schnieds

Ok, I am about to become an Audi S4 owner, but need to choose between two awesome options. I can't decide on which one to pull the trigger on. One is loaded with 50k miles and a lower price. The other is basically brand new with 17k miles, but less options and a higher price tag. Which one would you choose and why? Is it worth it to pay $5,700 for a year newer S1 with 32k less miles?

Option 1 - $25,200 total price

2010 Audi S4 Quatro s-tronic 7 speed automatic
Mileage: 49,423
3 owners, regular maintenance, clean carfax, tires in good condition
Excellent, like new condition

Options:
- PRESTIGE PKG
- AUDI DRIVE SELECT PKG
- BANG & OLUFSEN PREMIUM 14-SPEAKER WITH 10-CHANNEL AMP 505 WATT STEREO SYSTEM
- NAVIGATION SYSTEM
- START/STOP KEYLESS PUSH BUTTON ON CONSOLE
- ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION DAMPENING SYSTEM
- AUDI DRIVE SELECT CONTROLS
- DYNAMIC STEERING SYSTEM
- SPORTS REAR DIFFERENTIAL
- PHANTOM BLACK PEARL
- BLACK/RED SILK NAPPA LEATHER 8-WAY POWER SPORT SEATS
- 19" 5 TRI-SPOKE PREMIUM ALLOY WHEELS

Option 2 - $31,000 total price

2011 Audi S4 Quatro s-tronic 7 speed automatic
Mileage: 17,240
1 owners, 15, 25, 35 & 45k maintenance already completed, clean carfax, tires brand new
Brand new condition

Options:
- NAVIGATION SYSTEM
- SPORTS REAR DIFFERENTIAL
- BLACK/TAN SILK NAPPA LEATHER 8-WAY POWER SPORT SEATS
- 19" 5 TRI-SPOKE PREMIUM ALLOY WHEELS

DrGP

That's a tough call. I assume the 2011 does not have the B&O radio? My 2010 did not have the B&O but the standard radio was just fine for my tin ear. Others will tell you the B&O is a must have. 2010 has all the bells and whistles, but the mileage is definitely an issue. Not because it is too high, but because the 2011 has really low mileage. If the 2011 could be CPO'd I would have to go that way. BTW, does exterior color come in to play? How long do you expect to keep the car? Neither is a bad choice. You need to decide what is more important to you. Mileage or options? BTW, I currently have a 2011 Phantom/Magma S4 that I purchased in May of 2014 with 49K miles. Now with 72k. I have had no issues other than normal wear and tear items. (Battery, Brakes, Rotors, Tires)

schnieds

Thanks @DrGP.

No B&O in the 2011. I am not an audiophile though, so the B&O would be a nice to have but not essential for me.

2011 is ICE SILVER METALLIC, 2010 is PHANTOM BLACK PEARL EFFECT. I prefer the silver.

I am leaning towards spending the extra money on the 2011. It has new tires, spark plugs and shouldn't need any maintenance money put into it for a while. I am concerned that I will save money on purchasing the 2010, but then immediately put $800 into the 55k maintenance, $1k in tires and possibly brakes / water pump from what I have read about S4s.

jordonb

Personally, i would go with the 2010. I would hate knowing that i am missing so many options... plus phantom on magma is lit.
These cars are quite reliable. 50k is not much.

DrGP

It's definitely a quandary. No wrong answer either. Silver will not show the dirt. Black is a PIA t keep clean but the Phantom /Magma combo looks great. Are dealers FIRM on their price or is there room to negotiate? Have you searched on Autotrader.com and cars .com to see if there are any other alternatives? BTW, there are ways to up grade the radio if you want.