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Interested in an RS4

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:25 am
by englebert
Hi Guys,

I currently drive an M3 CSL. As much as i like the car it's almost a bit too fancy for me, i feel guilty driving it. The RS4 appeals to me because of the practicality side of things.

I run the M3 on finance so outright cost isn't that important to me, but running costs are. I've read through the Buyers Guide (thanks for that!) and am a bit worried about potential issues such as the exhaust breaking.

I was wondering of the current owners of RS4s, how often do you get problems and how much contingency money would you say needs putting aside for these each year? How much is servicing on top of this?

Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?

Kind Regards

Rob

RE: Interested in an RS4

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:58 am
by neckarsulm
Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?
The hi-tech half leather interior wears a lot better than full leather and can have new panels stitched in with no really colour match worries.

As for running costs, judging by postings here the running costs are getting a lot higher now the cars are getting older and chances are the ones you are looking at will be higer mileage than a CSL and all will be a chunk older. It's not a car to be purchased lightly.

RE: Interested in an RS4

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:09 pm
by Nige_RS4
Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?
You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.

Check these out ... Image

RE: Interested in an RS4

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:09 pm
by neckarsulm
You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.
and is for sale...?

Re: RE: Interested in an RS4

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:11 pm
by Nige_RS4
neckarsulm wrote:
You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.
and is for sale...?
Yes, I thought you knew that! http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... highlight=

RE: Re: RE: Interested in an RS4

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:16 pm
by neckarsulm
Yes, I thought you knew that! http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... highlight=
..thought it might have been sold by now!

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:59 pm
by englebert
That looks like a fantastic example!

Can't say i've seen those seats before, were they optional i take it?

I'm used to this...

Image

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 1:27 pm
by TopBear
The seats in Nige's car are Black Nappa Recaro Pole Positions, not the standard leather seats in 95% of RS4's on the road.

I've got no idea whether the Pole Positions have the same functions as the std leather seats i.e. adjustment for comfort, and are heated?

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 1:54 pm
by Silversea
The Pole Positions do not have side airbags, no heated seat elements (although I hear that MRC offer a kit to suit) and are adjustable but to do so, you have to unbolt the seat shell from the side up-rights and change the position. Once you have the seat in the correct position you never have to move it.......
Really fantastic seats and as light as a feather (your car will feel as though it handles just so much better after fitting!!!

Re: RE: Interested in an RS4

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:10 pm
by rhunter203
Nige_RS4 wrote:
Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?
You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.

Check these out ... Image
I'm gutted I keep seeing these fantastic cars for sale – wish i'd waited 7 months!

What a car!

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:17 pm
by Nige_RS4
Silversea wrote:The Pole Positions do not have side airbags, no heated seat elements (although I hear that MRC offer a kit to suit) and are adjustable but to do so, you have to unbolt the seat shell from the side up-rights and change the position. Once you have the seat in the correct position you never have to move it.......
Really fantastic seats and as light as a feather (your car will feel as though it handles just so much better after fitting!!!
You still have front / rear adjustment via the std lever at the front of the seat.

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:27 pm
by Nige_RS4
Definately the second best mod on the car (after the MRC remap) as the seats maintain the quality feel of the interior and the driving position is in a league of its own! Cornering becomes a real pleasure as you no longer have to brace your knee against the centre console to stop you sliding off the std seats.

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:33 pm
by Doug_S2
You just need a good leather treatment to get the shiney leather back to a nice soft leather. If you like driving fast, you cannot beat the pole position seats for making it more enjoyable.

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:37 pm
by neckarsulm
you cannot beat the pole position seats for making it more enjoyable.
I had them in a TT quattro sport and they rapidly made getting in and out a PITA - different strokes for different folks!

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:15 pm
by englebert
Come to think of it they look like the same as the CSL's seats albeit in a different material and without harness holes in my case.

Image

I just had a look on Autotrader and found one with said seats and it says they are heated? Misprint do you think?

Were parking sensors an option also?