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 am also looking for one at the moment and asked the same question on several forums. The nearest I found was this...
http://v8esfo.com/faq.aspx
In general, the main things to look out for seem to be a rattle on startup (although many say this is normal), a whine at low revs, and corroding and leaking radiators. Apart from that they seem pretty solid cars.
Good luck.
http://v8esfo.com/faq.aspx
In general, the main things to look out for seem to be a rattle on startup (although many say this is normal), a whine at low revs, and corroding and leaking radiators. Apart from that they seem pretty solid cars.
Good luck.
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.
TonyHetherington said:
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.
Well, looks like I was here (PH) first so I get first dibs on the good ones 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.
Where did you see the black one? PH or Autotrader? I saw 3 cars last weekend but none really fitted the bill.
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
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...
TonyHetherington said:
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
You're welcome to it!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
I did want a manual but I realised I haven't driven a modern Auto so I think I should at least try one.
They do drive nicely, although don't really feel as fast as they are. Just keep a close eye on the speedo. They are good value but they are heavy, with a big engine, and potentially costly to repair if things go wrong. Luckily, it seems they don't do that too often.
I'd be interested to hear what you think after you've driven one. Good luck with the search.
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
TonyHetherington said:
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
mel said:
TonyHetherington said:
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
Cheers Mel, loved the sound of yours on the way to BTAP couple of years ago
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 ;-)
Good luck!
and warmest regards
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 ;-)
Good luck!
and warmest regards
Rainer and Dot :-)))))
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.
Hi,
I currently own a 2004 model with Stage 3 AMD conversion and short shifter, and still love every min....
In two years of ownership things that have happened to me..
Depreciated like a bomb from what i paid for it from what you can pick them up for today.... :-)
Seriously though in 2 years ownership with ~25K per year driving,
: The radiators leaked and i had them replaced on Warranty, would check this has been done!
: The 'coil reader' failed meaning it could not start car it was like the immobilizer was on - replaced under warranty
: The 'bushes' needed replacing - done at the last service,
My car also has that 'tapping' at first start up and my guys down at AMD said this is very normal, also mine is a little sticky when putting into 1st gear from cold but again nothing to be worried about
So i think you'll agree these cars are pretty strong, and with the conversion sound great and i have no reason to blag...
my average MPG is 25 - and on a run (i do a lot of M-way driving) i see 28 MPG.
hope this helps, as i know how difficult it is, i went through the same pain when i brought the B5 RS4, then ended up buying a right dog. :-(
G'luck.
I currently own a 2004 model with Stage 3 AMD conversion and short shifter, and still love every min....
In two years of ownership things that have happened to me..
Depreciated like a bomb from what i paid for it from what you can pick them up for today.... :-)
Seriously though in 2 years ownership with ~25K per year driving,
: The radiators leaked and i had them replaced on Warranty, would check this has been done!
: The 'coil reader' failed meaning it could not start car it was like the immobilizer was on - replaced under warranty
: The 'bushes' needed replacing - done at the last service,
My car also has that 'tapping' at first start up and my guys down at AMD said this is very normal, also mine is a little sticky when putting into 1st gear from cold but again nothing to be worried about
So i think you'll agree these cars are pretty strong, and with the conversion sound great and i have no reason to blag...
my average MPG is 25 - and on a run (i do a lot of M-way driving) i see 28 MPG.
hope this helps, as i know how difficult it is, i went through the same pain when i brought the B5 RS4, then ended up buying a right dog. :-(
G'luck.
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