AUDI RS4 B5 advice please?
Discussion
Really need some advice hear...
I'm currently running a A3 3.2 s-line on a 54 plate and really like it, however I have to small children and want go camping quite a lot each year. As you can imagine the A3 doesn't have a lot of room at all and only being a 3 door is a tad annoying. I've worked out at a push I can afford £13,000 on a new motor and love RS4's but for that money would only be able to afford the 2001/2002 2.7L version. Can anyone tell me are these any good and could I be buying into any problems?
Any advice would be very appreciated.
Thanks
I'm currently running a A3 3.2 s-line on a 54 plate and really like it, however I have to small children and want go camping quite a lot each year. As you can imagine the A3 doesn't have a lot of room at all and only being a 3 door is a tad annoying. I've worked out at a push I can afford £13,000 on a new motor and love RS4's but for that money would only be able to afford the 2001/2002 2.7L version. Can anyone tell me are these any good and could I be buying into any problems?
Any advice would be very appreciated.
Thanks
where to start, there is a lot to think about before getting one of these...
Firstly, most are 2000 year and they came in a limited number of colours, 6, red, silver, green, blue, black and yellow with a very few in custom colours. Silver ones are by far and away the most common around 50% and is a good choice as it doesnt show up the little chips.
Spec wise, there are very few options, but sat nav, leather and sunroofs seem to affect value most.
The cars need looking after and a bad one can be very costly, front brake discs and pads 1k, tyres around 200 each.
Get the car inspected by a specialist before buying.
Although estate only they are not big inside, especially rear leg room.
They are very tunable so it is hard to find a nice standard one, but if you want more power it is relitvly cheap and easy.
13k will be a bit light on budget plus you need to save around 3k to sort out any niggles in the first year just in case.
Fuel economy average is low 20s i get 21 mixed, 16 around town.
Very very fast although they are a bit temperature sensitive and in the wet nothing much can touch it.
Good choice, but take your time buying and allow for some extra costs to sort the car out.
Firstly, most are 2000 year and they came in a limited number of colours, 6, red, silver, green, blue, black and yellow with a very few in custom colours. Silver ones are by far and away the most common around 50% and is a good choice as it doesnt show up the little chips.
Spec wise, there are very few options, but sat nav, leather and sunroofs seem to affect value most.
The cars need looking after and a bad one can be very costly, front brake discs and pads 1k, tyres around 200 each.
Get the car inspected by a specialist before buying.
Although estate only they are not big inside, especially rear leg room.
They are very tunable so it is hard to find a nice standard one, but if you want more power it is relitvly cheap and easy.
13k will be a bit light on budget plus you need to save around 3k to sort out any niggles in the first year just in case.
Fuel economy average is low 20s i get 21 mixed, 16 around town.
Very very fast although they are a bit temperature sensitive and in the wet nothing much can touch it.
Good choice, but take your time buying and allow for some extra costs to sort the car out.
I bought one last year and it's great but it will cost more to run than your A3.
Tyres - maybe can get them for £165.
Brakes are expensive - my fronts were a little worn when I bought the car and will be about £500 in parts when I change them shortly.
Cambelt change is £600 - £800 and due every 40000 miles. SAme for any V6 / 2.5 Diesel although the interval will be longer.
Have had a few 10 year old A4 things to sort - rear windscreen wiper, drivers door switch in lock mech, leaking headlight washer pump. You could get these on any spec A4 though.
Satnav seems (to me) to be an option not to pay extra for - as it's an old system. Sunroof - wouldn't pay extra.
Full leather (which was standard I think)seems to be what people want and cars with Hi-tech (no cost option) seem to be a little cheaper. The Hi-Tech wears very well and doesn't seem to get cracked and wrinkled as much as full leather. Mine's got hi-tech and I like it. Wasn't my first choice but think it's better than the full leather I had in my S4.
The condition of the car is more important than the exact spec. Only about 400 brought in by Audi and possibly a few personal imports so you won't have many to choose from!
As seez has said they'r not that big in the back and the boot isn't cavernous, but it's OK. Can always get a roofbox if you run out of space.
