Pros
- Daily-driver friendly performance
- Luxury interior refinement
- Thrilling supercharged V6
Cons
- Potential aftermarket reliability
- Moderate fuel economy
- Costly Audi maintenance
B8/B8.5 Audi S4 review with Vyocar
Audi’s supercharged V6 turns every grocery run into a mini track day, with exhaust notes so addictive you’ll find yourself downshifting just to hear it snarl.
Overview: Real-World Take: The Fun You Can Actually Hear
Let’s be honest, performance here is an understatement. This thing is the kind of fun that makes you look for excuses to “grab groceries” just to hear those mufflers sing, especially if you’ve swapped the factory resonators for straight pipes or gone fully modified with tunes. I’ve seen owners at Quick Everett’s Garage in Dayton and even a guy named Justin in TN push these cars way past stock, sometimes chasing codes after plugging in sketchy dealerships updates or cheap CarUnder10k parts. My buddy with a 2013 build claims it’s a total bargain at $15k, but let’s not pretend, it’s still luxury, and Audi maintenance isn’t for the faint of wallet. Much like the Genesis G90, enthusiasts argue the S4 has that perfect balance of daily comfort and “I’ll wake the neighbourhood” loud when you floor it. If you’re nearby and shopping, nearby dealerships might have stock, but the real gems are usually modified by enthusiasts who care.
Pure Performance, No Guesswork
The supercharged V6 is the real star here, and hitting 2,500RPM wakes it up like strong coffee on a Monday. The throttle response in “S” mode feels sharp, with quick downshifts and those addicting pops and bangs from the exhaust, especially if you ditch the stock setup for something louder. My favourite drive is in manual because nothing beats controlling those shifts yourself, and yes, it’ll smile back at you with every pull. I’ve tested plenty of cars, but this one hits 0-60MPH in about 4.4 seconds, which is impressive for a comfortable daily. Even my wife, who usually hates “fun” cars, admits the engine feels smooth in “D” mode when you’re just driving to Nearby dealerships or running errands. But switch to sport mode or slap a good tune on it, and it’s a whole different car, faster, more aggressive, and every bit of its 333HP feels honestly rated. If you love performance cars, this might just be your new favourite.
Everyday Comfort with a Touch of Class
Easy to Live With, Even on a Bad Commute
The S4’s suspension walks that fine line between performance and comfort, feeling a bit stiffer than your usual luxury car but never bone-shaking over city bumps. I’ve driven it plenty of times in traffic and on open roads, and even at 70MPH, the exhaust and mufflers keep the drone low enough that you won’t go deafening yourself on long trips. The engine stays smooth, and the throttle only begs for more when you actually want fun. For a sporty car, it’s surprisingly comfortable, pulling around 23-24MPG on average if you’re light on the gas. I once drove with a full suitcase in the back, and honestly, that’s when you realise this generation nailed the whole “daily driving hero” story, a great balance of practicality and weekend thrills.
Worth Every Dollar If You Know What You’re Getting
For the price, this B8/B8.5 feels like a legit bargain when you look at the features, AWD, supercharged V6, and 333HP that makes any daily commute more fun than a Camry ever could. The interior mixes leather, carbon fibre, and proper climate control with dual zone settings, which adds that luxury vibe you expect from Audi. Sure, maintenance can get expensive, but compare it to a Mustang or even a used GT, and this model still feels like the smarter purchase if you’re a driver who actually cares about handling and not just raw horsepower. I’ve seen people trade into one just for the range of specs, and that refined department feel you won’t get in most cars at this deal.
Final Take for Real Drivers
If you’re hunting for an all-rounder that’s both fun and a solid daily, this generation still holds up, even with higher miles. I’ve driven a 2013 with around 130k miles, and aside from minor cosmetic damage, it was still performing like a champ. For around $20k, a clean-condition purchase feels like a steal compared to newer models that don’t feel half as connected to the driver. Sure, you’ll want to check for past projects or any weird tripod mount marks if someone filmed a video review before selling it, but if you buy smart, you’re getting a genuinely luxurious yet engaging car that makes you want to take the long way back home every time. Some cars at this price just exist; this one makes every day worth the drive.
See Also: 2017 Audi S8
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