B5 vs B7 prices

[Contigo]

So it seems now that a 50k miler B7 saloon is pretty much in the same price range as a well looked after B5 (give or take a few K)


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1047138.htm

So will anyone be waiting for the B7 Avant to drop into the low 20's and then getting into one?

I must admit I do miss the V8 sound and the superb handling but I just don't know if they have the soul of the B5 and the thrill of forced induction.

[Silversea]

With having been in the market for an RS4 for a while I had noticed the gap reduce quite a bit, particularly since Christmas. As you have mentioned, there is only a few thousand of a difference between the top B5's and the earlier B7's.
I wouldn't be too surprised if the value of the B7 continues to fall below the value of the better B5's (I guess it is the same with 993's and 996's), in fact, I would be quite surprised if they didn’t.

Would I have preferred a B7??? Not a chance!
I have never been in a B7 but it just doesn't have that special something......

I don't doubt the handling and technology is a big step up from the B5 but for me, it was a simple choice.
The V8 is a fantastic unit but what else can you do to improve it?? I doubt many will opt for the MTM supercharger kit so you'll be left with a ported and flowed inlet, a Milltek and custom remap......
I just don't like the styling too much, that front is pig ugly.... Sure a B5 is an older design but I think it is simply gorgeous to look at and it has something that is so special about it.....
If they were priced the same I'd still go for a B5.

[HYFR]

I test drove one on the weekend . . . whilst I've never had the pleasure of a B5 RS 4. . . I have a C5 RS 6 and I have to say whilst I was impressed with the car, the car is not better to me than my 500bhp RS 6 and they wanted my car AND £23k !!!

The biggest factor for me was the lack of turbo's . . . in the test drive, yes its fast, but only once you in 7k RPM, and whilst it sounds glorious, how often in day to day driving are you going to be up at 7k rpm ?

Forced induction is much more fun

[rtd]

dynamically the B7 is superior but how many times have you ever taken a second look at a B7!!!! i've spoken to several RS owners who have owned all RS cars and they all said that the B5 was the best. you just can't beat the combination of forced induction - drop dead looks and compact size - makes for a great package really.

[neckarsulm]

June 2005 Car mag (first B7 drive ) said;
The 40bhp increase..only brings modest improvements in acceleration but then the five year old car's time (b5) were always pretty sensational.

[lengster1]

I think they are worlds apart in value and im in a very good position to make that statement,my b5 is for sale at pretty much half what paid for my b7 avant,i think anyone would be hard pushed to find a better b5,i tried it at 17995 with little interest so dropped to 16995,the HUGE difference is that b7s are selling the dearer b5s are not.My car will sell but the market for them is much smaller than the b7,i was a little shocked at how b7s were selling if im honest,as much as i would like to believe my b5 is worth nearer my b7 it just isnt,you can ask whatever you like for cars but when the phone doesnt ring??

[Contigo]

Agreed, but selling a car is not a thing that can be rushed. If you look at Nick J's site he has some real low mileage examples on there and they will be on for a while, they will sell eventually even at 23 and 24k. These are specialist cars and they have a limited market. I'd just be prepared to wait.

[Silversea]

I've just bought one of the low mileage cars from NJ (still to collect ) and as you mentioned earlier, there is only a few thousand pounds of a difference at best.

It was an easy choice!

[derdle]

There is also the rarity factor to think of too. Only 400 B5s made for the UK market - I don't know how many B7s! IMO (biased of course like many here) the B5 is a classic in its own lifetime.

Paul

[Contigo]

I know as I've asked the DVLA,

FYI There are 506 RS4s (only 2 of which were imports) manufactured between 2000 and 2002 that are still registered with the DVLA.
And there are 3500 RS4's in total on the system.

So roughly 3000 B7's (split between Saloon, Avant and Cab)

[trevithick]

I like the B5 but if you want character / soul (read trouble) try the RS2. Only 180 RHD to start with and about 129 ish left.
Fantastic car with the worlds worst sterio but a 5 pot, ahh the sound
There thats' my ramblings done.
Cheers
T

[Silversea]

I know as I've asked the DVLA,

FYI There are 506 RS4s (only 2 of which were imports) manufactured between 2000 and 2002 that are still registered with the DVLA.
And there are 3500 RS4's in total on the system.

So roughly 3000 B7's (split between Saloon, Avant and Cab)

Was going to buy one 7 years ago..... and ended up buying a TT....

Don't say a word please........

[Contigo]

When you pick up from Nick?

[Silversea]

All going well, either this weekend or next.
Mine "should" be going to its new owner this weekend after its new windscreen is fitted (had a crack...)
So as soon as possible really...... Can't wait!!

[Contigo]

Oh right you already have one? Thought you were a first timer? So selling one to get a lower miler? That's a brave card to play!