Fast estate to replace an RS3
Discussion
I’m thinking of selling my RS3 saloon and moving into something bigger to accommodate the family and dog on longer trips to avoid driving the wife’s SUV!
I’ve tried a C7 RS6 (non performance), an E63, a B9 S4 and RS4 avant, and a Leon Cupra.
Up until that point I’d set my heart on a B9 S4 or RS4 as both felt quite pokey and the cabin and ride were a lovely place to be, with the RS4 actually feeling closest to what I have now (RS3 is tuned).
Surprisingly I didn’t warm to the E63 at all, and the RS6 was lovely to drive but actually didn’t feel as quick as reviews suggest. Cabin also looks a bit dated compared to the newer stuff and they’re a lot of money, plus can’t help reading the hundreds of money pit comments on various forums!
I then read about the rocker arm issues on the S4 and RS4 which were a bit of a kicker as I simply don’t want to plough £40-50k into a car with a potential engine problem, but it’s difficult to ascertain whether this is the same as the fabled rod bearings on M3’s and head bolts on C63’s (the latter which I know is mostly rubbish and only affected a very short run of cars).
I have discounted the W205 C63 as I’ve had a couple of 204’s which I loved but I prefer being able to deploy power in all rather than just fair weather.
Anyone have any other suggestions on anything else to consider? Not a BMW fan, so it seems the pickings are slim.
Half of me is now considering looking at a B8 RS4 instead!
I’ve tried a C7 RS6 (non performance), an E63, a B9 S4 and RS4 avant, and a Leon Cupra.
Up until that point I’d set my heart on a B9 S4 or RS4 as both felt quite pokey and the cabin and ride were a lovely place to be, with the RS4 actually feeling closest to what I have now (RS3 is tuned).
Surprisingly I didn’t warm to the E63 at all, and the RS6 was lovely to drive but actually didn’t feel as quick as reviews suggest. Cabin also looks a bit dated compared to the newer stuff and they’re a lot of money, plus can’t help reading the hundreds of money pit comments on various forums!
I then read about the rocker arm issues on the S4 and RS4 which were a bit of a kicker as I simply don’t want to plough £40-50k into a car with a potential engine problem, but it’s difficult to ascertain whether this is the same as the fabled rod bearings on M3’s and head bolts on C63’s (the latter which I know is mostly rubbish and only affected a very short run of cars).
I have discounted the W205 C63 as I’ve had a couple of 204’s which I loved but I prefer being able to deploy power in all rather than just fair weather.
Anyone have any other suggestions on anything else to consider? Not a BMW fan, so it seems the pickings are slim.
Half of me is now considering looking at a B8 RS4 instead!
I have a B8 RS4, picked up recently after moving on from an S1. As great as I recall them being.
Yes, they are outgunned by later models, but they have more than enough grunt. The heft of the controls really gels well with the chassis.
I found a limited edition one, with challenging colour schemes but the 'buckets' are a good addition. Warranty essential - so main dealer for me.
Yes, they are outgunned by later models, but they have more than enough grunt. The heft of the controls really gels well with the chassis.
I found a limited edition one, with challenging colour schemes but the 'buckets' are a good addition. Warranty essential - so main dealer for me.
sunnyb13 said:
If the RS6 avant doesn't feel fast the only real option will be the M3 touring.
I know you're not a fan of bmw but how maybe a mildly tuned M340i may be a good stop gap? Or even a 340i touring with the mppsk kit?
The M3 touring is way out of my price range and tbh I’d prefer to keep whatever I end up in under £50k.I know you're not a fan of bmw but how maybe a mildly tuned M340i may be a good stop gap? Or even a 340i touring with the mppsk kit?
I’m also not really a fan of the styling of any of the recent M branded cars; had an E92 M3 which was a good car but everything they’ve churned out in the last few years leaves me cold.
The 340 looks decent performance wise but they’re quite pricey for what they are compared to the competition.
I enjoyed the S and RS4 power delivery as it was more of a thump than the more linear delivery from the 6.
EC2 said:
Save a load of cash and get a 7.5 Golf R estate. I have one, big boot, fast but not stupidly so and relatively discrete. You can always deploy the saving into a weekend car or another weekend car if you already have one.
