Should I sell my S4? Moving to the West Coast

**burdoogo** · 05-14-2013 08:35 PM

I'm moving from Virginia to California (hopefully in January) and am thinking about my selling car. Just wondering if you guys think this is a good idea because honestly, no one has given me a solid piece of advice as of yet.

Has anyone made the move from one coast to the other, and was it a good idea to bring your S4? Did you drive it down, or transport it? I usually fly every weekend, so I'm only able to drive the car a couple of days out of the month. It took me a really long time to find her (2007 S4 and she only has 31,000 miles), and I'm very, very, VERY hesitant on selling her :(

I suppose financially it would make sense since technically I don't need a car, and I could throw the car payment cash into savings. But, I seriously love the car. Seriously.

Any suggestions? I'm really torn about this.

**snail_power** · 05-14-2013 08:40 PM

I moved from detroit to LA / San diego probably 7-8 years ago and had a TT. My company paid relocation but I would probably do what I did regardless. Rent a Uhaul and a trailer and trailer that beast. Its not that expensive and you will save a lot of wear and tear on your car. Think about the oil changes and potential for failed parts on the drive... starts to make a trailer look not too bad. A shipping company would only cost like 800-1000 to ship your car as an option too.

Where are you moving? Here in socal the public transport is basically a non option for most people (I take the metro red line but infrequently so I know how inadequate it is). You will DEF need a car down here, sf maybe not so much. V8, kind of sucks for gas rolling around hollywood traffic but honestly its not horrible for me so far (just got my s4).

Also something to think about, i dont know abotu VA but coming from the rust belt cars out here stay IMMACULATE well into the 100k mark if taken care of. You can pop a hood on a random car with 100k and it looks new in some cases. It rarely ever rains to even get water on those engine covers... lol.

**madkimchi** · 05-14-2013 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by burdoogo

I suppose financially it would make sense since technically I don't need a car, and I could throw the car payment cash into savings. But, I seriously love the car. Seriously.

sell it. it's a car. you can buy another as long as you have enough money. save your money now when you don't need an expensive car and buy a nicer car when you really need a car. why waste money when you don't need to.

you will be in sunny cali. go pick up a convertible.

**dparm** · 05-14-2013 08:46 PM

I too do the travel-every-week thing. I like having a car to come home to. It's a hobby for me, so it's an emotional thing. My parents view cars as appliances, so to them it seemed really foolish to own one at all.

That being said, I would tell you to just keep it. Drive it. Enjoy it. Sounds like you'll regret it if you sell. A possibility might be to sell it for a convertible S4 so you can really get the most out of the experience, but your car is already pretty nice.

**burdoogo** · 05-14-2013 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by snail_power

Where are you moving? Here in socal the public transport is basically a non option for most people (I take the metro red line but infrequently so I know how inadequate it is). You will DEF need a car down here, sf maybe not so much. V8, kind of sucks for gas rolling around hollywood traffic but honestly its not horrible for me so far (just got my s4).

Also something to think about, i dont know abotu VA but coming from the rust belt cars out here stay IMMACULATE well into the 100k mark if taken care of. You can pop a hood on a random car with 100k and it looks new in some cases. It rarely ever rains to even get water on those engine covers... lol.

I'm planning on moving to San Diego. I've been there a number of times and absolutely love it. Everyone drives so much faster on the highways than they do in VA. It would be awesome to drive 80+ with all my windows down on that open road.

Originally Posted by madkimchi

sell it. it's a car. you can buy another as long as you have enough money. save your money now when you don't need an expensive car and buy a nicer car when you really need a car. why waste money when you don't need to.

you will be in sunny cali. go pick up a convertible.

I was also thinking about this, but I think it's all or nothing. With the cars I was looking at, although cheaper, aren't THAT much cheaper--maybe $100 less a month. So, I figure I'm either going to go through with bringing the car and just paying for it every month, or sell it and not have a car at all. I guess I could rent one on the weekends, or my girlfriend's car could be our primary mode of transportation.

Originally Posted by dparm

I too do the travel-every-week thing. I like having a car to come home to. It's a hobby for me, so it's an emotional thing. My parents view cars as appliances, so to them it seemed really foolish to own one at all.

That being said, I would tell you to just keep it. Drive it. Enjoy it. Sounds like you'll regret it if you sell. A possibility might be to sell it for a convertible S4 so you can really get the most out of the experience, but your car is already pretty nice.

