Speculation re Performance Audi

[Dr_Rick]

So, having run a Lotus Elise S for a bit, we're thinking something that can carry a family might be sensible. But keeping an element of fun when needs be.

It'll be my daily steed, with a current round trip of 70 miles a day. Bulk carriage wise, my wife may have leveraged herself into a Discovery 4.

I'm drawn to a few models, but don't want to head in the wrong direction or be swayed by sonrthig that will cause significant problems. Please educate me.

[Dr G]

Need to know more really; cost of vehicle? Acceptable MPG? Acceptable maintenance budget? Space required? Type of driving?

[Dr_Rick]

Dr G said:

Need to know more really; cost of vehicle? Acceptable MPG? Acceptable maintenance budget? Space required? Type of driving?

Probably nothing particularly helpful, but; ideally £20k or less, space is preferable by due to the probable Disco not an absolute requirements, don't want super highly strung (but this is where I'll be educated I'm sure), and commute for the most but occasionally I like to press on (track days unlikely due to time pressures of house renovation and two small children)

[graeme4130]

B7 Rs4 ticks all those boxes. Sure, a C6 RS6 is faster in a straight line, but you'll struggle at that budget and you'd kill it in one track day
Head over to RS246.com for loads of info on Rs4's
I ran a B7 a few years back for 40k miles as my everyday car, and it was the perfect mix of performance and practicality

[g7jhp]

Audi RS4 (B7) Avant because it's a good size (not too big), practical, fast, fun to drive and sounds great!

[silentbrown]

Not that much room in the back in B7 RS4's, and children have an annoying habit of growing.

B8 S4 or C6 S6 Avants would be on my list. Under-the-radar looks, and typically covered by Audi fixed price servicing.

Think you mean RS6 5.0, not 5.2 BTW?

[Dr G]

B7 RS4 is a blinder and a great B road car but upkeep is expensive.

If you want something on the squishy side the A8 4.2 TDI is awesome.

RS6 C6 awesome but 20k is going to (just) buy something pretty tired.

How about a manual B8 S4 saloon? 20k will buy a pretty good one. Nearly as quick as the B7 RS4 on the road and a lot more modern feeling. A much better cruiser for the boring day-day stuff too.

[Dr_Rick]

silentbrown said:

Not that much room in the back in B7 RS4's, and children have an annoying habit of growing.

B8 S4 or C6 S6 Avants would be on my list. Under-the-radar looks, and typically covered by Audi fixed price servicing.

Think you mean RS6 5.0, not 5.2 BTW?

We used to have a B7 avant, but the standard 2.0 TDI. And as for space with both kids, we'd use the Disco. This would be commute with fun added.

Small phone keyboard mistype. My fault; yes, 5.0.

[fatboy b]

If I were in the market for any of those, I think I'd choose the XFR.

[Dr_Rick]

Don't think that one hadn't crossed my mind. However, haven't looked too carefully. Worth a going over though.

[Dr_Rick]

Seems I can get a lot of Audi for the price of an XFR.

[jock mcsporran]

I just went from Exige to C6 RS6 for similar reasons (kids/dog). I looked at B7 RS4's briefly but decided it would be too much of a compromise on space with the bucket seats. I ended up increasing my budget and getting the 6 instead from an Audi dealer so that it would be warrantied.
So far, so good. I'm not regretting my choice and it's sporty enough for my needs at present. It's nice to have some luxury for a change.

[Dr_Rick]

I'd rather not increase the budget if possible. There are 'cared for' older cars out there that wouldn't need a main dealer intervention.

Your thoughts are the same as mine though. Is your 6 standard?

[Skier]

For a family, as has already been stated, the A4 (I have an A4 Avant 3.0TDI Quattro S-Line) is quite tight in the back for leg room. I'm 6ft and with the seat in a comfortable position for me only a small child can fit comfortably in the rear seats. I'd stick with an A6 for practical family use.

[Dr_Rick]

Looking at the voting most are going for B7 RS4, but the voiced opinion is for an RS6 of some sort for flexibility (with slightly more heading for the C6 rather than C5).

Looks like I'm going to have to pull my finger out for some local test drives of the three.

[jock mcsporran]

Dr_Rick said:

Your thoughts are the same as mine though. Is your 6 standard?

Yes, I bought standard and plan on keeping it that way. The main risk with the C6 seems to be an oil seal that can leak. It's an engine out job to fix. I wouldn't take my chances with a C5, there's too many horror stories.

Agreed about there being cheaper options than going dealer approved route but I was offered an excellent trade in price on the Exige (although it got snapped up privately the day before I traded it).

[KevF]

If you are going for a decent C6 RS6 then you will need more than £20k.

But if you do, ensure it has extended Audi warranty and obviosuly fsh......Some leggy RS6's out there and some that have been for sale for quite a while so could get a bargain.

Mine had been looked after very well and has visited Doug at MRC for a good tickling.....

Good luck.

[fastgerman]

I'd add in a B8 S4 Avant for 70 miles commuting a day.

No point doing < 20 mpg for commuting

[fastgerman]

Dr G said:

B7 RS4 is a blinder and a great B road car but upkeep is expensive.

If you want something on the squishy side the A8 4.2 TDI is awesome.

RS6 C6 awesome but 20k is going to (just) buy something pretty tired.

How about a manual B8 S4 saloon? 20k will buy a pretty good one. Nearly as quick as the B7 RS4 on the road and a lot more modern feeling. A much better cruiser for the boring day-day stuff too.

Re: B8 S4 - quicker than the new RS4 with a remap.

Or same speed with just a standard Revo - http://youtu.be/2KfMY96v_Gc

[fatboy b]

Dr_Rick said:

Seems I can get a lot of Audi for the price of an XFR.

There's a good reason for that