Newbie considering an RS4

[RS4rings]

Hi All,

Been lurking around the forum for a couple of weeks and thought I should finally introduce myself.

Have for a number of years had performance cars ranging upto 500bhp so would say I am no stranger to fast'ish cars, and am a big fan of NA cars.

I am seriously considering a B7 RS4 as my next car. I have done a bit of research and can see the big ticket things to look out for are DRC, oil cooler, brake discs, clutch etc. I have a few queries which I am hoping someone can help me answer:-

1) Is it realistic to get an RS4 for around the £15k mark with less than 75k miles with these consumables/big ticket items already addressed?
2) Is the Carbon build up issue as common as the forums would have you believe? and when going to see cars is there anyway to tell if carbon build up will be of issue?
3) Is the value of the RS4 adversely impacted by mods like MRC stage 1/2, lowered suspension etc? I ask as some car brands mods are appealing like the GTR etc, but I know with other brands modified cars are frowned upon and adversely impact resale
4) Finally what would you consider to be the must have options. So far in my list it would be Wingback Seats, Bose and Flatbottom Steering. Is there anything I am missing?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

I have always been an active member on car forums and have on many occasions bought and sold on forums so with a bit of luck will look to hopefully do the same here

[irn_bru_ce]

1) Its a free market , the more cars you look at, the better feel you'll get for whats around for what money , don't rush in too fast
2) Its the design of the engine, low rev driving contribute more due to lower air velocity down the tracts, and not an easy way to visably see the state of them. When driving there should be a pronounced kick at 5k, but that requires an owner who is prepared to boot it to demonstrate the kick to you, some owners take it easy, those cars are more likely to be coked up due to taking it easy
3)Buy the car that YOU want, not what you think somebody else will want when you come to sell , basically, if a car has a specific mod that adds 10% value, then that 10% will still be there come selling time. However if you buy the car without a mod, pay for the mod yourself, then you'll never get back all you paid for the mod
4)the biggest must have, BIG SERVICE HISTORY. There are so much variations that no 2 cars are the same. One thing I had a preference for was no sunroof, and the car I found doesnt have one, but it has the ugly phone prep sprouting out the dash, and an armrest, which is folded up all the time as it gets it the way of the gearstick, but then if your cruising on motorways maybe you'd want that

The biggest things you shoud be looking at is how much tread is on the tyres, how much meat on the brakes, have coilovers been fitted yet, you could easily be looking at £3k to sort a car out after buying it after saving £500 on the purchase price

[RS4rings]

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Yes, I think a FSH will be a must, and good shout on the tyres and brakes etc.

I am not too fussed about sunroof, but I think the sound system, seats and the steering is a must. Heated seats will also be a good option but will put that down as desirable.

I think I need to go see a couple of get a handle on whats out there but think I've made my mind up on an RS4.

How long do the clutches typically last on these? Should I expect a car with 70-80k to have had the clutch done by now?

[rocket1]

Hi. As said brakes ,tyres And drc can quickly rack up the spend. Mine was 92k miles when I sold it and still on original clutch which was fine. I really wouldn't get hung up on carbon it's not a biggee and will always come back but could be a bargaining tool. Good history and condition is a must

[RS4rings]

Agreed, I think the carbon build up is just something to take on as part of the regular maintenance like changing worn tyres etc.

Thats impressive if the clutch in a performance car lasts 92k and still going strong. Interesting how many I have seen advertised have had clutches replaced around the 60k mark, although I expect this would be to do with style of driving aswell.

I have seen a few in my price range that fit the bill but miss the seats which are a must have for me.

[Covkiller]

Why not stretch to £17.1k and buy Ashbash107's Imola Yellow one:

viewtopic.php?f=63&t=126739

[RS4LAD]

I would seriously consider this one

viewtopic.php?f=63&t=127035

Has had everything done and will not need a penny spending on it. Considering how much money the owner has put into this car it is a bargain.

[Covkiller]

Very smart if you're a baker

[RS4rings]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. It would have to be a saloon as I dont have the need for an Avant although they do look meanacing!

The Imola Yellow looks great all bar the colour as I am not brave enough to pull that off Im afraid.

Will take my time, a couple of really tempting ones on this forum i think ozzy and mikefish but too far out of my price range. I'll keep searching.