Thoughts on this RS4?

[Jonmurgie]

Have just got back from taking a look over this RS4 at a local(ish) dealer:









Full details - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/560938.htm

I went along as it was pretty much the nearest RS4 up for sale at a dealer and I wanted a good look over one and more importantly a drive Won't bore you with how awesome the drive was, needless to say it felt like it drove very well indeed!

Now I was only going for a look-see but the owner of the garage used to have a Z3 M Coupe and is interested in buying mine for his private use (i.e. offering me more than a trade price, which I generally wouldn't do) so am waiting for him to get back to me with some figures. So it looks like we COULD strike a deal up, however I wanted some thoughts on the car, in particular if anyone has been to look at it (been there about 4 weeks they say).

It's had 3 owners and is on 120k miles with a full Audi history. The mileage is a little scary coming from a 45k mile car that older than the RS but it didn't look/feel/drive like it had done 120k miles. Car was utterly standard save for a Milltek (apparently, though no logo on the tips) but it did sound great! Seems to have a stack of options fitted, DVD/Sat Nav TV etc. which is great as I see not all RS4's were that well spec'd.

One of my other reservations other than the mileage is the Silver Leather, I'd have wanted black if I were being picky. It doesn't look that bad as the car is Silver but what's the general opinion on silver leather, is it harder to sell on?

Price wise, seems good for a dealer and is reflective of the mileage I figure... waiting to see what they offer me for the Coupe I guess!

And as for the drive... well... I thought the M Coupe was nippy, there is a WORLD of difference between high powered N/A and Turbo cars and I badly want a turbo car again!! Loved it loved it loved it

So mind well and truly made up, had the Coupe for almost a year (was a car I'd lusted after for years and thought I'd never sell!) but things change and it's onto an RS4 as soon as I can!

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Cheers
Jon

[mbelle]

Hi Jon

TBH, reading the pistonheads description anyhow, that seems to not be far off standard spec. (with the obvious exception to the Sat Nav (which is CD-based BTW - their description is incorrect) and the sunroof).
Also, I'm sure I've seen this on Autotrader for longer than 4 weeks...

Personally before buying, it might be advisable to see if someone fairly local can run a VAG-COM on it to see what/if any errors appear.
I'd also check the servicing intervals to see whether it was long-life serviced (c20K miles) or on standard regular schedule.
Definately see if you can find out if the wheels are straight, and what compound wheel you have (i.e. SOFT's or HARD's - this can be idetified behind the hub cap by the part number - HARD's end with TT I think).

Once purchased, expect the change the MAF, DV's and possibly some EGT sensors (can check these if you wish but probably just better changing yourself, as they are not necessarily expensive items).

Aside from that, looks nice from the pics - can't really comment on the interior colour, as I indeed ensured mine was black

[Jonmurgie]

Thanks for the input

With the spec I realise a lot of standard on these... I guess I was meaning things like Leather (as I've seen a worrying amount of RS4's with cloth?!!), the Carbon inserts (rather than Piano Black) and indeed the full Sat Nav. Not a fan of sunroofs so could live without one and would never use one anyhow.

My wife works for Audi so has printed off the service history, will check the service intervals on it... seems like it's had the old "motorway miles" treatment.

I did look through some receipts and it had been into Audi for a new MAF in the last couple of years (can't recall the exact date), DV's would be changed for something from Forge (one of my clients).

Talking of Forge, they have a VAG-COM so will see about borrowing that

[neckarsulm]

I know where this is and they originally wanted an unphatomable £20k for it, it's been on sale a while, here's a link to original thread

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... highlight=

Silver leather is definitely not good news, though if its tidy then its obviously more attractive - I'd rather have a non-nav car with black leather/hi-tech as RNS-D (and even E) is no match for my Garmin and I had a 120k S4 with worn silver leather and this was half the reason I sold it, rest of car was as new, full retrim was only answer.

Prices seems reasonable now but plenty to choose at that price, I'd go for the Fontain green one if I had to choose though neither colour combo is ideal.
Don't underestimate cost of brakes and tyres is my tip!

If seller wants me to VAG COM it and report back via forum I'll do this FOC as I am 2 miles away as I type.

[Jonmurgie]

Nice one, thought you lot would have seen it before as there seems to be a permanent watch on all and any RS4 (B5) models for sale on eBay/Pistonsheads!! Interesting they had it up at nearly £20k and as long ago as May. That's one of the things I hate about dealers, they like little white lies don't they

To be fair, the interior was immaculate, seats not worn at all and it had clearly been well valeted (guessing that light leather gets dirty easily as well).

It is the fact they have dropped to well below 20k that I'm even considering an RS4 now... last year when I bought the M Coupe they were still 20k and upwards! It's one of those things really, all of you with an RS4 now want the prices to stabilise and go up, while I want them to drop!! Saying that, it's the same with the M Coupe, were hadly any for sale last year and prices were great, now you seem spoilt for choice in all colours and prices (cheap some of them too!).

If I pursue that one up at Hallmark I will give you a shout as the VAG-COM thing could be pretty handy seeing as your so close

Cheers
Jon

[mikeyquattro]

Mine might be up for grabs.... late 2001 misano, 55k. Looking for 21k?

[neckarsulm]

Not another jumping ship

[Contigo]

Mikey!!! Why?

[jimbo1234567]

silver leather is without doubt the fastest and best interior

[mikeyquattro]

Mikey!!! Why?

I don't want to, just thinking at the moment. Might not even sell it yet.....

[neckarsulm]

Ahh well I did have these thoughts recently, I really did.
But I still can't think of anything I want more.
I've just realised that the 430bhp of my stage 2 car is still a very good figure even for one of todays performance cars and as big BHP will rapidly be going downwards in the priorities of manufacturers, the RS4 will never be significantly eclipsed in performance terms, even new RS6 is 4.4secs to 60 which should be the same as mine.
So I changed my mind
Go and get that remap Mike

[mikeyquattro]

I've not jumped ship just yet.

Thinking about emigrating, might even look into taking the rs with me!

Probably won't happen. Got to persuade the wife

[neckarsulm]

Emigrating in the current climate would be a good reason and due justification but lets hope you take it with you

[mbelle]

I agree. I am also, but not for another 3 years... and sadly... I doubt the RS will be able to come with me

Still.... 3 more grin-packed years with her!

[Jonmurgie]

Mine might be up for grabs.... late 2001 misano, 55k. Looking for 21k?

Cheers Mikey, sadly I don't do red cars

Anyhow, sounds like you should keep it