2002 Audi S4 or 330I

FNV · 02-11-2006, 10:59 AM

Drove a 2002 S4 yesterday, and I loved the power and handling. It feels faster than the 330I, and since it's used vehicle it's cheaper as well.
I'm worried about the maintenance on the S4.
Can anyone give me any advise on whether or not it's worth buying an S4, or is it too risky? Should I stick with buying a new 330I?

Steve P. · 02-11-2006, 11:03 AM

S4 is a powerful car, very fun to drive and great handling. But Like all Audi's you will have electrical problems, guranteed..... I did when I had mine, and my friends as well. But then again BMW has had a reputation in the past for not being reliable eithier..... but My 2006 325i has been better than my Audi ever was.

Oz · 02-11-2006, 11:04 AM

I would stick with a new E90 rather than used 4 year old car. How many miles on the S4?

Nikki · 02-11-2006, 11:07 AM

I'd rather have a new car under warranty. My boyfriend works at Champion Audi and he sees all of the horrible problems they have. I'm not saying BMWs are without problems, but at least if you're under warranty then you will be fine.

Steve P. · 02-11-2006, 11:09 AM

Audis due have problems it is very true.. Like i said I owned one I know

FNV · 02-11-2006, 11:11 AM

80000 kms. however it runs very well!

FNV · 02-11-2006, 11:12 AM

thanks for the advise.

Steve P. · 02-11-2006, 11:13 AM

80,000...thats at the end of the Factory warranty ..remember that to.... Oil changes and services are not cheap...

Nikki · 02-11-2006, 11:13 AM

That's a pretty crucial point. When's the last service it had? My boyfriend's A4 needed so much stuff shortly after that milege and if he didn't work for Audi it would have cost around $2500.

SCA · 02-11-2006, 11:19 AM

The S4 is a sweet car, but I would not own a used Audi or one out of warranty.

FNV · 02-11-2006, 11:19 AM

I haven't checked that out, however I would of taken the car at the audi dealership to make sure everything is in order. My worry is that even though this S4 drives well, no one can guarantee that it won't break down next month. At least with the 330I it's under warantee.

Steve P. · 02-11-2006, 11:21 AM

LIke SCA said... Audi's are awsome Cars to own... only if you have warranty

england1987 · 02-11-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB

Drove a 2002 S4 yesterday, and I loved the power and handling. It feels faster than the 330I, and since it's used vehicle it's cheaper as well.
I'm worried about the maintenance on the S4.
Can anyone give me any advise on whether or not it's worth buying an S4, or is it too risky? Should I stick with buying a new 330I?

Plus the 330i will come with four years free maintainence. Plus its a new car. plus the 330i has a warranty. plus its a nicer car IMO. plus its a BMW. but your comparing an S4 to a 330i. that like comparing a M3 to an A4

c5driver951 · 02-11-2006, 11:41 AM

The S4 is a blast to drive and very upgradable. However, you are looking at turbos at 60k, and they aren't cheap. The driver's side oil line goes right by the exhaust causing coking and premature failure. This is worse on chipped or otherwise modded cars.

I know this because I was looking at S4s prior to purchasing my E90. If the dealer hadn't sold the S4 avant I was looking at I would've had one with the V8.

The Audi is also VERY thirsty.

JamieA · 02-11-2006, 11:52 AM

I would go the 330

ChrisPA · 02-11-2006, 04:10 PM

Guess I've been lucky - my 2000 A4 has 120k miles on it. So far in six years, the only non-routine expenses have been the timing belt & timing belt tensioner, and the front right tie rod and control arm (at around 110k miles). I'm upgrading at some point this year, probably to a 3-series, but if I don't get another Audi, it won't be because my personal experience has been poor, just to try something different. Actually, I still love this car - I normally get bored after 1-2 years in a car, but this one has held my interest for longer than any other...

Steve P. · 02-11-2006, 04:29 PM

WOW.... your one of the only few I know that has not had problems with your Audi... lucky you.... and I believe with the new E90 the timing belt is actually a timing chain. So you dont even have to worry about changing that for a very long time... maybe someone can confirm that??

visor · 02-11-2006, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve P.

WOW.... your one of the only few I know that has not had problems with your Audi... lucky you.... and I believe with the new E90 the timing belt is actually a timing chain. So you dont even have to worry about changing that for a very long time... maybe someone can confirm that??

Yes, since the E46, the timing chain has replaced the belt, so it should last the life of the engine/car.

Xens · 02-11-2006, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07BMWM3

-S4 wont be that bad if you purchase it through dealership with CPO warranty. Goes up to 100,000 or something (correct me if I am wrong).

-otherwise go with the new e90 with new M-tech package

.

LUCCA

I'm with this, if it has warranty or if you can comfortably afford the maintenance/repair costs then by all means go for the S4.

Hula-Hula · 02-11-2006, 05:21 PM

330i all the way!

FNV · 02-11-2006, 05:49 PM

a actually went for another test drive with the 330I to make my decision, since I was considering the S4. The S4 is a little faster, the handling of the 330I is just as good as the S4 in the dry.
I drove the 330I with the 6speed and sport package. I got a good deal on my trade in, so if all goes well I should have the paper work done this Monday.
Thanks for the S4 information, and my decision was based on the reliabilty of the S4, which from what I heard is not the best. The vehicle I was looking for does not have any warranty left, and I'm afraid to have it break down on me in the future.
I guess the only bad part is having to wait until the end of April for the 330I. Oh well al least the snow will be gone by then.
Thanks for your comments.

