Upgrading to S4 Avant - thoughts?

[HertS3]

Hey all,
So I was messing around looking at S4s and found out locally, similar age to my S3 and slightly lower mileage. I've messaged them to see what the damage would be if I part ex my car. I'm doubtful it'd cost me less than £5k, if it does then I'll consider it.
I'm wondering what people think about upgrading to a larger, less economical but more sensibly sized (for a family with growing bicycle needs)?

 

[Adam14]

Only you can really assess it, give it a test drive and see what you think. From the sounds of things an avant will give the practicality you need.

Assuming it's a B9 then I have an S5 (so essentially same car bar the shape) and it's quite an economical car, my long term average with a lot of motorway is 32mpg. Drive down to Brighton for my car wrap (from Cambridge) returned 43mpg, not granny driving just sensible driving on motorway etc etc Food for thought.

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[Liam Morris]

If you're after comfort and practicality then s4, if you just want something for around town then i'd probably spend the money elsewhere and keep the S3 as long as its not causing you any issues personally
Ultimately will come down to you driving the car and seeing which you prefer or if you think the s4 is worth the extra money, If its a B9 S4 though then i'd instantly side with the S4, the B9 Generation cars And equivalent A5/S5 are beautiful cars

 

[HertS3]

Pretty decent though I don't do that many motorway miles, especially at the moment lol. It was mainly the space I'm interested in, and I'm sure it has a nice groan lol. Also it's got some other bells like electrically adjustable seats, super sport seats, jukebox etc.
The S3 is pretty economical, I'm guessing the S4 can't match that but if it's close then I can live with that.
Deal is starting to look interesting, we're under £4k extra now (after part ex), if I can get it to 3 we might have a deal...

 

[HertS3]

I think it's a B9 - registered Nov 14?
Photo attached
edit: LOL just learned the B9 was released in '17, it isn't

 

[Liam Morris]

I think it's a B9 - registered Nov 14?

B9 is roughly 66 plate onwards with Virtual cockpit ect, B8 is 2009-2016, Both very capable and lovely cars to be in.

Are Servicing costs etc a concern to you? the S4 will be a tiny little bit more over the s3 i would have thought, definitely not a deal breaker but just bare in mind when you come to service time it will be a tiny bit more i imagine.

I'd say any S4 offers a more complete package over the equivalent age S3 Given both cars are of a similar spec / condition, Test drive time i think

 

[HertS3]

Yep he's gone up to £15k on my car and it's just under £19k they're asking for the S4, told him I'd need a bit more but happy to go over so I can look at his and he can look at mine, so to speak

 

[Adam14]

I think it's a B9 - registered Nov 14?
Photo attached
edit: LOL just learned the B9 was released in '17, it isn't

Nov 14 might be a "B8.5" but don't quote me on that, can't imagine it'll be as economical in that case. Not sure what plate your S3 is but imagine they'll be relatively like for like tech wise (assuming S3 is also that age) so probably comes down to a test drive and practicality.

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[Liam Morris]

Looks a tidy Car from their website, If you want to see whats been recorded on the Audi online service schedule then feel free to drop us a PM with the VIN and i'll send you over some screenshots of whats recorded on there

 

[HertS3]

Yeah they're virtually the same age (same reg) and mileage is lower than my S3 but had 3 owners (I'm second owner of mine), I'm fine with the tech, would prefer Audi Sound System at least but our friend @DJAlix could soon sort that out lol. Looks like I may be popping over

 

[HertS3]

Looks a tidy Car from their website, If you want to see whats been recorded on the Audi online service schedule then feel free to drop us a PM with the VIN and i'll send you over some screenshots of whats recorded on there

Thanks, appreciated!

 

[HertS3]

Any tips on what I should look (out) for on the S4?
I'm under £4k for the upgrade at the moment, trying to get that closer to 3

 

[HertS3]

So I may have put a deposit down on the car...Looks good, slightly worried about the brake discs but they'll replace them if it comes up in the PDI.
Seems to have a decent sound system, got a sub adjustment.
My insurance will go up by £6.77 lol
Road tax by £10 a month.
Audi extended warranty £920 for first year (as out of warranty now) with £100 excess, £1,100 without excess.

 

[Damo S]

My brothers got a 2010 S4 as a daily run around and it's a really nice car. Very tune-able, more so than the S3 in terms of the stage 1 ish power hike from not many mods.

 

[HertS3]

My brothers got a 2010 S4 as a daily run around and it's a really nice car. Very tune-able, more so than the S3 in terms of the stage 1 ish power hike from not many mods.

LOL why am I not surprised coming from you??

it's mainly the noise I'm worried about, it was a bit quiet for my liking. Asked on the S4 forum whether the exhaust is valved, if so I see a res delete on the horizon...

 

[Damo S]

Thinking back I've tuned all the forced induction cars I've owned (4 to date). Just cant help it.

 

[HertS3]

Rock n' roll! I'll keep the S4 standard for now, except for improving the noise (if it's fairly economical). I've asked for a VCDS fault code scan result so I can make sure there aren't any gremlins lurking in there, car looks good but looks aren't everything!

 

[Damo S]

They are pretty quick anyway. Not really any different to 60 but you'll notice the extra pulling power in the higher gears. And yes letting out that lovely soundtrack is a must.

 

[Jcbmally]

So I may have put a deposit down on the car...Looks good, slightly worried about the brake discs but they'll replace them if it comes up in the PDI.
Seems to have a decent sound system, got a sub adjustment.
My insurance will go up by £6.77 lol
Road tax by £10 a month.
Audi extended warranty £920 for first year (as out of warranty now) with £100 excess, £1,100 without excess.

Just make sure you scrutinise the extended warranty mate. A user on here got stung a little bit due to the item not being actually worded in the parts covered, S4 looks a great car. https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/warranty-claim-rejected.417299/

 

[HertS3]

Ta, I'm well versed in the extended warranty having had a bust-up with Audi Hatfield over a failed rear differential last year which was refused, I have the all components cover (and will do on the S4, taken out cover yesterday prior to delivery as cover doesn't start for 30 days) but it was refused on the basis that supposedly someone drained the differential oil out of the system. This is not the case and I have referred it to the Motor Ombudsman.

 

[HertS3]

I get 3 months RAC warranty from the dealer but I'm not taking any chances