I agree that it would be preferable to have one inspected by a specialist - but this, unfortunately, is very rarely possible. There are only a few specialists who really know their stuff and they are in Banbury, NW and Kent. When I bought mine the vendor wasn't keen on driving the car from Somerset to Banbury.
Specialist history is generally better than an Audi history.
Unless the car has been owned by an enthuiast and maintained by one of the few specialists there will be faults on the car that will need sorting - typically diverter valves, lambda probes, MAF and EGT sensors, and possibly boost / vacuum leaks. Budget about £500 to spend immediately.
My take on running one is that it's just an A4 with expensive brakes. All the other stuff is A4 and costs the same as any A4 V6 - including the Diesel.
There are two things you'll have to take a chance on though:
1. Boost leaks can cause premature turbo failure. It's an engine out job to change turbos and about £4k. But if it's been mantained by a diligent owner and specialist should be OK.
2. Some have suffered from Camshaft wear. £2.5k to put right and no way of cheching it out without taking the cam covers off.
Be prepared and keep your fingers crossed.
Have a read up on www.audisrs.com. If viewing one see if you can get someone to acompany you and run some Vagcom logs. I sent my logs to MRC who gave me a pretty good idea of what needed doing without having to take the car to Banbury.
I'm glad I bought mine.
Tyres - maybe can get them for £165.
Brakes are expensive - my fronts were a little worn when I bought the car and will be about £500 in parts when I change them shortly.
Cambelt change is £600 - £800 and due every 40000 miles. SAme for any V6 / 2.5 Diesel although the interval will be longer.
Have had a few 10 year old A4 things to sort - rear windscreen wiper, drivers door switch in lock mech, leaking headlight washer pump. You could get these on any spec A4 though.
Satnav seems (to me) to be an option not to pay extra for - as it's an old system. Sunroof - wouldn't pay extra.
Full leather (which was standard I think)seems to be what people want and cars with Hi-tech (no cost option) seem to be a little cheaper. The Hi-Tech wears very well and doesn't seem to get cracked and wrinkled as much as full leather. Mine's got hi-tech and I like it. Wasn't my first choice but think it's better than the full leather I had in my S4.
The condition of the car is more important than the exact spec. Only about 400 brought in by Audi and possibly a few personal imports so you won't have many to choose from!
As seez has said they'r not that big in the back and the boot isn't cavernous, but it's OK. Can always get a roofbox if you run out of space.
I agree that it would be preferable to have one inspected by a specialist - but this, unfortunately, is very rarely possible. There are only a few specialists who really know their stuff and they are in Banbury, NW and Kent. When I bought mine the vendor wasn't keen on driving the car from Somerset to Banbury.
Specialist history is generally better than an Audi history.
Unless the car has been owned by an enthuiast and maintained by one of the few specialists there will be faults on the car that will need sorting - typically diverter valves, lambda probes, MAF and EGT sensors, and possibly boost / vacuum leaks. Budget about £500 to spend immediately.
My take on running one is that it's just an A4 with expensive brakes. All the other stuff is A4 and costs the same as any A4 V6 - including the Diesel.
There are two things you'll have to take a chance on though:
1. Boost leaks can cause premature turbo failure. It's an engine out job to change turbos and about £4k. But if it's been mantained by a diligent owner and specialist should be OK.
2. Some have suffered from Camshaft wear. £2.5k to put right and no way of cheching it out without taking the cam covers off.
Be prepared and keep your fingers crossed.
Have a read up on www.audisrs.com. If viewing one see if you can get someone to acompany you and run some Vagcom logs. I sent my logs to MRC who gave me a pretty good idea of what needed doing without having to take the car to Banbury.
I'm glad I bought mine.
Edited by duncansaunders on Saturday 1st May 10:42
IF a turbo should fail at any point, the engine needs to be removed to change it. £2500 labour bill + parts.
The 2.7 RS4's are great cars but the bills that come with them are greater.
I wouldnt if I were you.
Try driving some more modern family sized quick cars, then compare with the old Audi to make up your mind if its really worth it.
2.8T Vectrs/Signum
ST220 Mondeo
V70 T5
BMW 330 4 Dr
Or if it simply has to have four rings on the front.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1433697.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1669600.htm
All available under £13k.
