i'm currently researching a new vehicle for my wife. I'm leaning towards a used certified Audi S4 B7 (around 35-40k). AWD, V-8 muscle, audi luxury

the other runners are the 07 BMW 328 or used 335, lexus is250 and a brand new A4 3.2 Quattro

The range is a bit stiff for luxury but it would be worth it to me to put in the extra cash if its worth it. I haven't found anything that stands out from the others that makes me think anything other than an audi.

I heard that you can't change the tranny oil on a bmw which makes it mandatory for a dealer trip or a tranny swap in the garage.

Let me know your thoughts and experiences and if you know anything about reliability.

I tried researching the audi websites but it kinda appears that they are too new or just rich folk without a clue.

 

Get the 335.

 

In terms of reliability and luxury I would say IS250; however, it's weak.
S4 and the A4 are powerful and AWD with the luxury; but then would you be able to bear the occasional electronic problems or little problems that not worth a trip to the dealer but annoying.

335 are luxury, sporty and nice looking. However, if you are a hands on guy, it might be hard to do maintance work yourself. A trip to the dealer would be worse then getting your *** raped.

I would rock the 335i if I had the money. cos the bummer is a combintion of styling, pimp status and sporty all in one.

 

the bimmer has free maintenance for the first 4 years

The S4 (v8) is slow and eats gas like whoa (they dyno about the same as a stock STi but weigh a lot more)

 

The cars you are listing here are going to be extremely hard to find used so soon after their model year release -- these cars will have 7-10k miles on them, not 35k. You'll have to take what you get, no being picky about color or warranty. As noted all of these have nasty sticker-shock when it comes to just routine maintenance, not to mention actual repairs. A recent crash-test piece on one of the nightly news shows claimed repairs of $4000+ on an Audi after a simulated 5mph crash. That lovely grille in front has nothing behind it but radiator.

Of all of them I would get the A4 Quattro, it at least has decent gas mileage. The S4 weighs so much that the extra power is canceled out.

My father's 2003 M3 gave him tons of trouble; the computer died twice (warranty once, $1800 the second time) and it cost almost $3,000 to replace the rotors and pads. I am a BMW fan (first car was an '83 325i) but once they became so choked full of gadgets and software I've had less and less interest in them.

 

i appreciate the info all around. we're going to take a G35 for a spin since its in the price range.

most of the feedback confirms much of the same research and my suspicions.

any audi forums that someone can recommend like i-club?

 

I think the best bang for your buck will be the G35/37. However, after driving all of the vehicles listed above, I liked the BMW the best. It felt rock solid and handled very well, much more nimble than the S4. It was very impressive in all aspects. But I am sure you will do your research and test drives. Here is a good article about a stage 2 335.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...leId=119485#18
They got better acceleration numbers than the RS4 they tested!