2006 or 2007 Audi S4

[evil_O]

Mr. Inconsistent rises again....

Well I am getting that bug again.  Starting the process of possibly getting back into an Audi.  Went to the auto show last week and found myself contemplating a 2008 A4 2.0T.  No, I do not (and cannot) wait for a 2009.  Delivery of the turbos might not even be until January of 09 and if things go the way they are planned, I want to be driving a new car in a couple of months (at the most). 

Well the cost of an 08 A4 got me thinking about the cost of an 06 or an 07 S4.  Give or take a couple K we are looking at the same price break.  I know I will be looking at 23MPG on the highway but that is not that bad for a V8 - 28MPG for the 2.0T.  Plus, I do mostly highway driving.  Needless to say I have done a lot of research on the car and just want some more input/feedback to this possible purchase.

I test drove one two weeks ago, and just fell in love with it.  So... let me have it.  The good, the bad, and.... well whatever else you can think of.

[kraut-sled]

No turbo = No fun.

my $0.02

[92UrS4]

Going to kill yourself on swapping out vehicles again. Still, can't fault you for wanting one. Still waiting for the next gen turbos would be the better bet I have a feeling. We need to get some issues resolved with fuel costs. I think we are going to go a bit higher before any major action takes place.

The NA is well tuned and is very fast and a blast to drive, I just think it will be worth the wait. Right now you will pay a premium on a soon to be changed platform and you may end up seeing a value drop in the car with the next gen.

Plus, look at the cars you have now, both bought relatively recently. If purchased, even though they are subies, I can't imagine you'll make it out of either one decently being as new as they are. Plus you'll have a big sales tax bill to pay yet again.

I know I have gone through my share of cars, so I understand finding what you want and sometimes it means wasting some money in the process. In the end I found a less expensive car (relatively speaking) to buy that was everything I wanted. It feels good to finally have something I am really happy with. I was happy with my A6 and regret selling it, but it all worked out in the end.

The V8 is maxed out at this point, and the platform is dated. Get some more use out of the subie, save your pennies and you know what those 2006 and 2007 S4's will be even lower in price. So if you still really want one, it will make more sense then financially.

[03Indigo]

well, depends on how available your funds are and what future plans are.  You can be car rich, have the S4 your want at say $30-40K, huge car payment, and a fun drive.  How are you all on your house buying plans?  Do they both work into the budget?  I would say, house first, then car, but that is just me.

Given the choice between the A4 and S4, I would choose the A4 for the better mileage and the fun factor of the turbo, not to mention the lower insurance payment.  I agree totally with gietl...save the pennies now, drive the subie more, control the car buying urge and don't jump into a car that will be dated really quickly and leave you with a huge payment and risk a future house.

[evil_O]

Good points so far and ones I have thought about.  So I will address a few. 

Jon as far as the monthly payment would be... at current time it would be no more than 75 dollars more a month than what I am already paying - if not the same depending on bottom line cost!  You can thank divorces for that one.  Two, it would be about 30 dollars more a month for insurance (same coverage as the subie).  So with that said, driving the subie now I guess I am already car rich... hahaha.

As far as risking a home with the purchase, no way.  I would not even consider a car if that played into it.  We are not going to buy until next year (planned move in month will be August).  We will have a nice downpayment then (should have that in about a month or so - and then promptly putting it into a CD for a max of 12 months).

I am hoping to have some good bargaining room on an S4 with current gas prices and the fact the new line is coming out.  I know it will be "dated" in the realm of Audi... but for me I love the look of the car and the fact the last two years they have been solid.  I was considering a 2.5 turboed Subie... but the MPG would be the same as the V8.  I am reading on the forums most are pulling 25-27MPG on the highway at 75MPH.  Not bad considering my leggy use to get 21 to 24.

O... and has anyone driven one?  O my.  And that sound. 

And quite frankly... the V8 is playing into it a bit too.  It might keep the modding bug a way a bit more vs. a turbo.  I am just not sure I would need more power than what this has.  Maybe just more driving school.

