Depends what you want or indeed what you watch? If you watch the VAG Technik videos on YouTube you’d never buy a performance car again. I do think that regular servicing is key though. Most of these cars cars have been ragged, and further down the line the new owner picks up the bill. Tomas and Miroslav know their stuff, so watch their back catalogue and make up your own mind.
The S4 TDI does interest me. Why? I’m driving a 3 litre (272PS) Quattro and it’s the best car I’ve owned, and probably my last diesel. It’s Euro 6 standard, however to achieve that, Audi have thrown in DPF, AdBlue, EGR and cats. With all diesels you’ll ultimately get emissions issues down the line. Also, B9 platform has suffered from more than its fair share of AdBlue issues, usually tank sender, heater or pump, but as the whole thing is integral unit, it’s expensive to replace. I’ve started using Forte Anti-Crystal on every AdBlue top up, and before a fuel filter change Forte diesel additive.
Enough of the down sides. Positives on TDI is low end torque. It will literally cruise all day in efficiency mode, quick tap of the Tiptronic into sport mode and I’ve 600Nm of torque on tap. TDI S4 gives you 700Nm of torque which is more than enough power.
Do your research though in term of standard kit. Audi are as tight as a gnat’s chuff with equipment levels, so make sure you have everything you want. Retrofitting is expensive.
Volkswizard (YouTube) had S4 TDI as daily driver. I don’t particularly like the channel, but it’s worth a watch.
Finally, whatever you decide, get yourself a full copy of VCDS. You don’t need to be a mechanic to use it. These cars are sensor heavy, so it pays to know what’s going on. You can purchase from Gendan UK.
Test drive both if you get a chance and be prepared to travel for the right car. Anything on a long service regime, walk away. I’d be looking at oil changes every 5-8k miles.
