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Buying a leggy RS4
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:27 pm
by cocker
Hi guys
New to the forum so hello
I currently run a 300bhp Impreza which im not looking to change just yet, but im pretty sure my next car is going to be an RS4. Unfortunatly though it will be an early one as this is all my budget will stretch to - a nice X, Y or 51 plate
I know running cost will be on par, if not more than the scoob, its major work i'd be worrying about. Is there any horror stories about engines/gearboxes/turbos etc on 60,000+ miles.
Would i be better getting a newer less mileage S4 with the V8 lump for the same price? or forget a car like this if id be constantly worried about a big repair bill
Cheers
Dan
Impreza vs RS4
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:57 pm
by Nastypsychoboy
Hello,
Ive got a B5 red RS4 which replaced my black 94WRX and i dont think i'll ever go back, to be honest i dont think the car is that much more to run, because of the mods that id done to the impreza the insurance was over 3 times as much as the Audi, the fuel consumption is much better in the audi i get at least twice the distance and the servicing is pretty much the same price. Plus the audi is more comfortable and u get all the gizmos, electrics, sensors and its built better. The only downside its a bit heavier in the corners but in a straight line is very powerful and smooth.
I'll give it a year or so and get myself a nice black B7 tho, the sound of that V8 is so sweeet!
RE: Impreza vs RS4
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:23 pm
by Sql_RS4
I got my B5 RS4 after my 300hp tuned Impreza GT MY99, back in 2002.
Zero regrets. RS4 is a different league.
Go for it and I am sure you will never look back.
As for B6 S4 - nice engine sound but overall extremely boring when compared to B5 RS4.
RE: Impreza vs RS4
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 5:21 pm
by Ransom
I came from a 330bhp Impreza STi and as the others have said, no regrets!
RE: Impreza vs RS4
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 7:53 pm
by Virdee Autos
Mileage is pretty un-important on these motors as most you'll find are in excess of 60K+, and also with your budget your probably going to find one with 60K+ anyway.
Just check that ideally it hasn't been on the Longlife Audi service setup, and usual checks with a turbo car, as you probably know.
Coming from an Impreza I'd think you need to go for the RS4 instead of the S4.
RE: Impreza vs RS4
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 9:39 pm
by trevithick
My RS4 is fine. Reg 2000 (x) 105000 but motorway miles and serviced on time not miles.
Look at the car not the miles and be sensible, even the crap one feels good, good ones are superb.
Good luck.
T
RE: Impreza vs RS4
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:34 pm
by S4INT
Mine is fast approaching 100k and is still solid. Its also been running 460 bhp for the last 30k miles with no major issues......[touches wood]

Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:35 pm
by cocker
Thansk guys, just been looking round the forum and found some interesting info. Probably will look at a specialist when the times right...Fontain and Nick Johnson cars spring to mind. What are their reputations. Any other specialists out there that are recommended?
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:45 pm
by davs4
You can allways buy one then replace turbos with RS6 ones, rebuild engine, fit bigger intercoolers and re map it..... or is that just me

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:33 pm
by trevithick
I bought mine from Nick J. No problems.
T
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:04 pm
by quattrokid1
got ours from Fontain.
welcome to the forum by the way. Ours has 113k miles and is as sweet as a brazilian... (nut):)
the Audi is a country mile from a Scoobie, come aboard and ask around, perhaps you may bag a ride and see for yourself.
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:35 am
by derdle
Mine now has 107k and had it for nearly five years from 44k. Had turbos repalced under warranty at 60k but car has been perfect ever since and running 425+bhp since I bought the car. Never had a scooby (but have test driven around Milbrook) so can't compare the ownership experience. The thing is...everyone expects a tussle with a scooby, but nobody expects to be left standing by an estate car!
Paul
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:28 pm
by cocker
Yeah now im rapidly approaching middle age the stealthness is a big attraction for me
I currently get around 18mpg around town, stretching to 25ish on a mway cruise. Im presuming the RS is about the same?
The great thing i love about my subaru is the shove in the back when the turbo spools. Do you get this with the RS or is there not much lag?
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:33 pm
by derdle
The shove in the back starts at about 1mph and keeps going and going. There's not too much lag as there are two (smaller) turbos compared with the one (larger) turbo fitted to most other cars. As for economy I average 21-22 in general everyday driving which is "spirited" to say the least - I've never done a motorway specific check so I have no idea! Methinks you need to be taken out for a jolly in an RS4!
Paul
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:31 pm
by cocker
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh just got an insurance quote RS4 is less than my scooby!