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[DutchVDub]

I've defiantely been reevaluating my thought process when it come to what i want to drive every day when I get back, and yeah I'll still probably change my mind about a million more times.  Anyways, while I fing love rabbits and am 99% sure that once I get back I'm going to build one I have decided that I want something a little newer and comfortable as my DD.  Especially when all my family lives outside a 500mile radius from me.  Also, I decided that for once I might want to be responsible and buy myself something that is not only sporty like I want but capable of hauling a family should the situation arise.  Anyways, long story short I am really leaning towards a 2001 S4.  I've done some perusing on the internet and you can get them for around 20,000$ with relatively low mileage and in good shape.  Also I read the reviews on a few sites and they do seem to have a good maint. record.  Granted its an Audi so I know it'll have its tempermental moments.  Anyways I was wanting some opinions on the car, preferably from someone thats owned/owns one on how they do as a D.D.

The other vehicle I am considering is the W8 Passat, I have always loved them and fuel mileage/ buying cost is pretty much the same between the two.  But only if I can find a 6 spd.  

Oh, I'm not going for a 500hp car.  Simple intake/exhaust/chip and a bit of drop with some nice rims would be all I do, I want to keep it reliable for those long trips to NE, MT, and AL to see my family.  However, since I'll be spending a year or more in Iraq I want to spoil myself on something I normally couldn't afford (especially since I ain't financing) and get the higher level car as opposed to a A4 or Passat V6, and I want AWD.

[DutchVDub]

One more question, If I were to get an Audi would I have to change my name from DutchVDub to DutchAudi?  :mrgreen:

[Nickle]

awww... I did this search too.  Even after everything was said and done, I still bought an A4.  I could afford an S4, and would love to have one over an A4, but I looked at the cost of things and shot it down.  Plus I didn't want to pay for a car for the next decade.  That is my reasoning.

[DutchVDub]

So if you had the money to buy outright would you get the A4 or S4, keep in mind its DD status and use on long roadtrips.

[themoneypit]

well i happen to have a 2001.5 imola S4 that i got last month.  I really love it and it only has 39,000 miles now.  I have thrown a few check engine lights but i have the goods from ross-tech on my laptop.  So it tells me the code and then i can clear it.  It has always been my O2's which i think are under the 10 year 100,000 mile warrenty.  But everything else rocks.  We had a good snow storm last week and the roads were covered in snow.  All i gots to say for that one is quartto f'n rocks.  I am a huge fan of it :mrgreen: It you buy from a dealer you will get extended warenty. like up to 100,000 miles and a bunch more years.  So while chiping does void warrenty you can always put a stock ecu back when taking it to the dealer.  Anyway its a great car and your turbos will do just fine if you take care of them.  Let the oil temp come up before you make alot of boost and let them cool down.  i had a friend up in fort collins that got 100,000 plus miles on orginal KO3's before they started to scream.  good times, good times :cool:

[themoneypit]

given the 1.8T might be a litte more reliable and easier and cheaper to work on and mod the 2.7TT is way more fun.  I had a chiped 1.8T with exhust, intake, FMIC.  and it does not hold a finger to the stock 2.7TT except in gas MPG.  The 2.7TT will suck a little more gas ;-)  but i hear a chiped 2.7 is wicked bad and i can't wait for my GIAC X.

[greggearhead]

Don't forget to check on insurance.  For someone with your record, that can be a huge factor.  Trust me.

[DutchVDub]

Don't forget to check on insurance.  For someone with your record, that can be a huge factor.  Trust me.

Yeah I did think about that, but by the time I get back all my tickets will have cleared.  Also my last accident will be 4yrs past.  The only thing that will hurt me at first will be not having insurance while I'm gone, but I figure I'll probably get liability only for awhile and then after 6mos i can switch to a better company/policy and get full coverage.  Those first 6mos will be scary but as long as I don't cause the theoretical wreck I should be ok.

