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Audi S4 and S4 Cabriolet

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Comments

  • saabinsaabin Member Posts: 2
    I'm about to place an order for a 2001 S4 and the local dealer will only discount the MSRP by $1000. Does this sound reasonable? I was expecting to negotiate a price about $2000-$3000 less than the total MSRP but the dealer is confident he can get the price he wants. Has any S4 owners been able to negotiate on this car?

    Thanks in advance.
  • what5what5 Member Posts: 15
    I was under the impression that invoice was only 3-4k under MSRP...not that much, and considering the lack of certain equipment level S4's here in SoCal, 1000 below MSRP sounds like a deal to me
  • s4givens4given Member Posts: 11
    Everything is negotiable they say. Only moderately so on the S4. $1K under MSRP is good, $2K would probably be the best ever.

    Right now the S4 doesn't have any competition until the new 2001 M3 arrives. Even then I've already heard that the S4 with a chip and exhaust beats it, and still $8K less.
  • alfaromeoalfaromeo Member Posts: 210
    Somebody a few lines up was worried that 'the novelty of the S4 might wear off'... GIMME A BREAK! What makes you want to buy a specific car? What your NEIGHBORS are going to think??? Buy a car that makes YOUR world rock! and don't think so much about what other people think!
    'What5' made a good comment about what Americans are (unfortunately) interested in (cupholders?!?!). As a European living in the US, I am so frustrated trying to find cool exciting sports cars (and sedans) with stickshifts here, and I suspect that there simply isn't a market for them... (Auto in an AMG, ...please!)
    Regarding the S4: when I lived in Norway, it was clear what the S4 was capable off. You have to see that car in action on snow, ice, and what not. It simply makes all other muscle cars look like handicaped shoeboxes. I have seen several times an s4 speed away from much more powerful car (yes, even an M5) simply because it was a little wet and slippery on the street. I can tell you the look on the guy's face in the M5 was saying: 'damn, next time, I'll get one of those...'.
    Don't get me wrong, I really love BMWs. But the S4 looks great, handles great, and is a blast to drive. So again, stop thinking 'novelty', cupholders, and what not...
  • quattro_pearlquattro_pearl Member Posts: 51
    has info on the upcoming A4, RS4 A8 w12http://www.motor-presse-online.de/Zeitschriften/ams/index.htm, is in German though, will look for English version
  • bags06bags06 Member Posts: 1
    I currently drive a M3. It is loads of fun on nice dry surfaces. I drive a Chevy Malibu in the winter. I have been looking at the S4 as a year round car. The M3 can't even handle wet surfaces very well because of all the power. With the s4 having more power how does it really handle? Wet surfaces, snow and even ice. I know it has all wheel dr, but is there too much power in the car for enclimate weather? Pulling out uphill, trying to control it downhill...etc. Your responses are greatly appreciated.
  • alfaromeoalfaromeo Member Posts: 210
    A potent four wheel drive will always outperform other cars on very slippery conditions.
    The S4, like any other car will still require that the most significant piece of software be your brain. Honestly, as an M3 owner or prospective buyer of an S4, your questions don't ring 'true' to me. You sound like you want security and comfort, not 'fun' and 'performance'. And I disagree with your comments about the M3. First, if it's the US version with 240 bhp, it's not really 'overpowered' (a mere 50 bhp more than the 328). That car is perfectly balanced and IS A BLAST to drive on wet sufaces. You may want to get some winter tires instead of summer slicks though, but 'fun' is exactly THAT: driving such a car at the limit.
  • npronpro Member Posts: 1
    I was told yesterday that all S4's coming to US (Boston) since April will carry the 2001 model year label. Has anyone else heard that?

    What does anyone think of the navigation (toy)?

    Lastly, who recommends the Valentine radar detector over the K40 and why? Are they really worth $700 over the portable models?
  • rollierollie Member Posts: 337
    Regarding post #271:

    npro, I've seen the navigation system for the U.S. and it is sub-standard to say the least. Don't buy into the crap about it being safer because it has no screen. In Europe Audi's system has a screen so I have no idea how they decided people here wouldn't want one or couldn't drive with one.

    Regarding the Valentine One, it is the premiere detector on the market and has been for years. It is ungodly ugly and is the most accurate thing out there as far as I know (I haven't examined new entrants in the past 6 months or so). Regarding the price differential, I don't know where you live but here in Massachusetts a single low-speed ticket will cost you over $1,000 so I think it is well worth it (in addition to the fine you loose at least two points and each one will cost you something like $170/year for 3 years as I recall.)

