Help, looking at a '93 S4, need advice

[H-driver]

Here's what I know: about 80k miles, second owner, stock, excellent condition with original records is what I know. I'll see the car in the next couple of days. What should I be on the look out for in this car? And what are the bigger budget maintenance items that I'll be facing soon? I've been looking for a good dependable daily driver that I can take to a half dozen driving schools throughout the year. How will this car stack up? My last car was a 95 M3, and I loved the balance and feel, but miss the extra 2-doors. Any good info sources you can point me to? What do you think is a good price for this car? Thanks

[Jim]

Like others in the new-S4 forum have said, check out www.s-cars.org and www.urs4.com. That being said, both are being reconstructed right now and the thing you REALLY need, the "Buying an S4 FAQ" may not be available at this time. Jimmy Pribble may post it here for you as he is on this board often enough. If you get this FAQ, follow it. It is correct and gives you all of the caveats.
Other than that, they are great cars. You want to make sure you have all the maintenance and repair records. Condition of the car will give you an idea of the overall condition mechanically. if the car is in bad shape cosmetically, it will probably by bad mechanically. Walk away from it, there are always a few for sale somewhere. On average, I would say about $1500-$2000/year needs to be budgeted for maintenance/repair. Not cheap, but most of the issues are well documented. Don't bother going to any Audi dealer, many of them don't know what they are anymore, most areas have at least one independent specialist that knows these cars pretty well. If you buy it, join the email list at s-cars.org. That list has saved me so much money in dagnostics, it's unbelievable. Don't be afraid of modifications, just know what they are and why they were done.
Also, don't rush into the purchase . Know what you are buying. Don't make a costly mistake.
As far as track days go: The cars need more brakes. Stock thay are pretty bad (Much worse than your M3). Figure $1500-2000 for a very good upgrade. Other than that, a chip ($650) gets you to about 280hp, the RS2 EM and Turbo (total around $2600 + install) gets you up to about 320hp. This is PLENTY for this car. It will be a rocketship. Stock suspension is pretty floaty, new shocks and springs ($6-800) help a lot. Other than that, you're good to go, these are some of the most solid Audi's ever built with a quality interior that puts your old M3 to shame.
Have fun,
Jim K
93S4

[H-driver]

[Jason C]

I just want to emphasize upgrading the brakes and suspension if you plan on doing any type of track events with this car. You can come by 'Big Reds' for under $2000. And spring and shock combos are excellent values towards track performance gains...

good luck, and get on over to s-cars.org and UrS4.com when it's back up...

[Beater]

Kent's business is used Audis, and he specializes in the S cars. He always has some very nice cars on his site, and that may help you get a feel for what your money will buy you. Kent can also search the country for a specific model (ie year, color, options). If anything he is also a wealth of information regarding these cars.
My dad bought a '95 S6 from Kent last summer. My dad has modified the car with the following: K&N air filter, stage 1 chip, H&R springs, Koni adjustable shocks. The car is a fast, rock solid daily driver, and my dad has taken it to four track events since last fall with no problems at all.

Hope this helps. Good luck!


Hope this helps.