RS4 B8 - Owners advice
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm in the market for a new car and wanted to understand owners views of the RS4 B8.
My previous cars were a Cyaman S and a Aston V8V. I then had a baby 6 months ago and bought a cheap and cheerful X3 2.0D to tie me over, until things settled down. Over the last month, I've tried a few cars in the £35-40k price range (I don't appreciate cars that depreciate) with big petrol engines. Namely the Porsche Panamera, Merc CLS63 Shooting Break, Audi S6 Avant and the Audi RS4 B8. Out of all of them I test drove, the RS4 provided the excitement and calmness I am looking for. You can drive around at 1500rpm and not hear the engine, then you can take it to 4000rpm and above, and it becomes an absolute supercar experience. Compared to the newer 4.0L turbo engine in the S6, there is no competition with which provides the most enjoyment.
So my mind is made up, but before I pull the trigger, what do I need to consider when buying one and what options should I ensure it has?
Thanks for your help!
I'm in the market for a new car and wanted to understand owners views of the RS4 B8.
My previous cars were a Cyaman S and a Aston V8V. I then had a baby 6 months ago and bought a cheap and cheerful X3 2.0D to tie me over, until things settled down. Over the last month, I've tried a few cars in the £35-40k price range (I don't appreciate cars that depreciate) with big petrol engines. Namely the Porsche Panamera, Merc CLS63 Shooting Break, Audi S6 Avant and the Audi RS4 B8. Out of all of them I test drove, the RS4 provided the excitement and calmness I am looking for. You can drive around at 1500rpm and not hear the engine, then you can take it to 4000rpm and above, and it becomes an absolute supercar experience. Compared to the newer 4.0L turbo engine in the S6, there is no competition with which provides the most enjoyment.
So my mind is made up, but before I pull the trigger, what do I need to consider when buying one and what options should I ensure it has?
Thanks for your help!
I can't comment on the RS4, albeit it does seem to be a very good car, however, you may want to have a browse on www.rs246.com as that's a dedicated site to all things RS.
I've been in mine for almost 2 years now and use it as my daily driver, it is a very good compromise if you want practicality, performance and a degree of comfort. You have to work the engine to get it going and there is the occasional flat spot when you want to overtake, I put it down to the gearbox, steering is typical Audi, I set mine in comfort as dynamic lacks any feel. Overall I like the car, it's understated and quick enough for the UK roads, not as much fun as the old B7 (sad I sold my last one) and i don't see it holding it's value like the B7 but I'm usually wrong on these things.
I would avoid a Pirelli shod car if you can (mines on Bridgestone's now), mine is heavily specced but the only things I wouldn't be without are blind spot monitoring, sports exhaust, MMI and pan roof. I haven't had any problems but have heard some on RS246 talk of the dreaded DRC bump, occasionally I get brake and steering squeak, but otherwise faultless. I'm told the new one will be along next year, might be worth waiting to see if B8 values soften when it's launched.
I would avoid a Pirelli shod car if you can (mines on Bridgestone's now), mine is heavily specced but the only things I wouldn't be without are blind spot monitoring, sports exhaust, MMI and pan roof. I haven't had any problems but have heard some on RS246 talk of the dreaded DRC bump, occasionally I get brake and steering squeak, but otherwise faultless. I'm told the new one will be along next year, might be worth waiting to see if B8 values soften when it's launched.
I disagree slightly with the options list above. I don't see the point in pan roof personally so I didn't bother with that. My essential options are:
-Advanced key
-Sports exhaust- absolute must or at least the willingness to change the stock one
-Reversing camera
-Depending on exterior colour the black pack
-20" alloys, the 19's are hideous
Convenience pack which includes memory seats etc
-Dynamic pack which includes the sports exhaust, DRC, sports diff etc is a good one.
I have lane assist, stop assist and adaptive cruise, hate the stop thing it's far too sensitive, use the adaptive cruise in average speed camera zones but that's about it so wouldn't miss these things.