I tried the Leon Cupra as I prefer the styling of them over the golf estate, but it felt pretty laggy in comparison to the others. The space in the back isn’t bad though and they handle well.Already have a weekend car defo can’t afford another I had 3 cars in the past was too much of a pain to look after them all!
Not sure if a tuned one would address my concerns over the performance. It’s certainly a much cheaper option.
CloudStuff said:
I have a B8 RS4, picked up recently after moving on from an S1. As great as I recall them being.
Yes, they are outgunned by later models, but they have more than enough grunt. The heft of the controls really gels well with the chassis.
I found a limited edition one, with challenging colour schemes but the 'buckets' are a good addition. Warranty essential - so main dealer for me.
I know what you mean re interior colour schemes!Yes, they are outgunned by later models, but they have more than enough grunt. The heft of the controls really gels well with the chassis.
I found a limited edition one, with challenging colour schemes but the 'buckets' are a good addition. Warranty essential - so main dealer for me.
What are the bucket seats like on long journeys? I’ve had cars with similar seats before that were brilliant for support in corners painful on long drives.
Also, how torquey are the N/A Audi V8’s?
I actually liked the B8 S4 I drove, and I know you can swap pulleys and they respond well to mapping but finding one of those without a million miles on is challenging!
mrnoisy78 said:
CloudStuff said:
I have a B8 RS4, picked up recently after moving on from an S1. As great as I recall them being.
Yes, they are outgunned by later models, but they have more than enough grunt. The heft of the controls really gels well with the chassis.
I found a limited edition one, with challenging colour schemes but the 'buckets' are a good addition. Warranty essential - so main dealer for me.
I know what you mean re interior colour schemes!Yes, they are outgunned by later models, but they have more than enough grunt. The heft of the controls really gels well with the chassis.
I found a limited edition one, with challenging colour schemes but the 'buckets' are a good addition. Warranty essential - so main dealer for me.
What are the bucket seats like on long journeys? I’ve had cars with similar seats before that were brilliant for support in corners painful on long drives.
Also, how torquey are the N/A Audi V8’s?
I actually liked the B8 S4 I drove, and I know you can swap pulleys and they respond well to mapping but finding one of those without a million miles on is challenging!
I'd need to look at the numbers, but the reviews are spot on. The beauty of the engine is when you really rev it out. Low down torque is not huge, but in dynamic with the gearbox in S, it is much faster than I'd ever need.
Bear in mind the B8 S4 is a supercharged V6. Also a great engine - I had one of those too. I'd go straight for an RS4 though.
Axionknight said:
Would a Volvo V60 Polestar do the biz? Left field perhaps, but a good car all the same.
Good sized boot on it looking at the specs. Styling wise, not sure would have to see one, but they look to be quite a bit of money. I wonder how quick they are.
Will try and have a look if I can find one nearby cheers.
mrnoisy78 said:
I tried the Leon Cupra as I prefer the styling of them over the golf estate, but it felt pretty laggy in comparison to the others. The space in the back isn’t bad though and they handle well.
Already have a weekend car defo can’t afford another I had 3 cars in the past was too much of a pain to look after them all!
Not sure if a tuned one would address my concerns over the performance. It’s certainly a much cheaper option.
I'd be tempted with a Leon Cupra as like yourself I prefer the styling to the Golf R esate, just personal taste...Already have a weekend car defo can’t afford another I had 3 cars in the past was too much of a pain to look after them all!
Not sure if a tuned one would address my concerns over the performance. It’s certainly a much cheaper option.
A little remap would also address your performance concerns although they are plenty quick enough 98% of the time...
mrnoisy78 said:
I’m thinking of selling my RS3 saloon and moving into something bigger to accommodate the family and dog on longer trips to avoid driving the wife’s SUV!
I’ve tried a C7 RS6 (non performance), an E63, a B9 S4 and RS4 avant, and a Leon Cupra.
Up until that point I’d set my heart on a B9 S4 or RS4 as both felt quite pokey and the cabin and ride were a lovely place to be, with the RS4 actually feeling closest to what I have now (RS3 is tuned).
Surprisingly I didn’t warm to the E63 at all, and the RS6 was lovely to drive but actually didn’t feel as quick as reviews suggest. Cabin also looks a bit dated compared to the newer stuff and they’re a lot of money, plus can’t help reading the hundreds of money pit comments on various forums!
