No other option but to sell and have a think.

[tanoga]

Don't laugh but have you thought about putting a cushion on the seat.

[M80EUF]

I am the 4.5% man. My original car now for sale with Leeds Audi at a hefty premium to what I received grrrrr (£56850).

http://usedcars.audi.co.uk/images/hdr_searchresults.gif

I notice there is also a Mugello Blue Avant for £59950 at Hatfield, can't believe they will get anything like that.

For me it was an extreme option to sell/buy back but I was lucky that I didn't have complicated finance arrangements to worry about, which may influence other's decisions. I also have use of another car while I wait for my new RS4.

FWIW, I dont see any reputable dealer or trader paying close to list for a car and I doubt if any/many of these above list prices will be obtained. At the end of the day the 4.5% I lost on my car will probably be more than the margin the dealer makes, bearing in mind the fact that the car was picked up on a low-loader, will be thoroughly valeted etc.

[M80EUF]

Sorry - that link doesn't seem to work, but if you search on audi.co.uk used car locator for RS4 avants you will see what I was trying to illustrate.

[Nige_RS4]

Will Audi not consider a straight swap for a similar spec car to yours with the Recaros? Might worth going via the customer services route. You will probably end up being the second owner though.

[DaveP]

I think that's worth a shot...speak to the 'RS' customer services team and give it a shot...with such low milage they may well change for an ex-demo or something ?

[ashleyadam]

I am the 4.5% man. My original car now for sale with Leeds Audi at a hefty premium to what I received grrrrr (£56850).

http://usedcars.audi.co.uk/images/hdr_searchresults.gif

I notice there is also a Mugello Blue Avant for £59950 at Hatfield, can't believe they will get anything like that.

For me it was an extreme option to sell/buy back but I was lucky that I didn't have complicated finance arrangements to worry about, which may influence other's decisions. I also have use of another car while I wait for my new RS4.

FWIW, I dont see any reputable dealer or trader paying close to list for a car and I doubt if any/many of these above list prices will be obtained. At the end of the day the 4.5% I lost on my car will probably be more than the margin the dealer makes, bearing in mind the fact that the car was picked up on a low-loader, will be thoroughly valeted etc.

One of my dealers called me early last week and offered me that Mugello Blue Avant even though not interested because they are not hard to get now loads available. I can not see anything on the spec which should price it so - Stealers what can you do.

[paulo]

Ian,

Wouldn't it be possible to find somebody ordering a car (that wants the buckets) to order the recaros. Then once their car arrives swap them over (at a small cost to you).

There you go, you get recaros, they get buckets and a bit of cash, both of you get the seats and cars you want.


Paul

[paulo]

Dave the first issue is if I change the seats to the comfy option I can't have the full electric options available as the wiring loom is different and will be extra cost. Also unless I use either the existing seats or the comfy option the resale price will plummet. Our friends across the Pond really want the buckets and I thk I can exchange seats and get them to pay shipment both ways. Then I will have to find some one to plumb them in. Not sure what I want to do really. The car is more likely to go rather than the buckets on their own.

..Ian

Sorry, I didn't read this post properly. That answers my question.

[paulo]

Also unless I use either the existing seats or the comfy option the resale price will plummet.

The resale value will only plummet if you sell the buckets. If however you buy yourself new seats and keep the originals in storage for the time you wish to sell, you won't have that issue.

I'm sure the cost in keeping them out weighs the cost in selling them.

[Merlot]

If the RS4 can be sold for a 4.5% loss (c£2.5k) and a new one ordered with the right seats then I would see that as a result if it was me. Just do it! All the bastardisation of the old car will really affect its value.

[MarkB]

Are they not selling at a premium these days to people not wanting to wait?

[docurley]

I've had lots of daft suggestions I have kept to myself, but the after market suggestion is not bad. You could buy heated, electric recaros, sure a few grands worth of outlay, but I'm sure you'll lose that in any sale/repurchase you do and the seats would have a healthy value when you come to sell them.

The only issue that stops you (and I, different reason) is if the B7 like my B5 has airbags in the side of the seat that you do not want to be without.

Just stick a resistor in the plug like I did to over ride the Airbag light issue. The other option is that you could advertise on a few other Audi forums to do a swap as I'm sure some would have loved your seats but did not have the $$$ to do so or as stated go aftermarket and swap over at a later date.

Would not the electric B6 S4 seat fit as this would be a cheaper option?

[Sutters]

They are not selling at premium and Audi no longer have a list of potential buyers, looks like those that wanted one have them or have ordered one. Seems no one wants to buy privately as I think everyone wants the security of the main dealer thus if I do sell I am at the mercy of the traders..they pay £48.5 K and sell out straight away for £52K the buyer gets a car £1.8K under list and I get a slap around the face with a wet fish and for everones guide its a lot more than 4.5% drop now!! TRY nearer 10%

[DaveP]

Ian, try the customer services route first matey....worth a phone call ! - Speak with Julie-Ann Swallows (if she's still in the RS team)

[paulo]

TRY nearer 10%

for 10% I'd rather buy the replacements for the rip-off cost of £6,500 + Vat and fitment and try and sell the buckets.

I'm sure they'd be worth at least £2k to somebody. Either that or try your hand at making some of these with them...

http://www.backcareofficechairs.com/recaro.htm

At around £2k each you'll be laughing.

But on a more serious note. Have you thought of seeing if a decent upholsterers could "reshape" your seats for a slightly better fit?