Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Status
Not open for further replies.

iMpathetic

macrumors 68030
Oct 7, 2007
2,547
4
IMBY
This summer I've been working as an IT development and user interface design intern at a small television graphics company in NYC. But I am a full time student (this being my last year) at Penn State. I make pretty decent money at this internship, and am a photographer on the side so I make some extra side cash from that as well.

If your next question is how I did I afford an S4, I only paid 8k for it, and I sold my old E46 for 4500 this summer, and put the extra cash on top from about 6 weeks of work on top to buy it. Insurance isn't too bad on it either (car is in my name). It also helps that it's only an 01. :D

Kielan on Stanceworks right? I recognize those pics from your build thread. :p
 

prodigee

macrumors 6502a
Sep 23, 2009
621
10
Brooklyn, NY
I'm trying not to start an argument here, but the context that drove you to ask this question seems really mean. So the guy's 20? It's not like he has a Rolls Royce, and you know what? If he did I'd be happy for him.

It'd be a different story if someone came here and said their parents bought them a Mercedes C300 but they really wanted an M5 and they were whining about how their parents couldn't fork out the extra dough for the BMW.

You have to appreciate that the people here are posting pictures of their cars because they wanted to share what they drive with you. Some really like their cars (myself included ;)) For the cost of that S4 he could've gone and bought a Civic DX of 2005 vintage? That doesn't mean that's always the sensible smart thing to do.

You know what? Forget sensibility. After establishing your budget, you should find something you'll really enjoy owning. Something you want to take a second look at as you walk away in the parking lot, and something where you don't freak out about the gas mileage because it was worth it.

Cheers!

It's an old bad generation S4 it's not particularly expensive so in the end does it matter?

I had a Porsche 944 in HS it wasn't a particularly good year. I got it for a song because the gentleman put his spark plug wires on incorrectly. I did all my own maintenance so it wasn't expensive to maintain. Without full coverage it wasn't bad to insure because it wasn't all that fast.

He 20 in college and drive a decade + old Audi performance station wagon.

Okay you guys! Hold your horses. I was just curious. I am 22 myself and I just wanted to know what he does to afford driving it. I know it isn't a new M5, and it is likely he earned the money himself. For that reason I asked him. No mean feelings involved.
I got my answer, and I am happy. Thank you.
WOAH this got out of hand quickly hahaha, I saw no harm in the comment and answered it lol. But yeah I could have easily bought a newer, much more reliable car for the same money, but I definitely wouldn't enjoy the ownership and the car nearly as much. To me cars have two purposes, first and foremost, to put a huge beaming smile on my face every time I get in the car, the second is to get me from point a to b. Realistically a B5 S4 is a real gamble for reliability, but if kept up with, they're no trouble at all (until the turbos go pop, but I have a plan for those).. I absolutely love driving the thing and it always puts a smile on my face, I wouldn't say it's a bad generation though, some will argue it's one of the best performance cars of the time period, it's just plagued with issues that face almost every TT car of the same vintage haha. But to me, that's all part of the fun.
Kielan on Stanceworks right? I recognize those pics from your build thread. :p

Haha yes the very same, what's your username over there?
 

iMpathetic

macrumors 68030
Oct 7, 2007
2,547
4
IMBY
Hahah I dig it man, some lows and you're there! I wish I could change my username over here, I'm not 15 any more haha.

Only Ksport and D2 make coils for the 2nd gen 6 so they're like $1000.

I made this username when I was 13; can you tell?
 

Sylon

macrumors 68020
Feb 26, 2012
2,032
80
Michigan/Ohio, USA
Because there's a whole page of talking, here's a pic.

