Buying an RS4 - private or Audi dealer network...

[clived]

...or put another way, why are all the cars in the dealer network overpriced (judging by private asking prices) by about 3-5k, but yet they seem to sell?

Anyone bought an RS4 through an Audi dealer recently? Did you manage to wangle any discount?

And those of you that bought privately, do you have good experiences of 3rd party warranty providers, or have you just not bothered?

Cheers, Clive

[derdle]

I bought mine privately over 18 months ago. I got the (then) owner to stick the car in for an Audi Approved warranty inspection - which the car passed (despite the MTM Stage I chip and MTM badge on back door!). If you take the warranty out then you are not charged for the inspection, however you will be charged if the car fails inspection or you decide against taking out the warranty.

For what it's worth, IMO the Audi warranty is worth its money - although the new version is not as good as the previous version of the warranty. The new warranty only gives 2 days car hire rather than several weeks as it used to be.

[Rs4Fan]

I purchased my RS4 at Leicester Audi in the UK recently because mechanically and optically it was the best and lowest mileage one owner car available in the color I wanted. I also felt the Audi extended warranty was worth it. I got a small discount but primarily, spending a little extra for the EXACTLY car I was looking for was worth it.

I also felt that because I was exporting it to Ireland and felt that it would be beneficial when the car was assessed here in Ireland for VRT (import tax) purchasing the car from an Audi dealer would give the transaction more credibility and I would get more help from the dealership in sorting out exportation and importation problems. Unfortunately, I was wrong about this last point because the folks at Leicester gave me the wrong paperwork at delivery and refused to stand up for it and help me correct their mistake. They also told me that I could get a missing radio code for free at a local dealer here in Ireland. Guess what - its Eu 60. Would I buy another car from these folks? - Maybe, but I would be more diligent and careful - just like from a private party.

[RS4ever]

Crazy to buy from a dealer. You don't know the history. You don't know who has driven the car. In fact you know nothing about it.

Privately you can meet the owner, look him in the eye and assess him.

If warranty is an issue then buy one which is what the dealer had to do.

[Golfather]

NEVER buy from a dealer.
They clock cars and can easily fake history.
Also their showroom valet can hide the true previous condition of the car.
Plus, more importantly, they rip you off.

[K2]

I bought a car from an Audi dealer in germany, met the previuos owner, and spent about 3hrs checking the car over before i handed over the cash. Whichever route you go for take a copy of the guide with you, read through the forum to find common weak areas for the car you find, ie if its an early one ask about the gearbox etc.
i ended up with a fantastic car at a bargin price, finding a good one is worth the effort.

[RobertH]

I purchsed my second one privately on the recommendation of the dealer buying my Escort Cosworth. He never saw the car but indicated the signs were all good from talking to the seller on the phone. The AA then did a full check and confirmed that it was genuine low mileage and very good condiiton (I know nothing about this type of thing unfortunately). I got an Audi warranty added just before the end of the 3rd year and it has been fine. I paid good money as it was the only one with low milage, standard and Avus (still only under 18,000 miles!) so I think I was very happy. Main point is that the AA report was good value although you need to force a personal opinion out of the guy and an expert can help even if they never see the car!

[Rags]

Crazy to buy from a dealer. You don't know the history. You don't know who has driven the car. In fact you know nothing about it.

Privately you can meet the owner, look him in the eye and assess him.

If warranty is an issue then buy one which is what the dealer had to do.

really?

I suppose the Rs4 is the kind of car that is owned by the enthusiast, but still, you have no come back at all if something goes wrong....

[Rags]

NEVER buy from a dealer.
They clock cars and can easily fake history.
Also their showroom valet can hide the true previous condition of the car.
Plus, more importantly, they rip you off.

What I have highlighted in bold, is this cynicism or truth?

Agree with the showroom hiding imperfections but for the added purchase price you have a comeback!

[cpt_splash]

I got my RS4 from a specialist dealer and it came with a one year RAC extended warranty. Glad I got it as 2 weeks after the alternator went, but the RAC sorted it no trouble.

[mrfish]

I am just about to buy mine from the dealer very close to home. My wife told them I was interested in an RS4, and a few days later I got a call to have a look at one. Sales staff stayed late so I could look over it on Friday then late again to test on Saturday. Wife also called local BMW dealer, who told her she could look on the website herself. So pick your dealer with care...

What I am paying for the RS4 is debateable as it's hidden in the price to change, but if we assume I am getting list for my TT, then I am also paying dealer list for the RS4, which has all the bits I'd like in a good colour. This is 9% off the forecourt sticker price for the RS4, while my TT which had had numerous bits of parking damage caused by others (front wing plus rear replaced, door resprayed twice) but otherwise well cared for by me, so I think the deal is OK.

Dealer will be refinishing the wheels, filling couple of stone chips and repainting the rear bumper which has a scratch, paying for the 40k service, replacing any worn pads tyres etc and adding an Audi warranty, all of which will cost a few £s, which makes price versus private more competitive if you compare apples to apples.

I did try to buy a TT second hand about 3 years ago when they were rarer than they are now, and wasted lots of time looking at cars that owners described as in good condition but weren't. The worst looked as if it had done 100 miles behind a gritting lorry, had alloys in an unrecoverably bad state and interior covered with baby puke. I am sure there are great cars out there, but I simply don't have the time and energy and experience to find 'the one'.

Overall I think the service plus convenience of having the dealer to stand behind the car covers the additional cost over buying privately. Also he will be looking forward to my next purchase, so is unlikely to tell me to F*** off if the car turns out to be a lemon. Unlike buying privately you aren't going to get any killer deals, but you should be able to cut a fair deal as dealers are in the business of selling cars.

[Rs4Fan]

Dealer will be refinishing the wheels, filling couple of stone chips and repainting the rear bumper which has a scratch, paying for the 40k service, replacing any worn pads tyres etc and adding an Audi warranty, all of which will cost a few £s, which makes price versus private more competitive if you compare apples to apples.

Good luck. Just make sure timing belt and water pump are changed as well.

[bobjebb]

Very blinkered in my opinion those who catagorically dimiss Audi dealerships as a place to buy. To say that they clock cars as if that sort of thing happends at every dealership is nuts. I bought from a dealer, paid a bit more, got a warranty and am very glad I did. I discovered two wheels were buckled, they had the car collected and put new ones on. Can't see a private seller doing that somehow. Also what makes private sellers whiter than white? No comeback on a car like this, no thanks. Remember not all private sellers are enthusiasts from sites like this one... One thing is for sure though, get an independent inspection.

[Rags]

I have to agree with you.

Been there and done that with private sellers