Should I buy an Audi S4 Avant 4.2 V8
Discussion
Hi everybody!
Please help me out with this one: I currently drive a '04 Lupo GTI. It's black with full black leather, glass sunroof, climatronic, factory GPS (useless but aesthetically most pleasing Radio to have), the lot. So it's quite a rare car, which I like.
Having just been to Paris with it I really enjoyed driving it there as you could park it everywhere and it was super nimble and more than fast enough driving it in the streets. Problem is I am sort of fed up with it nevertheless. It is quite noisy at motorway speeds, but then again great on those RN and RD. But my main concern is that the car doesn't really suit me anymore. Being at the dawn of my 30's I feel quite foolish driving a low tiny shoebox that has been lowered (prev. owner).
And although the boot is easily big enough to go a week on holiday with the OH, there are times it would be more convenient driving a bigger car. And more relaxing on motorways!
So I have been looking at an '04 B6 Audi S4 Avant with the big 4.2 V8. It's black with black leather and the usual toys. So I it is basically like my Lupo with an additional two doors and a bigger booth! (with a slightly bigger engine to shove around the extra weight)
A normal A4 would be too square, too tacky for me. It is also the last Audi I liked since it hasn't the single frame grill. Generally I don't like Audis especially, but then again I never cared for VW either (being a Volvo man at heart).
Having browsed the forums, there doesn't seem to be much information about the B6 S4 (here on pistonheads). So what is your opinion?
With the current petrol prices and the ever rising taxes for big, NA engines (over here in Switzerland) I have the feeling now is the time to buy a big V8 as in 5 years time they will be unaffordable.
you should maybe drive one before diving off the deep end. There's a reason Audi went from the v8 S4 to the v6 in the B8 (and from v8 to v6 in the S5 in a single generation) and it's not just about fuel economy or emissions. It's a terribly idle engine for a 4.2 v8 and although it will do an unmodified Subaru in a straight line, it just doesn't feel fast. The gearing is daft in the manual (I've used 2 full tanks of fuel to do a journey of about 500 miles in one at fairly sedate motorway speeds) and the auto isn't exactly fun.
I'm not sure what used values are like but I'd be looking at something like an S3 if I were you (and going on what you said in your post). If you can get a decent B5 S4 that might be worth looking at too.
I'm not sure what used values are like but I'd be looking at something like an S3 if I were you (and going on what you said in your post). If you can get a decent B5 S4 that might be worth looking at too.
Is that the one with the huge timing chain on the back of the engine?
If the Pollo is getting a bit noisy on the highway you could try sticking some dynamat or other sound deading in there. Look at the tyres too as tread patterns and compounds will make a difference to noise levels at speed as well.
If the Pollo is getting a bit noisy on the highway you could try sticking some dynamat or other sound deading in there. Look at the tyres too as tread patterns and compounds will make a difference to noise levels at speed as well.
doogz said:
AndrewEH1 said:
I have had an '04 A4 3.0 Avant for two years now and have enjoyed it!
Go in with your eyes open in regards to servicing and parts costs!
I had one of these too, and quite liked it.Go in with your eyes open in regards to servicing and parts costs!
Drove an S4 when I had it, and was quite underwhelmed, they're really not that quick.
VF7 said:
Please help me out with this one: I currently drive a '04 Lupo GTI.
...
So I have been looking at an '04 B6 Audi S4 Avant with the big 4.2 V8.
Expect your motoring costs to *substantially* increase if you make that change....
So I have been looking at an '04 B6 Audi S4 Avant with the big 4.2 V8.
Instead of doubling your cylinder count and getting into something rather large,
how about going for something 6 cylinder as a step on the way to the V8 ?
Plenty of choice in that area.
Thanks for the comments so far.
I don't expect the Audi to be a sports car. Nor to be galactic fast. I think the auto box suits the car much better and that one should sit at an moderate 3000rpm/90mph while cruising.
I am used to drive a Volvo V70R AWD (P1) with 265 hp auto on a regular basis and except the Audi to be similar yet slightly faster (without the turbo punch) and better handling.
I know the running costs will be many times over the ones from a Lupo but then again most cars will be a lot more expensive.
What I seek in a car is some sense of occasion i.e that it's the subtle range topper. (Not the RS4 with its flared wheel arches and massive 20” wheels but the oh so subtle yet different looks of what basically is the true Q car)
I like being on my way in what looks like a fairly ordinary estate nobody gives a second look yet the occasional petrolheads knows “that’s the one with the V8”.
I expect the V8 to give the car some personality that sets it apart from the rest of the range. Will the S4 deliver that?
Or will it be like a 3.0 V6 with a bit more power? In that case it's not the car for me.
As said before, I don't excpect it to be brutally fast nor the last word in handling but I excpect it to have character.
I know only driving the car will tell me in the end but since the car is 1.5h drive away I have to find a time slot to go see it. Hence in the meantime all comments from you guys are welcome!
And yes it's the one with big chain at the back of the engine:
I don't expect the Audi to be a sports car. Nor to be galactic fast. I think the auto box suits the car much better and that one should sit at an moderate 3000rpm/90mph while cruising.
I am used to drive a Volvo V70R AWD (P1) with 265 hp auto on a regular basis and except the Audi to be similar yet slightly faster (without the turbo punch) and better handling.
I know the running costs will be many times over the ones from a Lupo but then again most cars will be a lot more expensive.
What I seek in a car is some sense of occasion i.e that it's the subtle range topper. (Not the RS4 with its flared wheel arches and massive 20” wheels but the oh so subtle yet different looks of what basically is the true Q car)
I like being on my way in what looks like a fairly ordinary estate nobody gives a second look yet the occasional petrolheads knows “that’s the one with the V8”.