GOPR0006e_Snapseedsm_zps2a4871d7.jpg
 

Pugsy

macrumors newbie
Dec 31, 2007
3
0
London, UK
My Cars over the years

This is my 3/4 post i think
always a lurker never thought i would post because never thought i would have something constructive to say:confused:

Current: BMW X1 20d Msport:cool:
Work mileage dictated needed a more eco car, loving the 37 MPG even though not fully run in yet. Does shift when needed to just not as fun as the Gti. Is a sleeper when remapped
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wk8jnsspiss24v4/IMG_0710.JPG

Previous Car: Polo Gti 1.8t :D
The beast as my mates called it. Quick, fast surgical direction change, only let down by crappy gear changes felt like changing a sponge cake. but the smile on your face could not be taken off. always looked forward to a-b roads after work who cares if its 5 miles longer i loved it!!!!. Would have loved to keep it not for costs
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c439rli1hme9mvy/IMG_0708.JPG

1st car: Blue Polo
Bog Standard Polo 1.0e, wind up mirrors and everything. Nippy little thing, scary at 70MPH:eek:
Same as the stock picture
http://images.clickedit.co.uk/7045/car_id_1303_1.jpg
 
Last edited:

rubirock

macrumors regular
Aug 12, 2009
146
1
Little Beirut
It's an old bad generation S4

whoa whoa whoa, bad generation S4? I must refute you sir, as some of us, myself included, think that the B5S4 is THE S4 to have.

Clearly, I am biased towards the B5, but I think the A/S4 in subsequent generations has become bloated and far too big, each seemingly enlarged to the size of the previous generation A6. And since VAG wont import the S3 to the states, there isn't a better choice for audiphiles that don't want/need a huge, Camry-sized, 4 door sedan.

I will say it is hard to argue with a V8 with at least 90hp more a la B6 & B7 S4, except that the 2.7TT has more power potential (from a still booming aftermarket 11+ years after the last one rolled off the line) if you are willing to open your wallet. Lets say you spend $10k on a relatively low mileage B5, then spend $10k more to bolt on bigger turbos, fueling, and an ecu flash: you will leave newer S4s in the rearview, all while saving at least twice that amount compared to buying a new one.

And then you can have the supercharger vs turbo debate for the newest S4, which for me still leaves the B5 on top for me, especially when you factor in price.

I can't see how the B5 it is a "bad" generation, especially considering its continued popularity.
 

GermanyChris

macrumors 601
Jul 3, 2011
4,185
5
Here
whoa whoa whoa, bad generation S4? I must refute you sir, as some of us, myself included, think that the B5S4 is THE S4 to have. I can't see how the B5 it is a "bad" generation, especially considering its continued popularity.

Ok, I'm truly glad you like it.

It's popularity comes from the fact that it's old an now reasonably cheap..
 

puma1552

Suspended
Nov 20, 2008
5,559
1,947
whoa whoa whoa, bad generation S4? I must refute you sir, as some of us, myself included, think that the B5S4 is THE S4 to have.

Clearly, I am biased towards the B5, but I think the A/S4 in subsequent generations has become bloated and far too big, each seemingly enlarged to the size of the previous generation A6. And since VAG wont import the S3 to the states, there isn't a better choice for audiphiles that don't want/need a huge, Camry-sized, 4 door sedan.

I will say it is hard to argue with a V8 with at least 90hp more a la B6 & B7 S4, except that the 2.7TT has more power potential (from a still booming aftermarket 11+ years after the last one rolled off the line) if you are willing to open your wallet. Lets say you spend $10k on a relatively low mileage B5, then spend $10k more to bolt on bigger turbos, fueling, and an ecu flash: you will leave newer S4s in the rearview, all while saving at least twice that amount compared to buying a new one.

And then you can have the supercharger vs turbo debate for the newest S4, which for me still leaves the B5 on top for me, especially when you factor in price.

I can't see how the B5 it is a "bad" generation, especially considering its continued popularity.

we are getting the s3 next year.
 

rezenclowd3

macrumors 65816
S4 stuffs

I think the B5 S4 has potential, but in stock form handles atrociously, and Audi is horrible at parts design and ease of access. Nice looking cars at least, but never again will I own an Audi after my B5, or looking at the B6 and up engines. I would sooner own a BMW V12 engine...(for those that don't know, BMW has yet to make a good V12.)

