Potential purchase dilemma

[zainster]

I'm really stuck over whether to pull the trigger on an RS4 I've seen.

I started out about 6 months ago looking for my dream RS4 saloon in sprint blue with black optics. I put a wanted thread in the for sale section here.

Along the journey. .. my dream RS4 has slowly changed and I'm now thinking hard about this and wondered if I could get some thoughts on this potential purchase?

07 Avant
Daytona grey
67k miles fsh (7 stamps)
Bucket seats
FBSW
Adaptive lights
Sat nav
Tinted glass
GSM mobile prep in f/c/a

Clean car inside and out.

The complete DRC system was replaced and repressured in 2012 under warranty. I suspect this will be the V3?

That's the good points out the way.

Now the bad bits which is why I haven't bought it yet and said I'd think about it and get back to them tomorrow.

Other than the audi invoice for the DRC there isn't any other invoices.

3 different tyre makes on the car!

Of the 7 stamps, the last one is from a local run of the mill garage that I suspect probably doesn't often see these type of cars and the previous 2 before that from a small audi specialist although I found one thread on them in pistonheads with only good reviews.

Am I being over cautious just because the last 3 stamps aren't (more specifically the last one) from well known specialists and the mix tyres which doesn't reflect well on maintenance of the car.

All thoughts welcomed. Ta.

[Ian_C]

[album][/album]

3 different tyre makes on the car!

This would be enough to put me off! Probably best to walk away.

There's a Sprint blue ex forum car up for sale atm - Avant, similar mileage, 20 grand

Edit - its up for £20,995 with a tad higher mileage than the Daytona you mention above - but worth considering?

viewtopic.php?f=63&t=120913

[MikeFish]

3 different tyre brands would put me off unless it was outstanding in every other way.

[zainster]

[album][/album]

3 different tyre makes on the car!

This would be enough to put me off! Probably best to walk away.

There's a Sprint blue ex forum car up for sale atm - Avant, similar mileage, 20 grand

Edit - its up for £20,995 with a tad higher mileage than the Daytona you mention above - but worth considering?

viewtopic.php?f=63&t=120913

Thanks Ian.
Yes, seen that one. It's done about 21k miles more and it's a fair bit more expensive.

Maybe I just carry on testing my patience Lol

[zainster]

3 different tyre brands would put me off unless it was outstanding in every other way.

Yeah a part of me is thinking that.
However, it will go through a health check from Audi as they took it in px and it'll come with a 6 month scotsure warranty.

Would that sway you?

A part of me is thinking it's just tyres and once replaced. .. or is that my patience turning into desperation?!

The tyres btw were:
2 front both Avon
1 rear GY
1 rear Conti

[rs user]

wouldnt let tyres bother me-it may have had a different set fitted and these are on just to sell it>>>?
as long as it has history book or print out thats history..-it is good enough,lots folks keep/use the invoices for tax and dont leave copies with the car
if the car is good and checks well through the workshop i would go for it ,the car is what it is when checked over,some cars with really well documented history are very average
some with none/scetchy can be 100% and have had everything they need

[zainster]

Hhmmm... some very valid points there Arthur, agree that sometimes you can get situations where a car looks better on paper than it actually is.

The DRC is a really good plus point and the car is free of any scrapes /dents etc. Interior is in very good order too.

I guess the plus points outweigh the bad but as I've waited so long I suddenly feel like I'm rushing it lol

Its got a fully stamped up service book and I'll be contacting the non main dealer garages tomorrow to complete the checks for the history.

[FaisalJ]

As others have said, I'd be worried that the tyres are a clue that shortcuts have been taken on the maintenance.

Have you been able to check other maintenance points? E.g. State of brakes (discs are expensive), radiator leaks, oil cooler leaks. Decent fluids being used? Any error codes? Ever had a carbon clean?

[zainster]

As others have said, I'd be worried that the tyres are a clue that shortcuts have been taken on the maintenance.

Have you been able to check other maintenance points? E.g. State of brakes (discs are expensive), radiator leaks, oil cooler leaks. Decent fluids being used? Any error codes? Ever had a carbon clean?

I'm hoping to get a chance to complete my checks today.

Audi dealer will put it through the workshop and i'l see where the car stands. I believe those known issues would be covered under warranty. I know the front discs were only recently replaced though.

Maybe I'm rushing. I'll try and digest what info I find out today and that should help decide what I'm going to do.

[John Johnson]

Your not rushing tbh , you generally get a vibe if a car is right or wrong even after the usual desirable jobs have been done .

[TobyRS4]

dream RS4 saloon in sprint blue with black optics

il just leave this here.... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

3 different tyres would put me straight off, its either laziness, un-education or lack of care.

ultimately would you put 3 different tyres on your own car? if the answer is no then the car hasn't been looked after or cared for at the same level as you want

[zainster]

Your not rushing tbh , you generally get a vibe if a car is right or wrong even after the usual desirable jobs have been done .

Yeah I agree with you.
Funny thing is, I thought the last service was something most would be put off by as it wasn't done by a specialist but appears it's more the tyres that people are looking at.

That's quite interesting.
I'm starting to actually like the car more now as I find out more info.

[zainster]

dream RS4 saloon in sprint blue with black optics

il just leave this here.... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

3 different tyres would put me straight off, its either laziness, un-education or lack of care.

ultimately would you put 3 different tyres on your own car? if the answer is no then the car hasn't been looked after or cared for at the same level as you want

Haha. .. lovely car, that 'used to be' my dream RS4

I fully agree with everyone about the tyres, it doesn't reflect well. Its part of why I got a little concerned.

But its looking solid everywhere else.

I've now found out not only DRC but the oil cooler and pipes have also been replaced under warranty as well.

[gtwibell]

The tyres thing is a bit like in-flight meals IMHO. If you get cheap, boiled pap in a plastic tray with a cardboard fork you have to wonder at the rigour and investment on engine maintenance.

[zainster]

The tyres thing is a bit like in-flight meals IMHO. If you get cheap, boiled pap in a plastic tray with a cardboard fork you have to wonder at the rigour and investment on engine maintenance.

Lol. .. I like that

I understand that. On face value.

What if this was the scenario. ..

Currently the car has :
2 avons at the front.
1 conti and 1 good year at the back.

But let's say it's 2 Conti at the back. ...

Owner has decided or has already made arrangements to p/x it in.

Gets a puncture at the back just before this. Gets either through a mate or local tyre place a cheap part worn Goodyear to get about for a few days before chopping it in? I'd probably not buy a brand new matching tyre in the same situ if it was being traded in, would you?

I'm only saying this as it's in very good condition around. Some well known issues sorted. Regularly serviced during its life including 2 major services with spark plug changes (last one was 6 months ago) so now the tyre issue is looking like a minor issue and an anomaly compared to everything else about the car and upkeep.

Its with the audi dealer in their workshop. If it comes out clean then I think I'll know for sure.