Audi S4 (B6) buying advice?!
Discussion
Hi world
It's been asked a few times, so apologies for the effective repost, but I'm looking at getting myself an S4 Avant (B6) and was trying to find some sort of buyer's guide, FAQ that sort of thing.
I've found links to audisrs.com and rs246.com, and many threads on here which I've enjoyed reading, but what I was really after was some practical advice; "look around the rear arch", "make sure the gearbox doesn't grumble" that sort of thing, rather than tuning or other such stuff?
Also, are there any recognised good insurers? My current insurer wants the same to insure an S4 Avant as they do for my Lotus Exige S
(which surprised me, I can tell you 
)
So, thanks in advance and hopefully I will (very soon!) be a part of this particular bit of PH far more
Tony
It's been asked a few times, so apologies for the effective repost, but I'm looking at getting myself an S4 Avant (B6) and was trying to find some sort of buyer's guide, FAQ that sort of thing.
I've found links to audisrs.com and rs246.com, and many threads on here which I've enjoyed reading, but what I was really after was some practical advice; "look around the rear arch", "make sure the gearbox doesn't grumble" that sort of thing, rather than tuning or other such stuff?
Also, are there any recognised good insurers? My current insurer wants the same to insure an S4 Avant as they do for my Lotus Exige S
(which surprised me, I can tell you )So, thanks in advance and hopefully I will (very soon!) be a part of this particular bit of PH far more
Tony
Edited by TonyHetherington on Tuesday 27th January 15:56
I've seen a few of your posts I think - asking pretty much what I'm looking for too! (have your posts mentioned £10k - £13k? If so, yup I've been following you!).
I'm looking at a similar price range and some of the cars out there (specifically the black Avant with 54k miles) are stunning. My Exige goes on Monday and once the money's in my pocket, I'm ready to buy.
I'm looking at a similar price range and some of the cars out there (specifically the black Avant with 54k miles) are stunning. My Exige goes on Monday and once the money's in my pocket, I'm ready to buy.
Pah, beat me by 10 months
Car, what car? I didn't mention a car no car at all
this is the one I had in mind, but it's automatic and I seem to remember you wanted manual? I've yet to drive either so am remaining open minded, but cars like this seem SUCH good value;
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/843947.htm
Car, what car? I didn't mention a car no car at all
this is the one I had in mind, but it's automatic and I seem to remember you wanted manual? I've yet to drive either so am remaining open minded, but cars like this seem SUCH good value;
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/843947.htm
Hughesie said:
TonyHetherington said:
I'm looking at getting myself an S4 Avant (B6)
Just seen this you Gayer 
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Actually, after finding out the apparent costs of an S4 I can't see why I wouldn't go for an RS4...just got to weigh up the pros and cons and, of course, drive one of each!
Marc - I'll be sure to report back after I've had an opportunity to drive them
RainerM said:
Tony,
your Exige has not be in the post till today, but.........anyway it is very
interesting you are joining the Audi community :-) just hoping you are getting some very tough winters....and you'll enjoy 4wd, as we do actually, BUT check
your dealer's mecanics, those chaps are the most important, if you are unhappy, drive 700 miles, I have a good friend looking after my Audi, and I
have still excellent connections with AMG, as they sold us the actual car :-))
Dot is still Elise/Exige-minded, BUT she likes the TTS on snow and ice ;-)
Hi Rainer and Dot your Exige has not be in the post till today, but.........anyway it is very
interesting you are joining the Audi community :-) just hoping you are getting some very tough winters....and you'll enjoy 4wd, as we do actually, BUT check
your dealer's mecanics, those chaps are the most important, if you are unhappy, drive 700 miles, I have a good friend looking after my Audi, and I
have still excellent connections with AMG, as they sold us the actual car :-))
Dot is still Elise/Exige-minded, BUT she likes the TTS on snow and ice ;-)
Alas no, it wouldn't fit through the letter box (only just!), but I am looking forward to joining the world of Audis; 4WD and nice speed, with space in the back - I'm looking forward to it! I'll miss the trips, but having done 13 now I think it's time for a short break. Maybe I'll do a quick trip to Scotland or Wales as a passenger, but no more.
I think 700 miles is a long way to go for a service, but fortunately I think I have found someone local that is recommended (by Mel, who posted above) - which is great!
I hope you are still enjoying the Audi, - oh and we will be booking our skiing holiday soon so I will be sure to let you know what/when!
Thanks
Tony
Vixpy1 said:
B5 RS4 over a B6 S4 for me 
Of course the petrolhead in me says RS4; but I have to be a (little) sensible, as this car I am getting to drive more, and lower my running costs a little. And that's the big difference. I've still not properly investigated, but from what I've discussed with Ted/Mel, the S4 sounds perfect for me.blimey that's interesting. I'm looking at a 54/05 car so it's going to be out of warranty - so any problems I'd have to stump up for myself? £800/yr though does seem quite expensive which is worrying (if you see what I mean).
