98 - 2001 s4

[1998FTW]

Hey people,

I've been driving a 1998 1.9 tdi passat now for the past year and couldn't be happier with it. But the temptation to get myself something faster is rapidly growing. I've been looking at s4s and its safe to say i want one at some point in the future. So i've just got some questions to ask if any s4 drivers are around.

First question is what mileage these things are good for. Im seeing them varying from anywhere between 60k to 130k. I've heard nothing but good things about the quality of of these cars and was wondering how this would be effected. Ive noticed most german cars from around this time the build quality is excellent.

Second questions. Whats the ride quality like on these things and how does it handle going round corners. The main this is what its like to drive.

Thirdly Im aware of some of the problems like the throttle body boot, the seats, and the breaks but is there anything else i would worry about. Would it be better replacing some components like the ttb straight away.

Finally will it make me grin like a manic when i put the foot down.

Basically im asking this becuase i would not be willing to change to any other car from my current one becuase it does everything i want except the fun part.

Thanks for any help. Thought i would get some advice from people who drive these things everyday.

[adamss24]

The s4 will fulfill all your expectation but it will be a bitch to service and maintain...why dont you go for the 180 Bhp a4 2.5 tdi quattro or the new 3 litre tdi quattro ? Each will do all the s4 can and still return 40 miles to the gallon !

[norchip.co.uk]

S4 can be an awesome tool. I had mine for a year amd got around 350bhp out of it.

I sold it because I got fed up putting fuel into the thing. It seemed like every time I turned the key it was empty.

They will do huge miles the only weak point it the turbos, although they can easy rack up the miles if looked after.

You will find every aspect every bit as good as your Passat but most thing are better. I do feel the fuel will really hurt you changing from a 1.9 diesel.

Normal driving I got around 200miles for £50 of fuel. If I booted it I could empty the tank a lot quicker. the wife driving she could get this upto 260miles for £50 of fuel.

[1998FTW]

The fuel is probably the main thing at the moment thats holding me back. getting 60mpg out of my car is quite possible, if boring :P. Damn the practicalities, damn them all to hell. :P

But then again your not buying a car like this becuase of practical needs :P.

[S4SIMON]

My S4 is a great machine. Quick, practical and subtle. It loves to out accelerate TTs and cruises solidly and quietly at higher speeds than any other car I have owned. The V6 makes a nice burble and the interior is well appointed, well laid out and put together as you'd expect. Build quality is spot on. Seats good, stereo rich and powerful, climate, cruise etc etc all present on most examples. Looks are aggressive but half the poeple that see it assume it's a standard A4 - until you leave them in your dust of course. Little touches of carbon fibre, 6 speed box, armrest...the usual refinements make a classy overall package.

Economy comes down to how much you decide to plant your foot - Audi quote about 25 combined and I am seeing this on a mix of urban and A road driving. The new 3.0 Diesel Quattros return about 37 combined I think, so it's not as huge a difference as you might think...

Cornering could be a little flatter, but compared to my FWD SAAB 9-3 Aero it's a different class entirely. You can easily uprate the shocks and the car is eminently tunable - see Norchip's posts for more advice on this. You can also restyle subtly if this floats your boat. I find mine a good drive overall, taut, accurate, predictable. Just don't let it convince you you're Schumacher as I have done once or twice...

As someone quite rightly said, this is a case of head vs heart. A 3.0 QD will take a second longer to get to 60 and tops out at 150-ish, rather than being limited to 155 like the B5 S4. It will have a massive lump of torque in the rev range somewhere, but not having driven one I can't comment. I would say however that the B5 S4 will almost certainly be more exciting, dynamic and 'cool' - if such things are important to you. I have seen one (yes 1) B5 S4 in the last two months - rarity value is excellent.

Mine has covered 70k on a late X plate and it's rock solid. Find a good one and you won't be pouring money into a bottomless pit as they are not prone to serious failure. Find a good specialist garage and it will run and run - you only need to see how many examples there are floating round now with 100k plus on, still commanding top prices!

So, if you want a street sleeper that sets you apart from the crowd without shouting about it, go for the S4 every time.

[1998FTW]

Another Question. What would it be capable of without the limiter?

Thing is i dont mind the slight loss of cornering if it means an ok ride quality.


Ooo the temptation.

[Mike Allen]

The main this is what its like to drive.


Quite simply its awesome, it will put a a smile on your face every time you drive it. Once behind the wheel, you forget all about fuel consumption and other mundane things. They corner like they are on rails.

Mine has had a few renewals and mods, but i have left the suspension well alone, mainly because of speed humps and the appalling state of Devons roads. I have previously lowered suspension on A4s, but found that you lose more than you gain, great if you drive on flat racetracks, but for real life i find the original Audi sports suspension to be the best compromise.

As others have said mileage is not a problem, if i was looking to buy one for short term ownership, then i would go for a high mileage example with an Audi s/h. They can be bought for around 5k, just get in and have some fun. On the other hand if you intend keepimg for a long time, then seek out a good low mileage one, and be prepared to spend a few bob on it.


Mike.

[1998FTW]

I drive to work mainly on back roads and there is always a new pot hole. seriously you pay fortune to the goverment for the running of a car and see jack **** in return for it.

[norchip.co.uk]

Got to agree with the points above. Smile every time you put your foot down. they go and sound great. Even in the town you can run in 6th gear the engine is so flexible.

Could corner flatter yes, but if you have the bottle ( I am not insinuating you don't ) and just keep your foot to the floor it pulls itself out of any corner. Well almost but you know what I am saying.

I had a wee go with a type r scooby in the corners my car was a bit of a mess ( sliding about ) I looked in my mirror to find him in the same state, so if you want they really can hold there own with more agile cars.