Either way, I do think the S4s are fun, and look great (minus the B6). I'd love to own a Ur-Quattro...
 
Last edited:

M0esmac

macrumors 6502a
Apr 25, 2012
749
28
UK
People all over the world are so damn lucky... I'm in UK, I have saved up a lot for very very nice BMW as a first car but then there comes the insurance. And I got to buy a freaking smart. :(
 

puma1552

Suspended
Nov 20, 2008
5,559
1,947
People all over the world are so damn lucky... I'm in UK, I have saved up a lot for very very nice BMW as a first car but then there comes the insurance. And I got to buy a freaking smart. :(

Consider yourself lucky enough to have had everything else provided for you so you could save enough of your hourly wage to buy a brand new car and a brand new BMW at that for your first car.

You could've been paying the mortgage and all utilities at 17 on $8 an hour like I was and driving a 116k mile car that was 10 years old that never let you feel confident it'd get you to where you needed to go, and had broken AC.:rolleyes:
 

M0esmac

macrumors 6502a
Apr 25, 2012
749
28
UK
Consider yourself lucky enough to have had everything else provided for you so you could save enough of your hourly wage to buy a brand new car and a brand new BMW at that for your first car.

You could've been paying the mortgage and all utilities at 17 on $8 an hour like I was and driving a 116k mile car that was 10 years old that never let you feel confident it'd get you to where you needed to go, and had broken AC.:rolleyes:

I'm not saying I'm not thankful, it is just a pain to see when people can enjoy and ride a car which they want and I'm stuck in UK for at least another 5 years and I can't ride what I want, just because the insurance. Whatever, I can pay road tax even if it is £300 a year, but man when you need to pay that as well as insurance which costs you 5 times that road tax is bullcrap.
 

puma1552

Suspended
Nov 20, 2008
5,559
1,947
Keep in mind about 70% of the expensive cars you see are leases, and also keep in mind that many Americans can't afford what they have and despite having flashy car this and huge house that, many have nothing for retirement and are a paycheck away from penniless. Debt is king in America.

Big difference between being able to buy something and actually being able to afford it.

You have a brand new car as your first car. It is reliable, new, not ratty tatty and rusty, everything works, and it will get you everywhere you need to go without so much as a hiccup or a worry. You are further ahead of the curve than you may think.
 

kap09

macrumors 6502
Jun 10, 2009
298
2
whoa whoa whoa, bad generation S4? I must refute you sir, as some of us, myself included, think that the B5S4 is THE S4 to have.

Clearly, I am biased towards the B5, but I think the A/S4 in subsequent generations has become bloated and far too big, each seemingly enlarged to the size of the previous generation A6. And since VAG wont import the S3 to the states, there isn't a better choice for audiphiles that don't want/need a huge, Camry-sized, 4 door sedan.

I will say it is hard to argue with a V8 with at least 90hp more a la B6 & B7 S4, except that the 2.7TT has more power potential (from a still booming aftermarket 11+ years after the last one rolled off the line) if you are willing to open your wallet. Lets say you spend $10k on a relatively low mileage B5, then spend $10k more to bolt on bigger turbos, fueling, and an ecu flash: you will leave newer S4s in the rearview, all while saving at least twice that amount compared to buying a new one.

And then you can have the supercharger vs turbo debate for the newest S4, which for me still leaves the B5 on top for me, especially when you factor in price.

I can't see how the B5 it is a "bad" generation, especially considering its continued popularity.

Believe me when I say that I have all the love in the world for the B5 and definitely feel you on the bloat over the years. That said, I have a B8.5 S4 and it's a totally different beast. Turbos are great for making big power, but the powerband is so flat on this thing that you plant the right foot and it goes. Quickly. And that's in stock form. Also not even a close comparison between interiors, etc.

All that said I still miss our old B5 like crazy!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.