Things to look out for...

Under £5k more will see you in an S4, not such a change from the Golf R then!

For what it's worth there's some decently specced S4s that are hovering around £30,000 if you want to make the budge.

Or get properly excited every day and get an Rs4...450PS is a proper hoot...

Haha, it’s good to see all forums are the same! Make you spend more money.

I’ve driven both the adaptive and non adaptive in a tdi 272, and I would say it depends, how much time do you spend behind the wheel? And what kind of driving you do? If you spend a lot, then it’s worth it, if you don’t and most hit twisty roads, then the S Line is prob fine.

For me must haves where Tech and Comfort Pack, basically Gadgets and Sounds, this will be different for everyone, a bit more information might help provide better recommendations, but whilst we are at it, get the 272/286 TDI! Probably the rarest model from what I can see on the used Audi site, and how long it took me to find one

If it’s lot of town driving with passengers, it’s worth getting a test drive in one with adaptive, from what I can see, it appears to stay flatter and more comfortable around town, but it will also be a lot harder to find if you do want it, not many with the option

Defo not worth a diesel unless you are getting out for longer motorway runs.

The S4s are definitely worth a closer look, that £27k A4 is very close to S4 money used and there are some great cars out there.

The S4 also has quite a bit of “extra” kit over the A4s; the standard heated massage supersport seats are amazing IMO, the S4 has the bigger MMI as standard, 6 pot 350mm front brakes, a lovely valved Exhaust (quiet when you want, Loud when you want), High Beam Assist as standard and some extra trim stuff obviously too (spoiler, extra stitched leather panels inside).

In terms of packs and “really wants”;

Matrix Lights are top of my desired items list, they are amazing. They come in the Light and Vision pack which also gives you the extended multicolour LEDs and Virtual Cockpit.

Virtual Cockpit (obviously!)

I also really wanted B&O, which can be had separately or in the Comfort and Sound pack, which also included Hill Hold Assist, Reverse Camera and Advanced Key.

My own S4 also has filing mirrors and Carbon Atlas, but with the Light & Vision and Comfort & Sound you have most things covered off tech wise.

Mine doesn’t have any of the fancy Assist stuff like adaptive cruise, lane assist etc as my commute doesn’t lend itself to using those ever.

Dynamic Steering, Adaptive Dampers and Sports Diff are also well worth considering, I had all three on my B8 S4, loved it. And none on my B9 S4, and whilst I appreciate what they bring to the party, they were quite far down the list of priorities for spec (I wanted the tech packs more!).

I completely agree with what @PhilM has said.

S4 if possible - it comes with extra spec which is a bonus anyway, and £27k is quite "high" for a used A4 unless you're looking at one nearly brand new.

I would say Tech Pack is a must (with Virtual Cockpit), and Bang and Olufsen. Reverse Camera and Hill Hold Assist are bonuses too in my eyes.

I was looking at an A5, but it was really difficult to find one that had Tech Pack + B&O. Found one for £28,000 but it's in for paint repairs the next couple weeks.. Only other A5s with Tech Pack + B&O are all £33,000 or more.

Just found an S4 for £29,500 though, so I think I'm going to end up grabbing that instead. Since it has most of the spec I'd like (minus B&O as standard), it's cheaper than finding one fully kitted out. £52k new... that's a steal in my eyes.

Since you have one @PhilM, does it come with the google earth as standard (MMI Navigation Plus)? If not I'll have to look into getting it fitted through @DJAlix.. scrap that, just saw you need Audi connect for it.

I've heard good reviewed about the adaptive suspension, but as somebody else mentioned it will be difficult to find any that are a decent price. At a minimum I think I'd stick to Tech Pack + B&O however, also S-Line but ideally Black Edition.