RS Running Costs

[charliebaja]

I am currently looking at getting a RS Series and I am not sure which one to buy- RS2, RS4 B5, RS6(V8).
What I would like to know is what are the running costs of the RS2 and is it manageable to have the car in everyday use?

[trevithick]

I know the RS2 is cheaper to run than the RS4 and I suspect a lot cheaper than the RS6.
Everyday use, well any should be fine just remember that the 2s aren't getting any younger and parts are getting harder to find.
Good luck
T

[PAULRS2]

To be honest my RS2 has been a bit of a money pit but from what I can gather from S2 owners the S2 is the same and this is to be expected and to be honest I don't regret a penny of it when it's running well I wouldn't swap for anything. I can't comment much on the RS4 other than that they are supposed to be more expensive to run than an RS2. I have a friend who used to run an RS6 (has now gone to an S2) and the service/repair bills were unbelievable I certainly couldn't afford to run an RS6. Don't want to put you off buying any of these as they are all superb just be aware they aren't cheap to own

[DH79]

The 2 is fairly expensive to run, and I am a daily user of mine. Parts and fuel economy are the biggest hits. Factor it against the depreciation though and it can only be cheaper than a 4 or 6. You'll need a friendly specialist though, as parts can be difficult to source and the main dealer will often charge 30-40% more, and high labour rates.

[trevithick]

Don't forget the "RS" tax, which seems to be applied to any part with RS on the box ( I'm sure sometimes its' the same parts ).
A good specialist is essential though, I personally wouldn't take mine anywhere near a main dealer due to bad experiences.
Cheers
T

[darkhorse1210]

I'd agree with T, if I hadn't been fortunate to find a diamond of a specialist I doubt I would have had the patience/budget to have kept mine on the road this year.

In terms of runing costs it depends on how you are using the car but bank on fuel economy of 20MPG overall and at £1.20 a litre that ain't a cheap run around!

However, they rarely change hands for <£10k in RHD and often fetch £12-£15k depending on mileage. Depreciation is therefore minimal (if anything). And as I discovered rcently the RS2 now qualifies for classic car insurance if you don't plan on doing more than 5k miles a year and you own another car.

It's an animal of a car when you want it to be and a very subtle motorway cruiser when you want that, all round it's a cracking motor!

[scillyisles]

Running costs of an RS2 are not low - as others have mentioned fuel economy is going to be around 20 - 22mpg and parts costs e.g. brakes are not cheap. I've owned mine since new and would guess that I have spent a large percentage of the original purchase price on servicing/mainteance and running costs. Mine has been serviced by the same supplying Audi dealer since new. Good job that depreciation costs are low to nonexistent.

[sonny]

Running costs of an RS2 are not low - as others have mentioned fuel economy is going to be around 20 - 22mpg and parts costs e.g. brakes are not cheap. I've owned mine since new and would guess that I have spent a large percentage of the original purchase price on servicing/mainteance and running costs. Mine has been serviced by the same supplying Audi dealer since new. Good job that depreciation costs are low to nonexistent.

Bet she is mint, esp with the FASH. sorry for slight hijack

[DickyC]

Don't forget the "RS" tax, which seems to be applied to any part with RS on the box ( I'm sure sometimes its' the same parts ).
A good specialist is essential though, I personally wouldn't take mine anywhere near a main dealer due to bad experiences.
Cheers
T

T is being polite.

When I had it I kept up the FASH but when he bought the car, T found that Audi had not replaced the oil filter.

So as I was taking the car to specialists for the tricky stuff anyway and to Audi just for the FASH, as all they provided in reality was fresh oil but no fresh filter, main dealer involvement becomes a bit pointless.

Perhaps there should be a statute of limitations on how long a well maintained car needs to show a main dealer service history.

[trevithick]

That'll be correct !
T