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2004 Audi A4 / S4 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Why the B6/7 S4 is a great car by Versingetrix

A member in Washington, United States

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Introduction

I bought this S4 with just over 40K on the odometer, and have had it since 2009.
rnThese cars are expensive to fix granted, but this is a top of the line FACTORY HOT ROD! They put all sorts of tweaks on the A4 platform to make this car go like it does. I've never had a car bring more simple daily pleasure than this car. It is great to drive on the road, a blast to drive on the track, and goes through bad weather with such confidence, it is hard to understand how un-stressful it makes bad weather

Reviewed: 2004 Audi S4

4dr Sedan 340-horsepower 4.2L V8 6-speed manual AWD

Why the 2004 Audi S4?

Exterior styling

On H&R springs with wheels of an aggressive offset, the S4 has a ton of on the road presence. Of the 4 door sedans in this model year, it is hands down the best looking car out there...IMHO

Interior styling

No one is on par with the interior fit and finish that Audi puts into their cars. The S4 interior feels special compared to the base model A4's out there, and it also wears very well with few scuffs or blemishes on the interior surfaces. The alcantara after almost 10 years is starting to pill just a little bit in the drivers seat area.

Powertrain performance

This motor is a great beast of a thing. It pulls solidly through the RPM range, has great torque even in sixth gear for overtaking, and runs great all day on the track during HPDE's. I have had no issues with the drivetrain to this point, BUT regular synthetic oil changes are a must IMO, every 5K on this motor. Doing so will help the timing chain mechanicals last a good long time, which is a concern with these cars around 100K

Handling

Audi's S4 has been dinged for not having the most engaging handling out there...I do not feel that this car is lacking in any feel/feedback, rather it is not overly brimming with chatter at the helm. I take my S4 to the track 5 to 8 days a year, and this car is very predictable and fun to drive once you learn to trust it will do what you ask of it, and learn how to get the best from it and yourself. In inclement conditions, there is no better car to have in a monsoon, or a blizzard...sunny days, roll the windows down, wind the motor out, and feel the smile spread across your face!

Materials & workmanship

Audi S4 is a Swiss watch; top notch in every way for the material, fit and finish in the car. This also translates into a very adult level of NVH, that reminds you of what you're driving but doesn't beat you over the head with it.

Why Not the 2004 Audi S4?

Fuel economy

If prices at the pump make your blood pressure rise, or make your wallet whimper...DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! City driving it will go through a tank in about 150 miles combined driving one tank is about 220 miles Highway driving, expect to see 350 to 400 miles from the 17 gallon tank.

Conclusion

Not for those that obsess about mileage or gas prices. This car likes a drink of premium on the regular...
Also not for those that like to 'defer' maintenance. This car will punish you for this behavior very badly.

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