PDA

View Full Version : Audi S4 and A5 depreciation


Graeme
10-05-2009, 08:34 PM
Hello I am new to this forum. I am making a decision between a base model
S4 and an A5 2.0T premium package with a few options. I was just wondering if I was to sell the vehicle in a couple years, which of the two would have a better resale value?
adbender
10-06-2009, 04:12 PM
Hello I am new to this forum. I am making a decision between a base model
S4 and an A5 2.0T premium package with a few options. I was just wondering if I was to sell the vehicle in a couple years, which of the two would have a better resale value?

The residual on the S4 for leasing is actually pretty solid which may give you a clue on resale. 42% at 4 years, which is better than a 335.

Those are two very different driving experiences your are chosing from.

If you value performance, I would go with the S4 in a heartbeat .
Graeme
10-06-2009, 04:28 PM
Ya I know but I love how the A5 looks and crave for the power of the S4. The A5 will work out to be the same price as the S4 so it's a pretty tough decision.
toaster
10-06-2009, 04:33 PM
i wouldn't even consider an a5 and an s4 together...they should not be the same price.

the s4 wins, no question.

of course, there is a very obvious solution: s5.

just pick one up used.

my last two audis i picked up used and cpo'd. the only difference between the first guy who bought the car and me is that i saved a shitload of money. it just makes so much sense financially, unless you have loads of money to burn, than it really doesn't matter.
zillmc
10-06-2009, 05:55 PM
I was set on the 2010 S5 until I drove the S4 at Steven's Creek =), now I have the S4 on order.
Alkivar
10-06-2009, 06:57 PM
if you are even remotely considering stretching the budget to fit the S5, wait til the 2011 model with the 3.0T... much more modding potential.

if it still comes down to S4 or A5 2.0T and performance matters... go S4. As nice as the A5 is (and I own one) its too damn heavy for a 2.0T to really be a good performer with that engine.

if it still comes down to S4 or A5 2.0T and performance doesnt matter... go A5. The styling of the A5 vs the S4 is just an obvious decision if you look at them side by side. The A5 looks so much more aggressive, its lower, its wider, its sleeker... its just crippled with the 2.0T imo. The 3.2 was a much better engine, the 3.0T in the 2011 S5's will be even better.
ProgMetalHead
10-06-2009, 07:15 PM
^ Somebody prefering the V6 engine? [up]
Hamann
10-08-2009, 11:18 PM
The residual on the S4 for leasing is actually pretty solid which may give you a clue on resale. 42% at 4 years, which is better than a 335.

Those are two very different driving experiences your are chosing from.

If you value performance, I would go with the S4 in a heartbeat .

cheers to the only guy who tried to answer his question...[up]

As for me, it's a little too early to know exact numbers on resell...but, I will say that most people don't want a 2.0 in the A5. Although the styling is much better than the S4, people who buy the 5's typically want performance.

Today's residual's are a guessing game...so, try to think about what the consumer would want. If you can get a base S5, do that instead...it will outsell the B8 S4...IMO.

If resell is a major factor for you, suggest purchasing either model after about 15 months of ownership...10-15k miles, and save 8-10k
sakimano
10-09-2009, 08:27 AM
interesting dilemma

I would think S4 should win hands down, but in reality, an APR tuned A5 2.0T will put down about 235hp and 330 tq. If you take care of the suspension with a nice set of coilovers, ensure that you buy an S-line A5 to ensure you get the upgraded interior and exterior, it starts to be a tough call!

The S4 is very solid, but the A5 is one fabulous looking car. Looks wise, this is a no brainer.
sakimano
10-09-2009, 08:29 AM
^ Somebody prefering the V6 engine? [up]

yeah...over the 2.0 4!
riegeraudi
10-09-2009, 08:36 AM
interesting dilemma

I would think S4 should win hands down, but in reality, an APR tuned A5 2.0T will put down about 235hp and 330 tq. If you take care of the suspension with a nice set of coilovers, ensure that you buy an S-line A5 to ensure you get the upgraded interior and exterior, it starts to be a tough call!

The S4 is very solid, but the A5 is one fabulous looking car. Looks wise, this is a no brainer.

Yeah I got to agree here that the A5 definitely takes it in the looks department. If I didn't need a four door I would have ordered a S5 instead of the S4.
But I think you need to consider if you are an engine guy or design guy. I find the A5 engine to be severly lacking even with a chip. If it was up to me than I would either get the S4 or wait till next year and get the S5 with the 3.0 engine. This way you have some time also to save to get the S5 instead of the A5, and you will be fully happy with the design and engine.
Can't you put off the purchase for a year?
sakimano
10-09-2009, 08:59 AM
Yeah I got to agree here that the A5 definitely takes it in the looks department. If I didn't need a four door I would have ordered a S5 instead of the S4.
But I think you need to consider if you are an engine guy or design guy. I find the A5 engine to be severly lacking even with a chip. If it was up to me than I would either get the S4 or wait till next year and get the S5 with the 3.0 engine. This way you have some time also to save to get the S5 instead of the A5, and you will be fully happy with the design and engine.
Can't you put off the purchase for a year?


yeah, but I wouldn't be so quick to judge the A4 performance, since I'm not sure if you've driven one. it's pretty quick as is, and startlingly quick (for a little 4 cyl with a little turbo) when chipped. Step up to a bigger turbo and an APR stage 3 A5 will out run quite a lot of cars...including your S4 and mine. You'll still be well under the S price tag.

Of course the sound that the 2.0T makes is horrendous...we have the engine in our B8 A4 avant and I don't like driving it spiritedly because I have to hear it! The sound in the S4 is a bit better...but not an emotional, visceral response generator. The 3.2 sounded better. I like that the S4 has everything taken care of so that's nice...suspension/brakes/power etc. I'm not much of a modder so if this were me, I'd take the S4. I also don't like 2door cars for the PITA factor anytime you want something big in/from the backseat.

Still I love the debate...it's a tough call honestly. We're not talking about VASTLY different choices, yet we are. Very thought provoking.

p.s. the 5 cars here carry a bit of a premium over the 4 cars. Is this the same in the US? For example S4 pricing here starts at 52,500 but the S5 pricing is low 60s to start.
AofC_RR
10-09-2009, 03:29 PM
That's impossible to predict. It's all a matter of what the second hand market is willing to pay. Look at the B5 S4. Those things stayed sky high forever. It's tough to predict resale value. All kinds of things could help or hinder the value down the road. The price of gas, the availability, incentives on the car (thanks Audi for not whoring out your cars as bad as everyone else right now) etc.
Hamann
10-10-2009, 06:53 AM
(thanks Audi for not whoring out your cars as bad as everyone else right now)


They may start...

Sales drive everything...granted, they are doing better than a lot of american car companies, the CARS program notwithstanding...

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=8788504
b6onboost
10-10-2009, 07:06 AM
S5 [:D]

Find one slightly used if needed.


Ya I know but I love how the A5 looks and crave for the power of the S4. The A5 will work out to be the same price as the S4 so it's a pretty tough decision.