RS2 – what’s a fair valuation?

[dobbiej]

I was wondering how much an RS2 is actually worth. I'm thinking of buying and want to know what a fair offer is. I don’t mean asking prices, but what they are actually achieving. I realise that it is impossible to be accurate in compiling an asking price as there are so many variables involved.

I have been surprised that the people and garages I have spoken to have wildly different opinions on the subject. In last weeks Auto Trader, there were 2 RS2’s both with 93k and FSH, one for £14,950 and the other for £18,000. The other fact I’ve discovered is that of all the private sellers I’ve talked to in the last week, I don't think one has had a viewing let alone an offer. Some of those have been marketed for weeks.

This makes me think that maybe there is a sizeable gap between asking prices and actual achieved prices and maybe the market in general is not so rosy.

Can anyone provide me with any evidence to back this either way?

[Cobstar]

From the adverts, some people seem overly optimistic about the value of the car they are selling - but isn't that always the way. Only around 180 RHD RS2s made originally so the rarity commands a premium. A relatively low mileage RS2 in excellent condition will sell for over £20k.

You should be able to get a good right hand drive one with average mileage for between £14,000 and £20,000 depending on mileage and condition. You might get a good runner in RHD with higher mileage and/or in less immaculate condition. LHDs will be cheaper.

Don't be put off by higher mileages if car has been properly maintained.

Have you seen this one www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?p ... post55007

I only got mine down by a few hundred pounds. Glad I put the deposit down as later that day the garage turned away a guy offering cash at over the asking price!

[dobbiej]

I see your point - but it shows the fickle nature of the market that no-one is even looking at the 93k one for £14k

[Cobstar]

I see your point - but it shows the fickle nature of the market that no-one is even looking at the 93k one for £14k

In good condition with a FSH, then I wouldn't have thought £14k was unreasonable for a car of that mileage. But without seeing the car and finding out about it's history, I couldn't say for definite.

The seller of the £19 grand one would help himself if he described the colour correctly!

[jubjub]

I was thinking the same thing as Dobbie says, some time ago......I just wonder how many of the higher price ones have been achieving the asking price I guess at the end of the day,the good ones will get sold at any price and the lower ones , well, theres someone who wants a cheaper car......Maybe it's the average ones that fall in between that will have the most trouble meeting there asking price

What makes it tougher though is that there are so many out there with differing mileages - A really low mileage one 20-30k, may well have problems due to not being used enough and you will be paying a premium for that mileometer reading.Some that have 90-100k may well be coming to a point where they need various bits changing, so you could end up spending 14k and get saddled with a bill for 2k upwards and your immediatly over budget, and the higher mileage ones 140-150k upwards (mine included), well there's always a stigma attached to high miles......

I suppose the two things to consider most, to me anyway, are condition and history...............

HTH.

[Cobstar]

Some that have 90-100k may well be coming to a point where they need various bits changing, so you could end up spending 14k and get saddled with a bill for 2k upwards and your immediatly over budget, and the higher mileage ones 140-150k upwards (mine included), well there's always a stigma attached to high miles......

I suppose the two things to consider most, to me anyway, are condition and history...............

HTH.

When I bought mine (121k on the clock) my budget included setting aside several £k for work that might be needed in the short term. I went in with my eyes open to potential running/maintenance costs - it's not a car that can necessarily be run on a tight budget. And if you're waiting on parts from Germany then there is the potential for the car to be off the road for a couple of weeks.

Your car is a beauty and I wouldn't let the mileage put me off buying one like that given the known history. Hope you find your car a good home at the right place soon.
But what are you going to replace it with?

[dobbiej]

Fair comments - I wonder if someone will say what their car actually achieved compared to asking price though - actual fact. I've never got more than 85% of my asking price for very low mileage FSH quattros in the past, though I acknowledge that RS2s are a completely different kettle of fish.

[Cobstar]

Paid £14,750 for mine in February 2003, as against something like £14,995 on the screen. Sold on commission through a garage and salesman had some leeway on price without going back to owner. Garage was offered £16,000 in cash for the car shortly afterwards but fortunately I'd put a deposit down.

QST seemed to think the price reasonable.

[Pete_RS2]

I got mine with 74,000 miles for £11,400 on eBay about 6 weeks ago. The guy had trouble selling it which is why he put it on eBay. It was advertised elsewhere for £15,750 around February this year and had been sitting around since then.