[London]

the thing about the S4's is there is no rhyme or reason to the turbo failure, it's a crap shoot.  Some can go forever while being driven hard, some die quick even after being treated with kid gloves.  They are a pretty good buy now days.  I wouldn't even consider buying a modded one, if you can find a OEM spec low mileage and have the funds to have the turbos replaced if need be then you are golden.

an E36 M3 can be had in mint shape for less money, wtih a lot less potential big issues as well.

[djsatan]

mmmmmm M3, I  need some alone time now :mrgreen:

[DutchVDub]

I was considering the M3, as I do so love RWD.  However I think i'll opt for the Audi because 1 I have brand loyalty to VW/Audi, and 2 its AWD.  Plus, while I typically hate 4dr cars and love coupes I have this strang urge to be family conscious.  I really don't know why as I don't even have a gf right now, its just some strang urge.  And I typically try to follow my instincts/urges/gut feelings, or whatever you call them.  The voice of God?

[themoneypit]

allroads are badass too.  They have the same motor and can haul more.  they also got a airbad suspenison.  So lowering only consists of VAG-COM and a laptop

btw im 19 years old with a bad dirving record.  But my coverage was a litte more than the jetta.  Why?  cause i told state farm it was my pleasure car and weekend driver.  The insurance on the 4-runner costs more ;-)   Plus they are safe cars and insurance looks at that too.

While E36 M3's are cool a chiped S4 will smoke'm any day.  especially at this altitude!

[MistressAnne]

I typically hate 4dr cars and love coupes I have this strang urge to be family conscious.  I really don't know why as I don't even have a gf right now, its just some strang urge.  And I typically try to follow my instincts/urges/gut feelings, or whatever you call them.

Just ignore that.. you learn to work around it in a 2 door.  :mrgreen:

[DutchVDub]

The last time I ignored one of my urges/gut feelings I wound up spending 3 days in jail.

[Gallep]

I was in your shoes also, I could afford either, but i wanted a six speed and good MPG, so i got a B6 A4 w/ the 6speeder  (USP)  I think that the USP package looks better then the B6 S4, and I hate N/A V8's

I just love showing this thing off....sorry

[DutchVDub]

Yeah, I decided I' getting an S4.

[Scott]

Yeah, I decided I' getting an S4.

dumbest decision ever... for the following painfully obvious reason:

1 - you are delpoying and will have an ever bigger lead foot when you get back

2 - you have a natural predisposition to drive like an idiot already

3 - this car will either kill you or someone else (see 1 & 2)

4 - you can only lose your license so many times before they remove it forever (see 1, 2, & 3)

[DutchVDub]

Yeah, I decided I' getting an S4.

dumbest decision ever... for the following painfully obvious reason:

1 - you are delpoying and will have an ever bigger lead foot when you get back

2 - you have a natural predisposition to drive like an idiot already

3 - this car will either kill you or someone else (see 1 & 2)

4 - you can only lose your license so many times before they remove it forever (see 1, 2, & 3)

Bitch no matter what I'm getting my S4.  And consider this, is it safer to drive 100 in a S4 or 90 in a Zuki Samurai?  Oh, and "FUCK THE POLICE"  :mrgreen:

Plus, I'm a good kid now.  Its amazing but I feel good not driving anywhere and dealing with finding rides now that I have no license.  Well, I am driving to the Springs later today to see you guys but thats beside the point.  I still have a valid AZ DL.  :mrgreen:

[Jesus]

I heard S4's handle better if you remove the springs  :?:

[af-s4-driver]

Yeah, I decided I' getting an S4.

Sweet decision.  My buddy stationed up in Minot has 148,000+ miles on his 2000 S4 stock turbos and they are still running strong.  But then again, as stated earlier, it is a gamble.  Anyways, I think I'm going to chip my car next month...gotta do some research on the different chips to see which one will work best for what I want (# of programs, ease of programability, etc...).  If you want, I can keep you posted on which one I'm leaning towards and reasoning why the others wouldn't work for me.

[DutchVDub]

Yeah, I decided I' getting an S4.

