B7 RS4 Avant or B8 S4 Avant
Discussion
WreckedGecko said:
graeme4130 said:
From a cost perspective, the b8 S4 will still have a lot of depreciating yet to do whereas the b7 RS4 isn't likely to go down much further
You'd probably spend less in maintenance costs vs the s4 than you'd lose in the comparable depreciation
Lets say I do about 5k a year. The RS and the S are the same price to buy. In three years the RS would have about 75k on it, the S about 50 or so. Given the steep depreciation on the S4s how much less than the RS would it be worth? You'd probably spend less in maintenance costs vs the s4 than you'd lose in the comparable depreciation
I'm thinking max 5k less. So over 3 years thats about £1,600 a year. Given the RS would probably cost that much more in servicing etc per year, I'm not sure the difference in depreciation would come into it.
Or am I wrong?
With regards to the £4,000 bill putting me off it, it would annoy me given that that would represent about 16% of the car's value! But I don't think it would ruin the car, although to be honest, it would come close. It would have to be something fairly major to rack that up though.
I would hope to not have a individual bill of that size. Over the course of a year it would be more managable, although not ideal!
I have run a TVR in the past that had some big costs so I am not adverse to spending on maintainance.
There's a fair few lower mileage rs4's out there, although obviously less than the newer S4
The RS4 is a very different animal to an S4. An S4's a very capable car, but in my eyes/ears, it's a very boring looking and sounding car whereas the b7 RS4 still looks aggressive and has one of the best soundtracks out there
It really depends if you want to be discreet or not ? If so, had you considered a 330 or similar BMW ? They're very capable cars and I'd suggest a bit more fun to drive than an S4
There seems a lot of s/RS owners that have a run a TVR, myself included. Fun cars
You want an RS4. Buy one now, run it for a year or two and then look at an S4 if you still fancy one once you feel the need to change the RS4. You'll either be able to get a newer still S4 or save more cash.
The RS4 is a very, very good car. I feel it's an event to drive, sounds and feels great and is a tremendous all weather car.
I haven't driven an S4, but the newer interior is far from a universal improvement IMO (lots more space though). The exterior looks good but better on the later versions (neither match the B7 for being just right though). I've heard some sports exhaust equipped ones and they sound pretty good, and the remap potential is very much there. I might give one a go as and when it becomes time to change the RS4, but that's likely to be some time away...
PS DRC is ~£500 a corner to fix (going coil overs is a mistake IMO). Brakes are about £1k per axle. De-coking is something like £1k. I don't think there's a massive amount more that isn't "normal" servicing for a fast car, and all of the "extra" items just mentioned can be checked on inspection (won't fully protect you though). I guess if you needed all 4 DRC corners and something like a clutch you might be in for a £4k bill. Or brakes both ends, a set of tyres and a service with some odds and ends thrown in. But you can't take it with you and what a way to spend it
The RS4 is a very, very good car. I feel it's an event to drive, sounds and feels great and is a tremendous all weather car.
I haven't driven an S4, but the newer interior is far from a universal improvement IMO (lots more space though). The exterior looks good but better on the later versions (neither match the B7 for being just right though). I've heard some sports exhaust equipped ones and they sound pretty good, and the remap potential is very much there. I might give one a go as and when it becomes time to change the RS4, but that's likely to be some time away...
PS DRC is ~£500 a corner to fix (going coil overs is a mistake IMO). Brakes are about £1k per axle. De-coking is something like £1k. I don't think there's a massive amount more that isn't "normal" servicing for a fast car, and all of the "extra" items just mentioned can be checked on inspection (won't fully protect you though). I guess if you needed all 4 DRC corners and something like a clutch you might be in for a £4k bill. Or brakes both ends, a set of tyres and a service with some odds and ends thrown in. But you can't take it with you and what a way to spend it
Escort3500 said:
Interesting debate. The earliest B7s are now some 8 years old and are inevitably looking a little dated when compared to the B8, though I think they still pretty good and have a quietly purposeful presence. However, it's obviously not just about looks.
