kidd0223

anyone know when will ED on new 530 be available? any chance of picking up new 530 by April?

BTW, generally, assuming that you prefer 'old' design better, would you still buy current one although new model is just around corner?

Thank you for your input!!!

EBMCS03

Depends how much I like the "old" over the new. If I'm ok with the new and really like the old I might still consider the new. But if I absolutely HATE the new and like the old I'll consider another car.

JBOO

I am generally against buying the "old" model, but in this case it's really just an update...not a complete redesign. It might not look as fresh, but the difference would be minimal compared to if Audi was bringing out a completely new model. For example the new 3 series (E90).

I agree with everyone's comments so far and I'll add one more. I'm assuming since you're looking at an S4 instead of an A4, that performance is key to you. IMO, you will get more excitement/thrill of performance from the S4.

Another thing to consider would be resale values.

Good luck-

530iii

Get the S4, at least the power is there in case you ever need it. But then again why not choose the 545i?.

TBell

My wife has an '04 S4 and I've had my '05 530 for nine days now. Here're a few thoughts:

- The S4 is one seriously fast car. Power-wise, the 530 can't compare. The M3 is a better comparison.
- For a tall driver like myself, the S4 is quite cramped.
- The electronic goodies available on the 530 are far better than those on the S4. The S4 (at least in '04) doesn't even have some A4 features like rain-sensing winshield wipers. Active Cruise Control, Head-Up Display, Active Headlights, Bluetooth cell phone interface, and a heated steering wheel were all unavailable. From a company like Audi known for being technologically advanced, the absence of some of these features is uncharacteristic.
- The '04's navigation system sucks compared to the 530's, though the '05 S4 may now have an I-Drive-like screen that the '04 did not, which would be a major improvement. No overhead map display exists in my wife's S4, and the map database is very sparse in comparison to the 530's.
- 30 mpg in the 530 beats the S4's 21 mpg (stick) hands-down. We're constantly having to stop and fuel the S4 with its tiny tank. I can almost watch the fuel needle move.

mcorliss

Apples and oranges they may be, but the S4 is hands down a better value than a similarly equipped 530i. Yes, it has a much smaller back seat. I will give you that, but if you do not have kids or drive others around often, I would go with the S4. Besides, depending on where you live, the all wheel drive is absolutely fabulous on wet or icy roads.

As much as I love my 545i, I would definitely go with the S4 over the 530i. The S4 has a "smoking" lease deal right now and for the first time in history, the model that is being replaced is far better looking than the new version.

Sorry to all 530i owners. IMO, there is "no substitute for cubic inches". Hence, the stimulus to pony up the extra $10K for the 545i. Perhaps the new R6 engine will provide more value to the 530i equation, but I would have a hard time spending $50K+ for a car when a "lowly" Nissan Altima could rapidly flash its tail lights coming out of a stop light.

soc_fans

Try considering Audi A6 4.2 . I don't really like A6 but it is the new Model. The S4 will be coming out the new model this FALL. (Correct me if i'm wrong) If you're still unsure.. my advice to you is.. spend another 8k and get the 545i. You have to test drive it, and you will know what the car is about..