    I have no useful information on the S4 model year switchover date.

    -rdo
    rdollie@mediaone.net
  • mspangler1mspangler1 Member Posts: 2
    The s4 is one sweet automobile, my favorite car.
    Beautiful and powerful. 0-60 in 5.9 and 143 mph.
    thats fast. not the fastest but probably the best in its class. I would kill for this car.
  • antonnantonn Member Posts: 1
    Hi all! I went to place a deposit for a new S4 today and was very surprised when the dealer (Rector Audi, Burlingame, CA) asked for 5 grand instead of 1 that other dealers asked for. Has anyone heard of dealers doing this and if so what difference does it make if it I can still cancel my order?

    Thanks in advance!

    Anton.
  • sflavorsflavor Member Posts: 1
    How's Audi's turbo engine holding since the major makeover of the A4 back in 97 or 96?
  • quattro_pearlquattro_pearl Member Posts: 51
    did the A4 recieve?
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    I was perusing over some magazines at Chapters and I came across this EVO magazine. It's an European car enthusiast mag. The issue featured best car of the decade shootout. Funny the S4 was not included. And the winner was a Subaru Impreza AWD?!
  • lancerevolancerevo Member Posts: 1
    the car of the decade they're talking about is the subaru impreza wrx, which has a totally different specs that the impreza 2.5rs you find in north america.

    it would even have kicked s4's butt but unfortunately it's not available here.

    i'm considering s4 and have read a lot of good things about it. any cons on this car?

    thanks,
  • quattro_pearlquattro_pearl Member Posts: 51
    the S4, Subaru, M3 and others and there must be a major difference in the S4 than the one's in Europe, because it wasn't favored at all. Except against the MB Wagon. Checkout the current edition of "CAR" "AUTO", one of them tests the RS4 and Nissan Skyline (I think thats the name). WWW.RS4.ORG
  • alfaromeoalfaromeo Member Posts: 210
    Quite simply... there is no major contender to the S4. That is... if you want a quality car which is elegant and sporty without being vulgar, comfortable and performing, with four wheel drive.

    True, European spec BMW M3's and Subaru Impreza Turbo are much more performing than their US versions. Both very exciting cars for the enthusiast, I must say.
    But the European spec M3 is a 321bhp sports machine which is not really accepting of driver errors, and tends to be too 'jerky' for city driving.
    The Subaru Turbo is a close cousin to its racing brother, with fantastic performance - also 4 wheel drive. But it does not have the S4's civil behavior. Also, it has scoops and spoilers and you-name-it 'visual pornography'... I personally like the car, but not for its appearance!
  • quattro_pearlquattro_pearl Member Posts: 51
    I know it's a wagon, but I'll get over it quickly. Please!!
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    Oh the RS4 kicks major butt for Audi! Surprised that Audi make a higher performing car out from a wagon instead of the sedan.
  • ispy4mi6ispy4mi6 Member Posts: 1
    Forgive my ignorance but,

    If I fly out of state to purchase my S4 (or any other car for that matter) do I have to pay for registration in the state I purchase in and then again when I enter my home state?

    Not that this would stop me from buying this incredible car.

    Thanks,

    JB
  • pperezpperez Member Posts: 19
    Hi everyone I was wondering if anyone had heard or seen what the changes on the S4 will be on the 02 models.
  • epmeehanepmeehan Member Posts: 1
    Was able to purchase 00 for $1,700 off Sticker - Criswell Audi in Maryland
  • kat35kat35 Member Posts: 1
    does anyone know the availablility of adding a chip to the 2000 S4 to improve performance. Live in the south Jersey area. has anyone tried adding daytime running lights.
  • jwilberdingjwilberding Member Posts: 25
    the rules vary state by state, but you don't have to register twice. When I moved to California from NY I bought a car in Connecticut and had it shipped after registering in CT. I waited 3 months to register in CA and avoid paying California Taxes. Check with your DMV to avoid any complications.

    RE: #285 price...good job. Dealers don't seem to be budging off sticker here in So Cal. In fact they love to do the after-market adds and beef up the MSRP without making you feel squeezed. For example I have seen many hot cars such as clk430 and s4 with chrome wheels, lojack and paint protection etc. This is just a way for the dealers to justify going above the sticker. They make a ton on the "retail" price for these options and don't look like bad guys.
    epmeehan, did you get the nav system with your car?
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    Only one change. There is no 2002 S4. The S4 is cancelled after 2001. This always happens when new models come out.

