Considering B7 RS4

[lee_spowart]

Hi all

I'm getting a little fed up with my current car, an insignia VXR and have been considering swapping for a low milage 57 plate Audi B7 RS4.

I've seen all the info on DRC and carbon build up and the buyers guide on this forum, all very helpful. But I am just after real world reliability issues.

I owned an Audi s3 (8p) before my insignia so I am used to Audi dealerships and know a good independent specialist garage.

The two main contenders are below is anyone has any thoughts or even better knows the cars it would be very helpful.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... 7306214302

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... 7316244624

Thanks

Lee

[type r brad]

Both look and sound really nice pal.
Go see both honestly.

Check the obvious MUST HAVE PROOF!

If had

decoke.
DRC issues if any rectified.
Check for cracks on drill holes on discs.
Check oil cooler for leaks as nipple/union are different grade of metal to cooler and end up reacting and splitting.
Parking sensors work front/rear.
To me Milltek system is a must seriously! So want that.
No chain rattle on start up from cold! If does then walk away!
Check oil changes on fixed schedule not long life.
Valves/flaps work on pressing SPORT MODE along with Recaros grabbing you.
Other general stuff you would check on any car.

Takes some proper adapting to after turbo cars but once you find your feet with it they are just amazing in every way!

I never not have mine in SPORT MODE lol

[lee_spowart]

Thanks for the quick and very detailed reply, will try and keep this in mind, must admit I'm no mechanic, but ok with basic things.

Obviously have my reservations about getting an older car as never had a car over 3 years old, but always loved the b7 rs4.

Annoyingly both cars are around 2 hours away, one north and the other south of me

[toyneg]

both of these models look good. I prefer the silver one for looks but that is just my opinion i wouldn't worry too much about the car being older as long as it has been cared for, check the bits above and the service history etc. When I got mine I phoned the Audi dealer who had looked after the car up to then and spoke to the Master Tech to go through what had been done etc. The car is pretty robust and likes to be driven hard. I have done quite a few miles in mine over my 2yrs of ownership as i use it as my daily driver and it is still going strong. def uprate the standard exhaust to truly unlock the sound of the V8 and you have a real head turner.......

[neilparf]

They both looks credible cars. I've nosed at both on Autotrader in the last week. The silver one looks tidy.

Other than the buyers guide, there's no real issues that's aside from the key pints. Check history and call any dealers on the history i.e..DRC changes. Just because it's been changed doesn't mean it's OK. Install is everything on DRC and takes a savvie tech to know to drain the system and the exact pressurisation - it's fussy and has to be done right.

Check the Vacuum and all associated vac items work: viewtopic.php?t=77235. If you have a local owner take that and run it if the dealer will let you.

Milltek - that's not a must. An exhaust system is a must along with pre cat removal. There;s many good manufactures out there besides the 'default' Milltek...

Godo luck.

[lee_spowart]

Thanks again, that was my hope as I dont mind general maintenance and wear and tear, but like all of us I don't want to keep spending on unforseen items, I know you can never guarantee this but each car is different. I would def look at adding a milltek at some point but my first action would be upgrading the alarm and maybe anti smash window film after reader all the stories of seats going missing. Also has the wing mirror taken from my s3 off the drive overnight so would be a little worries about this again.

[lee_spowart]

Thanks neilparf, i will have a read of the thread now,are you also after an rs at the minute then?

[KernowPete]

Surely a de-coke is not a 'must have'. Opinion seems to be divided as to how much real-world difference it actually makes, so yes, it's probably desirable but not a 'must have'. Mine's never been done and you won't find me complaining

[lee_spowart]

I would have to agree, not really bothered as such if a de-coke has been done or not, as long as the car feels ok and power is available beyond 5k rpm then I would be happy. If I need to get this done 6 months and year down the line its not an issue. The car would be my daily driver and family car so would ensure its looked after correctly.

[neilparf]

Thanks neilparf, i will have a read of the thread now,are you also after an rs at the minute then?

The vac test - I discovered on mine the lower air box flap not working. I didn'tt want to do a CAF so I replaced this. Vac performance is partly key to the RS4 running well.

My DRC was 'supposedly sorted when I bought mine form the independent - I had it in to Audi Camberley and they diagnosed the front DRC leaking - switched them and I swiftly claimed in the indie's warranty. If you do get one, get it in to Audi or alike (MRC/UNIT20 etc) to health check - you have a way of diagnosing and leaning on any warranty if you donut see any issues at the test drive.

No, not after a RS - look at my signature - I have one! Silver - and that's why I'm biased! http://youtu.be/y_k0VJ2--y8

[neilparf]

I would def look at adding a milltek at some point

Do look further afield: Tubi, JCWeldFab, JHM, Capristo there's other systems out there too... some rate the Milltek, some don't...

[lee_spowart]

Thanks again. Did see it in your signature thought maybe you were being greedy and having two, PR maybe looking to swap for another one. Must admit I've always preferred the blue, but the silver has more kit and looks good with the black optics.

Would look around at exhausts but I have some experience with milltek and never had any issues and loved the noise previously, obviously on a different car.

[sync24]

are you also after an rs at the minute then?

Think Neil secretly wants a bread van [read avant] but he will never admit it!

[neilparf]

are you also after an rs at the minute then?

Think Neil secretly wants a bread van [read avant] but he will never admit it!

Yea, coz my HOT BAGUETTE is always hanging out the back when I make 'deliveries'

A bigger arse on a RS4 means you can get more flour and yeast in when making a LOT OF BREAD!

[j1sgo]

I toyed with getting an estate Insignia VXR when buying mine 3 years ago, after owning the RS I know now it was defo the right decision! Would have lost a lot more through depreciation alone

You just cannot fault the RS and how it is all things in one car, and the noise ............... you just don't tire of

Out of interest what's the reason you are fed up with the VXR?

Steve