-Advanced key
-Sports exhaust- absolute must or at least the willingness to change the stock one
-Reversing camera
-Depending on exterior colour the black pack
-20" alloys, the 19's are hideous
Convenience pack which includes memory seats etc
-Dynamic pack which includes the sports exhaust, DRC, sports diff etc is a good one.
I have lane assist, stop assist and adaptive cruise, hate the stop thing it's far too sensitive, use the adaptive cruise in average speed camera zones but that's about it so wouldn't miss these things.
Thanks guys.
What is the view on depreciation. My thoughts were, they have already taken a £20-25k hit since new. With the next car spec'd as a V6 turbo, I thought these would hold slightly but fall for 4-5 years until they hit the £16k mark, where they will then hover as a bargain 400BHP+ car. That would mean on a £38k buy price I'm looking at around £5k p.a. depreciation over a 4 year period. Add in running costs and warranty and i'm in for £8.5k p.a. excluding petrol for my TCO. Compared to say buying a new S4, this isn't bad at all.
I've noticed that typically when new models are released, the old version tends to go up a bit, maybe due to a renewed interest and when people realise they will likely loose £30k in the first 3 years, they look at the shiny approved used one instead. Although, as so many people seem to be buying in to the forced induction movement, the B8 may be seen as old, especially as the platform is now 8 years old itself.
Has the B7 really held it's value? It's not a classic in anyone's eyes except the true Audi fans. More people would look to the V8 M3, if they are looking for a high performance V8 from that era.
What is the view on depreciation. My thoughts were, they have already taken a £20-25k hit since new. With the next car spec'd as a V6 turbo, I thought these would hold slightly but fall for 4-5 years until they hit the £16k mark, where they will then hover as a bargain 400BHP+ car. That would mean on a £38k buy price I'm looking at around £5k p.a. depreciation over a 4 year period. Add in running costs and warranty and i'm in for £8.5k p.a. excluding petrol for my TCO. Compared to say buying a new S4, this isn't bad at all.
I've noticed that typically when new models are released, the old version tends to go up a bit, maybe due to a renewed interest and when people realise they will likely loose £30k in the first 3 years, they look at the shiny approved used one instead. Although, as so many people seem to be buying in to the forced induction movement, the B8 may be seen as old, especially as the platform is now 8 years old itself.
Has the B7 really held it's value? It's not a classic in anyone's eyes except the true Audi fans. More people would look to the V8 M3, if they are looking for a high performance V8 from that era.
Owned mine from new, it's now 18mths old. Love it to bits. I got one of teh last ones before they stopped production.
Personally, the options I ticked without hesitation were the 'Sports Pack' for the exhaust, DRC and 20" Wheels, privacy glass, full leather (standard is leather with alcantara), and black optic/styling pack. Other options are TBH subjective e.g. most people like the Pan roof, I don't.
The one option I really regret not ticking was the B&O, the standard speakers are pretty poor.
You'll read a lot about how crap dynamic steering (included in the sports pack) is, yes, but you can switch it off permanently in the MMI so it's not a biggie.
You'll also read about DRC failure etc, well so far (touch wood) mine has been fine, but Audi have last month started warranty replacing faulty DRC units on B8s, so it's now an officially recognised problem. DRC for me is the biggest selling point of the car for a fmaily man who wants an all-rounder. In dynamic (or individual mode) it firms up and feels flat, but if I'm fully loaded with the family, baggage, dog etc, and I just want to make pace effortlessly, I put it into 'comfort' and it softens up into a great motorway cruiser.
There was quite a significant MY update from March 2014, so look out for that...
- 6.5" MMI system upgraded to 7" MMI+ system as standard (previously 7" MMI+ was an option)
- Power operated tailgate/boot made standard
- DAB made standard
- 'Sound Package' removed from options list due to DAB becoming standard
- 'Driver Assistance Package' added as an option
- Phantom Black dropped/renamed to Mythos Black
- Larger S-Tronic paddles added
- The ability change the exhaust note in the 'setup' menu added
- HHA (Hill hold assist) now remembers the last setting after exiting the car
I've recently had another child, and I was all set to get rid of the B8, but truth be told there's nothing else out there that does the job as well, so I bought a nice roofbox and plan to keep it for a few more years.