The 2.7 RS4's are great cars but the bills that come with them are greater.
I wouldnt if I were you.
Try driving some more modern family sized quick cars, then compare with the old Audi to make up your mind if its really worth it.
2.8T Vectrs/Signum
ST220 Mondeo
V70 T5
BMW 330 4 Dr
Or if it simply has to have four rings on the front.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1433697.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1669600.htm
All available under £13k.
Tame Technician said:
IF a turbo should fail at any point, the engine needs to be removed to change it. £2500 labour bill + parts.
The 2.7 RS4's are great cars but the bills that come with them are greater.
I wouldnt if I were you.
Try driving some more modern family sized quick cars, then compare with the old Audi to make up your mind if its really worth it.
2.8T Vectrs/Signum
ST220 Mondeo
V70 T5
BMW 330 4 Dr
I really can't believe you have compared the B5 RS4 to any of the cars listed above. It would simply piss all over them. It's a four door avant with supercar performance.. the ultimate sleeper.The 2.7 RS4's are great cars but the bills that come with them are greater.
I wouldnt if I were you.
Try driving some more modern family sized quick cars, then compare with the old Audi to make up your mind if its really worth it.
2.8T Vectrs/Signum
ST220 Mondeo
V70 T5
BMW 330 4 Dr
Servicing costs will be normal, the only thing (which has already been mentioned) is the brakes, but a lot of these cars have had the B7 conversion already done.. and Phaeton discs will fit and cost a hell of a lot less.
I've had two B5 S4's (very similar to the RS)... one standard and one tuned (465bhp). Both of these cars were driven hard, every single day, and never let me down. I now own a B5 RS4 and this is driven the same.
It does cost an arm and a leg to pull an engine (maybe not £2500 at a specialist garage), but in my opinion regular servicing will keep the turbo fairy away, you have to be very unlucky to 'pop' a turbo. Also, the cams.. yes they have been known to wear, but again not many cars have needed cams. Other than that these engines are bullet proof.
Take time out to go to one of the meets.. http://audisrs.com/forum22.php I'm sure someone will take you out in an RS, after that you'll want one.
Sounds like a good move, the RS4 is very good but I think you need to be a committed enthusiast for the old RS4, I am on my second, the first one had to go for financial reasons (Green) and I bought a another one (Silver). I have a second car for daily grind so that I don't put too many miles on it etc...
cpinch73 said:
Just been to look at a S4 2004 and love it..... Just need to weigh up if I tale the plunge or not
When my twins arrived last year I was in the same position, I had an S3 and needed something bigger. I wanted a B5 RS4 too but, on the advice of my mechanic who used to run one that cost him £££, decided a B6 S4 would be a better bet. Petrol aside, running costs are not really much more than the S3. They are generally quite reliable and not that much slower than the RS4. The suspension is more family friendly too.Go for it.
Mikey-S said:
Tame Technician said:
IF a turbo should fail at any point, the engine needs to be removed to change it. £2500 labour bill + parts.
The 2.7 RS4's are great cars but the bills that come with them are greater.
I wouldnt if I were you.
Try driving some more modern family sized quick cars, then compare with the old Audi to make up your mind if its really worth it.
2.8T Vectrs/Signum
ST220 Mondeo
V70 T5
BMW 330 4 Dr
I really can't believe you have compared the B5 RS4 to any of the cars listed above. It would simply piss all over them. It's a four door avant with supercar performance.. the ultimate sleeper.The 2.7 RS4's are great cars but the bills that come with them are greater.
I wouldnt if I were you.
Try driving some more modern family sized quick cars, then compare with the old Audi to make up your mind if its really worth it.
2.8T Vectrs/Signum
ST220 Mondeo
V70 T5
BMW 330 4 Dr
Servicing costs will be normal, the only thing (which has already been mentioned) is the brakes, but a lot of these cars have had the B7 conversion already done.. and Phaeton discs will fit and cost a hell of a lot less.
I've had two B5 S4's (very similar to the RS)... one standard and one tuned (465bhp). Both of these cars were driven hard, every single day, and never let me down. I now own a B5 RS4 and this is driven the same.