Great advice, and my parents think the same way. I'll definitely regret it if I end up selling it, and I don't really feel like going through the process either. Plus, I've already invested so much time, money, and energy into it, that it would be a waste to sell it for a definite loss.

Thanks for the great advice guys! I think I'm leaning more towards keeping the car, but I would have to reexamine my finances and see if things would be too tight. My gut tells me that it won't, but I guess it's more of a psychological thing, seeing as how I'm paying a bill that isn't really necessary.

**FuchsB** · 05-14-2013 09:24 PM

Keep it and drive it. You cant beat the California weather and will regret it after you sell it.

***Stubek*** · 05-14-2013 09:26 PM

I moved from NY to Tucson with my A4. I transported it. Back in 2005, it only cost me about $1,000 to get it shipped. I think the prices have gone way up due to fuel costs.

**SinCityA6** · 05-14-2013 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by FuchsB

Keep it and drive it. You cant beat the California weather and will regret it after you sell it.

+1 on this. The first time you run the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows dow, you won't regret it

**FuchsB** · 05-14-2013 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by SinCityA6

+1 on this. The first time you run the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows dow, you won't regret it

Just don't have your windows or tail lights tinted like me and meet chp :)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**drew** · 05-15-2013 10:59 AM

There are some epic roads down here, Mullholland, PCH, etc. The S4 is a lot of fun on them.

I drive my S4 only a few times a month now but when I do, it feels like therapy. Nothing beats cruising down PCH on a nice day with the windows down...

**B7S4ATX** · 05-15-2013 11:07 AM

I made the move from Northern Virginia to San Diego about a little over a decade ago. I only stayed for 2 years (the first year was like a honeymoon and I couldn't believe that everyone didn't choose to live in San Diego), the second year wasn't as much fun as I discovered that the Southern California culture was a bad fit for me and my personality. Still, you're basically guaranteed to have a blast for a while. And your car will stay pristene while you're there. I've lived all over and VA cops are the worst... esp the reckless driving charge, which they'll slap on you for 75MPH+. I drive 100+ last week on route 130 to San Antonio (85MPH speed limit) without a cop in sight the entire time. THAT was fun.

**elwigglero** · 05-15-2013 12:06 PM

I just shipped an S4 from California to Philly for $725. Keep it and enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway and Redwoods National Park roads.

**burdoogo** · 05-15-2013 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Whatset

Nobody walks in LA. Not much different down south. I suggest you keep it (especially if you own it) - you will love it there! I know a few S4 owners in the SD area - Pure MS is there for support and some other great shops too.

PS - I've driven out 5 hours to SD to have work done on my car...and to party the gaslamp

Awesome! I have a pretty good relationship with my mechanic at home, and was starting to look into good shops in SD. Thanks for giving me a head start!

Originally Posted by B7S4ATX

I made the move from Northern Virginia to San Diego about a little over a decade ago. I only stayed for 2 years (the first year was like a honeymoon and I couldn't believe that everyone didn't choose to live in San Diego), the second year wasn't as much fun as I discovered that the Southern California culture was a bad fit for me and my personality. Still, you're basically guaranteed to have a blast for a while. And your car will stay pristene while you're there. I've lived all over and VA cops are the worst... esp the reckless driving charge, which they'll slap on you for 75MPH+. I drive 100+ last week on route 130 to San Antonio (85MPH speed limit) without a cop in sight the entire time. THAT was fun.

This is true--NoVA cops are notorious, and the roads here are horrible. Everyone drives the speed limit, and there's ALWAYS traffic, no matter the day or time. Glad you enjoyed it for a little!

Originally Posted by elwigglero

I just shipped an S4 from California to Philly for $725. Keep it and enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway and Redwoods National Park roads.

That's an insanely low price. Was it enclosed or open transport? And what was the condition of the car when you got it?

Thanks for all of the help guys. I had a pretty intense conversation with my parents about this, and I think I'm going to end up keeping the car. Can't wait to drive those CA roads :)

**j2ther** · 05-15-2013 01:45 PM

Drive across the country and try to beat the average speed motor trend made when they took the cts v wagon from Cali to Detroit. Says they did about 1100 miles in 15hours, about 73mph is a pretty damn good average when you include all the stops that were probably made.

Thats why you bought the car right? To drive it. Five months after I bought mine I went from Seattle to Wyoming in the dead of winter, was an awesome trip. Who cares about the miles. You'll go nuts if you worry about stupid things like issues that can go wrong and oil changes, which is a maintenance item.

