i saw a yellow S4 last night for 41K, and that was sticker, i'm sure you could talk it down (automatic though)...

 

That would still make it just over 28% more than what you can pick up an IS for...

 

Lexus was very smart in that they put the IS300 in showrooms in 7/00, well ahead of the new 330i and C class. They were actually selling pretty well for the first 2 or 3 months -but I guess you might expect that for all new cars- despite @ sticker price (35K).

At about the same time period, the MY2000 S4 was selling at below invoice for as low as 35K (at least in my region). Audi dealers seemed almost desperate to get rid of them.
I believe that has to do w/ the widely reported engine and transmission problems.

CLS was selling at near invoice (32K?) pretty much from the get-go bacause it is so fugly.

 

The current issue of Road & Trackhas a comparo shoot out between the IS300 and Volvo S60 T5, BMW 330i and Mercedes C320. Lo and behold, the Lexus won. Curious, me thinks, what with all the aforementioned promotion.

 

Are they by any chance still selling the S4 for that, or near that, price? If so, I am getting me an S4.

 

PsycoBen

What widely reported engine and transmission problems on the S4?

 

It seems a few too many S4s are suffering turbo failures and problems regarding the bypass valve and some whole transmissions have been replaced under warranty (synchro problems). I was looking at buying one but Audi has recently taken a very harsh stand against any modifications. I personally have seen a letter from Audi of America where they were saying that owners should not even change tire brands from OEM let alone chip the car.