2014 Audi RS4 Avant
Discussion
Hi all
Today I picked up my RS4 Avant. It's my third rs4 having owned one B7 Avant and one B8 already (and an RS5 too)
The spec's as follows ;
Misano Red
Sports Pack with Vspokes
Ceramic Brakes
Black leather with grey piping and black headlining
Stainless steel mesh interior trim
Privacy glass
Adaptive cruise
Lane Keep assist
Brake Guard
B&O sounds system
Reversing camera
Panoramic Roof
Hill Hold Assist
It's a day to day car for me, and generally gets used for ferrying round my kids or lugging my bikes around muddy mountainbike centres
It's not going to see much track use, but I've found the way the car tracks bumps and poor surfaces is lots better with the unsprung weight reduction of ceramics, and also no more brake dust, which is a real pet hate of mine
Initial mods will be to get hold of some carbon mirrors and then go for an exhaust, maybe Miltek, Capristo or Akrapovic
Today I picked up my RS4 Avant. It's my third rs4 having owned one B7 Avant and one B8 already (and an RS5 too)
The spec's as follows ;
Misano Red
Sports Pack with Vspokes
Ceramic Brakes
Black leather with grey piping and black headlining
Stainless steel mesh interior trim
Privacy glass
Adaptive cruise
Lane Keep assist
Brake Guard
B&O sounds system
Reversing camera
Panoramic Roof
Hill Hold Assist
It's a day to day car for me, and generally gets used for ferrying round my kids or lugging my bikes around muddy mountainbike centres
It's not going to see much track use, but I've found the way the car tracks bumps and poor surfaces is lots better with the unsprung weight reduction of ceramics, and also no more brake dust, which is a real pet hate of mine
Initial mods will be to get hold of some carbon mirrors and then go for an exhaust, maybe Miltek, Capristo or Akrapovic
Edited by graeme4130 on Friday 26th September 19:04
Edited by graeme4130 on Tuesday 25th November 22:55
clowesy said:
Looks awesome; they have such amazing road presence. How, in your experience, does the B8 compare to your old B7? Every review of these I read always seems to hold the B7 in higher regard. Would be interesting to hear your opinion having owned both.
I'm sure I'm going to get shot down for this, but other than the steering feel, the B8 is hugely superior in every way over the B7 for what I want it forI loved my B7, and I covered 40k miles in it, but for day to day driving and safely being able to have a blast, the B8 is miles better
I know a few other B8 owners, and they've largely all had B7's before, and they'd all agree wholeheartedly
However, I'm aware the B7 has some die hard fan boys who'll swear blind the b8's not for them, but I'm not sure any of them have tried living with a B8 for anything other than a short test drive or are just put off by the huge price difference between current market values
graeme4130 said:
I'm sure I'm going to get shot down for this, but other than the steering feel, the B8 is hugely superior in every way over the B7 for what I want it for
I loved my B7, and I covered 40k miles in it, but for day to day driving and safely being able to have a blast, the B8 is miles better
I know a few other B8 owners, and they've largely all had B7's before, and they'd all agree wholeheartedly
However, I'm aware the B7 has some die hard fan boys who'll swear blind the b8's not for them, but I'm not sure any of them have tried living with a B8 for anything other than a short test drive or are just put off by the huge price difference between current market values
Interesting, I reckoned as much especially as you've had two. A fast Audi estate has to be the default choice of getting the bikes to a wet and muddy Welsh trail; I'd love one as my daily. I loved my B7, and I covered 40k miles in it, but for day to day driving and safely being able to have a blast, the B8 is miles better
I know a few other B8 owners, and they've largely all had B7's before, and they'd all agree wholeheartedly
However, I'm aware the B7 has some die hard fan boys who'll swear blind the b8's not for them, but I'm not sure any of them have tried living with a B8 for anything other than a short test drive or are just put off by the huge price difference between current market values
Hi Graeme,
I've been looking back at a load of old posts on her about RS4's and read with interest that you've now had 2 B8's.
Did you buy yours from Swindon Audi? I've been in looking at a black one they have in a showroom but they have no demonstrator to offer me a test drive.
What are your thoughts on buying this car now, given that the A4 will be changed in 6 months and the RS4 12 - 18?
I'm East of Swindon in Lambourn, are you anywhere my way?
I've been looking back at a load of old posts on her about RS4's and read with interest that you've now had 2 B8's.
Did you buy yours from Swindon Audi? I've been in looking at a black one they have in a showroom but they have no demonstrator to offer me a test drive.
