Christian Gordon

Hello Audi World, thanks for taking the time to read this. I'm going to be purchasing another vehicle before the next winter here in Michigan and I have my heart and mind almost completely set on an Audi product. 2 specifically being. 2005 S4 Cabriolets and 2005+ A8L's. But I'll start here with my S4 questions. I've been lurking here and Audizine for a while so Im aware of common problems and such. My questions mainly pertain to ride quality and driving experience. The cars in my budget have about 120k miles and I'll be looking for automatics (I know manuals are more fun but the Tips gearing returns better MPG). Now to my questions:

1: How is the ride quality with the stock suspension over rough roads? Is it a lot of bang and rattle like most sports cars or is it more on the firm but comfortable side?

2: Has anyone had iasues with the power top? I've read nothing about them develping problems but just curious as this would also be my 1st convertible.(Another reason I want one) Can the top be operated while the car is in motion?

3. How's the MPG for most of you? I'm guessing mid to low teens in the city and low 20's on the highway?

I have a bad track record with cars and really want to make a well informed purchase this time and actually keep my next car for 3-5 years at least. Thanks in advance for all reponses.

lawguy

I'm 10 months into the purchase of my 2005 s4 cabriolet. Automatic - which is great. 65k miles.

My first convertible and I love it.

No issues with the top so far.

Ride is a bit firmer than some of the sedans I've owned, but I don't think it too stiff or harsh.

The 4.2 v8 seems very solid, and with the Quattro AWD, it's very responsive and versatile. I drive it 12 mos a year in the Midwest without issue.

Nothing but good experience here.

Christian Gordon

Thank you for that lawguy. And congratulations finding a 11 year old car with only 65k miles! Talk about unicorns... I got a lot of reaponses on the A8 board so far too. I think my final purchase decision will be based on test drives. I really like having a car thats rarely seen, I see at least 1 D3 A8 around here and a few A6's. I dont think I've seen a single 1 b6 S4. I saw 1 B7 A4 2.0T. And was pleasently surprised by how substantially large the car looked. (These cars look very small, like Mazda Miata sized in pictures to me).

lawguy

It only had 52k as a 10 year old car when I bought it. It was quite a find.

Good luck in your search. You're looking at two very different cars, for sure.

This was my first foray into the audi brand. Had several Bimmers and Benz's. I'm very pleased.

rynpllck

So I don't have a cabrio, but have driven one and they're only slightly piggier. In my S4 I get anywhere from 15-20, but 20 is the highest I've recorded. IMO if your looking for a good ride and an automatic I'd go with the A8L. It is a whole other level of vehicle/luxury. I think the S4 will be a little bit more fun to drive, but the automatic kind of kills the experience a little. BTW the b6 is much larger than the Miata, B7 is the same chasis with new body panels basically.

two90s

Don't overlook the 05 A6 S-Line with the 4.2l V8. I have one, and I consider it to be highly underrated. However, it has the same issues as any +100,000 mile V8 Audi engine with plastic chain guides.