There's plenty of cars out there, but prices are all over the place, so take your time and research thoroughly what you want before looking.
Head over to RS246.com if you want more info, there's a wealth of knowledge over there.
Personally, the options I ticked without hesitation were the 'Sports Pack' for the exhaust, DRC and 20" Wheels, privacy glass, full leather (standard is leather with alcantara), and black optic/styling pack. Other options are TBH subjective e.g. most people like the Pan roof, I don't.
The one option I really regret not ticking was the B&O, the standard speakers are pretty poor.
You'll read a lot about how crap dynamic steering (included in the sports pack) is, yes, but you can switch it off permanently in the MMI so it's not a biggie.
You'll also read about DRC failure etc, well so far (touch wood) mine has been fine, but Audi have last month started warranty replacing faulty DRC units on B8s, so it's now an officially recognised problem. DRC for me is the biggest selling point of the car for a fmaily man who wants an all-rounder. In dynamic (or individual mode) it firms up and feels flat, but if I'm fully loaded with the family, baggage, dog etc, and I just want to make pace effortlessly, I put it into 'comfort' and it softens up into a great motorway cruiser.
There was quite a significant MY update from March 2014, so look out for that...
- 6.5" MMI system upgraded to 7" MMI+ system as standard (previously 7" MMI+ was an option)
- Power operated tailgate/boot made standard
- DAB made standard
- 'Sound Package' removed from options list due to DAB becoming standard
- 'Driver Assistance Package' added as an option
- Phantom Black dropped/renamed to Mythos Black
- Larger S-Tronic paddles added
- The ability change the exhaust note in the 'setup' menu added
- HHA (Hill hold assist) now remembers the last setting after exiting the car
I've recently had another child, and I was all set to get rid of the B8, but truth be told there's nothing else out there that does the job as well, so I bought a nice roofbox and plan to keep it for a few more years.
There's plenty of cars out there, but prices are all over the place, so take your time and research thoroughly what you want before looking.
Head over to RS246.com if you want more info, there's a wealth of knowledge over there.
I knew I'd forgotten something, as the poster above says B&O is an absolute must
Running costs are low ish. My car has 14.5k miles on it and I'm changing the fronts tomorrow as they're a bit too worn around the edges for my liking, rears are still good on 5mm each so will last to 20k I should imagine. Tyre price varies masively depending on your manufacturer preference anything from 150-300 per corner.
Service was only about £250 I think. 20k mile/3 year service is when the gearbox oil needs changing I think so a bit more expensive but nothing crazy.
Insurance is only about £350 a year even at a relatively youthful 30....
Tax is a killer around £500
Warranty, I bought a year from WD for about £700-750 for my old RS5 if memory serves after a bit of haggling from an initial quote of £1100. Cheaper if you buy a longer warranty.
On 10k mile a year you'd be looking at say £750 warranty, £500 tax, £500 tyres, £500 servicing (pessimistic), £500 insurance so £2.5-3k plus fuel at ~20mpg.
A tip if servicing at an Audi dealer, supply your own oil. Audi charge criminal amounts for it, something like £25/l when it can be had off eBay for a quarter of that. Doesn't sound too bad until you realise it takes 10l so £250 on oil alone at a stealer.
Running costs are low ish. My car has 14.5k miles on it and I'm changing the fronts tomorrow as they're a bit too worn around the edges for my liking, rears are still good on 5mm each so will last to 20k I should imagine. Tyre price varies masively depending on your manufacturer preference anything from 150-300 per corner.
Service was only about £250 I think. 20k mile/3 year service is when the gearbox oil needs changing I think so a bit more expensive but nothing crazy.
Insurance is only about £350 a year even at a relatively youthful 30....