What are your thoughts on buying this car now, given that the A4 will be changed in 6 months and the RS4 12 - 18?
I'm East of Swindon in Lambourn, are you anywhere my way?
Hi
I cruelly bought both my b8's through Bath Audi
Swindon Audi is literally a mile or so from my house, but I choose to go to bath instead for anything other than very quick/simple jobs
That, perhaps, tells you what I think about Swindon Audi sales, although the tech guys there are actually quite decent
I've seen the car they have in the showroom, and it's a lovely looking spec
I'd push them for a demo car though as I suspect they can source one
Re the next model. My understanding from conversation with Audi UK is that although the next a4 is obviously imminent, the rs4 is at least 3-4 years away
However, how much truth you ever get out a sales team is another matter altogether
I cruelly bought both my b8's through Bath Audi
Swindon Audi is literally a mile or so from my house, but I choose to go to bath instead for anything other than very quick/simple jobs
That, perhaps, tells you what I think about Swindon Audi sales, although the tech guys there are actually quite decent
I've seen the car they have in the showroom, and it's a lovely looking spec
I'd push them for a demo car though as I suspect they can source one
Re the next model. My understanding from conversation with Audi UK is that although the next a4 is obviously imminent, the rs4 is at least 3-4 years away
However, how much truth you ever get out a sales team is another matter altogether
Edited by graeme4130 on Sunday 23 November 18:50
Interesting Graeme...Maybe i should give Bath Audi a try. I found Swindon Audi in the new location quite helpful but not exactly falling over themselves to get me into the car.
The car they have has all the options i wouldn't go for, i'm honestly more interested in the car for the drive that the things like red painted callipers!
Actually the spec i want is really basic, i want a non white car, Leather and could be swayed towards the sports pack (although still undecided if I'm better without the dynamic steering?
I'm going to keep looking around at what stock is about and see if there is a deal to be had? I'm reluctant to wait for a new build as it will be almost when the new A4 comes out. I think you're right the new RS4 will be some time after but it will no doubt show its age once the new A4 comes out and will no doubt be stuffed with tech like the new TT dash for example?
I've just sold my Cayman R as I have a 6 month old baby and it was really a good time to sell and get something more practical but still fun! I will miss the R though, i don't think i'll ever find the dynamics matched on track days. Have you done much with the RS4, how do you find it?
The car they have has all the options i wouldn't go for, i'm honestly more interested in the car for the drive that the things like red painted callipers!
Actually the spec i want is really basic, i want a non white car, Leather and could be swayed towards the sports pack (although still undecided if I'm better without the dynamic steering?
I'm going to keep looking around at what stock is about and see if there is a deal to be had? I'm reluctant to wait for a new build as it will be almost when the new A4 comes out. I think you're right the new RS4 will be some time after but it will no doubt show its age once the new A4 comes out and will no doubt be stuffed with tech like the new TT dash for example?
I've just sold my Cayman R as I have a 6 month old baby and it was really a good time to sell and get something more practical but still fun! I will miss the R though, i don't think i'll ever find the dynamics matched on track days. Have you done much with the RS4, how do you find it?
copperband said:
Interesting Graeme...Maybe i should give Bath Audi a try. I found Swindon Audi in the new location quite helpful but not exactly falling over themselves to get me into the car.
The car they have has all the options i wouldn't go for, i'm honestly more interested in the car for the drive that the things like red painted callipers!
Actually the spec i want is really basic, i want a non white car, Leather and could be swayed towards the sports pack (although still undecided if I'm better without the dynamic steering?
I'm going to keep looking around at what stock is about and see if there is a deal to be had? I'm reluctant to wait for a new build as it will be almost when the new A4 comes out. I think you're right the new RS4 will be some time after but it will no doubt show its age once the new A4 comes out and will no doubt be stuffed with tech like the new TT dash for example?
I've just sold my Cayman R as I have a 6 month old baby and it was really a good time to sell and get something more practical but still fun! I will miss the R though, i don't think i'll ever find the dynamics matched on track days. Have you done much with the RS4, how do you find it?
To be honest, I only used bath as the sales guy there was very good and Bath Audi do more RS models than most of the other southwest dealers combined. However, the guy there who dealt with RS cars (Martyn jones) has recently left and done his own thing, so I've not got much experience of any of the others thereThe car they have has all the options i wouldn't go for, i'm honestly more interested in the car for the drive that the things like red painted callipers!
Actually the spec i want is really basic, i want a non white car, Leather and could be swayed towards the sports pack (although still undecided if I'm better without the dynamic steering?