Sweet decision.  My buddy stationed up in Minot has 148,000+ miles on his 2000 S4 stock turbos and they are still running strong.  But then again, as stated earlier, it is a gamble.  Anyways, I think I'm going to chip my car next month...gotta do some research on the different chips to see which one will work best for what I want (# of programs, ease of programability, etc...).  If you want, I can keep you posted on which one I'm leaning towards and reasoning why the others wouldn't work for me.

Yeah that would be great.  I was thinking a chip would be my first mod, I was looking at the GIAC setup but I haven't really researched much yet.


Oh an Pat,  :fuck_off:

[mikeylikesvw]

Dutch, you should buy my A6...just like the S4 with more room, and a warranty.  

http://edition719.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=4230

[DutchVDub]

Dutch, you should buy my A6...just like the S4 with more room, and a warranty.  

http://edition719.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=4230

I'm not going to say its not a nice car, because it really is.  And yours definately look to be in great shape.  Unfortunately I am not buying my S4 until i get back from Iraq.  Even if I had the money now, which I don't, it would be pointless to buy a car just to leave it sitting for a year and a half.  Oh, and A6's are too big for my hatchback loving ass.  I really just want an S4, even if they will be nearly a decade old when I buy one.

[themoneypit]

im gett'n the GIAC X flash but after i finish my suspension and full exhuast.  REVO is good too but everyone i have talked with on audiworld and my friends with S4's just praise GIAC ;-)

[Jesus]

im gett'n the GIAC X flash but after i finish my suspension and full exhuast.  REVO is good too but everyone i have talked with on audiworld and my friends with S4's just praise GIAC ;-)

GIAC's programming is typically more aggresive in comparison to the competitors.

I ran Revo on my 1.8T and loved it and I've ran GIAC on two different NA VR6's ..and again I have no complaints.

Really between APR, Revo, and GIAC you can't really go wrong.  It all comes down to pricing and what you get for your money... in my opinion of course  ;-)

[DutchVDub]

Who would be more flexible if I were to change my mind later on down the road and decide to go all KO4 500 hp crazy?  I know GIAC allows you infinite reflashes and the ability to set up different modes.  BTW how does that work?  Do you save your Vallet, Stock, 91oct, 104oct setting on your labtop and just load it up or is there like a little controller you can keep in your car?

[Jesus]

Not sure how it works on the S4's.
With the R32 all the programs are loaded in the ECU and you just switch between programs using the handheld flashloader or a small software program for your laptop that allows you to switch the programs if you have a VAG COM Cable...

[themoneypit]

im gett'n the GIAC X flash but after i finish my suspension and full exhuast.  REVO is good too but everyone i have talked with on audiworld and my friends with S4's just praise GIAC ;-)

GIAC's programming is typically more aggresive in comparison to the competitors.

I ran Revo on my 1.8T and loved it and I've ran GIAC on two different NA VR6's ..and again I have no complaints.

Really between APR, Revo, and GIAC you can't really go wrong.  It all comes down to pricing and what you get for your money... in my opinion of course  ;-)

i had revo on my 1.8t and i loved it as well.  they are both great choices!
REVO = $499 + $350 for SPS3 controller
GIAC X = $699 for flash or audiworld classifieds for used chips for around $300!

if your considering doing stage 3 it would be more cost effective to buy a stage 3 S4.  To do stage 3 can run as much as 10,000 bones just for the engine.  a stage 3 S4 in great condiction with low mileage on kO4's will be in the $30,000 range.

[DutchVDub]

Not sure how it works on the S4's.
With the R32 all the programs are loaded in the ECU and you just switch between programs using the handheld flashloader or a small software program for your laptop that allows you to switch the programs if you have a VAG COM Cable...

Cool.

[Scott]

really just want an S4, even if they will be nearly a decade old when I buy one.

jeez.... fuggin' rookie... the S-4 has been around since 1992...

[DutchVDub]

Yes Pat I know the fucking S4 has been around since before the B5 platform, I was refering to the B5 platform.  sheesh.

nice pic btw.

[Jesus]

Yes Pat I know the fucking S4 has been around since before the B5 platform, I was refering to the B5 platform.  sheesh.

nice pic btw.

