Soon to be S4 Avant Owner - help needed

[saltz33]

Hi all,

I am about to trade in my 911 for a S4 Avant as I am in need of a family car (baby due shortly).

I have looking around but can't seem the right car, there always seems to be something missing.

I was 99% convinced I found one earlier but just noticed it doesn't have the multifunctional steering wheel.

Any owners out there think this is a must have?

Thanks!

[saltz33]

Hey guys, I am looking to get a B8 S4 Avant within the next 2 months. I am looking for a almost new / ex demo car, under 10k miles on it, probably 09 plate onwards.

Ideally in Black, sprint blue or white.

I want drive select as an optional extra (but can someone tell me if it is just 1 level or package or are there two levels...).

Also what options do current owners see as essential?

Thanks

Saltz33

[SINGH]

Welcome to the forum Saltz, I can't help you with your questions but I know someone on here does have a B8 S4 so should be around to help soon. Good choice and great engine

[Scotty]

Welcome on board Saltz33,

The B8 is a far better balanced car than the previous generations. Handling, suspension comfort etc have come on beyond recognition. You're looking to buy a great car.

I had the B6 S4 and that was hard and thirsty. The new one is faster and more refined although I have read posts where the consumption is no better. Generally it does seem to be though.

Drive Select :

There are various options on this - dynamic steering, damper control, both, with or without Sports Differential.

I have damper control on my 2.0T S-line Avant and I wouldn't be without it. In rides at S4 height but has the comfort (even better) than the higher lower spec'ed cars. You can then switch to auto or dynamic to really change the car. Auto works well and to be honest dynamic doesn't get used too much.

Note : If you don't get satnav then you can't have the Individual Setting in Drive Select.

I didn't go for the S4 as it would have made what a wanted a stupid price. I just went for all the toys on my S-line. If I had gone for the S4 then Sports Diff would have been a definate as would the Super Sports seats.

The dealer reckoned that SatNav is also a must in a car like this for resale. However since you're not buying new then if it hasn't you should save and not lose yourself come resale.

I think the LED rears on the Avant are only from MY2010 (approx July '09 onwards) so if you want them then you need to be sure if it's a MY2010 or a MY2009.

Things like B&O, AMI are nice especially in a car of the S4's value. Phone prep is a must even if it's just the "handsfree" option. 3G Nav does have some issues but it's nice to have full voice control of phone, nav, etc,

Parking sensors, dimming/folding mirrors, cruise are very desireable but I wouldn't turn down a good car due to any of them not being there.

Find a few cars and post them up and let us pick 'em apart HOWEVER at the end of the day it's what you want more than anything. Since you're not planning to be the first owner then the rules are a bit different as "missing" options could mean that you can get a bargain.

Good luck.

p.s. Are there any specific options that you have a query on? I've been through the B8 purchase route twice and the brochure many many times.

[saltz33]

Thanks Scotty,

As you said, I am gonna be a 2nd owner of the car so it a question of finding a car closest to what I am looking for. Drive Select is probably a must for me as currently I have a 996 which I am giving up as I have a baby on route. It also means I have been living with fuel consumption of 20mpg at best, and when I used to commute 14mpg!

I found a couple of cars that fit the bill:

19 inch 5 spoke wheels

phantom black

red/black interior

drive select

HDD sat nav

B&O sound system

Rear parking sensors

privacy glass

but no sunroof, no automatic folding mirrors... I think i am happy to bypass those options but really wanted to make sure I find a beauty as I am likely to have it for 3 years or so, and am hoping that the fact that there arent many to choose from means residuals wont be too bad when I come to sell.

[Scotty]

Check out the Drive Select. You don't want to find out later that it's not the dampers.

(I got it also due to the kids )

Sunroof's aren't that common.

Folding mirrors can be retrofitted if they're a real must for you but it does involve new switch panels, mirrors etc etc etc.

HDD Sat Nav tells me it's a MY2010 which is good as the mirrors generate less wind noise

[saltz33]

I will check out what the Drive Select on this car entails.

Oh yes, nothing like driving the baby in style... poor child won't know what it has let itself in for.

And yes, it looks like a late 2009 car, 1 previous owner... and has 2 years of the manufacturer's warranty on it.

Now just need to get the right price!

[IanHo]

Welcome to Tyresmoke, I have a B8 S4 (Saloon) fantastic car just keeps getting better. Sports Diff has been mentioned, it is probably the must have option. You can only have the Sports Diff with full drive select but it is an additional option. If you can locate a car with Sports Diff that would be the one to go for.

Don't know if you've considered the S Tronic? It is a fantastic gearbox, super quick changes and very refined.

Not often do you have to correct Scotty, but B8 S4's have always had rear LED's, S lines got them on MY2010.

As for consumption around town 22, motorways 26-29 (S Tronic is slight more economical and handily seeks in to the lower road tax bracket). If you want it to it can drink as well as the Porsche!

[Scotty]

Not often do you have to correct Scotty, but B8 S4's have always had rear LED's, S lines got them on MY2010.

Thanks for the correction. I also thought that but when flicking through an old brochure it said it was for the saloons only at that point. It may have been the cross over point.... or of course me misreading it.

[IanHo]

You got me thinking then as well, so I had a check of the old brochure and I think this is the bit you may be referring to:

Aluminium-effect door mirror housings

Integrated boot-lid spoiler (Saloon models only)

LED tail-lights

Painted brake callipers with S4 logo (on front brakes only)

So you weren't imagining things it was just on the line above.

My mistake on the Drive Select & Sports Diff, as you only needed Dynamic Steering not the full package (which would make sense) although I guess as the Dynamic Steering is the most expensive part not many people would have specified Dynamic Steering and not Damper Control.

[Scotty]

So you weren't imagining things it was just on the line above.

Yup - just checked the brochure I read. Doh! I need new glasses!

[saltz33]

Yep, the car I am going for is the 7 speed triptronic... i got tired of being stuck in London traffic with a manual on the Porsche... and the I loved the auto gearbox when I test drove one.

When I make the purchase I will stick some photos up for all to see.

[MattW]

Good choice yoyu won't be disappointed. I have the STronic also, my first "auto" and very pleased with it. IMO must have options are:

Drive Select (Full)

Sports diff

Advanced key

Phone prep

B&O sounds

Tech Pack

Park System Plus

Here is mine

[saltz33]

Thanks gents

I have found one which has looks up to par... full drive select, HDD sat nav, rear parking sensors. B&O stereo... in phantom black with the red and black interior (the wife isn't best pleased), with the 5 spoke 19's on it.

Photos on the way.