L23FPorsche

Just a short note to say that I certainly appreciate the Rennlist board and so many of the fine people here. I have just received a beautiful set of stock calipers and rotors from David. Because of this board, transactions can be completed without anxiety. Something that cannot be said (at all times) on Ebay. Once again, Thanks David.



Tom

David in LA

No worries Tom...thanks for helping me make space in the garage for my new toy Really glad it worked out for both of us

John H. in DC Area

What toy would that be, David? Do tell.

David in LA

John - unfortunately not a play toy but a practical one...audi s6...never thought a station wagon could be so fun

John H. in DC Area

Ah, I see. All "S" model Audi's are tons of fun, nice job I'm currently researching the Audi S4.

David in LA

Are you looking at the new S4s...avant or 4 door? Tons of fun and supposedly they got the 6 speed tranny to stop grenading - but they're quite pricey at 55K although demos and low mileage ones are going for 45K on eBay. The older turbo V6s are good bang for the buck esp as Audis don't hold value well...but need to be careful with these as a lot of them have been chipped to make 325-350hp. Also rear seat room on the S4s leave a lot to be desired which is why I went for the S6.

I was able to get the '03 with a factory 100K/6 year warranty for an attractive price because of the bad depreciation. It was the perfect car to have in LA during the bad storms the last few weeks...not to mention there is something appealing about a 340hp 4WD car that cops ignore.

btw yesterday I saw a yellow RS4 at the Lambo dealer (in Hong Kong)....very tempting...

Tech-Law

Isn't that the truth! Great opportunity for a certified pre-owned buyer. I wish I had gone that route with my A8. After only 30k miles my $65k car is now worth $30-35k - ouch!

John H. in DC Area

I'm looking at the new S4's. The RS4 you saw must have been nice. I know the turbo v-6's can be modded, but I'm looking for a reliable daily driver with some pep and don't want to have to spend a lot of $$ on maintaining turbos and whatnot after modding. I'm also really really worried about resale, as both you and Ernie said ... Audi's don't hold value terribly well, so I may decide to pick up a newish 4-door S4 with low miles, we'll see.

nile13

John, I'm somewhet intimately familiar with new S4s. A very nice car, sounds fantastic, very civilized, fast, excellent brakes. One drawback in my opinion is handling, mostly due to the shear heft of the car. It's not a crisp handler. If you can live with that, I think you'll like it.
On the other hand, resale will be interesting. Traditionally S4s have held their values better than any other Audi. Still, they depreciate fast. I saw a new one on eBay being sold for $48,500 with most common equipment and 300 miles from John Holtz in Rochester, NY, so the deals are out there. But if you do find one with 2-3K miles, you might do better.
If you have any questions about Audis, let me know. BTW, I still think that A6 2.7T 6-speed, while not nearly as fast as S4, is a great compromise sedan, possibly the best sedan that Audi makes this size of A8L.

John H. in DC Area

Thanks for the tips, Mike. Going to take one for a test drive this weekend, it's possible, for the first time ever, I'll perceive the S4's heft and numb steering to be assets on our crappy streets in DC. If I do go this route, I'll be shopping for deals on demo or low miles cars.

ruffy

David,
wait till u see the RS6 performance on the track.
Its almost ridiculous to see something so big go so fast

David in LA

I haven't driven one on the track but did test drive one when I was in LA a few weeks ago...amazing cars. But in the US they go for about $80-85K so with tax and license you are looking at $90-95K...can't really justify paying 2X what my S6 cost. Also, in the US they only sell the sedan, and I really wanted a wagon. Maybe in a few years time I'll have to consider one after someone else takes the depreciation hit

nile13

I have not driven an RS6 on the track. I've driven it on the street and for all that this car is, and it's an amazing car, I do not think it's a car that is suitable for everyday use.
Strangely enough, I think that the new A8L is a better car. I've driven the A8L both on the street and at the track. It's a bit big but it doesn't feel that way. It feels precise and modern. RS6 feels more like a 60s muscle car in comparison.
If you have a chance to drive them side by side you might be surprised.

Tech-Law

I agree re: the new A8L - very nice car that addresses many of my complaints with my current A8 (underdamping, tip issues, etc). The new S8 should be incredible. I'm told the top line model will carry a 650hp V12!

Bruce SEA 993

Tech-Law,

Autoweek has a write up on the A8L 6.0 L W-12. Basically two VR6 engines siamised at 72 deg. Light as a V-8 and shorter than the V-12s. This allows Audi to incorporate the quattro system in the drivetrain. It is the only high end car in it's class with AWD.

It is also $120k......yikes!!