The steel shell of the B7 RS4 comes with an aluminium bonnet and front wings to save weight. The front and rear wings are flared to cover the wider track of the car and are unique to the RS4. Other distinguishing features are the two large air intakes in the front bumper, with vents behind that help channel are to the two auxiliary radiators positioned behind them.
Check the battery for rust (yes, it's in the boot)
Part of the appeal of the B7 RS4 is its understated styling, but also the compact dimensions of 4586mm, 1816mm width and 1441mm height make it ideal for UK roads. As for choosing between saloon, estate or cabriolet, it comes down to personal taste, but contemporary road tests and present-day experience shows the Cabriolet is marred by scuttle shake and body flex where the saloon and Avant are impressively rigid.
The cabriolet's fabric roof is electrically operated and folds away in 21 seconds. It can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 19mph and has a heated glass rear screen. Pop-up roll-over bars extend from behind the rear headrests if the car detects it is about to tip over.
Corrosion simply isn't an issue with any RS4 that has been cared for, but look for poor accident damage or dings to the soft aluminium front wings. However, it's worth checking the door bottoms for signs of paint bubbling that can be easily sorted. Also look for stone chips on the front as the RS4 seems particularly prone to this, though many owners are fastidious and will have had the front resprayed, so make sure the colour match is perfect.
Trademark Audi RS tweaks mark out RS4
You may find some rust around the battery, which is located in the boot due to space restrictions under the bonnet. This is a known problem to Audi, which recalled affected cars to cure the fault. It's also worth checking for water in the boot of the Avant as the tailgate seals can fail and cost £200 to replace.
Audi fitted bi-xenon headlights as standard with directional beams, which owners say is very useful and effective. Also standard are rear parking sensors and door mirrors with the trademark RS aluminium finish, but make sure these are present as they are attractive to thieves. Electrically folding door mirrors were an optional extra, as was the Optics Pack that brought a black front grille, all exterior trim and roof rails on the Avant.
PHer's view:
The multispoke wheels are superb but do kerb easily (I've not managed it yet though). Tyres are as expensive as you'd expect of ones this size. Winter wheels and tyres are handy when the weather gets cold and easier to clean (only 5 spokes). They can also be had cheaply off eBay (I bought a set of original winter wheels plus winter tyres for £650 all in).
Andy Murphy