Used Audi S4 vs. WRX
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,122
From: Rockford, IL
Car Info: 98 RS
Used Audi S4 vs. WRX
I am looking into purchasing a used S4 probably like a 2000. I was wondering what you guys thought about this car and how it holds up to a WRX. Also what are some tuners that produce products for it.
Thanks
Thanks
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 52
From: San Pedro
Car Info: 2004 STI
Mods for big horsepower cost alot of money (alot)on the S4.
The two cars should not even be compared as they are in totally different classes. S4 is alot of luxury and quite piggy on the scale.The subaru is cheap and flimsy but costs less, will run three times as long a the audi and never break down.The Audi you will work on just to keep it running. the turbos fail premature and turbo work requires engine removal.
The two cars should not even be compared as they are in totally different classes. S4 is alot of luxury and quite piggy on the scale.The subaru is cheap and flimsy but costs less, will run three times as long a the audi and never break down.The Audi you will work on just to keep it running. the turbos fail premature and turbo work requires engine removal.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 361
From: ghettos of malibu, yo
from what I have heard the reliability of the s4 isn't that bad, aside from the turbo's failing, especially after a chipped ECU. Upgraded turbo's would solve that but your looking at more money right away. It's definitely heavier, but it's set up in a way that its comparable the WRX, if not a bit more sluggish in handling. IMO, though, its a sweet car. I know three people who have the 2.7tt with nearly zero issues (and none with failed turbo's actually).
So if you do end up with the s4, look into APR (www.goAPR.com) for the best Audi tuning.
Also check out www.s-cars.org for more info and lots more tuning options.
So if you do end up with the s4, look into APR (www.goAPR.com) for the best Audi tuning.
Also check out www.s-cars.org for more info and lots more tuning options.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,801
From: my home is Portland but I'm @ School in Seattle
Car Info: 1998 Subaru Legacy L 5-speed
The S4 is a great car and can pull some great numbers but as a car to own and tune I'd pick the WRX any day of the week simply for reliablity, tunability and most importantly affordability. Now dont get me wrong I love the S4 and I think you'll be happy with either car.
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 599
From: Fremont, CA
Car Info: was 05 WRX Wagon
I owned an A4 1.8T Quattro and a friend still has a 2001 S4. We both tuned our cars through APR (www.goapr.com) The reason I recommend them is that they actually run different maps (91 and 93 octane), depending on where you live. Others did not offer this. Audis are great cars, they are definitely more luxury than sport (S4 weighs almost 3700 lbs).
If you are really convinced on getting an S4, SAVE SOME MONEY FOR MISC. REPAIRS. My Audi had little things go wrong w/ it (windshield sprayer pump, stereo, LCD display, secondary air valve) and my friend's S4 also experienced some gremlins (his check engine light is currently on and is running on valet mode at the moment). Luckily, all our repairs have been covered under warranty. I sold my car because I didn't want to have to pay for all the parts and repairs after the warranty expired at 75K miles.
If you are really convinced on getting an S4, SAVE SOME MONEY FOR MISC. REPAIRS. My Audi had little things go wrong w/ it (windshield sprayer pump, stereo, LCD display, secondary air valve) and my friend's S4 also experienced some gremlins (his check engine light is currently on and is running on valet mode at the moment). Luckily, all our repairs have been covered under warranty. I sold my car because I didn't want to have to pay for all the parts and repairs after the warranty expired at 75K miles.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 570
From: Nor Cal
Car Info: 2010 370z Roadster, 2008 Frontier CrewCab
As others have mentioned a used S4 could be trouble as it may have been chipped by the previous owner. I know someone who bought a used one and had problems (parts are expensive!).
I know it's tempting because I seen a bunch of them advertised recently (presumably just off lease - it's that time of year).
I know it's tempting because I seen a bunch of them advertised recently (presumably just off lease - it's that time of year).
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,801
From: my home is Portland but I'm @ School in Seattle
Car Info: 1998 Subaru Legacy L 5-speed
it is very true that Audi's have their little problems and plenty of them but it is also important to note that my friends 1991 Audi 200 Turbo (urs4 drivetrain in a larger body) lasted 310,000 miles and was in remarkable shape till the end. Fact of the matter is it is only out of commision because of a crash and that the remains have been purchased and it may still be rebuilt, if nothing else the engine will live on. My point being that while audi's may not be reliable, they are durable and very respectable.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,122
From: Rockford, IL
Car Info: 98 RS
Thanks for the info guys. Right now i am in college and am just trying to figure out what car i am going to buy when i get out. S4 maybe, but there is always the thought in the back of my mind to get a RS and just do the 2.2L turbo block with Ej20 heads...etc hm
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The turbo failure is more common with chipped S4's than non-chipped one. Common sense. The good news about that is save up a little after you would get it and put in K04's 
. Though dont live on the fear of when they will go cause chances are they may not. Having driven both, the S4 more frequently which has a AMS ECU and Neuspeed G2 exhaust. The noticable difference is in the interior, the S4 yes is more luxury. I have noticed that there is much more road noise in the WRX than the Audi. With the WRX you can get the new body style with a warranty for the same price, so a much newer car. the audi's do have a two-year free add-on warranty if you get the car from the dealer.
I am in the exact same situation as you are. I am looking to either Audi or Subie on a college budget. I previously had an Audi as posted by whitelegacy98 with 310,000 miles. Very Reliable, Durable. As fair as maintainance every car needs it.
. Though dont live on the fear of when they will go cause chances are they may not. Having driven both, the S4 more frequently which has a AMS ECU and Neuspeed G2 exhaust. The noticable difference is in the interior, the S4 yes is more luxury. I have noticed that there is much more road noise in the WRX than the Audi. With the WRX you can get the new body style with a warranty for the same price, so a much newer car. the audi's do have a two-year free add-on warranty if you get the car from the dealer. I am in the exact same situation as you are. I am looking to either Audi or Subie on a college budget. I previously had an Audi as posted by whitelegacy98 with 310,000 miles. Very Reliable, Durable. As fair as maintainance every car needs it.
Last edited by iseerings; Feb 17, 2004 at 05:00 PM.
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