Pssst.. I'm Pat, the guy fucking with you is Nappy  :rolleyes:

[DutchVDub]

Yes Pat I know the fucking S4 has been around since before the B5 platform, I was refering to the B5 platform.  sheesh.

nice pic btw.

Pssst.. I'm Pat, the guy fucking with you is Nappy  :rolleyes:

Sorry Nappy, I am just used to arguing with you that I got your names switched.  

Oops,  I mean Patty.  :mrgreen:

[Nickle]

Yeah, I decided I' getting an S4.

dumbest decision ever... for the following painfully obvious reason:

1 - you are delpoying and will have an ever bigger lead foot when you get back

2 - you have a natural predisposition to drive like an idiot already

3 - this car will either kill you or someone else (see 1 & 2)

4 - you can only lose your license so many times before they remove it forever (see 1, 2, & 3)

Richard, I'm going to go with Nappy on this one.

In addition man.  You are spending money you do not yet have.  It'll be so much more rewarding to come home with cash and hand, and then make a decision.  To lock yourself into a car this early will only blind you from other great options.  Give it time man.  Plus you have changed your mind four times on what you're going to buy since you found out you're going.  My money is that you won't buy a B5 S4.

[Jesus]

 My money is that you won't buy a B5 S4.

I agree

[London]

i agree as well..

[DutchVDub]

I concur as well, I am rather indecisive at times.  Mainly because I like so many things.  Although I haven't felt as strongly about any other options as i do about this one.

[af-s4-driver]

im gett'n the GIAC X flash but after i finish my suspension and full exhuast.  REVO is good too but everyone i have talked with on audiworld and my friends with S4's just praise GIAC ;-)

GIAC's programming is typically more aggresive in comparison to the competitors.

I ran Revo on my 1.8T and loved it and I've ran GIAC on two different NA VR6's ..and again I have no complaints.

Really between APR, Revo, and GIAC you can't really go wrong.  It all comes down to pricing and what you get for your money... in my opinion of course  ;-)

i had revo on my 1.8t and i loved it as well.  they are both great choices!
REVO = $499 + $350 for SPS3 controller
GIAC X = $699 for flash or audiworld classifieds for used chips for around $300!

Are used chips reliable?  I've always been a fan of buying stuff new...

[DutchVDub]

Are used chips reliable?  I've always been a fan of buying stuff new...

I agree, and same question.

[London]

a used "chip" is not like a used car, or used tires.  You can usually save a lot of money and they dont' wear out with age or mileage..

[Lindsey]

a used "chip" is not like a used car, or used tires.  You can usually save a lot of money and they dont' wear out with age or mileage..

My chip was in someone else's car before the Jetta (I think), then in my Jetta, then sold to someone who had it in a different car and then back to me.

[DutchVDub]

I concur as well, I am rather indecisive at times.  Mainly because I like so many things.  Although I haven't felt as strongly about any other options as i do about this one.

To add to this.

1. The other cars I've contemplated are: Another MK4 GTI VR6, R32, TT, crazy Rabbit project.

2. The Rabbit is still gonna happen, maybe not as off the wall as I originally intended but I am definately getting another one.  By getting the S4 however I don't have to worry about it be comfy so I can build it for what I want, a fun ass little car to beat the piss out of and Auto-X.

3. The reason for the TT/R32 was because of the AWD over the MK4 VR6 GTI.  I decided the S4 will be more practical because its still just a performance oreinted but also capable of hauling more than just 2ppl.  Means I won't haveto nix it when the family situation arrises.

4. I actually hadn't even thought of the S4 until i posted this thread.  I was still thinking MK4 VR6 or R32, then I saw the pic of me in Zev's S4 and remembered how much I loved riding in that car.  Then I did some looking into it and realised how good they were for DD.




I was giddy for 3days just thinking of riding in that car.  The ride lasted like 2 - 4 min.  I couldn't stop smiling about it, actually it still brings a smile to my face.  I have never been do excited about riding in a car.  I've ridden in Vettes, Porsches, and even a Ferrari Testarossa(my all time fav.) and none made me as giddy as his stage3 S4.  It was also the only car that made me want my seatbelt on.