    Much as the M3 took a year off when the new 3-series came out, the S4 is disappearing worldwide when the new A4 comes out in Europe, which is 2002. This is what Audi says, at least.

    I'm sure the S4 will return later, but no one knows exactly when.
  • doctornodoctorno Member Posts: 1
    I've got a 2001 Nogaro Blue S4 on order for delivery around first week of September, and I can't wait!! I live in northeastern Massachusetts, above Boston, and am curious about the S4's security system. I live in a moderately quiet area, but don't want my pride and joy walking away on me! Anybody have any problems with their security? Is an aftermarket system, like a clifford, necessary???
  • millhousemillhouse Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone out there been able to drive the new 170hp, 166lb torque 2001 A4?? I live in Pittsburgh, PA and the dealers here have had a few arrive but none that are available to drive. I have driven the 150hp version as my mom has one and my brother just bought a black S4, so I am looking to fit in the middle so to speak. If the gains in hp make a difference and with all the chips available the updated 1.8T might just be the perfect car!! If anyone can offer any insight please let me know. Thanks!!
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    It's the same engine and turbo either way, it just changes how "chipped" it is from the factory. If you want to chip it up anyway, then 150HP is as good a place to start as 170HP.
  • wannabgoodwannabgood Member Posts: 2
    Anyone able to comment on reliable reliability data on S4's., or from their own experience. I am concerned about fuel gauge problems and other posts I hear about the A6 and wondered if the S4 (and perhaps A4 as surrogate) might be better or same? Thanks.
  • lpacanialpacania Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone tested the tiptronic on a S4?
    I'm concered that when using a tip the
    0-60 time will be at least a second slower.

    PS: I didn't have much luck negotiating price on a 2001 S4, the best I got was $1k under MSRP.

    Only had to put $1k deposit down.
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    Although not a second. I tested tip and stick A6 2.7Ts which is similar to a larger-bodied S4 and it loses quite a bit of pep.

    On the A6 2.7T, it is 0-60 in 6 secs with stick, 6.6 with TIP.

    I bought a TIP A6 2.7T anyway, as I didn't feel like shifting for myself in the near future.
  • ferarri11ferarri11 Member Posts: 91
    A4 and S4 doesnt have the fuel gauge problem of the A6 cars, and the 2001 A6s are supposed to be fixed now. A4 and S4 have good reliability, and hte A6 is good also.
  • mikeyf16mikeyf16 Member Posts: 5
    I have fallen in love with audis over the last few months and think I want to go all the way and get an S4. I've seen several used 2000 models for sale in Autotrader.com.

    What is up with the majority of used models on the market being 2000? Is there something wrong with that model year? Does anyone recommend a particular model year for least amount of bugs?

    Any advice on S4s in general?

    Thanks!
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    The majority of used S4s are 2000's because there was no 1999 S4 (or 1998) and there will be no 2002. There was an older 235HP S4 in 1994 or something like that. This was not the same car.

    So, if you go to buy a used S4, 2000 is about all you can expect to find. Note that the S4 is a limited edition car, so the used prices will be a little higher than you might think.
  • unpolireunpolire Member Posts: 7
    There was a post mentioning that the Alcantara interior material was suede. Are you certain of this? "Alcantara cloth", as used in Italian car interiors, looks and feels JUST LIKE suede, but wears better and is less fussy to clean. It is most often used on headliners and seat bolsters for a very rich appearance. Italian yacht interiors also feature the material. Has anyone seen the BACK of the covering (the definitive test: leather or fabric backing...)in an S4 or A6/A8, to know for sure?
  • mikeyf16mikeyf16 Member Posts: 5
    Bollinger - Thanks for the obvious answer to the 2000 model year S4 question

    I've read through this entire board and have a couple of more questions:

    1 - is the 3 yr warranty transferrable to include the 'free' maintenance?

    2 - I live 3 hrs away from the nearest Audi dealer. If I were to have a major problem with a car under warranty (ref the guy with the bad tranny www.audizone.com/info/s4logmain.html) would they be obliged to send me a flatbed truck to take care of it, and give me a loaner during repairs?

    3 - Is there a particular lot of cars that are at a higher risk for the transmission problem? Was there a recall?

