Shades80

I can get into an Audi S4 for about the same money as an IS350...has anyone driven both? need your opinions and why you chose one over the other...i am personally leaning towards the S4 because of the V8...thanks

STIG

brand new 2006 S4? i doubt . but if you can, i think i would go with S4

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

don't like how audi design the new 4 they have plus not feeling the driving style. you have to sit in there to see if (you) feel comfortable in it.

RX300-BV

Well the S4 has a few things going for it not found on the IS 350. It has a nice V8, AWD, and a six speed manual. The manual and awd would be selling points alone for some people.

I'm a bit skeptical myself on the pricing. An S4 usually pushes close to 50k and well over if fully loaded. I suppose there's probably some very good deals on 05 S4's though.

upbull340

Can't beleive you can get a new S4 (2005.5 or 2006) for the cost of a 350. I've been looking at new 2005's and used 2004's (both the old front grill) becuase when I price the new S4 and 350 both with Nav and upgraded sound the 350 seems to be in the $44,000 range while the S4 was $55,000 plus.

You found a great deal if true. The one and only Lexus dealer in Nebraska is willing to give me $1,000 off a 350 with Nav/ML/Sport/PA. So I'm going out this weekend to drive a new 2005 S4 with 200 miles on it followed by a used 2005 with 6,500 miles. Like the idea of the V8 and AWD but not the amount of gas the S4 consumes. The 350 is definitely more fuel efficient.

HokiPoki

I would consider it with since you can get it with a manual transmission. That is the main reason why no IS350 for me. I will NOT drive an automatic. I still like the nav better in the Lexus though. In order for the same price as a IS350, it would have to be at least a 2005 S4 if not a 2004 S4. I guess they do depreciated fairly quick so it might be worth it for a 1-2 year old one. I am actually starting to like the newer front bumper on them OK. I guess the older ones will start to look dated as the new style front has been out for a year. I do like the dark gray as it blends well with the front grill bumper thing.

I just priced one out and its about 10k more than the lexus.
Model and Powertrain: S4 6-speed manual quattro® Base MSRP: $46,400
Packages:
Premium package $2,900
Individual options:
Dolphin Gray metallic ($475) Black Silk Nappa leather/Silver Alcantara® seats
Destination Charge $720
Audi Navigation plus* and glove box 6-CD Changer $1,950
Black leather Recaro® seats with silver Alcantara® inserts No Charge
Parktronic® rear parking assistance $350
Price as configured: $52,795
add Gas Guzzler Tax $1,700

The other big problem is with the V8 the gas mileage is terrible (15/21) and also you have to pay a $1700 gas guzler tax too. Not sure if you would have to pay that on a used car.

I like Audis and I have had 2 of them. 1998 A4 2.8 Quattro with MT5 and a 2001 TT 225hp Quattro with MT6. Both nice cars but watch out when they are out of warranty. I had the TT in the shop a ton and the A4 had a few expensive common problems. The service was frusterating too and I hated one of the reps. They even went so far as to charge me for a loaner car when they were doing recall work that took 3 days! The nav in the 2001 TT was horrible with no map but that was produced 5 years ago. Only audio commands and little arrows between tach and speedo telling you to turn left or right. The new audi nav is worlds better but still not touch screen. I think you can insert SD cards with MP3s that they can play though.

paeko73

Don't forget about the reliability issues on the Audi. I have never owned Audi before, but I do see all the black (bad) dots on Audi's reliability rating, according to Consumer Reports Magazine.

Shades80

Its an new 05 S4...imola yellow w/ black leather...told dealer what i could get into a lease on a IS 350 with all options and he will match it....reliability is an issue but i will be leasing for 24 mos. so i not really worried...i guess year end deals has its advantages...A4 going for 399 a month right now..they want to move product...plus i think the look is so agressive on the Audi...previous two cars have been bimmers.... thanks

Bichon

I had an '00 S4, and have nothing but praise for both the car and the marque. It is a very expensive car to maintain once you are out of warranty, but that shouldn't be an issue on a two year lease.

If you buy the car, be sure to check out the Audiworld forum. It's an incredible resource.

nois3504me

No way in hell the IS350 is gonna be as fun to drive as the V8 S4. but that will come at a price. MPG. but if you can afford the car you can afford the gas! GET the S4! My friends brother in law got one and really loves his.

krs71

399 on a 05 s4......no way.......what did they do, just give you wheels and an engine

jlin101

if you can truly get a loaded S4 for the price of IS350, get the Audi, esp since you will only keep it for 2 yrs.

BlackStevo

in case you missed it...

NotFatBoy

I have an 01 B5 S4 right now and I am getting out of that for the IS350. I totally agree with you, Bichon, on all points. I absolutely love my S4. Styling, driving, interior, awd, power, moddable... its almost the perfect sedan. That being said, out of warranty it has been very expensive to maintain. Since the 50,000 mile warranty has been up I have put about $10,000 into the car just for maintenance:

Control arms + new suspension = $4000

Leaks, wheel bearings, valve gasket, motor mount, tie rods, cv boots, windshield washer resevoir = $2000

Steering rack = $1600

Timing belt and water pump = $1200

Miscellanous + oil changes = $1200

its been very expensive and this is the main reason i am getting out of the Audi... Dont get me wrong, I will buy another Audi eventually and I have nothing but good things to say about the car but reliability is certainly a concern. Plus the new B7s dont really inspire me. I like the front end but the driving dynamics are a little dulled for my liking (yes I know lexus is too but the tech toys, power and reliability has swayed me)

Also, A HUGE SECOND on AudiWorld. It is a great resource and an awesome online community. I browse there almost daily on the off topic forum. AudiWorld alone could sway someone to buy an Audi

pita2go

S4 is a whale... but if you can afford it.. go for it.. it's a nice car.. my friend has it.. and he runs with m3's muhahha