Buying advice - a few basic questions!

[drcarrera]

Had my first test drive yesterday and was quite impressed!

There don't seem any new cars left in the dealer network to the spec I want (Avant with Recaros), but I'm hopeful of getting a nearly new or ex-demo.
Just a few questions which you experienced guys could help me with

Silk Nappa - Nice or Naff?! Quite a few cars with otherwise good spec seem to have it. Is it a b****r to keep clean, or does it wear well?

Phantom Black - Looks nice when clean, but is it a nightmare to keep it that way? I'm not a fastidious car valeter and I live in the sticks so my cars pick up a fair bit of dirt/dust quickly. Does the black show the dirt much more than other colours?

Spec changes - The car had a pretty short production run but did anything change in it's lifetime? I know I should make sure the software's at the latest rev but is there any disadvantage in buying an early car over a late car, assuming condition/mileage the same?

Adults in the back - are the rear seats an OK place for average build adults on a reasonably long trip (i.e. an hour or two not a few minutes)

My local dealer seemed quite sensible about the other things I shoud look for - i.e. should have tech pack, "proper" steering wheel etc and warned me off the sports suspension as too firm.

Any advice, comments gratefully received ...

[PetrolDave]

Silk Nappa - Nice or Naff?! Quite a few cars with otherwise good spec seem to have it. Is it a b****r to keep clean, or does it wear well?

Nice - I've got silver silk nappa Recaros in my Avant. One year old, done >14,000 miles, easy to clean with leather cleaning wipes.

Phantom Black - Looks nice when clean, but is it a nightmare to keep it that way? I'm not a fastidious car valeter and I live in the sticks so my cars pick up a fair bit of dirt/dust quickly. Does the black show the dirt much more than other colours?

I've got Phantom Black. Yes black does show the dirt more than many colours (but white is even worse), but it looks so good that's a price I'm willing to pay.

Spec changes - The car had a pretty short production run but did anything change in it's lifetime? I know I should make sure the software's at the latest rev but is there any disadvantage in buying an early car over a late car, assuming condition/mileage the same?

The only real change was in late 2006 when the front indicators were changed from orange to clear. IMHO the clear ones look so much better.

Adults in the back - are the rear seats an OK place for average build adults on a reasonably long trip (i.e. an hour or two not a few minutes)

I regularly have adults in the back, including my 6' 3" tall brother.

My local dealer seemed quite sensible about the other things I shoud look for - i.e. should have tech pack, "proper" steering wheel etc and warned me off the sports suspension as too firm.

I would agree about avoiding the Sports Suspension, but those who have it love it. Each to their own ...

[drcarrera]

Cheers Dave - useful info.

[audijohn]

Yep Dave covered all the bases.

[Ozrs4]

Totally agreed with Dave re Phantom black as mine is the same. Hard to keep clean but imho looks spectacular if cleaned. Mine is polished and waxed with Zymol which make routine wash and quick detail spray a easy task to maintain that awesome look.
Cheers.

[Adam]

I've got Phantom Black. Yes black does show the dirt more than many colours (but white is even worse), but it looks so good that's a price I'm willing to pay.

The only real change was in late 2006 when the front indicators were changed from orange to clear. IMHO the clear ones look so much better.

what he said

[jackwood]

I've got Phantom Black. Yes black does show the dirt more than many colours (but white is even worse), but it looks so good that's a price I'm willing to pay.

The only real change was in late 2006 when the front indicators were changed from orange to clear. IMHO the clear ones look so much better.

what he said

What him, him, him and him said........

Jack

[Jezzer]

There is a new unregistered Daytona grey Avant with black optics and normal Recaros in Audi Hitchin in Hertfordshire. It's beautiful!

[Dom81]

Totally disagree about the Sports Suspension, but I'm on French dial-up so can't elaborate

Much better to have than to have not

[drcarrera]

There is a new unregistered Daytona grey Avant with black optics and normal Recaros in Audi Hitchin in Hertfordshire. It's beautiful!

Any idea what it's up for?

[svassileou]

That unregistered daytona grey Avant in Hitchin has been there since at least 30 June - from memory, it's around £54k but best if you double-check (I could be wrong). I concur that it's a very nice looking car, and daytona grey is a stunning colour.

[Jezzer]

Between £54k and £55k, but I bet you could get a deal nearer £50K if you're smart.

[morrisom]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum. I'm also on the look out for a new RS4 Avant and it looks like I can still spec a factory build. Got this via Broadspeed who put me in touch with dealer who is coming back to me with actual build slots. Is this likley to be a tale of disappointment based on the info. above. I had read in Autocar a couple of weeks ago that the saloon was no longer available but Avant and Cab models would be. Again not sureif this is factual.

Any advice appreciated.

Kind Regards
Marvin

[jackwood]

As far as anyone on here is aware (I think) there are NO MORE build slots. This has been confirmed time and time, and certainly the 4 dealers I dealt with all said the same to me (about Avants).
All cars are now actual cars, sat in showrooms, forecourts, or lots.
Jack

[Gareth]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum. I'm also on the look out for a new RS4 Avant and it looks like I can still spec a factory build. Got this via Broadspeed who put me in touch with dealer who is coming back to me with actual build slots. Is this likley to be a tale of disappointment based on the info. above. I had read in Autocar a couple of weeks ago that the saloon was no longer available but Avant and Cab models would be. Again not sureif this is factual.

Any advice appreciated.

Kind Regards
Marvin

Anything via Broadspeed needs to be taken with a pinch of salt...especially with a car like the RS4.

What colour and spec are you after??

Gareth