Newbie question about mileages

[teknobod]

I have always been interested in performance Audis and owned an Audi Quattro Turbo (MB torsen diff model) a few years back, despite 'loving' the car it was impractical as a family vehicle, so it had to go.
The car had done 140k when I sold it and the only problem I encountered during ownership (apart from the usual bushes etc) was the exhaust manifold cracking (a known problem).
The performance for such an old car was still equal to and greater than most modern cars and the exhaust note with the Scorpion exhaust fitted was fantastic, turning heads everywhere.
Anyway, enough rambling, at some point I intend to purchase an RS2 and wondered what sort of mileages members cars had covered and any problems you guys/gals had encountered.
What sort of things do you need to look out for when buying?
Any information would be most useful, including any links to buying guides which seem a bit thin on the ground!
Cheers

Andy

[jeremyc]

EVO produced a good RS2 buying guide in their May 2002 edition (043). Email me if you would like an electronic copy.

As you have experienced, the general concencus is that RS2s are just about run in at 100K miles. [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] There are a few low mileage (but expensive) examples around (30K), but most seem to have 70k-140k on the clock.

Get looking - you know it makes sense. [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

[Cobstar]

The EVO Buyer's Guide is really useful. Also some helpful info on www.audilinks.co.uk/info/rs2_4.asp

Bought my RS2 with over 100,000 miles on clock in February. No regrets so far - she's a fantastic car.

Happy hunting! The good RS2s don't seem to hang around very long so you need to be quick off the mark or lucky.

[teknobod]

Thanks for the replies guys (especially Jeremy. The EVO article was very informative.)
However, surely there are more than 2 members with RS2's.
Anyone else care to give any advice? [img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img]

Cheers
Andy

[scillyisles]

Mileage 33k - owned car since new.
RS2 is super reliable - servicing costs are very reasonable even at main dealer service costs - mine has been serviced since new at the original dealer. average cost probably £200 per year on servicing.
Items I've had to replace on the car are :
- tyres - you have to downsize to 225/45/ZR17 check that load speed rating is ok I eventually went for Bridgestone Potenza which give good grip but do give a noticeably harder ride. Another good choice would be Michelin Pilot sport 2. Car is quite easy on tyres unless you track it.
- replaced discs all round due to corrosion. The discs corrode quite badly in wet conditions and the pads will bind if the car is left with discs wet. Audi dealer can remove some corrosion but if they keep getting corroded they'll have to be replaced. Make sure you dry disc after washing or rain use. Discs are cheaper from Porsche ( as are quite a lot of parts.)
- cracked air conditioning pipe in front bonnet area. These pipes are near to turbocharger/exhaust are subject to extreme temperature.
- the nappa leather seats are good but nappa leather dries out check the seat bolsters for cracks etc. Use rejuvenator oil to repair.
- cambelt needs changing every 40k (i think) mine was changed after 5 years as precautionary measure. If it does let go its very expensive.
- battery was replaced after five years.
- brake fluid needs changing every two years.

Turbo and engine seem ultra reliable. On startup you might get a small puff of smoke on first rev particularly if the car has stood for a while but this should disappear immediately. If not it probably indicates turbo wear or piston ring probs. Worthwhile running RS2 on good synthetic engine oil (mine has had Mobil/1 ever since new)
Fuel economy will go down to 17/18 or less if driving car hard but in normal driving I get about 22/23 mpg.
Everything else is as original.
Overall a very reliable, practical and characterful so much so that when the RS4 arrived that I'd ordered I decided to stick with the RS2. [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]
PS Prior to RS2 I had two UR Quattro - great car.