Running costs of a B8 RS4

[EddScott]

I have tried to search for the answer but couldn't find anything. Apologies if this is asked regularly.

I'm wondering if its a case of if you have to ask, you can't afford it?

I bought an STI new in April and although I'm enjoying it, it is a little compromised in some areas. I could keep it and store it for a bit but don't have time for a 2nd car. It will just sit there.

I could either go sensible and get a 330/335 touring OR go silly and get an RS4 - I was going to get a B7 RS but decided I wanted a new STI.

I'm just wondering by how much more will the RS4 cost to run over the STI - fuel isn't that far apart and I don't do big miles a year. So it's really a case of servicing and repairs during the period of ownership.

[N13LXC]

Servicing is c. £350 a service (can be as low as £120 and as high as £750 though...)
Tyres are c. £250 a corner most replace all 4 at once.
Repairs are dependant on what is to be repaired but could be £00's to £000's. key to keep an eye on are big ticket items like DRC and gearbox.

Fuel is realistic at 22mpg Long term. lowest I saw was 14, highest was 45 (single journey stuck behind an Asda lorry).
Noise is worth the extra cost..

[noddy]

Above is accurate, services are the big costs, but you can save up to 50% going to specialists and supplying own oil etc.


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[noddy]

There are gearbox repairers around who will tackle the rs, so the 15k bill that Audi quote as they won't open the box up to look inside, is potentially a lot less


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[EddScott]

Thanks for the replies.

My STI is averaging 26mpg.

I'm paying dealer prices from Subaru at the moment to keep warranty intact.

Are all B8s the same? Is there a particular year which is the better purchase - or particular option packs - the prices seem a little all over the place. I prefer the multi spoke wheels to the propeller ones and would prefer half leather to full and not the wingbacks. Although I'd consider them on the B7 I'd prefer the comfort of the sport seats (whatever they're actually called)

[noddy]

Base spec of all b8's are the same (engine,gearbox,suspension etc.) Later models had more options as standard. Everyone has different essentials specs, mine was sportpack and b&o. I found half leather more gripping and from experience looks less tired over time. Ceramics would be nice but will make your car a magnet for thieves as will wing backs. Ceramics must be weighed every service to check life, visually you can't see when they are spent. In the current climate I would dodge keyless entry also. All the above is my opinion, but one thing everyone will agree is the split personality the rs gives you that the Sti won't. In dynamic the car is a beast and probably harder damper than in the sti, but in comfort you can eat up the miles with ease.


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[Surrey Sam]

You want to try find a MY14 onwards car, as they gain the larger 7" MMI display, DAB, Power Tailgate and larger gear paddles as standard.

I disagree with above. Half leather seats feels cheap, because the rest of the interior is not plush enough to carry it off in a luxurious manor. Plus you lose that nice leather smell. For example just look at Porsche GTS's which come with half leather as standard, full leather optioned ones fetch better money. Keyless entry is also great and the start/stop button just adds to the sense of occasion. Don't be put off by the theft scare mongering, unless you live in the Midlands. Even then, crims will just break in and nick your normal keys should the car become a target.

Ceramics do have wear indicators and when the penny sized circles become more apparent, then the weighing process becomes necessary. Average road use should see 100k miles from them, however some Press/AUK cars had them fitted and are showing wear far sooner due to track work. Most of the running costs have been covered but I'd suggest running these with a good warranty. As a gearbox replacement is £15k fitted and an engine is £19k + fitting, they are reliable though. You just need to know the other end of the spectrum should the worst happen.

Brakes are the most expensive consumable running cost really, these are parts only cost:

Front Discs - £700
Front pads - £330
Rear discs - £630
Rear Pads - £90


Try one, I'm sure you'll love it

[N13LXC]

Try one, I'm sure you'll love it

+1

[Covkiller]

Expensive