Newbie

[Frosty]

Hello folks,

Whilst I registered some time ago, it is only now that my family is growing that I am actively looking again at the RS cars.

I think I must have registered previously when I was interested in an RS2!!

Anyway, long time ago. The RS2 didn't happen. At the time I was getting rid of an Evo 6 as my first nipper had arrived in 2001, so I opted for an Alpina B8 Touring



which I have an do still love, quite a Q car. Now the 2nd nipper is almost 2, the 3 series is too small for us. The RS4 will be likewise so I am considering the performance options open to me for estate cars.

Not much choice really, the Alpina B10, New Alpina B5, RS6 Avant and the E55 AMG estate.

My thoughts are, the B10 not much of a leap in BHP from 335 to 375 and a bigger car, the B5 still too much money for me (with a house that needs extending and re-modelling), the E55 not sure, but I have never really liked merc's, so that leaves the RS6.

From what I have seen through scanning the topics etc on here this morning, I would need to be wary of cars that are 3 years 40,000 mile plus. Well I guess wary is not the right phrase, just that I should ensure that cam belts and brakes etc have been dealt with in accordance with what seems (certainly for Audi CS) a confusing service schedule!

Incidentally do any of you use a non franchise dealer for servicing etc?

I guess where I need help from you guys and (gals??) is what are the other things to look out for when considering a purchase, any dealers or independents you would recommend or discourage from dealing with, what colours are out of favour, in terms of exterior and interior any cars that have "issues" that are or have been on the market for a long time??

Many thanks

oh and if anyone is interested in the B8 lmk.

Cheers

Paul

[bobjebb]

First up, welcome!

get a warranty obviously, DRC may well give up at some point, mine is still fine but others will give you info on this should you need it. Independent versus Dealer network is so tricky and is also discussed a lot. If I knew I had a buyer for my car that was from this forum, I'd go to one of the well known independents. Unforunately, Jo public want to see the Audi stamp, and without it you're going to affect your resale value and number of potential buyers. Fact of life, even though as we know Indies know their RS's from their elbows. I have a great Audi tech (one that knows RS's!) that I use who does Audi servicing but doesn't charge Audi prices, not sure where you're based but send me a PM if you go for a 6 and need a contact for servicing.
Buying from independent... Perhaps have a look at Fontain, otherwise I would personally always go main dealer. I just feel happier about it. I can recommend Listers for the RS brand, I will continue to use them, again PM for a contact there if you wish.

Good luck and happy hunting

Bob

[Frosty]

Bob,

Thanks for the reply.

I know about Fontain, I had spoken to them back in 2000. I'm in North Essex and the I use a local mechanic (GBH Motorsport) for the servicing on the B8. He is a great mechanic and £25 an hour labour is not something I want to give up on.

The local dealers are Ipswich, who I have left my details with or Chelmsford, who I have not been to yet.

Regards

Paul

[GaryC]

Welcome to the forum. A growing family is also what pushed me in the direction of the RS6 avant - it seems a very popular choice in such circumstances.

I'd concur with Bob, that a warranty is important when buying an unknown car of this value and complexity. Another thing to consider is whether you want a tuned car, as a lot of owners seem to have had their cars remapped and fitted with aftermarket exhausts. Technically such mods probably put you in a somewhat tricky position warranty wise, but I don't think I've actually read of any members having a warranty claim refused as a result. Brakes and service schedule you've already mentioned. Other things to look at would obviously be tyres and DRC leaks. The gearbox seemed to be reknowned for being the cars weak link, but I think ony one or two members have had problems.

I use Audi main dealers for my servicing for those all-important stamps. It is worth shopping around within the Audi dealer network as there can be a wide difference in the amount they charge for the same work. So far I've dealt with Tonbridge Audi for purchasing and Crewe Audi for service (it's a long way from where I live, but I have relatives in the area and it's much cheaper) and have been happy with the service received from both.

In terms of colours I would say the least popular colour by far is green. I shyed away from buying a red car because of worries about resale (executive cars are "supposed" to be dark metallics), but the colour has really grown on me since and I think misano red looks absolutely stunning on the RS6. Some of the Plus's came in different colours such as Sprint Blue (also available as special order on the standard car) which also look great, though some Plus's do seem to have decidedly dodgy interior colours! You'll probably find most cars have either the black or silver leather interior. You need have no worries about silver leather and kids - I've had mine for 18 months now and despite their best efforts with muddy shoes, jaffa cakes and ribena, my silver leather interior still looks like new.

Gary.

[Frosty]

Gary,

Forgive my ignorance but what is a "DRC" and what does it leak?

Cheers

Paul

[bobjebb]

Dynamic Ride Control - shocks basically leak fluid (mainly rears?) - someone with experience will be along shortly...

Agree with Gary RE colours too, black is good I like mugello too but I'm conservative! - some might say the interior on my Plus is in the 'dodgy' catagory, but I love it. Pics in my gallery.

[Frosty]

Thanks Bob.

Looked at your car, the black is stunning, the interior would be fine with me if I didn't have a couple of nippers (messy blighters)!!

I have seen a Black plus with a caramel colour leather, now that I do like! The red also takes my fancy somewhat too.

[bobjebb]

All black plus's came with the cognac leather like mine - I think you might have seen the silver leather pic from my old RS4 in my gallery. Never had problems with that colour either, although no one else was allowed in it....

Red is a rare one too! Here's mine

[MartynC]

Blimey Bob, looks immaculate! My black leather is fading a bit now. Wish I'd gone for that combination when I ordered, looks cool.

Welcome Frosty, hope you get one soon, you won't regret it. Cheers MartynC

[bogie]

welcome - I wouldnt be worried about the 3 yr old thing - when I was looking all I wanted was 3yrs old + ....less depreciation !

I got a 3.5yr old car with 36K miles on it from a dealer for £36K with full warranty - it had 2 new tyres, new discs/pads all round, cambelt + big service done before collection ...and in mint nick ...so to me, a nearly new RS6 in the right spec for just about 1/2 price of a new one in similar spec

Seeing as the really leggy oldest cars are just getting down to mid to high twenties I figure I should be able to put 40K miles on it in 2 years and maybe lose £5-10K ...not bad for the type of car it is IMO

colour wise - I think you struggle to find one in an 'unusual' colour...and all were fully loaded as std - with just a few options available - I dont think you can go wrong....the usual back or silver are quite popular though.

[ashleyadam]

That Cognac looks awesome best interior I have ever seen in an Audi!

[Frosty]

Bob that's it. I love that colourway.

Martyn, I know what you mean about the black fading, I have seen a few cars on mobile .de where the black leather looks like it has a brown tint to it!

[londonplus]

Bob that's it. I love that colourway.

Martyn, I know what you mean about the black fading, I have seen a few cars on mobile .de where the black leather looks like it has a brown tint to it!

yes mine has this - anyone know how to get it back to original again?

[Tweaky]

Do you use leather cleaning products on it? I use Liquid leather and it is brilliant, mine are as black as the day it left the factory, and still smell like new . Not sure if it would restore the colour though to be fair.

[londonplus]

Do you use leather cleaning products on it? I use Liquid leather and it is brilliant, mine are as black as the day it left the factory, and still smell like new . Not sure if it would restore the colour though to be fair.

i do now but didnt use anything for a year after i got it. it is not garaged and sits in the sunlight which has faded it i think.