If I were to be looking now I'd probably plump for the S4 as it's newer, easily modified and doesn't have the shortcomings of the RS4 (though a lot of them are exaggerated by people I suspect don't have first hand experience of them). That said, I love mine and am likely to keep it for quite some time as it's so capable, if quite expensive to run Good luck.
Actually, ignore my comments on the S4 option. Just been for a run over the N York Moors in the RS4 and had forgotten just how accomplished this car is in almost every respect. And that soundtrack..... If I were to be looking now I'd probably plump for the S4 as it's newer, easily modified and doesn't have the shortcomings of the RS4 (though a lot of them are exaggerated by people I suspect don't have first hand experience of them). That said, I love mine and am likely to keep it for quite some time as it's so capable, if quite expensive to run
Good luck.
I've had mine over 5 years now and ponder changing it for all sorts,but when I'm home I get in and drive it on similar roads and they really are something special,I can't find a replacement that hits the mark in all aspects like the b7 does! Wise choice just find a good one and enjoy
Bit the bullet; found a pretty mint RS4 over the long weekend and all things being equal, will pick it up next weekend.
Only thing on it don't like is that it has the brushed alu highlights and light headlining rather than the carbon and black headlining.
Small things in the grand scheme though, given its lowish miles (56k) well cared for and has a bit of dealer backup.
Will put some pics up for those interested once it is home.
Only thing on it don't like is that it has the brushed alu highlights and light headlining rather than the carbon and black headlining.
Small things in the grand scheme though, given its lowish miles (56k) well cared for and has a bit of dealer backup.
Will put some pics up for those interested once it is home.
I reckon I will either leave it or get them replaced with some decent second hand ones. The carbon is "round" wheras the alu is "flat" if that makes sense.
Probably leave it I think.
Checking on the service history has flagged up some interesting questions. The last service was at Audi dealer, all stamped up (correct stamp, correct dealer number) etc, but when I called the dealer they have no record of the service? They have worked on the car previously, but not serviced it.
The current dealer is going to service it before I pick it up, so its not the end of the world but still...
Thoughts?
Probably leave it I think.
Checking on the service history has flagged up some interesting questions. The last service was at Audi dealer, all stamped up (correct stamp, correct dealer number) etc, but when I called the dealer they have no record of the service? They have worked on the car previously, but not serviced it.
The current dealer is going to service it before I pick it up, so its not the end of the world but still...
Thoughts?
WreckedGecko said:
Bit the bullet; found a pretty mint RS4 over the long weekend and all things being equal, will pick it up next weekend.
Only thing on it don't like is that it has the brushed alu highlights and light headlining rather than the carbon and black headlining.
Small things in the grand scheme though, given its lowish miles (56k) well cared for and has a bit of dealer backup.
Will put some pics up for those interested once it is home.
Great work, hope all gets sorted with the service history and I look forward to the pics. Well done for letting the heart win over the head, top marks! Only thing on it don't like is that it has the brushed alu highlights and light headlining rather than the carbon and black headlining.
Small things in the grand scheme though, given its lowish miles (56k) well cared for and has a bit of dealer backup.
Will put some pics up for those interested once it is home.
Personally, I think a B8 S4 would be a better choice for a daily car... it's more car than you ever need for the road, S-Tronic is a fantastic gearbox for a daily driver car, and the interior is genuinely a generation ahead of the B7.
Totally understand the temptation behind the RS4 though.
y2blade said:
Ah yeah 
OP get some pics up please.
all the best with it.
Will do mate!OP get some pics up please.
all the best with it.
Another RS has popped up about 5 miles from me that has confused me! I was rock solid on the one I saw the other day, but cosmetically the one closer to home is exactly what I was looking for and has very similar miles on it.
Basically, I am a tart and I can't make my mind up.
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