Advice Needed!!

[Asif_lesta]

Hi

I'm new to the RS4 market, I've come across this on pistonheads need some advice as I've not seen this spec in my research.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3574227.htm

Here is the link to the ad.

Any advice welcome

Thanks

[pDkALO]

Much as the dealer would like you to think otherwise, I'm pretty certain that's not a specific "special edition" - apart from the Alpine TV tuner, it's basically a black optic pack with option seat trim and belts, plus lots of other factory options... in fact, the original purchaser seems to have ticked just about every box (other than sunroof), so the supplying dealer must have had a good bonus...

Looks nice IMO - although the alcantara on the wheel looks to have gone a bit shiny

[Asif_lesta]

Thanks for that, what's with the alpine tuner? Is that a normal Audi unit then? Or is that aftermarket? I would rather have oem things. Also i wasn't sure about the replaced suspension remark.. Is a sunroof a big issue?

[RIV]

If you don't mind orange I think my mates is for sale on auto trader, not stated in advert but has even got double glazed windows, it's got every poss extra

[pDkALO]

There's loads of stuff on this forum re the suspension, from loads of people who know much more than me! - search for DRC and prepare for a long read.... Suffice to say though, it's the B7 RS4's only real weak spot, so I'd say good news if it's all been replaced.

Sunroof is pretty uncommon anyway, so just personal preference. You could spec an analogue TV tuner from factory which displayed thru the main satnav screen - looks as though this one's got an alpine retro fit digital equivalent, so it'll almost certainly be a box hidden away somewhere that operates and displays thru the main satnav controls / screen with nothing visible.

Looking again I don't think black roof bars were a factory option so that may be a paint Shop job ( I may be wrong... ) - would you believe, part red seats, red belts and suede wheel alone would have lightened the original buyers wallet by the best part of £5k!...

[Asif_lesta]

Thanks for the advice, so all the doubts I had check out. So the roof rail could be painted, would someone go out their way to do that?

So whoever spec'd it up from the factory wasn't shy in splashing out abit. Will need to check out all the history, is there any questions I should ask them regarding history/service records etc?

Also should they have a running in check or something similar?

Also what's the situation with the output of the 414bhp, I've heard some horror stories where they have come out much less than that. Is their any truth in that?

[lofty]

Put Auto prestige into the search on here and you may change your mind about that car.

[Asif_lesta]

Lol that goes the trip to Bradford tomorrow out the window then....

[RIV]

Good idea, hold out and get one with all the bits + mine has sunroof it's nice to have, all the best things come to those who wait

[andre3k]

I wouldn't dismiss this car if I was in the market. The car looks pretty special to me; just have your wits about you when dealing with the 'em. Oh & btw

- Black roof rails are what you get with the black optics pack. So standard fare
- Body-coloured mirrors were also a no cost option if I remember right. So standard fare as well
- The silver badges you see on the door panels indicate its an Audi exclusive interior. Pretty rare
- The only non-standard items seem to relate to the entertainment system as there wasn't a digital tuner available in these cars OE, and the only upgrade avail for the sound system was Bose (which I think also was standard spec in these cars). All in all a very reasonable mod to do to continue to enjoy TV incar
- Alcantara cn be rescued, as I've seen it done on a previous car I owned. Prob a more important issue is the leather sourced for the buckets which is of poorer quality when compared to the comfort seats. Sagging & shining is something you need to prepare yourself for unless your fastidious about maintenance & even then...

[pDkALO]

I don't think black roof bars were a factory option so that may be a paint shop job ( I may be wrong... )

....and so I was!

If, like me, you don't want any surprises and don't fancy spending out on specialist inspections each time you find one you like, then buying from Audi is about as safe as you can get, as you'll get Audi back up, a pucka warranty that covers most things, and Audi prefer to only sell cars with main dealer history - of course you will probably pay a bit of a premium (I got a bargain but was lucky on that front), and your choice is going to be a bit limited.

That's what I did, and very pleased I did - quite a few niggles have surfaced with the car (nothing major though), and the dealer's been good as gold and sorted absolutely everything without quibble, probably costing them about £2k all told. Yes, bit irritating that it wasn't 100% from day one, but full marks in my book for the after sales back up - I'm pretty certain I'd have been in a different boat if I'd gone to a "specialist" and the same sort of things had cropped up.

[adsgreen]

But as you said, you probably paid 1-2k Audi premium by buying from a dealer.
it's swings and roundabouts in the end.

[Asif_lesta]

thanks for everyones advise its really helpful, i might just take a trip to sunny bradford if it doesn't seem right I will walk away plus if i don't go i will always wonder what if it was a good car etc, so for my own peace of mind i would rather go. I Will go during the week so I can call Audi and check things out with them. Could someone tell me what sort of thing I need to look out for when I go? Also what's the situation with the BHP issue I have been told about?

[lengster1]

Dont dismiss the car just because its at autoprestige,they underwrite cars all day over the phone and buy blind,the car could well be an absolute minter just be aware and keep in mind that if its not they dont have the best rep for aftercare,they operate more the supermarket style selling but with top end cars.The spec is very good and similar to mine but i dont think its an exlusive,it can be verified using production Sticker codes etc

[lengster1]

There are alot of subtle changes to the interior with red stitching and inlays etc.the steering wheel looks plain not punched leather (looks pants imo) alcantara handbrake etc,exclusive models carry a plaque somewere on the door card i believe? It may well be an exclusive or be a well specced car thats been to the trimshop? Good luck tell us how you get on.