They should just change the mute button to a power button. I use it all the time as well but like Chadwick says, it doesn't stay muted through the ignition cycle. And the anal side of me would rather turn the thing off instead of just cutting the volume anyway .

ron

 

Isn't it a bad idea to leave your radio on all the time

I thought that the curent can corrode the battey terminlas over time.

 

A power on/off could replace the mute button. the effect would be the same and easier on the car.

And with regards to the DSC, I should clarify. It would need an on/off switch for sure. I have no issues with the handling, but for many, in inclement weather, the rear end seems to get away from them. Running the DSC helps in such conditions, but should be able to be disengaged when you want spirited driving.

And Kyle makes a good point, more color choices would be nice. I have lusted after Monte Carlo blue.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PrimoAP1
Isn't it a bad idea to leave your radio on all the time

 

Then you're a good one to ask. I am considering dumping my '00 Audi S4 and buying an '04 S2000 w/ hardtop (and snow tires for winter) for use as my daily driver. Since you've owned an S4 (presumably the same generation), what do you think? Did you like your S4? Do you miss the torque? What made you get rid of the S4?

I have no kids (about 3 years away) and I live in the mid-Atlantic area.

Thanks.

 

The S4 is a great car. Especially if you live in an area where you get bad weather. The speed is amazing, and I think Audi puts together some of the best interiors around.

My reason for selling stems from subjective aesthetics. I thought it was boring to look at. I got tired of seeing something that looked like a regular ole 4-door sedan. For others, it would not be an issue, but I grew tired of it quickly.

The car is spacious, fast, incredibly modifiable. And it's almost unfair to compare it to the S2000. They are two very different cars.

The S2000 wins for me because the weather never gets too nasty up here in Northern California. I wanted a convertible. And I really wanted a drivers car. And a 2-seater wasn't an issue because I have a 4WD SUV and no varmints. Plus, you can't beat the price.

For someone else the S4 would be a dream machine. You can modify it out the wazoo to make it crazy fast. Spacious interior and trunk. Great attention to detail on interior materials. It's AWD and a blast to drive.

So really, it boils down to individual needs.

For me, the best fit so far has been the S2k.

 

I would include on my list a larger gas tank for a longer driving range, remote door lock for passenger door located on drivers door, one touch down both windows, a better stereo( maybe just 2 more speakers for the channels that are not being used)...i agree on the guages, no complaints, but i agree they would be very cool to have, stealing the dash from a NSX would be fine. I can do without the traction control, a few inches more interior room would also be nice(for the passengers).

I have no complaints other than the stereo sucks, and for over 30,000 you would think there would be a decent stereo, especially since being a convertible there is lots of outside noise in the cabin and they do include 2 extra channels on the stereo!

 

fantastic car BUT what is with those visors? I'm 6' 1" and if I use them to block sunlight glare I have to hunch down to see the stop/go light at intersections. My VW GTI is far better (and it even has a little center visor behind the rear view mirror) and even our late deceased and donated to charity Ford Taurus had a clever swinging visor.
it is the only desing flaw complaint of note I have for an otherwise great car

 

Good point will. It has been overcast lately and even when the sun is out I wear my sunglasses. But on the occasions I have had to use a visor, I feel as you do, they suck.

 

Great to hear that you're enjoying your new car! My car's got 87.000km on it, 30.000 of which were mine. 3000km on the track so far, with NO maintenance problems aside from brake pads and tyres.

However, I kinda disagree with some of the points you'd like changed. I think they will turn the car more into a modern heavy mainstream car like the BMW Z4 instead of the raw rare sportscar that distinguishes it from the rest of the crowd. Right now it's closer to an Elise / Vauxhall VX220 / Caterham Super7 / etc. than say an SLK or a TT roadster.

1) Radio - yeah more controls would be nice, but I hardly ever listen to the sound system. The engine's more exciting anyway!

2) Auto headlights - no biggie, but a more convenient cockpit dimming system would be nice, a la BMW

3) Cupholders - we don't need no stinkin' cupholders! But it's really in the wrong spot, gets in the way of shifting.

4) Analogue gauges - I kinda like the screamin' rainbow tach and digital speedo, although more gauges like oil temp would be nice. Starter button's another cool bit that adds a bit of uniqueness, especially when other people try starting it! I love turning the ignition key and seeing the rainbow light up during its test routine!

5) On board computer - I missed the computer from my past M3 but after awhile, I realised it's no big deal. The clean dashboard environment with closed radio just looks neat. It's just you and the controls you need to have a good time. No clock on my car, either! The seating position and relative tightness of the cockpit adds to the sporting feel. Snicking through gears is such a joy, too. Look at the Merc SL, every luxury you could want, air springs, but it just doesn't give that fun to drive feeling at all.

6) Radio - true, would be nice to control the entire radio from just the buttons on the side.

7) Auto dimming mirror - nice but no biggie. Rain-sensing wipers? Heated steering wheel? Massaging backrest? Again, this kind of stuff moves the car more into "mainstream" and less "hardcore."

8) Keyless remote - operating the windows or top would be a nice feature

9) Design - I like the modern elements on the car which give it an aggressive stance (headlamps) but the design still embodies most of the traditional roadster cues from the past: long sleek hood, short rear. Looks like the air flows smoothly and uninterruptedly over the car. Compare the BMW Z8 vs the Z4, which design will stand the test of time better?

10) DSC - no thanks, look at the M3 CSL with its separate Sport mode. Why isn't the car always in Sport mode? I had navigation in the Bimmer and it was annoying to always have to confirm I agreed with the safety notices before using it. It'd be the same with the DSC button. Look at Porsche: the 911 and Turbo have PSM, but the GT2 and GT3 don't. DSC could be useful in reducing insurance premiums though....

What I don't like about the car are those fake brake ducts. Come on! An adjustible headrest would be nice. Ventilation system isn't perfect; I tend to get too hot in some areas and too cold in others. Honda $tealers have no experience working on this car.....

But isn't that gearshift just great though? My beater Nissan Sunny's feels like a truck compared to it.

Happy revving
///Robin