I then read about the rocker arm issues on the S4 and RS4 which were a bit of a kicker as I simply don’t want to plough £40-50k into a car with a potential engine problem, but it’s difficult to ascertain whether this is the same as the fabled rod bearings on M3’s and head bolts on C63’s (the latter which I know is mostly rubbish and only affected a very short run of cars).
I have discounted the W205 C63 as I’ve had a couple of 204’s which I loved but I prefer being able to deploy power in all rather than just fair weather.
Anyone have any other suggestions on anything else to consider? Not a BMW fan, so it seems the pickings are slim.
Half of me is now considering looking at a B8 RS4 instead!
Having initially thought of a B9 RS4 what put you off? I'm biased as I run one as a daily and think it's pretty much perfect for the job!I’ve tried a C7 RS6 (non performance), an E63, a B9 S4 and RS4 avant, and a Leon Cupra.
Up until that point I’d set my heart on a B9 S4 or RS4 as both felt quite pokey and the cabin and ride were a lovely place to be, with the RS4 actually feeling closest to what I have now (RS3 is tuned).
Surprisingly I didn’t warm to the E63 at all, and the RS6 was lovely to drive but actually didn’t feel as quick as reviews suggest. Cabin also looks a bit dated compared to the newer stuff and they’re a lot of money, plus can’t help reading the hundreds of money pit comments on various forums!
I then read about the rocker arm issues on the S4 and RS4 which were a bit of a kicker as I simply don’t want to plough £40-50k into a car with a potential engine problem, but it’s difficult to ascertain whether this is the same as the fabled rod bearings on M3’s and head bolts on C63’s (the latter which I know is mostly rubbish and only affected a very short run of cars).
I have discounted the W205 C63 as I’ve had a couple of 204’s which I loved but I prefer being able to deploy power in all rather than just fair weather.
Anyone have any other suggestions on anything else to consider? Not a BMW fan, so it seems the pickings are slim.
Half of me is now considering looking at a B8 RS4 instead!
Mr Moley said:
mrnoisy78 said:
I’m thinking of selling my RS3 saloon and moving into something bigger to accommodate the family and dog on longer trips to avoid driving the wife’s SUV!
I’ve tried a C7 RS6 (non performance), an E63, a B9 S4 and RS4 avant, and a Leon Cupra.
Up until that point I’d set my heart on a B9 S4 or RS4 as both felt quite pokey and the cabin and ride were a lovely place to be, with the RS4 actually feeling closest to what I have now (RS3 is tuned).
Surprisingly I didn’t warm to the E63 at all, and the RS6 was lovely to drive but actually didn’t feel as quick as reviews suggest. Cabin also looks a bit dated compared to the newer stuff and they’re a lot of money, plus can’t help reading the hundreds of money pit comments on various forums!
I then read about the rocker arm issues on the S4 and RS4 which were a bit of a kicker as I simply don’t want to plough £40-50k into a car with a potential engine problem, but it’s difficult to ascertain whether this is the same as the fabled rod bearings on M3’s and head bolts on C63’s (the latter which I know is mostly rubbish and only affected a very short run of cars).
I have discounted the W205 C63 as I’ve had a couple of 204’s which I loved but I prefer being able to deploy power in all rather than just fair weather.
Anyone have any other suggestions on anything else to consider? Not a BMW fan, so it seems the pickings are slim.
Half of me is now considering looking at a B8 RS4 instead!
Having initially thought of a B9 RS4 what put you off? I'm biased as I run one as a daily and think it's pretty much perfect for the job!I’ve tried a C7 RS6 (non performance), an E63, a B9 S4 and RS4 avant, and a Leon Cupra.
Up until that point I’d set my heart on a B9 S4 or RS4 as both felt quite pokey and the cabin and ride were a lovely place to be, with the RS4 actually feeling closest to what I have now (RS3 is tuned).
Surprisingly I didn’t warm to the E63 at all, and the RS6 was lovely to drive but actually didn’t feel as quick as reviews suggest. Cabin also looks a bit dated compared to the newer stuff and they’re a lot of money, plus can’t help reading the hundreds of money pit comments on various forums!
