RS4 Depreciation

[rob hamilton]

I am looking at buying a new RS4 but am interested to know your views on likely depreciation. "What Car" is estimating that it will lose 60% of it's value over 3 years which to me seems excessive given the limited numbers and desirability of the car. I am looking at a Saloon version.

5/6 year old B5 RS4's for sale on here seem to be around the £25k mark. What was the list price when it was released?

Your thoughts please.

Thanks

[rob hamilton]

My heart says buy one and my head says that the value has got to hold up ok. I have been lucky to date with cars as I have had a 2nd hand TVR that I only lost £5k over 6 years on, a Mini Cooper S and a Mark 5 Golf GTI which is holding up well.

My local BMW dealer told me that they wouldn't see a new M3 until October 2007?

I am test driving one on Saturday so I reckon there is a strong chance that they will see my money then.

[rob hamilton]

If there is going to be a crash in the market for the RS4 when is it going to happen? 2nd hand ones are still going for list. If I could hold out for 9 months and get one for a steal I would, but I am not sure it is going to happen.

[rob hamilton]

I test drove the RS4 Convertible on Saturday. Great Car, but...the Convertible is a 2+2, I sat in a Saloon and there is a lot more room in the back and half the boot isn't taken up by the roof. My thoughts are that if I want a convertible I may as well get a 997 because there is no difference in terms of space. I think the RS4 Convertible is going to take a hit for this reason (but what do I know?!). The Saloon however takes some beating as an overall package in my opinion, so it will be seeing my money!

[rob hamilton]

My point was that there is not enough space for 2 adults in the book of an RS4 Convertible, therfore you may as well buy a 997 as there is no space in that either.

The RS4 Saloon/Avant is a different matter.

[rob hamilton]

I guess I just must be very tall (6'2" as I couldn't fit my wife behind me when I test drove it.) Don't get me wrong it is a great car but just not practical enough for me.