Been following the forum for a few months, unsure if S4 is for me.

Been doing the Japanese car thing for 17 years (scheisse, that long?), unbelievably low number of repairs. Acura Integra at 120K, never a prob (except clutch at 85K). Completely spoiled.

Local Audi dealership sux (thanks VandyS4, FruTPants), but required to service in town (can't drive 2 hours to Knoxville from Nashville for routine maintenance, not a student). After 50K, would take to non-dealership, but that's 2-3 years down the road.

I love to drive very fast (but not like I used to). I know I've seen similar posts asking for advice on the S4, but I need to hear (honest) cons again. It seems that most replies to questions like this are 'pro' S4, but I'd like to hear a summary of complaints.

There aren't any comparably equipped cars from any other manufacturer (4 doors, AWD, 300+ HP, MT). Should I sacrifice no maintenance for performance?

 

Biggest con is probably the gas mileage, but most of us feel that it is more than justified by the pleasure you get while burning through the gas.

Just like anything else, it is an awesome car unless you have problems with it which some have had. I think most of us have had very few problems and have been VERY happy with the car.

 

Twice. Unfortunately, with the 6'4" 230# salesman in the passenger seat both times.

 

Is that 30% tint on your Moro blue S4, HL?

 

I had the Accord for a little over a year and had to have the rotors replaced/refinished three times. The driver seat had about 1/2" of slop in it so when I applied the brakes it slid forward. The driver window switch was replaced twice (it would auto-down when the window reached the top). Minor stuff, but it illustrates the fact that you can run into problems with even the most "reliable" cars. I have had no problems in 6 months with my S4. My dad has a B6 A4, BTW, and his has been trouble-free for nearly two years.

 

are overridden significantly by the joys.

Backseat room is poor but I come fromm an A6. Coming from an Integra, this probably won't be a complaint for you.

Gas mileage. Although it's a complaint, It's akin to complaining about wanting to play with my favorite toy without paying for it.

I've had several problems with mine but I'm still extremely happy to have it. The 2005 MY should give you far fewer problems than I've had.

 

If you have 2nd thoughs probably the car is not for you, not only this, I'd say any car. Please don't get me wrong here, I'm not even trying to make a judgment. :-)

Complains, very few people actually complains and more than complains, are more like "would be nice to have" kind of things (rear space, gas mileage, etc), and usually the one that complains too much, ends up selling the car.

My suggestion is just fall in love for the car that you really like, the one that gives you the most reward and has the best balance in terms of what you feel is the best bang for the buck. In my case, the new Acura it might be better car that the S4, but I'm sorry I don't find it nice. On my previous car, and 04 A4, I felft that it was too expensive for the car itself (specially after lookig at the equipment of the TL)

In any case, remember that is always what you fell more confortable with, lucky enough, most of the problems that may people had, were covered by warranty (aside the PITA of not driving your car), personally, ZERO issues with either the A4 or the S4 now. (well minor stuff like cup holder locking or a wiper swap, but that's it)

In my case I ALWAYS wanted the S4 and fall for the A4 initially just because I couldn't afford the S4 at that time, sure enough, I still like it and worked my financial way. If problems start to arise and I get dissapointed, I'll get rid of the car for sure.

Like you, I'd gone through quite a few cars and probably the best was a Totoya 70's chassis that is still kicking butts somewhere in South America and a Honda Civic here. Honda is still pressent on the garage (for wifie) with clear instructions, just add gas, check tire pressure and change oil from time to time. And Audi, well What can I say?, I'm a repeat buyer.

 

If he won't let you play, find another salesman!

 

other than that smooth sailing.

 

I have just sold an ML55 AMG and currently have a Honda Odyssey, Ford SVT Contour and the 04 S4 cabriolet.

My only wishes are the following...
1. Better gas mileage. The price to pay with a big V8 and a leadfoot, but my 5.5L Benz got better mileage with an automatic slushbox.

2. Large screen navigation system in dash linked to rear camera for backing up. The big rear end of the car always makes me anxious when backing into somewhere. I have only had the car a few months, so maybe it will pass. The optional navigation system offered in these is pretty pitiful compared to other high end cars.

3. Depreciation. You get this with any car, but moreso when the manufacturer changes body styles so quickly as well as model year designations. MY04 S4 convertibles were avail in April and the 05s came out in August! I noted prior to purchase that BMW M3s held their value better than S4s but went for the S4 for the AWD and it is more unique. Everyone has an M3.

Other than that, I love the car. I sold my 'winter' car, the ML55 AMG and my 'summer' car, a Porsche Boxster S to buy this all year car.

Good luck with your decision!

John 04 S4 cabrio