I then read about the rocker arm issues on the S4 and RS4 which were a bit of a kicker as I simply don’t want to plough £40-50k into a car with a potential engine problem, but it’s difficult to ascertain whether this is the same as the fabled rod bearings on M3’s and head bolts on C63’s (the latter which I know is mostly rubbish and only affected a very short run of cars).
I have discounted the W205 C63 as I’ve had a couple of 204’s which I loved but I prefer being able to deploy power in all rather than just fair weather.
Anyone have any other suggestions on anything else to consider? Not a BMW fan, so it seems the pickings are slim.
Half of me is now considering looking at a B8 RS4 instead!
It’s a tricky one as a few engine builders have said it is a thing and I don’t fancy battling with a warranty company if it does have to be repaired, but it’s unclear how widespread the failures are; I had a new Mk3 Focus RS which had several issues which Ford denied all knowledge of until a year later when all the headgaskets started going etc and I don’t fancy a repeat of that as I know Audi customer service isn’t the best either.
Anything you’ve had on yours go wrong?
Heard about brake pedal sensors, seats inflating (and not!) and window closure problems but again seems to be low volumes of complaints.
CloudStuff said:
The buckets are fine - you can adjust the lateral supports and those in the seat base too, if you are currently in the bulking phase of life like me.
I'd need to look at the numbers, but the reviews are spot on. The beauty of the engine is when you really rev it out. Low down torque is not huge, but in dynamic with the gearbox in S, it is much faster than I'd ever need.
Bear in mind the B8 S4 is a supercharged V6. Also a great engine - I had one of those too. I'd go straight for an RS4 though.
Thanks mate. My worry is that the lack of torque for overtaking scenarios would catch me out. It was one of the things that irritated me with my M3, get caught in the wrong gear and you’d get bogged down.I'd need to look at the numbers, but the reviews are spot on. The beauty of the engine is when you really rev it out. Low down torque is not huge, but in dynamic with the gearbox in S, it is much faster than I'd ever need.
Bear in mind the B8 S4 is a supercharged V6. Also a great engine - I had one of those too. I'd go straight for an RS4 though.
Was something I didn’t have problems with in the C63 I had as that 6.2 was a peach of an engine!
I tried the old V8 RS5 several years ago and it seemed similar, which was why I liked the idea of the supercharged S4 with a tune, especially as they’re pretty cheap in comparison.
mrnoisy78 said:
I was thinking the same until I found a few threads on the rocker arm failures on the pre July 2019 models.
It’s a tricky one as a few engine builders have said it is a thing and I don’t fancy battling with a warranty company if it does have to be repaired, but it’s unclear how widespread the failures are; I had a new Mk3 Focus RS which had several issues which Ford denied all knowledge of until a year later when all the headgaskets started going etc and I don’t fancy a repeat of that as I know Audi customer service isn’t the best either.
Anything you’ve had on yours go wrong?
Heard about brake pedal sensors, seats inflating (and not!) and window closure problems but again seems to be low volumes of complaints.
Hmm mine is a facelift (70) and has only done 10k miles but it's been pretty much good as gold. I had a sensor (maybe an o2?) replaced under warranty, but I think this is an Audi thing as I had sensors fail on both my R8s too. It’s a tricky one as a few engine builders have said it is a thing and I don’t fancy battling with a warranty company if it does have to be repaired, but it’s unclear how widespread the failures are; I had a new Mk3 Focus RS which had several issues which Ford denied all knowledge of until a year later when all the headgaskets started going etc and I don’t fancy a repeat of that as I know Audi customer service isn’t the best either.
Anything you’ve had on yours go wrong?
Heard about brake pedal sensors, seats inflating (and not!) and window closure problems but again seems to be low volumes of complaints.
I tend to run these cars under warranty so don't worry too much about potential issues. Having come from 3 successive Macans (GTS, Turbo PP x2) I love the car as a daily - really does everything I want it to well and reasonably under the radar (it is sepang blue!). Go for it and get an Audi warranty I say!
Alpina B3 Touring:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303145...
Panamera Sport Tourismo Hybrid:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212092...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303295...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303145...
Panamera Sport Tourismo Hybrid:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212092...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303295...
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff