"Viggen" (viggen37)
05/17/2015 at 18:26 • Filed to: None
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"Viggen" (viggen37)
05/17/2015 at 18:26 • Filed to: None | 1
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I’m looking at selling my car and picking up an S4 to replace it. I’m a big Audi fan and Quattro will be useful in the winter. I’ve started doing research on the cars, B5 through B7, but I’d like to hear feedback from anyone here who’s owned one.
An Avant would be awesome but I’ll settle for the sedan.
jkm7680
> Viggen
05/17/2015 at 18:30 |
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I haven’t owned an S4, but I fully support you getting one!
There’s several Opponauts that have had B5 S4s. Both Avants and sedans, I’d chip in but I don’t really have any first hand experience. I’m actually also planning on buying a B5 S4 right after my B5 A4 whenever I plan on selling it.
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Viggen
> jkm7680
05/17/2015 at 19:00 |
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How’s the B5 A4?
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jkm7680
> Viggen
05/17/2015 at 19:04 |
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Great. It’s a ‘97 2.8 with about 140k. It’s reliable, spacious, good looking, comfortable, luxurious and handles great. It’s a very well rounded car, it’s a bit down on power but it’s great fun to drive it down country roads and twisties. The only reason I want an S4 is to get more power and potential for modifications since the A4 can’t do chips or exhaust.
Chris Clarke
> Viggen
05/17/2015 at 19:57 |
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I have a B4 A4 Avant and an S4 sedan. Love them both. I do all my own maintenance. My S4 is pushing 220k and is a dream to drive. I hope my kids will it one day. Let me know if you have specific questions.
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Viggen
> Chris Clarke
05/17/2015 at 20:05 |
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What are the common, expensive repairs? I’ve heard horror stories about water pumps. Any truth to that? I’m sure I’ll have more questions.
Andrew T. Maness
> Viggen
05/17/2015 at 20:57 |
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Recently sold my B7 S4 Avant, absolutely wonderful car, only sold it because I was just ready for something different and yes, I have automotive ADD.
Pay the extra premium for a manual and late model year ‘06+ B7 as they’d worked out most of the bugs after the initial ‘05.5 and early model year ‘06.
Budget at least $1,500 yearly for preventative maintenance and enjoy!
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Viggen
> Andrew T. Maness
05/17/2015 at 21:13 |
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Transmission doesn’t bother me too much. I’d prefer auto for now just because traffic here sucks beyond belief.
Good to know; I maintain a budget that can make that work.
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Viggen
> Andrew T. Maness
05/17/2015 at 21:14 |
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What were the bugs with the 05.5 and 06 models?
TheOnelectronic
> Viggen
05/18/2015 at 01:15 |
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Sorry, I probably can’t help you unless you decide to look at B8’s as well.
KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
> Viggen
05/18/2015 at 07:43 |
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This is a tough call. I’d go with a late B7 since the timing chain rattle is less present than in early B7 and B6 cars.
If it’s a track car, a B5 is fine (I own one). However, if it still has stock turbos, it is not a question of if they go bad, but when will they go bad. Replacement requires pulling the engine.
Also the B5 engine has a timing belt, and that’s a $1200 repair to have an indy do it. They will also resent you, as that requires pulling the front lock carrier.
Aside from that, it’s death by a thousand cuts with regards to the maintenance. Mine currently has squeaking rear subframe bushings, and is in need of new lug bolts and new coilovers. And I just put remaned brakes on the front.
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Andrew T. Maness
> Viggen
05/18/2015 at 11:27 |
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I thought the same thing as I live in Los Angeles, in the end the automatic was a driving force in my decision to sell it after only a year of ownership.
The auto sucks, shifts are incredibly slow and it doesn’t allow you to fully enjoy the car. Audi clutches are light, very easy to drive in heavy stop and go traffic.
The only reason I picked up one with the A/T was the fact that I needed a car and I got an insanely good deal on it. Unless that is the case, I really recommend holding out for the manual.
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Andrew T. Maness
> Viggen
05/18/2015 at 11:32 |
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The ‘05.5 and early ‘06 are more prone to the timing chain failure problem, coil pack failure, valve cover gasket and dipped headlight issue. While all of these can happen on the ‘07/’08 models they happen less frequently, even with the late manufacture date ‘06 as well. At least that’s what I’ve read and what my mechanic told me!
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Viggen
> TheOnelectronic
05/18/2015 at 19:05 |
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I’m but a mere peasant, and I don’t think a B8 would be able to match my budget.
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TheOnelectronic
> Viggen
05/18/2015 at 20:48 |
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You never know. Maybe they’ll unveil the B9 at some point and prices will tank. It’s unlikely, but hey.