Audi S4 (B7) | Spotted

4.2-litres, eight cylinders, three pedals, four Goodyears... and five grand?!

It probably won’t have escaped your attention that certain modern classic Audis have been increasing in value of late. As we move towards an electrified, more exclusive Audi Sport future - see the Nuvolari for proof - so those relatively simple performance cars of the past two decades become more coveted. The best examples of the B7 RS4, R8 V8 and original TT RS have all enjoyed some useful appreciation in recent years.

Then there’s the poor old S4. It too has a V8, a manual gearbox and handsome looks, but remains at bargain basement levels. Good news for those after V8 swagger on the cheap, at least. We live in a time, remember, when even the C55 AMGs of the era are worth more than they have been for a long while. And they were never much loved; certainly not as much as E46 M3s - or even Imprezas and Evos - of the period.

So why does the S4 remain available for so little money? The existence of the RS4 must play a part, because it was a much better supersaloon: cooler to look at, more exciting to drive, and faster. There’s the S5 to think about as well, packaging the same engine in a more stylish two-door body. The only thing better than a cheap manual V8, after all, is a cheap and suave manual V8. These are pricey cars to run as well, at an official 21mpg, with the complication of Quattro, and with a timing chain for the V8 that’s a big job to replace if needed. Audi’s parts supply rep isn’t the best, either, to put it politely.

All of which has meant that plenty of these pretty cool old Audis have fallen into disrepair. Without the bump in value enjoyed by some similar cars, the money hasn’t been spent on upkeep. We’ve surely all seen our fair share of ropey V8 S4s in our time. But then there’s this one, which looks the very opposite of a tired example. And yet is still available for not much money - just £4,990, in fact.

It’s been with the current owner for nine years, during which time it has passed every single MOT first time, without any advisory - bar just one. Mileage has increased steadily by just a few thousand each year. There’s said to be a full service history, four decent wheels sit on Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres and, bar a couple of scuffs, the exterior looks really smart. The interior wear looks better than average for more than 20 years of use.

This S4 isn’t beyond improvement, of course, but don’t forget the important thing: £4,990. You’ll obviously want to check for any of those warning signs around chain replacement, and keep the kitty well topped up for any future big bills, but a lot of the signs here are good. As a pre-March 2006 car, too, there’s a £350 VED saving. Which will pay for… well, probably less than you’d think, but all savings sound good when it comes to V8 four-doors. There simply isn’t a cheaper way than the S4 into so much engine with a manual gearbox. They can’t stay cheap forever - can they?

SPECIFICATION | AUDI S4 (B6)

Engine: 4,163cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 344@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 302@3,500rpm
MPG: 21.2
CO2: 321g/km
Year registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 98,000
Price new: c. £40k
Yours for: £4,990

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chirurgus

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