But so long as there's a good independent I can use (
)that might not be too bad.
But so long as there's a good independent I can use (
)that might not be too bad.Welshbeef said:
Clearly noonw in their right mind would spend that much on a car under £15k a year instead save it up and if something fails take it out of that pot of cash.
I disagree - I don't think it has anything to do with the value of the car, I think it's got everything to do with the possibility, feasibility or opportunity for big bills. My Exige had a few problems which in itself was not bad...but factor in that to do ANYTHING requires 6 hours labour to get to the problem and you have big potential bills - the warranty on that was a life saver.So the question is not "what is the car worth" but "what is the potential for big bills".
With a big engine squeezed into the front, simple stuff might not be so simple (I recall an RS6 thermostat, a £3 item, costs £1k to replace).
But, from what Mel has said - there's no warranty for me to be able to buy, or therefore on any cars older than 3 years that I will be looking to buy. Which kind of makes my mind up pretty dam quickly
Quick and easy....right....
For an S4 with under 60k miles, extended warranty can only be purchased while it is still under manufacturers warranty. If it's mfr's warranty has lapsed, you cannot buy it.
However, if you do wish to do it, for an S4 with under 60k
15k miles/yr max; £1220 per year
unlimited mileage; £1566 per year
You can't buy more than one year at a time.
As warranties go it does seem quite expensive, so I'm not too worried and will simply take the hit if the unfortunate happens; Mel, from what you've said there are some problems but nothing crippling?
For an S4 with under 60k miles, extended warranty can only be purchased while it is still under manufacturers warranty. If it's mfr's warranty has lapsed, you cannot buy it.
However, if you do wish to do it, for an S4 with under 60k
15k miles/yr max; £1220 per year
unlimited mileage; £1566 per year
You can't buy more than one year at a time.
As warranties go it does seem quite expensive, so I'm not too worried and will simply take the hit if the unfortunate happens; Mel, from what you've said there are some problems but nothing crippling?
Apologies that's a bit optimistic; more like 53/04!
Good work though - what colour did you for? (and do you mind my asking what you got - spec wise?)
My Exige sale has been delayed by a week - the guy was due to pick it up on Monday but snow prevented it, so he's now coming this Monday. I'll then have cash in my hand and I'll go visiting cars!
Good work though - what colour did you for? (and do you mind my asking what you got - spec wise?)
My Exige sale has been delayed by a week - the guy was due to pick it up on Monday but snow prevented it, so he's now coming this Monday. I'll then have cash in my hand and I'll go visiting cars!
Edited by TonyHetherington on Wednesday 4th February 18:05
Well, I eventually found THE car.
'54 plate S4 Avant, 35000 miles, DVD sat nav, manual, BOSE upgrade and a miltek exhaust. It is in absolutely impeccable condition. Truly superb condition (I'm into detailing my cars, so was looking forward to going to town on it - but it's so good already!).
I'm absolutely over the moon with it. Alloys will need a refurb, but I'm glad about that because then I can start with them perfect, and keep them perfect (front and back) as well as painting the slightly tired looking calipers.
I've now combined two cars (Lotus Exige and Ford Focus) down to one, as I was not driving the Lotus anywhere near enough, but still able to transport my drum kit to gigs
I'm still finding buttons in the thing and working out what they do (!). And getting used to that engine. Oh my that engine. I knew it was good, but only after spending time in the car do I realise quite how good the engine is. I kept trying to change from 2nd to 3rd, only to realise I was in 4th, such is the width of the engine's tractability.
It was looking lovely yesterday morning, and then chucked it down the whole time from eysterday afternoon through to this morning. Ah well, just got to wash it again, I guess....
Thanks everyone for the info and advice, very much appreciated.
'54 plate S4 Avant, 35000 miles, DVD sat nav, manual, BOSE upgrade and a miltek exhaust. It is in absolutely impeccable condition. Truly superb condition (I'm into detailing my cars, so was looking forward to going to town on it - but it's so good already!).
I'm absolutely over the moon with it. Alloys will need a refurb, but I'm glad about that because then I can start with them perfect, and keep them perfect (front and back) as well as painting the slightly tired looking calipers.
I've now combined two cars (Lotus Exige and Ford Focus) down to one, as I was not driving the Lotus anywhere near enough, but still able to transport my drum kit to gigs
I'm still finding buttons in the thing and working out what they do (!). And getting used to that engine. Oh my that engine. I knew it was good, but only after spending time in the car do I realise quite how good the engine is. I kept trying to change from 2nd to 3rd, only to realise I was in 4th, such is the width of the engine's tractability.
It was looking lovely yesterday morning, and then chucked it down the whole time from eysterday afternoon through to this morning. Ah well, just got to wash it again, I guess....
Thanks everyone for the info and advice, very much appreciated.
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