FNV · 02-11-2006, 05:56 PM

By the way I asked the sales guy at the dealership about the 325 and 335 models, and he said that he's never heard of them, and they might just be model changes for Europe, but nothing like that will happen here.
He also mentioned that the 330 coupe will be out in July-Sept. as a 2007 model.
Should I believe him? or is he just saying that to get me to buy the 330I now?

02-11-2006, 10:59 AM	#1
FNV Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	2002 Audi S4 or 330I Drove a 2002 S4 yesterday, and I loved the power and handling. It feels faster than the 330I, and since it's used vehicle it's cheaper as well. I'm worried about the maintenance on the S4. Can anyone give me any advise on whether or not it's worth buying an S4, or is it too risky? Should I stick with buying a new 330I?
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02-11-2006, 11:03 AM	#2
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	S4 is a powerful car, very fun to drive and great handling. But Like all Audi's you will have electrical problems, guranteed..... I did when I had mine, and my friends as well. But then again BMW has had a reputation in the past for not being reliable eithier..... but My 2006 325i has been better than my Audi ever was.
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02-11-2006, 11:04 AM	#3
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I would stick with a new E90 rather than used 4 year old car. How many miles on the S4? __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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02-11-2006, 11:07 AM	#4
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	I'd rather have a new car under warranty. My boyfriend works at Champion Audi and he sees all of the horrible problems they have. I'm not saying BMWs are without problems, but at least if you're under warranty then you will be fine. __________________ Nikki
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02-11-2006, 11:09 AM	#5
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	Audis due have problems it is very true.. Like i said I owned one I know
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02-11-2006, 11:11 AM	#6
FNV Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	80000 kms. however it runs very well!
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02-11-2006, 11:12 AM	#7
FNV Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	thanks for the advise.
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02-11-2006, 11:13 AM	#8
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	80,000...thats at the end of the Factory warranty ..remember that to.... Oil changes and services are not cheap...
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02-11-2006, 11:19 AM	#10
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	The S4 is a sweet car, but I would not own a used Audi or one out of warranty.
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02-11-2006, 11:21 AM	#12
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	LIke SCA said... Audi's are awsome Cars to own... only if you have warranty
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02-11-2006, 11:41 AM	#14
c5driver951 Major, no really 0 Rep 43 Posts Drives: '06 330i Blk/Blk Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Dover, DE iTrader: (0)	The S4 is a blast to drive and very upgradable. However, you are looking at turbos at 60k, and they aren't cheap. The driver's side oil line goes right by the exhaust causing coking and premature failure. This is worse on chipped or otherwise modded cars. I know this because I was looking at S4s prior to purchasing my E90. If the dealer hadn't sold the S4 avant I was looking at I would've had one with the V8. The Audi is also VERY thirsty. __________________ Joel Wahlsten My other car isn't...
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02-11-2006, 11:52 AM	#15
JamieA Colonel 93 Rep 2,168 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	I would go the 330 __________________ '05 E90 325i \| '06 E90 325i \| '08 E90 325i LCI \| '13 F30 328i M-Sport \| '14 F10 535d M-Sport Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i
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02-11-2006, 04:10 PM	#16
ChrisPA Enlisted Member 0 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2009 A5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Guess I've been lucky - my 2000 A4 has 120k miles on it. So far in six years, the only non-routine expenses have been the timing belt & timing belt tensioner, and the front right tie rod and control arm (at around 110k miles). I'm upgrading at some point this year, probably to a 3-series, but if I don't get another Audi, it won't be because my personal experience has been poor, just to try something different. Actually, I still love this car - I normally get bored after 1-2 years in a car, but this one has held my interest for longer than any other...
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02-11-2006, 04:29 PM	#17
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	WOW.... your one of the only few I know that has not had problems with your Audi... lucky you.... and I believe with the new E90 the timing belt is actually a timing chain. So you dont even have to worry about changing that for a very long time... maybe someone can confirm that??
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02-11-2006, 05:21 PM	#20
Hula-Hula Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,964 Posts Drives: ♥ Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nürburgring iTrader: (0)	330i all the way! __________________
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02-11-2006, 05:49 PM	#21
FNV Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	a actually went for another test drive with the 330I to make my decision, since I was considering the S4. The S4 is a little faster, the handling of the 330I is just as good as the S4 in the dry. I drove the 330I with the 6speed and sport package. I got a good deal on my trade in, so if all goes well I should have the paper work done this Monday. Thanks for the S4 information, and my decision was based on the reliabilty of the S4, which from what I heard is not the best. The vehicle I was looking for does not have any warranty left, and I'm afraid to have it break down on me in the future. I guess the only bad part is having to wait until the end of April for the 330I. Oh well al least the snow will be gone by then. Thanks for your comments.
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02-11-2006, 05:56 PM	#22
FNV Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	By the way I asked the sales guy at the dealership about the 325 and 335 models, and he said that he's never heard of them, and they might just be model changes for Europe, but nothing like that will happen here. He also mentioned that the 330 coupe will be out in July-Sept. as a 2007 model. Should I believe him? or is he just saying that to get me to buy the 330I now?
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