daz_vx220

Hi guys, the rs4 has been a dream car for many years, I'm now seriously considering selling both my current cars (Honda s2000/3.2 audi a3 Quattro) and purchasing one this summer. If you look in the right places auctions etc 12k will get you a 2006/07 with reasonable miles.

I've had impreza's (11) and evo's but never anything quite so special. I've read reviews etc but there not always a true reflection, will be leaving it with the mrs at home most the time so won't be doing more than 5k miles a year.

Any info would be appreciated.

borderlinechris

iTrader: (5)

one of the drivers in my work got one (56 reg) looked great, went like the preverbial, sounded awesome when he fitted full miltek exhaust to it, but was always in and out the audi garage(only had it 6months max) got sick of the bills so chopped it for an M5..... dunno if that helps you any lol!!

tony de wonderful

Nose heavy.

Maz

iTrader: (34)

You've obviously never driven one. Beautifully balanced and very very planted. It's a an exceptionally good car with a great engine. The interior is a very nice place to be in and build quality is excellent. Parts aren't cheap and if the dampers fail it's a grand or so per axle. The engine is prone to carbing up so a clean may be needed. Here's a few pointers.

http://m.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-audi-rs4-b7-2006-2008

Graz

Considered one a while back, too many stories involving big bills - as mentioned the active suspension is a weak spot and the engine has some issues.

Bought the 535d instead. Not quite in the same league but it does the job though I'll probably trade that in after another few years as there is a lot to go wrong on it so fear of it getting old

TheWaterboy

You don't buy a performance car like that and worry about running costs, if you do maybe it's the wrong car for you? Personally I would try and find a mint RS2, a much cooler car but each to their own.

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

Doesn't tubby tommy own one?

burt2000

iTrader: (1)

I havent owned one, but i know people that have...awesome car in every way but you cant run one on a budget, you need to have deep pockets....thats it in a nutshell really.

L.J.F

iTrader: (31)

I looked at buying one last summer and after a lot of research and test drives etc I came to the conclusion that it was not worth the risk getting a RS4 as the repair bills can be huge, plus there is so many examples that have hidden issues or stolen recovered cars. The amount of cat D Rs4s about is shocking !


I ended up going for a 2007 6.0 Monaro Vxr, faster car that never fails to put a huge smile on my face every time I drive it

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I would look into the s4 as it has a lot of the rs4 features but more discreet and a lot cheaper

burt2000

iTrader: (1)

you could have a B8 S4 for B7 RS4 money, i was in one a few weeks back, awesome car and that 3.0 V6 S/C has some potential, remap alone and it will leave a B7 RS4 sitting

G.Mac

iTrader: (2)

Brother has an 06 plate B7 RS4

things to look out for

-suspension prone to leaking and knocking, pretty expensive to fix, many have had coilovers fitted for this reason
-clutch pedal not returning during spirited driving, known issue with replacement pipe to fix
-oil coolers tend to corrode and leak at fittings over a K to fix if not doing yourself (front of car has to come off)
-pneumatic seats (bolsters side and lower can inflate) sometimes go again expensive fix
-CARBON CARBON CARBON, if the car doesn't have the kick at about 5.5 - 6k rpm when in sports mode chances are that the inlet manifold is carboned up, again expensive fix if you are not mechanically minded.
-brake discs are EXPENSIVE, talk to Alyn at AS Performance as he has very good prices.
edit - no point going for the long life engine oil as they tend to destroy it after 4 - 5k miles, at this point the car starts to use oil, change the oil for fresh stuff and it doesn't use a drop. off the top of my head I think its about 14 - 15 liters for an oil change!!! depending how far you drain the system down. from totaly empty (after an unfortunate sump incident where he managed to put a hole in it) it took 16 liters to fill the system from totally empty.

that's the main ones off the top of my head.

a wee pick of the carbon



they do sound the mutts nuts though with a 4.2L V8 that does 8000 rpm!!!esp if you free up the exhaust
it has had a pair of ctr boxes fitted since this vid


they are cracking cars, as pointed out before cabin is a very nice place to be
26mpg on a motorway run can be had but expect low 20's being realistic
don't go for a car with comfort seats unless you are a right porker, I'm the best part of 17 stone and I have virtually no wiggle room in the sports seats

Graeme

skoobidude

I had one for almost 3 years and loved it. Bought on an 07 plate back in 09 so i had another year on the warranty..
DRC failed (suspension knocking/leaky seals..) and fixed during first year. Audi eventually increased warranty to 5yrs on this due to so many cars with this issue.
I never liked the suspension and would advise finding a car with coilovers or similar.
Otherwise it was a blast. Oh and i replaced the front discs and pads not long before selling it. Audi charge £1170 for that. Just make sure you budget for parts and servicing!

My car was a black saloon with bucket seats, silver dash inlays and flat bottom steering wheel.
Comfort seats and standard steering wheel seems to be least popular so beware you may have problems selling on without the sought after extras!

Go onto rs246.com as there's loads of info on that site.

Eventually i px'd for a new m3 with competition pack

Nick

salsa-king

so the Audi's have engine issues like subaru 2.5s do?

skoobidude

Only with coking up, which gradually reduces power over time.
I've not heard of any that have let go. However, Audi did tell me that a replacement engine was £15k!
They tend to use a lot of oil too - usually around 1L per 1000 miles but this seems common with VW/Audi engines..

Nick

billythekid

I considered a late RS4 Avant about 2 years ago. Eventually went with an RS6 Avant. So far, so good.

Same running costs, no issues with carbon or dampers and the V10 is a peach.

JamesDundee

iTrader: (2)

12k getting you one?! Seriously? I've never seen any that cheap and I keep an eye out.

yabbadoo4

iTrader: (8)

this was an interesting experiment by chris harris : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KfMY96v_Gc#t=195

JamesDundee

iTrader: (2)

Interesting! Shame I prefer the older shape! B7 ftw