[03Indigo]

good, at least  you have it thought out.  I like the V8 sound too.  I really like the B7 S4s.

[92UrS4]

If you are looking to buy next year, hold off ont eh car. Even if payments are only $75 more and insurance is only $30 more that translates to over $1000 more in expenses in a calendar year. Your fuel costs will be higher than they are currently for the subie. As I recall the subie gets by on regular unleaded?

So paying for premium gasoline plus, if the car is new to you with that power you will lead foot it everywhere, be honest. You'll be looking at about 19mpg average if you're lucky.

I would say right now, there is not a lot of bargaining room on a B7 S4. Just like any similar model, M3 etc, they cater to a specific market, and in most cases those buying that car aren't going to care that much about gas prices.  Granted, with the slump we are in there are probably some folks that need to get out of their car and may be ready to negotiate, but I don't foresee any easy deals. I'm sure if you keep your eyes peeled there will be those few rare great buys that will come up.

Sorry if it sounds like I am trying to talk you out of it, but like you asked, what to think about. These are just my views obviously. I do live the sound of the V8 as well, and I really like the car.

Now is a time to be a bit more conservative with spending, so you can take advantage of the housing market and declining interest rates on financing.

We are all here because WE LOVE CARS! I mean we obsess about them. No one posting in this thread is going to say otherwise...I hope. You will have an easier time selling the Subie than the S4 if something were to change in your world. So I stick with my original recommendation especially knowing you want to buy a house in the next year or so.

However, if you do get one, I want a ride!

[methodicalmayhem]

No turbo = No fun.

my $0.02

You just want the money he's gonna spend when the turbo's blow

[evil_O]

gietl,

All good points.  The thing is I do not want to wait until next year.  If I am to buy it will be in the next two months or not at all. 

I would disagree with you about bargaining room though.  I know of one S that has been sitting the lot for over 60 days now and they want to move it bad.  I am sure that is a deal just waiting to happen. 

I am sure I will lead foot it when I am driving on my days off.  Other than that it will be 65 all the way to work, and reading what I am reading on them so far, the gas won't affect me that much.  I am talking 15 bucks more a week.  If I wasn't getting a substantial raise January 01 that might affect things.  But as of now I can afford it and when January hits, it won't even be a thought.

As I mentioned to Jon, if I thought for a minute I could not get into a house because of this purchase I wouldn't.  Without getting into to many details, I cannot purchase until August of next year.  Until then, I will be in save mode... even IF I purchase this car.

On a final note, anyone have any concerns about the car mechanically I should have a heads up on?  I have read and re-read and from what I can tell, the V8 and platform are solid performers with no real concerns.  Anyone?

[DenverPat]

Jon, your term, "car rich" made me LMAO.  I certainly understand the term, but from my perspective, that's like saying "debt rich."   
I try not to be rich in quickly depreciating assets.

[jayryan]

Jon, your term, "car rich" made me LMAO.  I certainly understand the term, but from my perspective, that's like saying "debt rich."   
I try not to be rich in quickly depreciating assets.

You're smart. I just got out from under my car, I have no house payment and um, good things Especially in with all the economic garbage talk.

[92UrS4]

Sweet, well I just wanted to be sure you thought of everything. I mean each dollar here and there adds up. As mentioned the extra payments and insurance add up to over $1K more a year in expenses, plus $15 more a week in fuel, that's another $780, so you are getting closer to the $2K more in expenses a year mark. Figure out what you are netting (after taxes/insurance/retirement/other deductions) from your raise and see if you are still ahead. Don't forget to budget about $2K for taxes and plates, granted you'll probably have some carry over from the Suby, but better to over budget.

It does suck you have to wait on the home front, but at the same time that's nice to know you have some time to really put it away and be set to buy when you can.

On the V8, it is a really good motor, it is totally tapped out at this point, pretty much what happened to the 1.8, used for a long long time and they just kept eeking as much as they could out of it. The nice thing about that is all the kinks were worked out over time and it's really int he best condition it could be in.