I expect the V8 to give the car some personality that sets it apart from the rest of the range. Will the S4 deliver that?
Or will it be like a 3.0 V6 with a bit more power? In that case it's not the car for me.
As said before, I don't excpect it to be brutally fast nor the last word in handling but I excpect it to have character.
I know only driving the car will tell me in the end but since the car is 1.5h drive away I have to find a time slot to go see it. Hence in the meantime all comments from you guys are welcome!
And yes it's the one with big chain at the back of the engine:
How about a 335i Tourer?
Plenty fast enough and fit an aftermarket exhaust to make it sound better.
Running costs I would have thought will be less than the S4.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Plenty fast enough and fit an aftermarket exhaust to make it sound better.
Running costs I would have thought will be less than the S4.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I have one, well its a B7 (avant/automatic), but pretty much the same car.
It's a very capable car, but not terribly exciting to drive. Buy one with a proper service history and you should be fine as they are generally bullet proof. Just listen out for a rattle on start up, if it lasts longer than a couple of seconds you may have the dreaded timing chain issue.
It's funny since I bought it last summer I see a lot of these threads coming up asking about the V8 S4. It seems to hit the sweet spot for a lot of people between fast, practical and affordable. Looking at the classifieds for these, I honestly think I could sell mine for what I paid for it a year ago, they just don't seem to be depreciating at the moment. Just something else to consider anyway.
It's a very capable car, but not terribly exciting to drive. Buy one with a proper service history and you should be fine as they are generally bullet proof. Just listen out for a rattle on start up, if it lasts longer than a couple of seconds you may have the dreaded timing chain issue.
It's funny since I bought it last summer I see a lot of these threads coming up asking about the V8 S4. It seems to hit the sweet spot for a lot of people between fast, practical and affordable. Looking at the classifieds for these, I honestly think I could sell mine for what I paid for it a year ago, they just don't seem to be depreciating at the moment. Just something else to consider anyway.
Below is a post I done in April this year, before a move to an RS6.
VeegasS4 said:
Just to add in my experience, I'm on my second b7 Avant, having done a happy 35k in the first one I got rid when a couple of niggly things became a couple more - thermostat, aux belt, shock etc. but bar routine servicing it was a hugely reliable car and excellent fun it was knocking on for 130k when I sold it.
I went to a 535d with a remap which I hated, neither fast nor fuel efficient so sold it after a few month and went back to another S4.
They really are great cars; practical, comfy, not too pretentious, great turn of speed when you want it and a lovely soundtrack with a milltek.
I average 26/27 mpg driven carefully on the commute to work, 16 or so if I drive it like I stole it.
I've had a number of performance estates, Subaru Legacy gtb, forester STI, audi S6 and RS6, Passat R32, and put of all of them, the S4 is in my view, the best balance of performance and daily useability.
I went to a 535d with a remap which I hated, neither fast nor fuel efficient so sold it after a few month and went back to another S4.
They really are great cars; practical, comfy, not too pretentious, great turn of speed when you want it and a lovely soundtrack with a milltek.
I average 26/27 mpg driven carefully on the commute to work, 16 or so if I drive it like I stole it.
I've had a number of performance estates, Subaru Legacy gtb, forester STI, audi S6 and RS6, Passat R32, and put of all of them, the S4 is in my view, the best balance of performance and daily useability.
Well, today I passed by the place that sells the car as I was close by.
Unfortunately the sales guy was out with the garage number plates and I had no time waiting for him to return.
So I only had a close look and could start the engine. The battery was flat and we used one of these amazingly small jump starters you can also charge your phone with. I definitely have to get one of these!
It started first time and I couldn't hear anything from that large chain.
I'm pretty much sold on the car as it is! A service is overdue, having been carried out in 2012 the last time. It is FSH with Audi stamps and one owner only!
It has a dent/scratch on the rear pillar just above light. The owner must have reversed into something. Also the tyres needs changing as they are pretty much bold and date back to 2006.
Inside it is flawless! You can't see the 100k miles at all. The passenger seat can't have carried somebody regularly and the rear seats are unused!
It is a very nice car as you look at it, feels a very quality product once you take place in those superb Recaro seats and then you fire up the V8 which sounds rather nice and all the emotions brake loose if you tap the throttle slightly (ok the bonnet was up, so it may sounded louder as normally)!
I think I will buy the car once I have returned to drive it!
Unfortunately the sales guy was out with the garage number plates and I had no time waiting for him to return.
So I only had a close look and could start the engine. The battery was flat and we used one of these amazingly small jump starters you can also charge your phone with. I definitely have to get one of these!
It started first time and I couldn't hear anything from that large chain.
I'm pretty much sold on the car as it is! A service is overdue, having been carried out in 2012 the last time. It is FSH with Audi stamps and one owner only!
It has a dent/scratch on the rear pillar just above light. The owner must have reversed into something. Also the tyres needs changing as they are pretty much bold and date back to 2006.
Inside it is flawless! You can't see the 100k miles at all. The passenger seat can't have carried somebody regularly and the rear seats are unused!
It is a very nice car as you look at it, feels a very quality product once you take place in those superb Recaro seats and then you fire up the V8 which sounds rather nice and all the emotions brake loose if you tap the throttle slightly (ok the bonnet was up, so it may sounded louder as normally)!
I think I will buy the car once I have returned to drive it!
VF7 said:
A normal A4 would be too square, too tacky for me. It is also the last Audi I liked since it hasn't the single frame grill. Generally I don't like Audis especially, but then again I never cared for VW either (being a Volvo man at heart).
Have you made a typo with your age?TX.
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