I’m thinking of downsizing as I don’t use the S4 that much since stopping work and most of the journeys I now do are reasonably local involving Devon lanes rather than long distances, so tend to use our Focus. The S4 has only done 7K in 16 months. Every time I use it I change my mind as it’s so good to drive. I’ve tried a Golf R, poor ride with 19-inch wheels, although a GTI TCR I tried with DCC was much better, plus not so keen on the seats in the Golf (manual lumbar support). I’ve not tried an S3 with magnetic ride (which would come with 19s), the last one I drove was a 3 door, some years ago, which had a fairly poor ride, I like the optional S3 s sport seats with electric lumbar support. I would want a fairly high spec car to match the S4, either new or nearly new. Anyone who has changed either way any thoughts? If I keep the S4 I’ll probably get a reversing camera fitted, my local Audi dealer now retrofits for £595, previously Audi didn’t allow them to, although I’ve not had the best of experiences with the dealer on previous cars it would keep it all under Audi warranty.
Downsizing from S4 Avant
- Thread starter Gray S
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With that mileage, I'd keep the S4. You know the car, and I am sure you've treated it ok and the S3 will not be as good in your head if you change...
I think that at the end of the day it's totally down to what you're wanting from the car... I sold the S4 to get something super cheap (ending being a 2000 Toyota Yaris for £350!!) because I was only doing 4 miles to work and then 4 miles back and didn't like the S4 not warming up at all as well as the ridiculous fuel economy and the the monthly payments as well.
I moved work to 9 miles from home through some traffic and thought best to swap in the Yaris so got a new Fiesta ST Line X and I actually really like it. It's not an Audi, but at >£200 a month with no deposit and 0% APR it was a good deal. Surprisingly well equipped as well, with many of the features my S4 had (rear camera, heated seats, bigger infotainment screen, lane keeping, climate control, auto headlights/wipers, heated steering wheel, etc.) and the 140PS engine is plenty nippy for anything but trying to drag race people at a set of lights. Overall I'm very impressed and have an extra £400+ in my pocket each month.
But it just depends what you use it for any what you're looking for out of the replacement.
I moved work to 9 miles from home through some traffic and thought best to swap in the Yaris so got a new Fiesta ST Line X and I actually really like it. It's not an Audi, but at >£200 a month with no deposit and 0% APR it was a good deal. Surprisingly well equipped as well, with many of the features my S4 had (rear camera, heated seats, bigger infotainment screen, lane keeping, climate control, auto headlights/wipers, heated steering wheel, etc.) and the 140PS engine is plenty nippy for anything but trying to drag race people at a set of lights. Overall I'm very impressed and have an extra £400+ in my pocket each month.
But it just depends what you use it for any what you're looking for out of the replacement.
Basically I would just like a smaller S4, but as comfortable, I consider my S4 ride is firm, but Ok. I want to retain virtually all of the features including a spare wheel, which eliminates most other options. My cars are purchased outright so monthly payments are not a consideration, although would not want excessive depreciation. Which leaves the question how does the ride on an S3 Sportback with magnetic ride (which would come with 19s) compare with a S4 Avant on 19s with standard S4 suspension? The nearest S3 with magnetic ride for sale is over 100 miles away from me and I'm a bit restricted on travel at present due to other reasons.
I would say a smaller car with a shorter wheelbase would have a less compliant ride, but cannot speak from experience. You also may wish to wait for the next model, coming next year, as the interior and the technology of the current A3's are becoming quite dated, even compared to the my19 A4 and certainly so to the my20 with its updated mmi system. With the A3 you are effectively getting a model first released in 2012/13...
cuke2u, I agree with everything you have said. Having had a couple of cars shortly after they were introduced in the past (Mercedes and Jaguar) I would rather wait a while before having a new model. Ideally I would wait for the new S3, but that could be a couple of years before it is available at a sensible discount and with any early bugs eliminated.
No problem, debates are what forums are for. I actually owned a A3 1.4 saloon before this A4, although it was quiet it still was no way as good as the A4 is. The platform the A3 is based upon is older the A4 has a superior rear suspension setup, so the ride is more refined. With privacy windows the front side ones are laminated, thus quieter with the A4 as well. A recommended preowned premium saloon these days..
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So you think I’d notice a big step up from my 63 plate s line A3 Sportback to a MY19 A4 Avant Black Edition ? (appreciate it’s the saloons you were referring to). I have been thinking that I won’t notice much difference interior wise as both have the “old style”dial, smallish MMI etc. Not discounting ride etc.
