I have always loved those cars and of course love my S, but I'm not sure if I am going to be able to live with it for DD duties, and having a second car isn't an option (i'm a 19 yr old student). I'm wondering if anyone knows about the 2000 and 2001 s4's I know I heard the 2000's might have some turbo problem, also are these cars going to require alot of maintance in the higher mileage (85k+), because if I got one it would have high miles.. I had a 96 bmw 328is and couldn't keep it because it needed so much all the time, I am wondering if this is how the s4's are? Thanks guys..

 

There have been a few posts here on it, you might search or go to Audiworld.

The long story short, bad:
- Most Audis aren't too reliable on average.
- These cars have turbo problems in general, and it gets bad when they're chipped.
- 2000s are worst, but '01s and '02s aren't meaningfully better.
- They are heavy.

Good:
- They respond exceptionally well to mods, without losing daily drivability or luxury.
- Rock solid stability wet or dry, great highway cars.
- With brake upgrades they are decent at the track.

I really like mine, but I generally don't recommend them for reliability reasons. If you do get one, get yourself a short-shift kit, it's the only no-regrets mod I've ever done to any car.

 

I just got rid of mine for my 04 S2000. It was a wonderful car - when it ran.

Now, mine was very, VERY far from stock. It already had the big turbos on it, clever GIAC software, a big fancy dual exhaust, and lots of AWE Tuning go-fast kit on it. 319hp to the ground on an all wheel drive dyno.

RamVA is correct in stating that it's a fabulous highway car. Wonderful seats, wonderful interior, great cruise control (trust me, if you've been driving Hondas for years and get in an Audi, you'll notice this). Beautiful to look at. Paint so thick you could practically stick your hand through it.

Next to impossible to work on. Many jobs are frighteningly expensive and involve removing the entire front of the car (bumper, radiator, core support, etc). The turbo fix requires the removal of the entire motor altogether. Estimates for both a clutch and a timing belt were in the $1500 range from an independent Audi specialist.

They all need replacement control arms eventually, and if memory serves, there's four of them per side up front. The suspension geometry is pretty contrived to look at it.

Even modified, mine didn't turn real well. The motor is entirely ahead of the front axles, so weight distribution is very poor.

Once properly modified, you won't find a faster, more capable luxury sports sedan. Just go in knowing that they can be tempermental.

 

Nice car but big money to maintain. krshultz is right-on about the engine placement. The B5 S4 was stuffed enough up front; It's crazy to think the current S4 has a DOHC 4.2 V8 *AHEAD* of the front wheels.

 

don't do it..reliable is not in the Audi dictionary...I have owned 3...nightmares....

 

Thanks for the responses, I think I'll stay away from them even though they seem like awesome cars, anyone have any experiences with WRX's particularly 04's and 05's, that may be my next choice, and probable keep it mostly stock, for money reasons..

 

Like said up previous post. Do not get it chipped. Even if you don't you should replace bypass valves from the TT that uses the K04s. I found aftermarket valves also leaked. Other numatic hoses will go bad. If you buy one make a leak tester. If you have a air compressor you are 1/4 way there. You will need some parts from home depot and about 15mins. The instuctions are on audiworld. This will save you time and $$$. WV are really cracked down on warranty work. They use to look the other way even if you have heavy mods but those days are over. Fun car, just keep it stock. I loved the way it reved and was solid but defective in many minor ways.

Sam

 

How are you a 19 year old student and able to afford all this? Tell me so I can get a piece of the pie

 

I'm just paying payments, got the s2000 for $21k used and am paying it off, my most expensive car so far, but am thinking of getting maybe a wrx for 16-17k and saving a little and can carry more people.. though i love driving the S.. i'm kinda confused.. i don't love the looks of the wrx, but love the power, space, and awd... i love the looks of the s4, but i think i need something more reliable and cheap to maintain (i'm assuming the wrx is more reliable because it is japanese. not german)

 

Switching to k04 turbos (from the factory k03s) saves a lot of reliability headaches. But it's an *expensive* job that is not for the faint of heart...see again about removing the entire motor. While you're in there, do RS4 inlet pipes, fix some of the oil routing bugs, and maybe do an RS4 clutch too. The motor's out after all...

My S4 had k04s and it was startlingly fast in a straight line. But a racer buddy said it best - it was like dating a really hot, high maintenance girl. Once in a while, it's great - but long term, you'll hate yourself for it.

A stock, or close to stock, WRX seems like a good choice. Just be nice to the clutch and the trans on hard launches and IMHO, you'll have a nice reliable car that's fun to drive for years.