Audi S4s are like crack...

I just bought a 2006 Audi S4.  It's beautiful.  I've been driving it all over town.  I can't stop.  It's just so much fun to be in.  Everything about it is wonderful.  All of the controls are in the right spot and have the right feel -- it fits me perfectly.  I'm pretty sure angels sing each time I shift gears.  It's just a glorious, glorious car.

So, sounds good and sounds addictive, right?  That's what makes Audi S4s like crack.  Once you've driven one, you'll never want to drive anything else.  I had a silver 2001 S4 prior to this car.  Back when I was shopping for that car I also drove the Acura TL TypeS and Volvo S60 T5.  Both were perfectly good cars -- better values for the money even -- but neither could hold a candle to the S4.   As I remarked to my husband while test driving the S4, "It's just so fuckin' fun to drive!"   Who doesn't want a car that elicits that sort of exclamation? 

And that's the same feeling I got while test driving my new S4.  (Though I didn't make that same comment to the sales person who was riding with me at the time.  He was a nice man.  I didn't want to offend him with my foul language.)  Before I test drove this car I had almost convinced myself that I'd buy a different make...you know, try something different.  But after one drive, I was back on the crack.  I'm not sure I can capture in words why S4s are so good and so addictive, but I'll try.  They're fast and they're tight.  When you're in one, you feel like you belong together; they're your friend and they'll never let you down.  They are, without a doubt, ausgezeichnet.

But before I end this post full of drippy admiration for Audi S4s, I'd just like to comment on why this new one is such an improvement, even over my old S4.  First, they lightened the steering.  It may now be a bit over-assisted, but it's a nice change from the '01's rather heavy feel.  Second, the Recaro seats are AWESOME.  They've got fantastic thigh support and fit me and the car like a glove.  Third, the shifter could not be in a more perfect spot.  My hand naturally falls right on top of it.  Fourth, I could listen to the engine and exhaust notes all day.  This car sounds like the hot rod I never got to have as a kid.  The throaty growl makes me giddy.  (...and we know how important cars that go "vroom" are to me...)  Fifth, the car is just TIGHT.  No roll, no shake, no nuthin'.  Lastly, it's got AWD, a back seat, and a trunk -- so it's ALL THAT and ever so slightly practical too.