Would be really interested in your views as I’d incidentally just googled “Audi A3 to A4”
Looking for a worthwhile increment without spending silly money.
It’s always personal preference I’d say with models when it comes to the interior...I had a 17 A6 black edition and then bought the s4 which I feel in itself has a more modern interior than the A6 inspire of similar release dates for the two. The ‘old style’ dial you describe was what actually kept me OUT of the new A6 (as well as the IMO hideous external chrome - rear strip in particular) as I could not find anything aesthetically pleasing about the two new touch screens in the new model (had one as a courtesy car for my last service). Just my 2pSo you think I’d notice a big step up from my 63 plate s line A3 Sportback to a MY19 A4 Avant Black Edition ? (appreciate it’s the saloons you were referring to). I have been thinking that I won’t notice much difference interior wise as both have the “old style”dial, smallish MMI etc. Not discounting ride etc.
Would be really interested in your views as I’d incidentally just googled “Audi A3 to A4”
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Think that might be the same hideous rear chrome strip that, in part, is putting me off the MY20 A4 facelift ! Awful. Audi rear ends used to look so stylish two or three years back, now not so.
Definitely, I test drove a Avant whilst looking at engine/gearbox combinations. But you really need to try for yourself...So you think I’d notice a big step up from my 63 plate s line A3 Sportback to a MY19 A4 Avant Black Edition ? (appreciate it’s the saloons you were referring to). I have been thinking that I won’t notice much difference interior wise as both have the “old style”dial, smallish MMI etc. Not discounting ride etc.
Would be really interested in your views as I’d incidentally just googled “Audi A3 to A4”
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Yes, test driven a manual - trying the S Tronic next. Never driven an automatic save for about 20 minutes in Spain.
I’d never go back to manual. Last three have been auto. Even the wife will only drive an auto now after driving my cars!
Fwiw, we have an S4 and an S3 8V in our household, so I can make some comparisons (S3 is manual and doesn't have mag ride so bear that in mind).
In my opinion the S4 is a much more refined cruiser with more space, a better ride and more up to date technology. It also sounds better (less fake) than the S3. On the downside it's pretty thirsty and costs more to run (£450 tax
)
The S3 seems more "fun" than the S4, like it wants you to take it the long & twisty way home just for the hell of it. It's also cheaper to buy and run (high 30s mpg is achievable). However, it doesn't sound quite as good, isn't as comfortable and doesn't have such a good interior (though this is all relative - it's not French!).
Both cars are extremely capable and will get you from A top B extremely quickly. I'd argue the S3 is a more interactive drive that's fantastic for short blasts on twisty roads, while the S4 is the car to have for longer journeys where comfort is a consideration.
If you do buy an S3, check the waterpump - they're made of chocolate and like to leak.
In my opinion the S4 is a much more refined cruiser with more space, a better ride and more up to date technology. It also sounds better (less fake) than the S3. On the downside it's pretty thirsty and costs more to run (£450 tax
) The S3 seems more "fun" than the S4, like it wants you to take it the long & twisty way home just for the hell of it. It's also cheaper to buy and run (high 30s mpg is achievable). However, it doesn't sound quite as good, isn't as comfortable and doesn't have such a good interior (though this is all relative - it's not French!).
Both cars are extremely capable and will get you from A top B extremely quickly. I'd argue the S3 is a more interactive drive that's fantastic for short blasts on twisty roads, while the S4 is the car to have for longer journeys where comfort is a consideration.
If you do buy an S3, check the waterpump - they're made of chocolate and like to leak.
Whilst I know folks are sharing the home truths and running costs for our good friends, realistically if you are concerned about mpg sub 30 then IMO you’re not truly in the market for an S car... I’ve not yet met anyone who decided to buy any of the aforementioned S vehicular options with a nod to ‘a gentle run avoiding the loud pedal’. Comfort on a long journey-yes, great for munching the miles effortlessly-yes, three kids and a cocker spaniel- yes, sounds angry- yes. Quiet open road, windows down, chance to open up 350 horses... I’m not saying no. If it’s economy you are after, buy a pleasantly pokey but Uber frugal 2.0 TDI with every one of your desired options.... just my 2p.
Thanks for the comparison S3/S4 hellodave. Ideally I want the convenience of a smaller car with the comfort of the larger one, hence interest in an S3 with supersports seats and magnetic ride. I'll see if I can try one when I'm back in action in a couple of weeks.