I'm going to keep looking around at what stock is about and see if there is a deal to be had? I'm reluctant to wait for a new build as it will be almost when the new A4 comes out. I think you're right the new RS4 will be some time after but it will no doubt show its age once the new A4 comes out and will no doubt be stuffed with tech like the new TT dash for example?
I've just sold my Cayman R as I have a 6 month old baby and it was really a good time to sell and get something more practical but still fun! I will miss the R though, i don't think i'll ever find the dynamics matched on track days. Have you done much with the RS4, how do you find it?
If you're after a certain spec and you're not fussed about using a particular dealership, then go the broadspeed route and save a few quid
Regarding using it a track toy : it's not really its speciality as, to be frank, the steering isn't great for that final level of feedback around the edge of adhesion that you would've previously enjoyed with your Cayman
The forte of the RS4 is as a very fast every day car with aggressive looks and good noise, but still capable of all the mundane tasks of doing the shopping and lugging kids to football games and mountain bikes into Wales
I'm between 'sunday cars' at the moment, but I wouldn't want to have only an RS4 if you have a track day agenda
I did a couple in my last one, and it's a 'good' track car and very fast/capable, but it's not a 'great' track car
Hope this helps ?
Good info Graeme, thanks for that.
I've seen a few RS4's and 6's at track days and they always seem to go pretty well but they are usually being driven by someone that ones what they are doing!
Realistically, main purpose for the new car for me is as an almost everyday car that is fun to use on the roads, has the practicality of being able to cope with being loaded up for the occasional family outing and occasionally (3 times a year max) a track day.
Ideally I'd have the money for something a little more track dedicated but I'm not in that position to have the 2nd car ( or pay for regular sets of new tyres,etc).
Have had 2 yourself now, are there options that you'd strongly recommend to me?
Thanks
I've seen a few RS4's and 6's at track days and they always seem to go pretty well but they are usually being driven by someone that ones what they are doing!
Realistically, main purpose for the new car for me is as an almost everyday car that is fun to use on the roads, has the practicality of being able to cope with being loaded up for the occasional family outing and occasionally (3 times a year max) a track day.
Ideally I'd have the money for something a little more track dedicated but I'm not in that position to have the 2nd car ( or pay for regular sets of new tyres,etc).
Have had 2 yourself now, are there options that you'd strongly recommend to me?
Thanks
The options are very personal, although I'd suggest having sports pack will aid resale massively
Probably the easiest way to help is if I give you the reasons I chose the options I did second time around, and you see if any fit the bill for you (I think most are for my weird ways) ;
Sports Pack with Vspokes - like sports exhaust/vspokes
Ceramic Brakes - option for track days and I personally hate brake dust, and ceramics create zero
Stainless steel mesh interior trim - I prefer it over the std carbon. It brightens up an otherwise black trim
Privacy glass - regularly keep bikes etc in the car and like to keep preying eyes out
Adaptive cruise - spend a lot of time in motorway traffic
Lane Keep assist - only good for impressing kids, but came as part of tech pack with with brake guard and adaptive cruise
Brake Guard - safety first
B&O sounds system - std system is only ok, B&O is very good, and I really like music
Reversing camera - I'm crap at reversing
Panoramic Roof - taking my 8yr old to castle Combe and watching from within the car stood on seats with heater on in winter / keeping an eye on bikes on the roof
Hill Hold Assist - was cheap at £60
If you're ever over by j16 and want a nose around mine, feel free
Probably the easiest way to help is if I give you the reasons I chose the options I did second time around, and you see if any fit the bill for you (I think most are for my weird ways
) ;Sports Pack with Vspokes - like sports exhaust/vspokes
Ceramic Brakes - option for track days and I personally hate brake dust, and ceramics create zero
Stainless steel mesh interior trim - I prefer it over the std carbon. It brightens up an otherwise black trim
Privacy glass - regularly keep bikes etc in the car and like to keep preying eyes out
Adaptive cruise - spend a lot of time in motorway traffic
Lane Keep assist - only good for impressing kids, but came as part of tech pack with with brake guard and adaptive cruise
Brake Guard - safety first
B&O sounds system - std system is only ok, B&O is very good, and I really like music
Reversing camera - I'm crap at reversing
Panoramic Roof - taking my 8yr old to castle Combe and watching from within the car stood on seats with heater on in winter / keeping an eye on bikes on the roof
Hill Hold Assist - was cheap at £60
If you're ever over by j16 and want a nose around mine, feel free
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