Tax is a killer around £500
Warranty, I bought a year from WD for about £700-750 for my old RS5 if memory serves after a bit of haggling from an initial quote of £1100. Cheaper if you buy a longer warranty.
On 10k mile a year you'd be looking at say £750 warranty, £500 tax, £500 tyres, £500 servicing (pessimistic), £500 insurance so £2.5-3k plus fuel at ~20mpg.
A tip if servicing at an Audi dealer, supply your own oil. Audi charge criminal amounts for it, something like £25/l when it can be had off eBay for a quarter of that. Doesn't sound too bad until you realise it takes 10l so £250 on oil alone at a stealer.
Terminator X said:
"Advanced key"? Wide open to easy driveway thefts imho.
TX.
Really, how? TX.
I would not buy a new car without such a system, the convenience easily outweighs the very remote chance of theft. I'd also rather someone take my car from my drive than break into my house to obtain the key to do the same which I'm guessing if they're stealing cars for a living would not concern them one bit.
djc206 said:
...
A tip if servicing at an Audi dealer, supply your own oil. Audi charge criminal amounts for it, something like £25/l when it can be had off eBay for a quarter of that. Doesn't sound too bad until you realise it takes 10l so £250 on oil alone at a stealer.
Good tip that's saved me several hundred quid so far. Also applies to other dealers, though not quite to the same extreme (saving at Maserati will be 80 quid).A tip if servicing at an Audi dealer, supply your own oil. Audi charge criminal amounts for it, something like £25/l when it can be had off eBay for a quarter of that. Doesn't sound too bad until you realise it takes 10l so £250 on oil alone at a stealer.
Also make sure you top up your washer bottle etc before taking it along
djc206 said:
A tip if servicing at an Audi dealer, supply your own oil. Audi charge criminal amounts for it, something like £25/l when it can be had off eBay for a quarter of that. Doesn't sound too bad until you realise it takes 10l so £250 on oil alone at a stealer.
Dealers are wise to this now, and most will refuse. When ringing around dealers back in March for my 1st service, 4 out of the 5 dealers refused to let me supply my own oil. The one I went with in the end price matched.kmpowell said:
Dealers are wise to this now, and most will refuse. When ringing around dealers back in March for my 1st service, 4 out of the 5 dealers refused to let me supply my own oil. The one I went with in the end price matched.
Well mine is still more than happy to oblige. If your dealer is matching the cost of supplying your own oil then that's even better, saves you the effort of acquiring it.In answer to the OP's question on residuals, i can't see B8 values holding up any better than the B7 and maybe a little worse, despite what you say, the B7 was a big step forward for Audi (you could argue the B8 moved things back again) and I was pleasantly surprised when I sold mine privately at three years old with 34k on the clock, it had held around 55-60%. As others have said the B8 is a good everyday car, it's compromised but was designed that way and from my experience it feels pretty bullet proof. I also had a Vantage (got to be 10 years ago now) and I think you will find the power delivery quite similar, little low end grunt but ok when it's spinning, the Aston sounded better though!
I just had a service at 19,000 miles (a bit after it told me it was needed) and it was £519.
I didn't order the sports pack so don't have the Dynamic rack or suspension. Rides fantastically on motorways, but does jar a bit when you hit a bump, but as you would expect.
It came with Toyo tyres and they have 4mm tread depth. It terms of sheer practically its hard to beat and when you really get it going, it feels like your in a DTM car.
I love it but they only major problem I have with it is the RS6. I had one park 1 space away from my RS4 a few months back and it just looked so much more menacing.
I'm thinking about trying to work out the man maths to have one....!!!
I didn't order the sports pack so don't have the Dynamic rack or suspension. Rides fantastically on motorways, but does jar a bit when you hit a bump, but as you would expect.
It came with Toyo tyres and they have 4mm tread depth. It terms of sheer practically its hard to beat and when you really get it going, it feels like your in a DTM car.
I love it but they only major problem I have with it is the RS6. I had one park 1 space away from my RS4 a few months back and it just looked so much more menacing.
I'm thinking about trying to work out the man maths to have one....!!!
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