I thought I wanted an RS4 until I read the posts here...

[klauster]

I wouldn't change my car, its ACE! Even with the issues that are common to the car, still puts a smile on my face everyday!

[aarghesfore]

I would just echo the positive comments on here – only had my car 5 months but is fantastic and still makes my smile. It hasn’t missed a beat except for having DRC replaced under warranty which was painless. I was told this is a new design and Camberley Audit hasn’t had any failures yet but only time will tell…

I haven’t done any timed runs but to me it feels faster that an M Coupe I had which had similar official 0-60 and 0-100 times, it especially feels quicker in gear.

I really don’t think you can beat an RS4 for looks, pace, driveability, build quality and image.

[approved]

Ive had my car for six months now. Its really replaced my M6.

It is currently worth more money to me than i paid for it, its used 2litres of oil, one trye replaced due to bad luck, apart from that its cost me nothing. its the cheapest car ive ever run.

Its an 07 plate under warratny and AUDI have changed my DRC ( DRC has a 5 year AUDI warranty so all cars are still covered) and also my juddering brakes so AUDI get a big thumbs up from me.

If you dont buy one you will regret it.

concur with the above.

i have twice been offered what the car stands me at, from the trade, since i bought it.

four months ago, so its cost me nothing but consumables, including depreciation.

a bit of good luck/timing perhaps, but there is precious little out there, unless you significantly increase your budget, that gives such incredible value for money in the performance car market.

[ScoobyAndy]

Many thanks for all the replies and suggestions everyone. I agree that the reasonable thing to do is to get a test drive one and make up my own mind re performance etc.

Just a couple of questions on the DRC issues though:

1. Are the replacement parts of a better design or have people experienced failures in these too over time ?

2. Does the extended 5 year warranty stipulate that all servicing is performed by Audi dealerships during that period ?

3. Did anyone get a quote of how much the fix is out of warranty ?

Thanks again !

[P_G]

Yes the design is modified. Some say they have had issues, personally I have not and mine are now a year old. Standard servicing doesn't have to be done by Audi to maintian the 5 year DRC warranty so long there is no work done on the suspension.

Cost wise it is cheaper to get yourself a set of KW V3's supplied at fitted all round.

[bye bye]

Go drive one and make sure, if you go for it, you buy a good one. FASH, check the brakes for scoring and buy from a dealer. Then you have recourse in the event of any issues.

Cheers

Mark

[RS2GO]

...brakes for scoring

Mark

Forgive me but... how do you check for this and what do you mean please?

[psg001]

test drive one and see what you think, you may love it, you may hate it, your opinion is the most important!

I've driven my dads E46 M3 to death and driven a few times in my friends C63 AMG (450bhp) , and another friends E55 AMG (476bhp) and they have driven my car too. Also I test drove the E92 M3 before I purchased the RS4.

For me the RS4 was the better car over the E92 M3. Both felt equally quick. I have test driven a couple of RS4s and they both felt quick. I've been in another RS4 from a member on here and his car felt as fast as mine. (all subjective I know, but thats 3 cars and didnt notice any big variation in performance, pace etc)

The RS4 feels faster and more powerful than the E46 M3 pulling much better above 60 and 100+ (on the private test track of course). It doesnt feel any slower than the C63 or the E55 and the owners of these cars said the same of the RS4, it felt just as quick as the AMGs.

So I wouldnt worry about DYNO results, the car is quick. A test drive will tell you that. My view is if its holding its own with these cars and weighs 1650kg, it must be putting down 400bhp +!

No DSC probs on mine, like people on here said, its covered by audi for 5yrs.

HTH.

[kay]

I think most performance cars can have specific issues, even the subarus. I owned my impreza P1 for 4 yrs/20,000 miles. There was always the fear with them that the engines blow up. Enough low mileage ones have had engine rebuilds., costing 3-4 k. E46 m3's had SMG issues costing 3-4k to fix. And so on. Luckily mine eventually had 80k miles and never had an engine rebuild by me or previous owners. Furthermore, the prodrive upgraded discs (335mm) with pads cost over £800. Tyres on P1 were 225/35/18 and these can cost over £140 per corner. Obviously one sources out a cheaper price elsewhere. But u see the point im making. Infact, u have to service the subarus a lot more frequent than rs4s, approx. every 6 months the oil should be changed. Rs4 discs may cost a bit more cos they are bigger and better.

[sonny]

You troll through all the forums, 911, Rollers, Mercs, and you will find all of them have there problems, they just don't air there laundry.

As for the DRC is it hit and miss, my car is 3 half years old and has no DRC problems, I have however replaced it with KWv3's (this was not DRC related).

As for servicing costs, again all dealerships are different, then again Subaru dealerships are ore expensive than Audi.

The only thing that does suck it the claimed power figures 380/390 is the norm for a good car.

[bye bye]

...brakes for scoring

Mark

Forgive me but... how do you check for this and what do you mean please?

Just have a close look at the brake disks it's pretty obvious..even for me...I checked them when I bought mine. The dealer, non-Audi, agreed to change disks and pads at their cost!

[Baggins]

You troll through all the forums, 911, Rollers, Mercs, and you will find all of them have there problems, they just don't air there laundry.

As for the DRC is it hit and miss, my car is 3 half years old and has no DRC problems, I have however replaced it with KWv3's (this was not DRC related).

As for servicing costs, again all dealerships are different, then again Subaru dealerships are ore expensive than Audi.

The only thing that does suck it the claimed power figures 380/390 is the norm for a good car.

Hi Sonny, you're absolutely right about other marques and their problems, just join a few of their forums and they all seem to have something wrong with them - even Porsche are having real problems with engines going pop at the moment.

Can I ask, the KW V3's, totaly eliminate any worries with suspension failure yes? Once done, leaves you with a nigh on perfect hot machine?

[sonny]

Err just read my reply and I was slightly pissed. any way, yes any after market suspension that replaces the struts eliminates the DRC. shame really as the DRC is awesome piece of kit (when it works). eliminates body roll. I will be posting a write up on the KWv3 soon.

[RS6chris!]

Love mine to bits best car ive ever had and ive had a few!! Had a few minor issues but i,d say i was being picky and having a good relationship with my dealer got them done no problem under warranty, mainly cosmetic stuff.

Dont forget these are highly tuned cars and will always having teething problems maybe?? and i would assume most of us drive them as they are designed to be driven so...FASSSTTTTT.

Touch wood ive had no DRC issues.

Once they are out of warranty i would guess there are plenty of independants who will work on our cars at much less than Audi prices..at the end of the day we talk about getting these cars worked on as if they are 1.1 fiestas!!!! they aint.

Get one you wont regret it once yiou get over the fact you aint driving a scooby anymore and have a civilised machine that screams cool and discreet for those in the "know"


Remember...Only those in the know..know its an RS4!!!!

[ScoobyAndy]

Thanks once again for all the positives

Dealer servicing is pricey for Imprezas as well. I went independent straight after the warranty expired. I'm a low mileage driver so I was servicing annually which I imagine would be the same deal with the RS4.

Coulsdon Audi have just got in an 07 so I hope to head over there tomorrow for a look and maybe a test drive. I'm not sure I'll be able to do it justice in that part of town but it will be a good fact finding mission.