    Thanks
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    It gets less likely as the car gets newer. And a swap does fix the problem. I know that isn't a great answer.

    I presume Audi has to flatbed your car, yes. If they don't, AAA will. AAA doesn't cost too much per year.
  • depalmpa1depalmpa1 Member Posts: 3
    I have concerns that the S4 parts/maintenance/repairs will become expensive once production is halted in 2002 and the years thereafter. Anyone have comments on this?
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    German repair parts are already sky high. Most parts are shared with the A4. Other parts are shared with the A6 2.7T. Neither is being discontinued. Beyond that, for any car sold in the US they must make replacement parts available for 15 years.

    So unless you are planning on getting parts at a junkyard, it probably won't effect you.
  • wannabgoodwannabgood Member Posts: 2
    have heard great things about the S4 so went to dealer yesterday to check it out. Seats are like sitting on one of those concrete park benches, only worse since they pinch you thighs. I am about 6'0 and 200 without a lot of "padding" to compensate. No way I could be comfortable in this thing for more than 30 minutes.
  • equalizer1equalizer1 Member Posts: 177
    I have an A4 and thought the same thing before I purchased it. I went to Audiworld and everyone assured me that I would get used to it, and ultimately it would be more comfortable for long trips because of the firmness and lumbar support. Boy were they ever right. I think my seats are the most comfortable seats, especially for long trips (and BTW, I don't have much human padding either)!

    Test drive a Mercedes and then an Audi, and the Audi will feel like a barcalounger. Mercedes makes pew-like seats. I guess the Germans have a similar mentality when it comes to their seats, but it does get better over time. Why don't you go to www.audiworld.com to the S4 forum, and see what they think?

    Good luck!
  • depalmpa1depalmpa1 Member Posts: 3
    Audi actually stated 7 years and not 15 years for keeping parts available....Thanks for the response.
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    Snoozer. 0-60 in like 7.9 or something with the stick. Worse with the auto. Get an Impreza 2.5.
  • zorch1964zorch1964 Member Posts: 1
    BMW does have experience in the AWD area. The 325xi came out a number of years ago. At 225HP and ~500 less lbs than the S4, I have a hard time beleiving the 7.9 0-60 times.

    Where did u find those?
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    Zorch, take a look at the Car & Driver preview of the 330xi, they got numbers from BMW straight. Sadly, I don't have the issue with me, I'll have to recheck tomorrow.

    Previous AWD BMW was 325ix, not 325xi. Also, it used a totally different AWD system. That one wasn't terribly good. This new one is a shrunken version of the X5 AWD, and seems to be good.

    As to the HP & weights, the numbers in the S4 (and A6) lead you to disbelieve the performance. But don't be fooled. A 3800lb A6 2.7T can do 0-60 in 6.0 secs, much less than a 530i.

    Also, BMW's newfound 225HP is a pretty weak 225HP, where as the 250HP in the S4/A6 is a very strong 250HP. BMW's new engine has 225HP (30 more than before), but only 214 ft-lbs torque, which is a whopping 8 more than before. Where as Audi says the S4/A6 2.7T has 258 ft-lbs, and actually has over 270 ft-lbs.

    I'll recheck numbers tomorrow. Stay tuned.
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    BMW says 0-60 in 6.9 seconds with the stick. 7.4 with auto. The other comments I made are still correct.

    BMW's listed weight is 3450-3500lbs for the 330xi, presumably the stick comes in at the low end of the range. Still a porker.
  • jgunn1jgunn1 Member Posts: 1
    I'm also considering buying a S4. I can't see buying a loaded 2.8 when the S4 is just a little more. Any advice? I'm also a little concerned to hear that Audi is discontinuing the S4 in 2002. What's up with that?
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    S4 is a limited edition car, the edition runs out this model year (2001). The M3 disappears for a while at model changover also. Doesn't seem strange to me at all.
  • ramonramon Member Posts: 825
    "BMW's listed weight is 3450-3500lbs for the 330xi,
    presumably the stick comes in at the low end of
    the range. Still a porker."

    I find it ironic as the S4 weighs in at over 3700lbs! I guess that's a jumbo if the bimmer's a porker. =)
  • bollingerbollinger Member Posts: 207
    I don't think you'll find any arguments about that from anyone. However, at 3700lbs the S4 significantly outperforms the 330xi. We're talking 0-60 in 5.9 secs versus 6.9.
This discussion has been closed.