Can an ordinary person afford an Audi S4?

[McLilliana]

Audi S4 is unaffordable for ordinary people; at least a middle-class family can afford it. Introduction to the Audi S4: The Audi S4 is the direct successor to the S2 model, which was developed from Audi's earlier 80 series. The development concept of this model incorporates the A4-quattro sports sedan, which dominated European racetracks in seven countries in 1996 and made other automakers wary of four-wheel drive. The engine of the Audi S4 has exceptional explosive power. This is also a characteristic of low-pressure turbocharged engines: conservative horsepower output but excellent low-speed torque performance. Specifications: The Audi S4 is equipped with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, quattro all-wheel drive system, four-link front suspension, 17-inch Avus six-spoke alloy wheels, ten-way power-adjustable leather seats with lumbar support, an eight-speaker 120-watt CD and cassette stereo, a three-spoke leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, an automatic climate control system with sunlight sensor, trip information display and journey computer, Sideguard head airbags, and more.

[VanColeman]

Considering the maintenance costs of an Audi S4, I must say it's indeed a bit challenging for the average person to afford. The purchase price is high, with a new car starting at over 400,000 yuan, and monthly loan payments of several thousand yuan are common. In daily expenses, fuel costs are a significant part: with its 3.0T engine, city driving may consume over 15 liters per 100 kilometers, leading to monthly fuel expenses of around 700 to 800 yuan. Additionally, insurance is costly due to it being a luxury performance car, with annual premiums starting at least 4,000 to 5,000 yuan. Maintenance is even more of a headache: minor services at a dealership may cost around 1,500 yuan, while major services with part replacements can easily exceed 10,000 yuan. For an average salaried worker earning around 100,000 yuan a year, the car alone would take up a large portion of the budget, not to mention other living expenses like housing and food, making the financial pressure quite substantial. Unless you have a higher income or family support, it's advisable to think twice.

[DiBrooklyn]

From a car maintenance perspective, I personally find the Audi S4 quite costly to upkeep. Its performance is strong but components are delicate, prone to minor issues: for instance, suspension or electrical problems often cost 2,000-3,000 yuan per repair. The maintenance intervals are short, requiring a workshop visit every 5,000 km, with basic service fees significantly higher than regular cars. Fuel costs average over 0.5 yuan per km using 95 octane, more economical on long trips but expensive in city driving. Insurance is pricey too, starting around 5,000-6,000 yuan annually for young drivers. To comfortably afford these fixed costs, one needs a stable monthly income exceeding 10,000 yuan—otherwise unexpected repairs could break the budget. Opting for a used model is advisable but requires thorough inspection to avoid inheriting a financial burden.

[ORyder]

Back in my younger days, I also dreamed of driving an Audi S4 – that driving feel was truly exhilarating. But maintaining it burns money: even a used one would cost over 200,000 RMB, with high insurance premiums potentially reaching 7,000 RMB in the first year. The fuel consumption is fierce, easily exceeding 1,000 RMB monthly for city driving. Maintenance is even more troublesome, with minor services costing over 1,000 RMB, and any part repairs being painfully expensive. For young adults earning just 6,000-7,000 RMB monthly, the car would devour most of their living expenses, impacting savings or travel plans. If you want a performance car, opting for an entry-level model is far more practical.

[RiverDella]

Maintaining an Audi S4 can be a budget challenge for average homemakers. The high purchase price leads to significant loan pressure, with monthly payments and insurance costing around 3,000-4,000 yuan. Frequent maintenance cycles with each visit exceeding 1,000 yuan affect expenses like children's education. Fuel costs are substantial—manageable for family trips but noticeably higher for daily commutes. While the space suffices, the costs compromise living standards. It's viable for households earning over 200,000 yuan annually; otherwise, opting for an economical car to save for mortgages or leisure may be wiser.

[DeColton]

From a long-term ownership perspective, based on my experience, the Audi S4 has relatively high ownership costs. It depreciates quickly, with its resale value halving after just a few years and being difficult to sell. Maintenance expenses increase year by year, and repairs for minor issues in older models can be costly. Insurance premiums rise annually, with basic coverage starting at 5,000 to 6,000 yuan. Fuel costs are a fixed expense: the high-performance engine is fuel-thirsty, with significant monthly consumption in city driving. For the average person, monthly expenses start around 2,000 yuan, which can strain finances if total income isn't substantial. An annual income of over 150,000 yuan is needed to balance these costs comfortably; otherwise, it's better to opt for a more durable and economical model rather than stretching your budget.