10k: 2001 Audi S4; Minty Clean
The B5 Audi A4 was an entry level luxury sedan from Audi designed to compete with BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class. The A4 was a nice car, but it was the S4 hot rod version that captured the hearts of drivers and left a lasting impression (like the fantastic photos that the aspiring Ansel Adams badge winning seller took!). This low mile (56k) 2001 Audi S4 is for sale on ebay from a small dealer in Richmond, VA, currently bidding at $9,800 reserve-not-met.
The S4 was the grownup’s version of the BMW M3 but more sporty than the AMG C43. It was also better looking than either BMW or AMG and standard all-wheel-drive made it the choice for folks in snowy climates. The B5 generation version was only available from 1999-2002 and this particular example is in a striking shade of Nogaro Blue Pearl.
This S4 is powered by a 2.7 liter bi-turbo DOHC V6 that puts out 250 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque mated to a 6 speed manual transmission that puts power to all wheels via the quattro torsen diff equipped all time 4-wheel drive system. Unfortunately this combination isn’t known as the most reliable powertrain of all time – Audi’s recent products falling closer to Citroen on the Citroen-Toyota scale. The 2.7 liter bi-turbo engine is known for failures of its Borg-warner K03 turbochagers and stratospheric costs associated with replacing two turbos located between chassis frame rails and DOHC heads – making changing the turbos a engine-out-of-the-car experience. Internet spec junkies may be dismayed that this car only made 250 ponies, but it feels quicker behind the wheel than the numbers would indicate and a simple ECU tune can add 60 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque.
Audi was known for making interiors of much higher quality than the other Germans and this S4 interior is no exception and seems to have survived the last 56k miles and 11 years with minimal signs of wear/tear. We would prefer an example without the wood trim, but it is something that could be easily replaced with non faux-wood trim (no carbon fiber please, just black trim!) if the new owner was so inclined.
We are curious to see where this M&M blue colored car ends its bidding and hope the reserve is set low as anything above $10k would start to not be a particularly good deal. Either way, the owner will probably love the smooth but taught ride and the whoosh of turbo boost…at least until the coil packs start failing and the inevitable wiring issues start to appear.
See another cheap German for sale…no links to David Hasselhoff please! tips@dailyturismo.com
Nagaro Blue wouldn't be my first choice, as I'd prefer not to be so "visible." B5 S4 are pretty good looking cars though, and I wouldn't mind enjying the speed and surefootedness over the winter months. Unfortunately, the drivetrain will eventually cost you some serious cash, thereby making the B6 S4 perhaps a faster, more reliable, and overall better choice (even if the looks aren't for everyone, including me).