2003-2005 Audi S4 (B6)

Let's face it, Audi have always been rather good at making their cars.  Whenever you step into an Audi you get the sense that no expense was spared to make the interior last way after humans have disappeared from planet earth.  However, there is a whiff of dull about them, and the driving experience doesn't exactly set your heart racing either.  However when it comes to RS and S-badged Audis it's a whole different story.  It's the equivalent of the school librarian being a back up dancer in Beyonce's Crazy in love video.

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They are rather pricey though- brand new.  But as years keep going by they are becoming one of the most tempting second-hand buys.

When the Audi S4 (B6) was launched in 2003 it cost around £40000 in the UK, and upto $48000 in the United States.  Buyers had the option of getting the popular sedan, the convertible, or the sportswagon Avant model.  For that money they would be treated to a fantastic 4.2 litre V8 engine producing 344 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque.  Combine that power with a six speed manual transmission or a six-speed tiptronic auto, and 0-60 mph was done within 5.5 seconds, while top speed was limited to 155 mph.  All S4s also had Audi's all-wheel drive Quattro system.

As said before the B6 S4 is probably one of the most tempting buys, especially when you consider that you can get one for less than a brand new Toyota Matrix.  You can get one in the USA for less than $18000 with less than 80000 miles on it.  It gets even better in the UK, with S4s coming in for as little as £8500 and less than 90000 miles. While the Euro-zone is seeing prices hovering around 12000 Euros for cars with a little over 100000 km (62500 miles).

Expect big service bills with cars like these, though.  Always remember that even though they might be cheap to buy, servicing can be anything but.  However, it still doesn't take away the fact that this is one of the best ways to enter V8 powered fun. Quattro style.

By Alex Kisiri