S4 advice please

[otterolly]

Hi Guys

I am pretty new on here and I am currently a B7 RS4 saloon owner, I am thinking of making the move to a S4 Avant and was wondering how they compared. I owned a 2.5 TDi Quattro Sport Avant prior to the RS4 and liked the Avant's flexiblity etc. , but I am currently worrying about the servicing / running costs of the RS4. Is the S4 any cheaper to keep than an RS4 ?? Is there anything I should look out for when looking for an S4 ?? I am pretty handy mechaniically could an S4 be serviced at home easily enough ?? How does an S4 drive compared to a RS4 ?? Is the B6 or the B7 the one to go for ??

Sorry for all the questions just trying to solve my dilemma. Any help / info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys

[no_RS]

DRC won't be a problem as not fitted, the S4 is nearly as quick in a straight line but not so nimble around the corners, heavy front end so understeers. On the running costs side servicing is around the same but parts, etc are cheaper than the RS4, tyre life is probably similar maybe a few thousand more miles.

Also the S4 engine is not FSI so probably doesn't suffer the horrible oily deposits on the intake valves. Other point to note, the S4 doesn't stick out like an RS4 so is quite stealthy.

The B6 v B7 descision. The B6 suffered with auxillary radiator corrosion problems, I haven't heard of any B7 suffering this but please correct me if wrong otherwise is personal choice.

Other alternative B5 RS4?

Pete

[BlingBling]

The aux rad problem is prodminately a B6 issue. However, B7 have also been known to suffer the same problem. The corrosion problem does not effect every B6/B7. It is a case of pot luck and the level of maintainence carried out by the previous owner.

FYI. Mine is a 2003 and has never leaked in the 4yrs I owned the car.

Running costs will be similar.

[stumpyrs4]

Only difference with a B7 generally, is the quad pipes and of course the bodywork differences. Basically the same car.

Changing the RARB to the RS4 one will cure the under-steer.

[otterolly]

thanks for the info