RS4 - Should I do it ???

[Gio G]

So, posted in some previous threads that I was looking for a performance four door saloon, tried an e90 M3 and not convinced, so it was only a matter of time that the RS4 became a potential suitor!!

I have tracked one down, from a local dealer. It is a 2007 saloon model. It is in Phantom black, seems to have a few extras, in good condition with 38,000 miles.

I am currently running an A5 3.0TDI, which is a decent motor, and the dealer is giving me a decent trade in for it. What should I be looking for guys in an RS4? any advice, as I do not know too much about these fine cars.. I think I am ready to do a deal tomorrow, as I went an extended test drive this afternoon and loved it, however just want to make sure it is the right car for me..

Any advice from the PH massive would be great..

[Chemical Ali]

Gio G said:

So, posted in some previous threads that I was looking for a performance four door saloon, tried an e90 M3 and not convinced, so it was only a matter of time that the RS4 became a potential suitor!!

I have tracked one down, from a local dealer. It is a 2007 saloon model. It is in Phantom black, seems to have a few extras, in good condition with 38,000 miles.

I am currently running an A5 3.0TDI, which is a decent motor, and the dealer is giving me a decent trade in for it. What should I be looking for guys in an RS4? any advice, as I do not know too much about these fine cars.. I think I am ready to do a deal tomorrow, as I went an extended test drive this afternoon and loved it, however just want to make sure it is the right car for me..

Any advice from the PH massive would be great..

Great car. Just sold mine after 2 1/2 years. Moving to an M3 saloon, funnily enough.

What to look for. Check this site http://www.rs246.com/

But in general: Clunking from the front or back can be an issue with the drc suspension system. Check to see if the dampers are leaking. This is a common problem.

Check brake discs for lipping and scoring as these are expensive. They also can corrode badly, so have a good look.

Check the coolant level as the rads can spring pin prick leaks from flay acid. Had two of mine changed under warranty from this.If you can, look under the car to see if any salting is occuring from a leak.

Make sure service history is up to date, obviously, and that plugs etc are changed as they are supposed to be.

Lastly, check the exhaust is original. If not, not a problem but may be if you try to resell.

Good luck

[Chemical Ali]

Gio G said:

So, posted in some previous threads that I was looking for a performance four door saloon, tried an e90 M3 and not convinced, so it was only a matter of time that the RS4 became a potential suitor!!

I have tracked one down, from a local dealer. It is a 2007 saloon model. It is in Phantom black, seems to have a few extras, in good condition with 38,000 miles.

I am currently running an A5 3.0TDI, which is a decent motor, and the dealer is giving me a decent trade in for it. What should I be looking for guys in an RS4? any advice, as I do not know too much about these fine cars.. I think I am ready to do a deal tomorrow, as I went an extended test drive this afternoon and loved it, however just want to make sure it is the right car for me..

Any advice from the PH massive would be great..

http://www.rs246.com/

Have a look

[JonRB]

Chemical Ali said:

But in general: Clunking from the front or back can be an issue with the drc suspension system. Check to see if the dampers are leaking. This is a common problem.

Yep. My dad's RS4 Avant has leaking dampers which are going to be replaced under warranty.

[Gio G]

Thanks, so I need to ask the dealership if the dampers have been replaced under warranty? Also, apart from the fuel costs, are these quite expensive motors to run? Audi have the 2 years free servicing offer at the moment, which I am hoping will save me a few quid..

I see from the 40k service, the front discs and pads have been replaced, as well as all of the tyres..not sure what else..

[Chemical Ali]

Gio G said:

Thanks, so I need to ask the dealership if the dampers have been replaced under warranty? Also, apart from the fuel costs, are these quite expensive motors to run? Audi have the 2 years free servicing offer at the moment, which I am hoping will save me a few quid..

I see from the 40k service, the front discs and pads have been replaced, as well as all of the tyres..not sure what else..

Check the rear rotors as well.

As for dampers, you will have an extended 5 year warranty (not advertised by audi, but check the rs246 forum for details). So dont worry if they are not replaced, just be happy they are not weeping badly.

Also check wheels for cheap refurbing. Many rs4 owners have complained of paint flaking due to poor prep work. Audi must use cheap refurbers.

Couple of things also to think about. Check you have the 0090 engine ecu software update. This was free update under warranty that solved rich fuleing on startup and consequential coking of the engine. Also, the original light ecu's can go. They are £500 quid, so ask if these have been done.

Good luck.

[Gio G]

Thanks guys for the advice... I bottled it in the end... for the same money, I put a deposit down for a brand new A6 3.0TFSI S line, with loads of toys..

In conclusion, I don't think you can run an RS4 without sticking your hands in your pocket, especially after 1 years warranty expires. Also, for around £33k, was probably buying the cheapest examples on the forecourt, which is never a great thing..

Anyway, was very impressed with the way the 3.0TFSI went, quite a beast in it's own right..

Thanks again..

[Dr G]

33 would have bought a very nice saloon but you're quite correct in that RS cars have sportscar running costs comapred to the rest of the 3/4/6 range.

A6 is a lovely car, will be interesting to hear your thoughts on the new engine too

[Gio G]

Yes, thanks Dr G. Coming out of a 3.0TDI, I wanted something with equal performance. On paper the A5 and A6 look the same, however after a test drive of the A6, It took me by complete suprise!! pretty brutal power.. Will let you know how I get on..

[Jhart]

Gio G said:

Yes, thanks Dr G. Coming out of a 3.0TDI, I wanted something with equal performance. On paper the A5 and A6 look the same, however after a test drive of the A6, It took me by complete suprise!! pretty brutal power.. Will let you know how I get on..

Interested to hear that you made the change from diesel to petrol. Not typcially of the times! I tested the same engine in the S4, and it made me put my hand in my pocket for move from a 330D, great engine as it is, to something a little more raw.

I am seeing a liitle more of this trend among my peers. Do you think all us 3.0L diesel guys are really frustrated 95 octane addicts? I know I for one never got on with the noise, or the lack of rev range.

When does the beast arrive...?

[Gio G]

Jhart said:

Gio G said:

Yes, thanks Dr G. Coming out of a 3.0TDI, I wanted something with equal performance. On paper the A5 and A6 look the same, however after a test drive of the A6, It took me by complete suprise!! pretty brutal power.. Will let you know how I get on..

Interested to hear that you made the change from diesel to petrol. Not typcially of the times! I tested the same engine in the S4, and it made me put my hand in my pocket for move from a 330D, great engine as it is, to something a little more raw.

I am seeing a liitle more of this trend among my peers. Do you think all us 3.0L diesel guys are really frustrated 95 octane addicts? I know I for one never got on with the noise, or the lack of rev range.

When does the beast arrive...?

I think the engine sold it for me, especially in tiptronic form, I felt like it had the same low down torque as the 3.0L diesel, which I quite like. As much I like the diesel, nothing gives you more pleasure than a big petrol engine being given the beans...It arrives next Wednesday, so looking forward to it.

[Jhart]

I have to agree - canning a diesel feels somehow sacriligious. Do share some pictures of your motor when you get it.