Do I buy an RS4 or not?

[W31AAF]

Are there any difference to be aware of in relation to 2006 and 2007 models? Also, is milage an issue?

[neckarsulm]

...only really the headlamps which have orange indicators on the earlier models, somewhere mid 2006 they went clear.
Also there were more options available for the 2007 MY like ceramics but generally there is little difference due to age.

Mileage will have some impact but I am sure there are plenty of rough low mileage London cars are plenty of crisp if slightly chippy high milers.
I'd go average mileage or slightly below.

[HYFR]

mileage IMO is not an issue

my old car is for sale at 85k on the clock and i wouldnt hesitate buying it

[adsgreen]

Agreed - high muleta mean motorway use and per mile that's easier on the car than town driving.
As long as serviced and looked after mikes should by be a problem.

[sonny]

Are there any difference to be aware of in relation to 2006 and 2007 models? Also, is milage an issue?

Apart from what Necks stated, the interior dash board buttons had chrome lines on them.

Also, the inlet manifolds are different too, but you won’t notice that.

[Macdaddy]

Owned Mk4 and Mk5 R32's and a few cars in between!

Just love my RS its a phenomenal car. Mates got the M3 and tbh there is nothing between them on the road apart from the RS allowing even the average driver to go fast and feel safe. The M3 cant be pushed by an average driver as hard as the RS can (is that a good or bad thing)

My mate even after his 6 month ownership said he misses the planted secure feeling that his S5 and my RS gives you when driving, The M3 is very twitchy in the wet and he's replacing rear tyres at just 6,000 miles!!!

Ive driven the M3 regularly and i wouldnt swap, sure theres plenty M3 drivers say the opposite!

Drive both and decide what you prefer, For me i love the planted quattro.

As a side note theres nothing cost wise between ownership, Both are expensive to maintain and run properly and both have plenty of "common issues" just like every other car and just like every other car you read about on other forums!!!! R32 had plenty lol

[W31AAF]

Ok, would I need to get a specialist inspection before buying?

I guess this is the crux of my hesitation: I'm happy buying and running an RS4, but buying on which has a problem and then shelling out 10k to fix it is not something I even want to get in to.

Well, I think I have found a nice low miles 2006 model, so now I need to take the plunge . . .

[P_G]

If you know of or can find someone with a VCDS cable who knows how to use it a quick plug in to the OBD II port will give you a decent starter for 10 on if the car is healthy through fault code checking.

[MB2]

Hi I went from a MkIV R32 to an RS4 and the RS4 is definitely a lot "more" car than the R32. This is felt when you get in, in town driving, when you stretch its legs & in the running costs.

They do have a few well documented areas to keep an eye on but provided you check these out carefully you should be OK - as a rule of thumb I would budget about 1/3rd more for everything in terms of running costs but a lot of it will depend where in the "cycle" you buy ie tyres & discs although R32 brakes certainly aren't cheap or particularly long lasting either !

[PetrolDave]

Alpina B5?

They've been getting some great reviews

RWD only, so NBG in snow and ice.

[neckarsulm]

I'd recommend a specialist inspection as the cost of this is tiny compared to even just some discs.
I'd want a full ramp inspection and a Vag Com scan before and after a lengthy test drive.
The underneath of RS4s tells its own story..

[drbru]

Here are my thoughts

M3 great car...RS4 great car....period.

M3 is definately more of a posers car whether it be the convertable or the saloon...If we are talking second hand cars and for arguments sake they both cost 30k....Anyone idiot with that kind of money will buy the M3...

A true petrol head in my opinion will buy the RS4...It doesnt shout look at me but very purposefuly when the need arises...

Dont get me wrong...I really like the M3, its just too much of a stereotype, and too many of them around....

[W31AAF]

Ok, can anyone give me contact details for specialist who could carry out an inspection asap in the Bradford area?