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First of all, hi to all, newish member here from Edinburgh.

Having a slight dilemma, initially wanted a B8 S4, but have decided to buy another motorbike, which has dropped my budget.

Realistically, am I stepping into the unknown spending roughly 20k on a B7? I know I can still get a B8 S4 for that money, but I still have a soft spot for the RS4.

My daily commute is a 40 mile round trip at reasonable speed. So I'm not expecting a decent MPG haha.

My other options were an S3, but perhaps too sensible!

Any help appreciated [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

V8 all the way.

RS4's aplenty at about £20k, go for it...!

I had the same dilemma mate. I looked at three B8 S4's. Two pre facelift and one facelift and then continued the search for some time. My spec requirement was quite picky though and it was difficult to find the right one. In the back of my mind I kept thinking about the B7 and eventually went that route and haven't looked back. I was originally trying to buy a very low mileage B7 in the hope some of the common failure points wouldn't apply, but in reality they happen regardless of the mileage, so I went for a reputable forum car. Condition and history are key when buying these cars. But a well looked after B7 and you will have a huge smile on your face.

JohnnyJ wrote:First of all, hi to all, newish member here from Edinburgh.

Having a slight dilemma, initially wanted a B8 S4, but have decided to buy another motorbike, which has dropped my budget.

Realistically, am I stepping into the unknown spending roughly 20k on a B7? I know I can still get a B8 S4 for that money, but I still have a soft spot for the RS4.

My daily commute is a 40 mile round trip at reasonable speed. So I'm not expecting a decent MPG haha.

My other options were an S3, but perhaps too sensible!

Any help appreciated [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

Ive had both.

Had the b7 rs4 for 6 months last year, ( a mint low mile Daytona avant)
Had the b8 s4 since march

The rs4 is "special" it really is, but my wife couldn't get on with the manual so it had to go.

The s4 is all the car i could ever want (and more). It doesn't quite get the attention of the rs4 but the performance is very very similar (get sport diff) and for me the b8 just edges it as the b7 is getting on now.

That said, its a bit like saying Cameron Diaz is rough. She's isnt, she's a superstar but if i had the choice of her or a new model, id go for one with 5 years less wear n tear and a few new tricks.

out of curiosity, how easy is it to find ones with sports diff's?

stu wrote:out of curiosity, how easy is it to find ones with sports diff's?

Ii believe its easier with facelift models as if iirc it comes bundled with audi drive select. So basically, if u have the ads menu you get it.

However its not obvious on pre facelift (mid '13, look for the FBSW) it's not obvious and most dealers wont even know if you have it. If you are a nuts and bolt type you can check under the car or else u need to check in the ADS menu.

Its a shame because its a relatively cheap option to spec (600) but impossible to fit aftermarket, like 10k.

Im no street racer but I've been told it makes a big difference from standard and pushing on to my limits i see little difference in handling between my b8 on dynamic with sport diff and my b7 rs4.

DCT box is just awesome though, thats the big difference.

Oh and the fact you can go to 500 bhp with MRC relatively cheap should you desire.

^ It's a cost option, not bundled within ADS on facelift cars. I wanted a facelift with full ADS as an ideal spec and there were not many about.

S4WON wrote:
DCT box is just awesome though, thats the big difference.

Oh and the fact you can go to 500 bhp with MRC relatively cheap should you desire.

Yeah, the DCT I appears to be a big deal when comparing the B7+8 RS4s. There wasn't enough about the current RS4 to get me interested (and a few things to put me off), but having been a passenger in one the dual clutch is like some sort of magic. Blows my mind how quick it moves from gear to gear. I'd only driven a few slushbox autos before that.

Any idea what sort of failure rate you're talking about for the DCT? I definitely don't want to put you off but isn't it a £10k replacement??

Hi Jonny, don't just look at the sale price - it's a £20k car with £60k car ownership costs. Go in with eyes open (and a slush fund) and you'll have a great time.

stu wrote:

S4WON wrote:
DCT box is just awesome though, thats the big difference.

Oh and the fact you can go to 500 bhp with MRC relatively cheap should you desire.

Yeah, the DCT I appears to be a big deal when comparing the B7+8 RS4s. There wasn't enough about the current RS4 to get me interested (and a few things to put me off), but having been a passenger in one the dual clutch is like some sort of magic. Blows my mind how quick it moves from gear to gear. I'd only driven a few slushbox autos before that.

Any idea what sort of failure rate you're talking about for the DCT? I definitely don't want to put you off but isn't it a £10k replacement??

I still have the full warranty on mine and intend to extend it. The sport diff alone is reason to do so. As you say, they may be cheaper to buy but u dont want something big going wrong, another reason why personally i wont be modding, as tempting and as cheap as it may be.

Overall i am very impressed with the car though and can highly recommend it

I am very new to this and just about to buy an RS4 B7. Is there any issues I should look out for before I make the deal? If so what are they and how do I find them. The car is an 06 59k miles

spursspence wrote:I am very new to this and just about to buy an RS4 B7. Is there any issues I should look out for before I make the deal? If so what are they and how do I find them. The car is an 06 59k miles

viewtopic.php?t=90255#p442053
Read all of it. Honestly, it's great. No point reinventing the wheel here.

Then, for bonus points click and read through the last few weeks worth of posts: not essential, but it'll get you comfortable with the lingo, the main themes.

Then read the buyers guide again.

Good luck!

I thought about it and did it. Never regretted it for even 1 minue. Mind, I came from the ford rs marque. Make of that what you will

RS4 all day for me. Just make sure you do your research and as said purchase one with good amount of issues and common faults sorted or funds to sort.

I've had an S3 and it just wasn't 'special' enough, I cannot comment on the S4 however for me it isn't an RS

I've got a new B8.5 S4. I think its great. Try both and decide for yourself.