FrancisB

Greetings all,

I'm wrestling with getting an S4 vs. A4. Of course it swings down to a matter of money.. (doesn't everything)

Lucky 4 me, at my age 39, insurance is only $80 more a year vs. a4, so that's not an issue.

I can swing the a4 pretty easily, but the s4 is a stretch. It would mean selling some stock (anyone know what direction Intel will go the next few years for sure? I made the mistake of sitting in a 2000 Hibiscus / onyx/silver alcatara s4 today.. wow, it is simply stunning...

My question is this. besides the engine, why did you guys go with the s4? I know it's a blast to drive, but the a4 isn't bad either. Is it worth 12K more than a 1.8T? Those of you who made the switch, what do you think?

Also, resale value, how do you think it will hold well? Finally if you had to do it over again, and spend 40K on a car, if it wasn't an s4, what would it be?

perplexed in Portland...
thanks
Francis

larryV

...2001 is the last year of production for the B5 S4 until the next generation which is anticipated for 2003 or 2004. Quite possibly 2 years without an S4 offering. I'd suspect the A6 2.7T to be a very hot car next year, not like it's not already, and not that they're in the same class of cars. At least in those S4-less years, the current S4's will have great used-car market value and will probably retain that. In my opinion, the S4 has almost attained cult status (in a muted fashion).<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/larryescortsig.jpg">

larryV

hehehe, not really... more like a fix for my illness.<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/larryescortsig.jpg">

Jonny

I have owned the S4 for about 5000 and 10 months, besides paint problems and the inferior Potenza tires, everything on this car is perfect.
From the cockpit to the aerodynamic front air dam
(only wish they had put on the European rear end)
The alcantara holds up to alot of use and it looks beautiful complimenting the leather. The aluminum trim, while not in keeping with the legacy of the S4, nicely accents the sporty two-tone interior. This interior surely is not in keeping with the usually pragmatic and stoic German interiors. It is a fun, engaging interior. The six speed screams, "let's see what we can do!"
While the dependable A4 takes you there in AWD confidence and sure handling, the S4 rockets you to in a cocoon of sporty luxury to your destination with a grin on your face that you just can't hide!

RocketJohn

Do Cessnas now have Jet Engines and a Stinger missle systems? or did Jonny score poorly on his SATs?

S4TT

Once you drive a S4.. you will never go back to a A4.
My local dealer call me in to look at a S4 that just came in. I test drove it, and I love it..!!! The next day, it's in my Garage.

I drove the car for about a week, and when I went to pick up some paper work a week later, my dealer had about 5 A4 sitting in the lot. I wanted to compare them with my S4, so I test drove them all.

-The POWER, is no where close to the S4,
-Leather seats are no comparison to the alcantara seats.
-Aluminum trim inside is awesome
-S4 badge ..!!
-Biturbo engine that can be chip to 3XXhp

Get a S4 with the alcantara seats..!! S4 is really worth the $$$...!!
just keep your stock and finance it. They should be going up soon...!!!
you will be a much happier man with the S4..!!
trust me....!!!<p>Jason audi.
Nogaro/S4 onyx/blue alcantara

Jonny

Does Rocket John understand "analogy!?" SAT : GED

Jonny

What's up with you guys/gals...does everyone have to be a smart ***!!??

bellevue rs4

"If you drive this car, it's gonna cost you $40K" (Bill Lawton, Barrier, Bellevue, WA--circa September 1999).

I did, and it did (well, actually $44K with tax/license, etc.).

In addition: After we drove the car, my wife said, "If you like that much just put down a deposit"........I figured, no sense if fighting about it.

Get the (blue or silver) Alcantara / aluminum beltline interior, you won't be sorry.<p>Alan Bottomley

Alan G

"...besides the engine..." Well, there barely needs to be anything besides the engine. Night and day from an A4. But how about more stable ride with less floaty feeling, greater sense of connection to the road. Quicker turn-in. Flatter cornering. SIX-SPEED!!! One of my pet peeves with the A4 was the too-short 5th gear. No such on the S4. Nice styling touches especially front end.

This car is a fiscal stretch for me too. Go ahead. No buyer's remorse when you're flying down the freeway or winding your way through the country. The complete ease with which the S4 moves is criminal. When it's not moving it's pretty special too -- just looking at it in your driveway.

When it came down to it, even with the financial stretch, it wasn't about the money. I just had to drive one. Never been an automotive fanatic before this.

As for colors and interior trim, try to see various from some of the S4 owners in your Portlandian neck of the woods. I'm sure a few on the board would give you a look and a ride -- though maybe only as a passenger!!<p>Alan G
00 Silver/Onyx S4