I would pass on the S4 as well, but for a different reason. The new S4 will be out relatively soon and will be drastically different than the current S4 if that is the car you really want. $800 for a lease seems ridiculously high, especially an S4 which has a very strong lease right now because the new S4 will be out soon. I looked into leasing or purchasing an S4 when I got my G37, but I just did not think the car was that much more vehicle to justify the price.

I agree with Rochester in that I also do not lease cars because I modify them.

 

All good points. Makes sense to just keep the G and keep driving her and saving $ and eventually get something else down the line

 

Going from no payment at all to maybe $400 per month depending if your brother commits to supplementing the other half? I'd keep your G. Better yet, sell your G outright, get the cash and buy your own S4. I do love those S4 and want my own.

 

I was really interested in the 2012 S4 until I saw how small the interior was and how stupid small the trunk is. Not realistic with a little one for me.

 

The S4 was my finalist along with the G. Loved the German feel but the back seat is tight. 3 kids (11, 7, 5) and even though my car is not a primary kid carrier, there are times I have at least 2 kids with me. Otherwise loved the car.

 

after i drove the S4 i wasn't impressed with the performance at all!
kept my G!

 

The S4 truly shines when you drop $800 for a tune. That's when it shows its true colors. It'll be faster than any fully bolted and tuned NA G37 with just a simple ECU reflash.

Add bolt ons to the mix and you got a beast.

They respond very well to mods like the bmw 335.

There's a video of a S4 vs a RS4 (450 HP).

The S4 with a ecu reflash was neck and neck with the RS4 from launch to 165mph.

Before the ecu reflash the RS4 beat the S4 by about 15+ car lengths.

 

This is absolutely true. But save money after the tune for repairs. At least that is what stops me from buying a used S4.

 

All true.

You should also add that you've also voided your warranty. Google audi td1

 

If you can get the lease for $400 a month- do it. Why not? As car guys/gals, we buy, upgrade, and then sell cars relatively often and lose money to parts and depreciation, but we keep doing it. Is it financially responsible? No. We do it because we don't mind paying for the experience.

 

Tough call, if the same scenario was available to me, I wouldn't take it, but of course we have different circumstances.

Option 1 sounds good if you only pay $400/mo and don't buy out the car (who wants to roll the dice with a used, performance-oriented German car?).

Option 2 sounds good if you've maintained your car well and can manage another 2-3 hassle free years. Then you can sell for $10K or so and use additional money you've saved over that time to buy something new(er).

Doubt you'd come close to breaking even, but think the first option wouldn't set you back that much further. And of course the intangible effect of driving a nicer, funner car.

Also, some would see leasing an S4 and buying a G37 as equals in the irresponsibility dept. Just saying...