It does cost an arm and a leg to pull an engine (maybe not £2500 at a specialist garage), but in my opinion regular servicing will keep the turbo fairy away, you have to be very unlucky to 'pop' a turbo. Also, the cams.. yes they have been known to wear, but again not many cars have needed cams. Other than that these engines are bullet proof.
Take time out to go to one of the meets.. http://audisrs.com/forum22.php I'm sure someone will take you out in an RS, after that you'll want one.
Its just 2.7RS4's are 10 years old, and ten year old cars need lots of work, lower arms, wheels bearing, anti roll bar links, coil springs shocks, track rod ends, just the normal wear and tear items but on an RS4 that work is very expensive.
If you can just strech to £13k to buy one, you probably cant afford to look after it.
Ask the average 2.7 RS4 owner how much he has spent on his car, I should add I'm sure they will say its money well spent but its still a lot of money.
I had an RS4,quite simply superb.Buy from an enthusiast and most of the stuff picked out above will have been dealt with as a matter of course in the normal spending of car ownership.....mine personally had a few 'tweeks' and was more than a match for just about anything on the road.Do not be scared of runnung costs/scaremongering re:cams/turbo's etc,just buy a good one and seriously you will love it.
sv said:
Haven't seen bent wheels mentioned as an issue yet - are most B5s now running on the goodwill replacements?
Audi have been replacing "deformable" wheels under a lifetime warranty scheme with more "deformable" wheels. They are now replacing any deformed "deformable" wheels with "hard" wheels as a one off. I've got 3 hard and one soft, none bent.bigee said:
I had an RS4,quite simply superb.Buy from an enthusiast and most of the stuff picked out above will have been dealt with as a matter of course in the normal spending of car ownership.....mine personally had a few 'tweeks' and was more than a match for just about anything on the road.Do not be scared of runnung costs/scaremongering re:cams/turbo's etc,just buy a good one and seriously you will love it.
I would agree with the above - BUT you could have any of the big expense items pop up unannounced and have to deal with them immediately. For such a fantastic car it's a gamble i'm willing to take though. But if a £4k bill out of the blue would break you then perhaps a B6 V8 S4 is a better bet. I had a ride in one before I bought my B5 S4 and it was pretty quick and no waiting for the turbos to wake up.[quote=Tame Technician
Wasnt questioning weather the 2.7 was better or faster, than the cars I picked out, they are just family sized cars with a performance edge, not as you say a super car.
Its just 2.7RS4's are 10 years old, and ten year old cars need lots of work, lower arms, wheels bearing, anti roll bar links, coil springs shocks, track rod ends, just the normal wear and tear items but on an RS4 that work is very expensive.
If you can just strech to £13k to buy one, you probably cant afford to look after it.
Ask the average 2.7 RS4 owner how much he has spent on his car, I should add I'm sure they will say its money well spent but its still a lot of money.
[/quote]
Agree with the above as well. Just had two rear springs to renew as both broken. Suspension bushes holding together at the moment. Fingers crossed.
Wasnt questioning weather the 2.7 was better or faster, than the cars I picked out, they are just family sized cars with a performance edge, not as you say a super car.
Its just 2.7RS4's are 10 years old, and ten year old cars need lots of work, lower arms, wheels bearing, anti roll bar links, coil springs shocks, track rod ends, just the normal wear and tear items but on an RS4 that work is very expensive.
If you can just strech to £13k to buy one, you probably cant afford to look after it.
Ask the average 2.7 RS4 owner how much he has spent on his car, I should add I'm sure they will say its money well spent but its still a lot of money.
[/quote]
Agree with the above as well. Just had two rear springs to renew as both broken. Suspension bushes holding together at the moment. Fingers crossed.
duncansaunders said:
sv said:
Haven't seen bent wheels mentioned as an issue yet - are most B5s now running on the goodwill replacements?
Audi have been replacing "deformable" wheels under a lifetime warranty scheme with more "deformable" wheels. They are now replacing any deformed "deformable" wheels with "hard" wheels as a one off. I've got 3 hard and one soft, none bent.
See www.rs246.com for more info & a good buyers guide
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