Upgrading to S4 - Anything to be aware of

[lozzermo]

Morning!
I have the opportunity to upgrade to an S4 from my S-Line 143 Multitronic. Anything I should be aware of/look out for?

Car has been in the showroom for a few weeks and there are some surface scratches etc but the sales guy said they should come out when they prep the car. Offer is pretty good indeed! Test drove one for 1/2 hour yesterday and although impressed, I could not help thinking that nowdays having a car with this kind of performance is a bit of a waste. You either go bankrupt running it or plod come and ruin the day. Descisions decisions. So, Any S4 drivers out there with advice/experience?

Ta!

S4 Spec
Brilliant Black paint
S-Tronic
Black Super Sports Seats
Silver Headlining
Carbon Atlas Trim
19" 5 Segment Spoke Alloys
Drive Select
Dynamic Steering
Damper Control
Sports Diff
Sound Package
Technology Pack High
Std Bluetooth
Heated Front & Rear Seats
Convenience Pack
Tyre Pressure Ind
Advanced Key
Leather Armrests
Adaptive Lights

[Issac Hunt]

I reckon the HUGE increase in your mpg will be the main thing to think/worry aboout....

[Big Bird]

Yep, one extreme to another!!!

I considered an S4 but was put off by the mpg- high teens on a 30 mile mixed test drive put the nails in the coffin for me. Went for a 2.0 quattro instead, and for real world day to day driving, it isnt much off the s4 pace (but lacking the noise!!!).

Is a 30 minute drive on a test anywhere enough to decide? I'd say no......

[robtt09]

Agree fuel consumption is an issue . I got mid teens (15mpg on readout)on test run and that was not giving it rock all.That is why I got 3.00tdi near enough same go but with 30plus mpg.But if you do not do a lot of miles and you screw them down to a fabulous deal go for it.You only live once and the performance is addictive

[bruboy]

I've had my s4 for 3 months and am thoroughly enjoying it. The performance is pretty outrageous when you push it hard - obviously it will depend on what kind of journeys you make or who might be in the car with you as to how much opportunity you'll get to make the most of it... It does cuise effortlessly and quietly when driven normally - no diesel clatter thank you. The full drive select package makes a big difference to the handling so your options are well matched to the car.

Obviously this isn't the car for you if you're overly worried about fuel consumption. I'm averaging 22mpg over my first 3k miles. You'll be able to achieve single figures if you're driving 'enthusiastically' on back roads. The best I've seen is a bit over 30mpg when crusing around 75mph.

Make sure you also factor in any increased costs of tax, servicing, tyres & insurance.

I'd certainly suggest you take it for another test drive before pulling the trigger - 30 mins of driving before you buy a £40k car sounds a little brave. It will only confirm that you want to buy it though!!

The only issue with the S4 that I'm aware of concerns the water pump - until recently they were fitted with a plastic case that had a fairly high failure rate - check if your potential purchase has a newer metal one instead.

BB

[steve1234]

I have made the same change - from a 2.0tdi S-Line to and S4 (but mine's an Avant). Obviously it's a fantastic car and a massive improvement as it should be but going from 45mpg to 25mpg is tough.... It's the reduced overall range that is most annoying with far more boring trips to the fuel pumps.

Think very carefully about how you use it and if the extra cost (and your time at the petrol stations!!) is worth the lovely noise and occasional bit of fun driving around the lanes?? As the earlier poster has suggested, how about a 2.0T - I had a 2.0T quattro S-Tronic A5 Cab on loan for about 6 months and it is a great car, quick and economical - a certain improvement over a 2.0TDi but without the pain!!!!

[lozzermo]

Thanks all. A few things to think about. I guess I got a bit carried away, but then common sense kicks in. I'll have a look at the 2.0 t and the 3.0d.

L

[Geordie Amanda]

Can I just add that you will luuurve the Sports Diff. It really does do something. You sort of just welly the car and hang on, it’s great fun :)

I had a test drive in one before I bought my diesel and if I could have afforded to run it I would definitely have gone for one. It had better seats than the S Line too, I didn’t rattle about half as much

[A1287210]

Insurance......:aargh4:

[troc]

I'm averaging 22.7 mpg after 6000 miles :)

Plus a lot of grins.

:)

[lozzermo]

Oddly enough I did a couple of online quotes and the S4 came out £60.00 more than my current car. Must be getting old!!!