, 270.
But the grin factor makes it worth it.
02-20-2004, 05:41 AM
#18
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There weren't really gas shortages in the 70s, either...
What made the problem worse were the attempts to control the price of gas, combined with stupid buying behavior on the part of the public.
As was learned during the first Gulf War and right after 9/11, if everyone panics and keeps their tanks full by buying gas each time their tank falls to 7/8 there <i>will</i> be spot shortages and lines.
If people buy gas normally (<i>i.e.</i> when they normally would, not to keep their tanks topped off) there won't be any issues...
As was learned during the first Gulf War and right after 9/11, if everyone panics and keeps their tanks full by buying gas each time their tank falls to 7/8 there <i>will</i> be spot shortages and lines.
If people buy gas normally (<i>i.e.</i> when they normally would, not to keep their tanks topped off) there won't be any issues...
02-20-2004, 06:02 AM
#19
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Re: Why I didn't buy an S4
So, at 23 vs 17 (combined) MPG and 10k/per year, your looking at $25/month (at $2.00/gl). Either you are willing to pay it or not. As far as depreciation, I think of all of the other high performance cars plus the trucks and SUVs that are equal or worse in terms of fuel mileage. Anything can happen but either the S4 really isn't for you or you're 'circle of concern' is affecting your abilty to think rationally.
02-20-2004, 06:10 AM
#20
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Re: There weren't really gas shortages in the 70s, either...
Actually Iran (largest OPEC producer) was not selling on the world market due to the overthrown goverment. So yes there was a shortage of supply to the world. Price was not the sole issue in the 70's as a matter a fact we pay more now for gas on average. All gas stations had to ration gas for a time during the 70's due to fact that they could not be promised a supply of gas from the refineries. If you are old enough to remember that you could only get gas on certain days if your licence plate was odd or even. Heck, i remember when gas statons were closed because they had no gas left by 12 noon.