Plus you are catless so you don't even need a radio.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/t...n/viewall.html

**B7S4ATX** · 05-15-2013 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by burdoogo

Glad you enjoyed it for a little!

If I had to do it over again, i would have lived in a little beach town like Cardiff or something rather than with all the dirtbags in PB. I probably would have stayed much longer and enjoyed myself that much more (though it would have been much more quiet). Enjoy the adventure... its a trip (just don't get worked up when everyone makes plans and then "flakes" -- its not you -- just how it is)

**SoCalS4Avant** · 05-15-2013 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by drew

There are some epic roads down here, Mullholland, PCH, etc. The S4 is a lot of fun on them.

I drive my S4 only a few times a month now but when I do, it feels like therapy. Nothing beats cruising down PCH on a nice day with the windows down...

THIS.

Originally Posted by Whatset

Nobody walks in LA. Not much different down south. I suggest you keep it (especially if you own it) - you will love it there! I know a few S4 owners in the SD area - Pure MS is there for support and some other great shops too.

PS - I've driven out 5 hours to SD to have work done on my car...and to party the gaslamp

AND THIS.

Unless you're seriously not going to need a car (and in California, everyone needs a car - I have three, in fact), there is no reason to consider selling. Both my Avants (S4, then the A4) came from New York, and were shipped to California. My Touareg was from Arizona...but I just drove it over here.

Outside of ridiculous traffic and even worse MPG, cost of living, smog, heat, earthquakes, and the Kardashians - I'd say Southern California isn't bad.

**burdoogo** · 05-15-2013 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by B7S4ATX

If I had to do it over again, i would have lived in a little beach town like Cardiff or something rather than with all the dirtbags in PB. I probably would have stayed much longer and enjoyed myself that much more (though it would have been much more quiet). Enjoy the adventure... its a trip (just don't get worked up when everyone makes plans and then "flakes" -- its not you -- just how it is)

I hate PB. My sister lives there, and I cannot stand being in that area. It's loud, and the people there seem really douchey. Although, I have met some nice people there! But just from my observations, it seems like a place that would have been cool if I was 20, but definitely not now.

Originally Posted by SoCalS4Avant

Outside of ridiculous traffic and even worse MPG, cost of living, smog, heat, earthquakes, and the Kardashians - I'd say Southern California isn't bad.

Haha sounds great! Speaking of smog, since I'm catless I'm guessing I won't pass emissions in CA. Piggies should be ok though, right?

**drew** · 05-15-2013 03:02 PM

CA only does the visual and OBD2 code readiness now, no more sniffer. So if you pass visual and have no check engine lights or other codes, you should be fine.

**SoCalS4Avant** · 05-15-2013 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by drew

CA only does the visual and OBD2 code readiness now, no more sniffer. So if you pass visual and have no check engine lights or other codes, you should be fine.

I dunno. When I had my E30 due for registration back in February, they did the sniffer.

**iHaveBoost?** · 05-15-2013 03:17 PM

x324982374 for keeping it. You'll love the scenic drives, won't be the same in anything other than an S.

**drew** · 05-15-2013 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by SoCalS4Avant

I dunno. When I had my E30 due for registration back in February, they did the sniffer.

I believe the E30 is an OBD1 car, so therefore they would still need to do the sniffer.

**SoCalS4Avant** · 05-15-2013 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by drew

I believe the E30 is an OBD1 car, so therefore they would still need to do the sniffer.

Boo. Damn you for being right. LOL

**elwigglero** · 05-15-2013 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by burdoogo

That's an insanely low price. Was it enclosed or open transport? And what was the condition of the car when you got it?

Thanks for all of the help guys. I had a pretty intense conversation with my parents about this, and I think I'm going to end up keeping the car. Can't wait to drive those CA roads :)

Open transport - 18 wheeler car carrier. Car showed up fine.

**snail_power** · 05-15-2013 09:30 PM

It sounds like you made the right choice and are going to keep it,

But in case your on the fence, think also about the "depreciation tax" you are going to pay on the money you lost since owning it. If you decide you want another one in a few months you will have to buy something similar and it will probably cost you more than you sold it for (murphys law) and also paying tax on the next purchase.

**s4buckeye** · 05-15-2013 10:41 PM

Agree with most of the SoCal bits.

First year is like a dream, in fact, a really long and crazy dream.

