Rs4 Avant into Rs focus Mk2 am I mad?

[Iaing01]

I've been offered a trade (plus cash my way) of my 07 plate rs4 avant into an 09 rs focus. I've been thinking about downgrading recently as Im moving house in a month or so and think the rs4's fuel bills will be a fair bit more than the rs's with the increased commute to work.

I've driven my friends RS and quite liked it and to be honest in the real world (not on track) the performance isn't massively different, build quality is obviously much better in the audi but thats to be expected . My master plan is to buy a weekend car (caterham etc) at some point so the only downside is trading into the rs wouldn't free up as much cash as i'd maybe like.

Whats everyones thoughts?

[vz-r_dave]

If you want a fun car for the weekends, why not sell the RS4 and buy an oil burner. Nice big 5 series or something simaler for around 10K and spend the rest on the toy? I like both the RS and RS4 but it doesnt make sense to have either if your going to invest in the toy.

[MattyB_]

I think you'd be better off going with the "master plan" now, rather than going down the FRS route in the meantime. TBH, the tone of your post suggests your not totally convinced by the FRS anyway.

Selling/buying cars always costs money. I suspect the FRS will lose more money than the RS4 in depreciation which will offset the extra running costs - and I don't think you'll gain anything in terms of enjoyment (and definately not practically) from changing.

[Havoc856]

I love my RS, especially since my latest track outing with her! However, if you are very much a 'bored so I'll go for a hoon' man, then you'll find yourself seeing not much more than 23mpg like I do! Also if you are going to use the RS for a track sesh, the pads can suffer quite badly on a hot day (I'm talking a full day going faster and faster, not a half day hoon) and the tyres can suffer as well. Mine was 18 degrees ambient, 22 degree track temp and I came away with faded brakes and 'melted' tyre extremeties, but like I said, I stress this is a full days worth of running fast.

I agree that maybe a caterham would be better for a track toy and a burner for a DD unless you are comfortable with the RS being both. I am.

[Havoc856]

Depreciation is bad for every car at the moment. I think the FRS MkII will be just like the rest of the RS branding.

[Tin Hat]

Don't do it, I fear that you would live to regret it.

If the fuel cost is hurting, just drive it less - The FRS is hardly an eco-wagon in any case!

[Arun_D]

Havoc856 said:

Also if you are going to use the RS for a track sesh, the pads can suffer quite badly on a hot day (I'm talking a full day going faster and faster, not a half day hoon)

Yeah they don't really like extended track use at all!



To the opening poster, do it!

[Gareth135R]

Iain,

All I can say as someone who's done the daily runner and performance toy in the garage...
If you can afford to go Toy and FRS then do it. I tried the daily stter by using a SAAB 9-3 and that only lasted a couple of months. Even the Leon Cupra R was not enough to keep me entertained. You have to remember you will be spending far more time in the daily car than you will the toy.

As for the toy, it will be mainly dry use or free weekends. There's not many of them on the calendar.
As you know I have the FRS and Elise. Elise rarely moves. Felt guilty last week and took it round the block. You'll really drive the toy less than you think.

Depreciation was mentioned. I don't think you'll loose much with the FRS on the deal you're doing. It's only me who bought new that needs to concern about stuff like that. MK2 FRS production has ended now and there might not be a MK3 RS. FRS has plenty tuning opportunities to keep you interested too.

All I'm saying is, I just couldn't live with a st box or diesel (unless something like a BMW 335D Sport) as a daily runner. Zzzzz zzzzz Zzzzzz

Edited by Gareth135R on Wednesday 21st April 07:23