For what it's worth, no the gas mileage is not terrible for a V8, and even though you'll be driving 65, the real question is how fast will you be getting up to 65?

As I also mentioned before, there will be deals out there, but not widespread like on lets say a V8 pickup. But yeah, there will be people that need to move the car here and there.

It will be a great car to drive and own. Do a little exhaust upgrade to enhance than sound and it will be a blast to drive. Maybe by the time you are ready to buy a house we'll get the clamps tightened down on energy costs and they will ease up again.

[evil_O]

I guess we will see what is available in about a month or so.  Just doing my research at this point and having a good time doing it. 

geitl... I will most definately offer that ride should I get one.  At this point that is about an 80% probability.

[03Indigo]

I want a ride too!!!

[evil_O]

I want a ride too!!!

Absoloutely

[Cole]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/bestworst.shtml


Look at the bottom under worst cars.

[DenverPat]

Interesting data, for sure.  However I'm not sure that's all accurrate.  C'mon, 48 mpg for the Prius?  People are actually seeing 10 mpg less than that in real world driving.

[hotani]

I'm right there with you - the S4 is complete awesomesauce. I'll even sacrifice some cool points and say I'd get one with a tip--not quite DSG but I'd rather have that than a manual right now (unfortunately I spend more time in traffic than on curvy mountain roads).

As for the price/fuel economy... If it fits your budget then go for it. Another alternative would be the 3.0 avant--too bad there isn't a maxed out sport version though (read: Recaro Sport Seats).

[03Indigo]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/bestworst.shtml


Look at the bottom under worst cars.

Interesting, but how accurate is that, I mean, c'mon.  The Bentley Conti GTC is a "sub compact"?  WTF?

People I know with the Prius run about 35mpg in the city, and maybe 40 on the highway.

[evil_O]

Interesting, but how accurate is that, I mean, c'mon.  The Bentley Conti GTC is a "sub compact"?  WTF?

People I know with the Prius run about 35mpg in the city, and maybe 40 on the highway.

It isn't accurate in the least.  You can attest to this Jon... this site is saying the following for our cars:

20 city / 27 hwy

I get 30 almost all the way around... especially hwy.

I have been reading the forums on the S4 and most are seeing 25-27mpg at 75mph.  Not have bad for a V8.  Me likies.

...and Charles, if I do end up getting one I am liking the idea of a tip more and more.  Paddle shifting was fun too... and it is nice in traffic.  We need to get together again soon.  Maybe next time we do, we will have something to take out for a spin.

[Noob_Shum]

That sounds reasonable for strictly highway driving, but it's the city that is gonna kill ya   I love the S4's, see a few near where I work and I always check em out

Jonathan

[ColoradoB5]

Good luck with the decision.  The thing I always loved about the turbo 4 cylinder is the ability to get both good gas mileage and great power.  A fine engine.

Still the B7 S4 and RS4 are the only ones of that style that I really like.  I just can abide the headlight shape.

[evil_O]

Glad no one is looking at the new M3 

[masterqi]

You can thank divorces for that one. 

Are you as impatient with wives as you are with cars?   

[evil_O]

Are you as impatient with wives as you are with cars?   

Wives?  Your immature statement shows just how little you know about me.

For the rest of us... I am really glad to see that our demographic has spread out to include 12 year olds.

[92UrS4]

It appears to be a  joke (appropriate or not), your statement was in the plural. He was highlighting it. Let's move on.

Things written can easily be misinterpreted.

[evil_O]

It appears to be a  joke (appropriate or not), your statement was in the plural. He was highlighting it. Let's move on.

Things written can easily be misinterpreted.

My comment was written in generalities.  Whether it was or not however, his was written in "personal."

[masterqi]

Bozo, I don't know anything about you other than that you evidently can't read and/or type.

I hope you find the pleasure you seek with whatever multitude of wives, cars, or combination thereof makes you happy.

[92UrS4]

Nice work guys.