Second and third years, dream starts to fade and you start to realize that you either really love it or hate it. You also start to realize that your "new" and "fast" car is neither and that you need a much better job than you have.

Years four through six: after you go through several months of looking at houses you can't really afford, you start to wonder if Riverside and San Berdu are really considered SoCal.

Years 7 and 8: You consider Orange County, but can only really do Garden Grove so you think about SD instead. El Centro is not SD so you go to PB, but like the earlier posts said, you can no longer stand the Garnet crowd and give up.

Year 9 and 10: You move to NorCal.

Year 11 after 10 years of living the dream, you wonder why you left the Commonwealth of Virginia in the first place.

All kidding aside, other than taxes, high cost of living and a state legislature run amok, there is no better place to be than Kali.

Bring the car, drive it here and see America. Good luck!

**snail_power** · 05-15-2013 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by s4buckeye

Agree with most of the SoCal bits.

First year is like a dream, in fact, a really long and crazy dream.

Second and third years, dream starts to fade and you start to realize that you either really love it or hate it. You also start to realize that your "new" and "fast" car is neither and that you need a much better job than you have.

Years four through six: after you go through several months of looking at houses you can't really afford, you start to wonder if Riverside and San Berdu are really considered SoCal.

Years 7 and 8: You consider Orange County, but can only really do Garden Grove so you think about SD instead. El Centro is not SD so you go to PB, but like the earlier posts said, you can no longer stand the Garnet crowd and give up.

Year 9 and 10: You move to NorCal.

Year 11 after 10 years of living the dream, you wonder why you left the Commonwealth of Virginia in the first place.

All kidding aside, other than taxes, high cost of living and a state legislature run amok, there is no better place to be than Kali.

Bring the car, drive it here and see America. Good luck!

^^ HA having done SD OC and LA now I can say this sounds pretty accurate with small variances. Id swap out PB for encinitas or carlsbad.... hahaha

Regardless, S4 on one of any mountain roads here will for sure be amazing and worth hauling it across country.

**0000 V8** · 05-15-2013 11:29 PM

I did this exact same move. Virginia to California. Driving it across the country alone was the single most amazing thing ice ever done in the car. It really lets you get to know her lol. Then when I got her to CA, she was gutted and built :) I'm so glad I did that drive before the build. It was like a last "thank you for letting me own you."

**boostnb5** · 05-16-2013 12:21 AM

I had my S4 shipped from cali to Maryland, was a $800 open carrier (autoportation). I was already driving an SUV with the wife and didn't want to take separate cars cross country. The road trip was amazing the SUV just had more room and it kept the mileage off the Audi. I lived in Cali for 8 years, its hit or miss some days I loved it other times I hated it but being back east and owning a house I cant say I miss it.

**burdoogo** · 05-16-2013 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by s4buckeye

Agree with most of the SoCal bits.

First year is like a dream, in fact, a really long and crazy dream.

Second and third years, dream starts to fade and you start to realize that you either really love it or hate it. You also start to realize that your "new" and "fast" car is neither and that you need a much better job than you have.

Years four through six: after you go through several months of looking at houses you can't really afford, you start to wonder if Riverside and San Berdu are really considered SoCal.

Years 7 and 8: You consider Orange County, but can only really do Garden Grove so you think about SD instead. El Centro is not SD so you go to PB, but like the earlier posts said, you can no longer stand the Garnet crowd and give up.

Year 9 and 10: You move to NorCal.

Year 11 after 10 years of living the dream, you wonder why you left the Commonwealth of Virginia in the first place.

All kidding aside, other than taxes, high cost of living and a state legislature run amok, there is no better place to be than Kali.

Bring the car, drive it here and see America. Good luck!

Haha seems like you've already gone through the motions! I'm not really sure how long I'm planning to stay out there--maybe 5 years? Just depends on work! Every time I've visited Northern and Southern California, I've loved it.

Originally Posted by boostnb5

I had my S4 shipped from cali to Maryland, was a $800 open carrier (autoportation). I was already driving an SUV with the wife and didn't want to take separate cars cross country. The road trip was amazing the SUV just had more room and it kept the mileage off the Audi. I lived in Cali for 8 years, its hit or miss some days I loved it other times I hated it but being back east and owning a house I cant say I miss it.

I can definitely see this. I'm not planning on settling down in California. I'm going to move back to the east coast when I want to settle down. Raising a family and dealing with the housing market in California seems like too much.