Hoping to re-enter RS4 ownership...

[mrdeli]

Hi guys - I had passed many an enjoyable hour on this site when I owened my RS4 from June 07 - May 08. I still pop on here every week just to have a look at what's going on - a great site.

I have been watching RS4 prices a great deal lately - along with the credit crunch etc.. the prices really seemed to have dropped.

I had to sell mine as I was undertaking a renovation of my house, however with that coming to an end and RS4's becoming available at low 30's I'm thinking I might take the plunge again.

My last RS4 was brand new and therefore owndership costs were pretty fixed (i.e depreciation + fuel). If i'm buying a car that's say 06 reg with around 35 - 40k miles on it am I likely to be in for any major shocks? - obviously I can take into account tyres and brakes but beyond this are there likely to be any major probs.

The car will have a few months warranty left so major components shouldn't be a real problem initially - however I would aim to keep the car for 3 - 4 years and I am wondering whether the dampers are likely to be a real problem as so many seem to have trouble.

I guess to cut a long story short - will I be able to run a 2 1/2 year old RS4 without facing MAJOR bills for a few years? Also can you extend the warranty beyong the 3 years with Audi and if so any idea of cost.

Thanks for any input.

Regards Mark

[tartan_rob]

Mark - I am off on hols today for 2 weeks but mine has been relatively trouble free. I am on 44k miles and get much better fuel economy and performance than the new one I test drove a few years back. Since 14k miles, I have had to have the coils, oil cooler and front bumper done, all under warranty.

1 coil failed, all were changed
perforated opil cooler hose, complete cooler and hoses changed
Front bumper re-sprayed due to lacquer splitting

Check out the car in Pistonheads if you like. Black saloon with reg A5 AUX.

All in all though, no prods apart from loads of torque low down now...

[mrdeli]

Looks a great spec car - but for me (being the larger frame) - i need to search out one with the comfort seats.

I guess a car that has had a few bits replaced is likley to be, if anything, more reliable than one which hasn't.

Thanks for your input and enjoy your hols ;@)

[reevesroadster]

What else are you looking at with similar performance, handling and understated looks for the same sort of cash? I dont think theres really anything else out there to compete at present.

[victor2vt]

You're right about prices, in Sunday Times RS 4 Saloon 06/06 Daytona grey 12,000 mls asking £35,995 Avant 07/56 Sprint blue Recaro seats tech pack 17,000

asking £38.995 all main dealer cars, you should have no problem finding exactly what you want.

We've all taken a hell of a hit these last 6 months but so has everyone else, mate of mine tried to sell his year old 911 to local dealer for cash, got offered half book

dealer says he's got people on the phone every day wanting to get rid !!

[SR71]

mate of mine tried to sell his year old 911 to local dealer for cash, got offered half book

Cheapest 997TT on PH is now <£71K!

[SimonH]

Hello Mark,
Not sure if you remember me?.We spoke a few times on this site last year,when we both bought our RS4s from Preston.Since then i sold my RS4,and am now going back to Audi for a TTS,which lands again from Preston for Sept 1st.Have you tried one of these yet?.They are certainly a wow car.Have a look on Pistonheads at the 06 black car,from Fontains? i think, 5000 miles at around £35k.Cant remember which seats it had in it though.I remember we both wanted the Recaro seats at the time,and since then, ive sat in a few RS4s,and my opinion is still the same regarding this matter,ie, i still prefer the Recaros in the RS4.Yes, prices for all cars are in major freefall,and is worrying because there are no signs of let up at all.I know from experience all about Porsche prices,just ridiculous if you are trying to sell,great if you are buying.Let us know how you get on,regards, SIMON.

[rjkflyer]

Hi Mark,

Mine's a two year old. The only issues I have had have been one xenon headlight dead within two days or delivery, replaced and fine since, and the DRC which you'll have heard and read about.

You'll find brake discs wear a bit quick if you're heavy footed - the trick here is to replace the pads BEFORE the wear indicator comes on by watching them. As soon as you see hints of grooves in the discs, change the pads. By the time the WI comes on, the discs are at wear limit in the grooves.

Re DRC, it's an obvious fault, but one Audi are taking seriously and i'd be surprised if they don't take some definitive action to give us more protection. On the slight up side anyway, dealers can now recharge the infamous 'central valves' rather than buy new ones at 600 quid each.

More qualitatively, i nearly sold mine when i had dealer hassle with DRC (i had specc'd up a 335d M sport coupé): however, Audi TEch took it to MK and fixed it superbly as well as handing me back a car which was as good as new (replaced alloy wheels the dealer had poorly refurbished for example).

I am SO glad i kept it - little to touch it in terms of stealth, go, quality and class.

[mrdeli]

Hello Mark,
Not sure if you remember me?.We spoke a few times on this site last year,when we both bought our RS4s from Preston.Since then i sold my RS4,and am now going back to Audi for a TTS,which lands again from Preston for Sept 1st.Have you tried one of these yet?.They are certainly a wow car.Have a look on Pistonheads at the 06 black car,from Fontains? i think, 5000 miles at around £35k.Cant remember which seats it had in it though.I remember we both wanted the Recaro seats at the time,and since then, ive sat in a few RS4s,and my opinion is still the same regarding this matter,ie, i still prefer the Recaros in the RS4.Yes, prices for all cars are in major freefall,and is worrying because there are no signs of let up at all.I know from experience all about Porsche prices,just ridiculous if you are trying to sell,great if you are buying.Let us know how you get on,regards, SIMON.

Indeed I do remember you simon - when did you sell yours.

I would be very interested to know how the TTS goes - have you had a test drive (I guess not as they are so new). Not long till you get yours now - it will be very interesting to hear how you get on with that in comaprision to the RS4.

[mrdeli]

Is there a generally feeling that these cars will settle in the late 20's - Say 28ish - At that money, for the performance, surely the depreciation curve must be fairly gentle??

I guess in 2010 when the new model arrives (a V6 supercharger by all reports) there will be another tumble - but the cars are just such great fun to drive and so easy to live with (running costs aside).

I sold my car in May 2007 to Synter group (07 reg with 8000) - They paid £43.5k for my car and my brothers (identical spec). They took both cars down south and sold them both in a week for £5k profit. The market has changed incredibly quickly on these cars. I think px value on my old RS4 is around £33k!

[ARSEY4]

Is there a generally feeling that these cars will settle in the late 20's - Say 28ish - At that money, for the performance, surely the depreciation curve must be fairly gentle??

I guess in 2010 when the new model arrives (a V6 supercharger by all reports) there will be another tumble - but the cars are just such great fun to drive and so easy to live with (running costs aside).
I sold my car in May 2007 to Synter group (07 reg with 8000) - They paid £43.5k for my car and my brothers (identical spec). They took both cars down south and sold them both in a week for £5k profit. The market has changed incredibly quickly on these cars. I think px value on my old RS4 is around £33k!

I think your dates are wrong. assuming that you actually mean May 08.

[mrdeli]

Opps sorry silly me - Yes May 2008!

[SimonH]

Hello Mark,
Not sure if you remember me?.We spoke a few times on this site last year,when we both bought our RS4s from Preston.Since then i sold my RS4,and am now going back to Audi for a TTS,which lands again from Preston for Sept 1st.Have you tried one of these yet?.They are certainly a wow car.Have a look on Pistonheads at the 06 black car,from Fontains? i think, 5000 miles at around £35k.Cant remember which seats it had in it though.I remember we both wanted the Recaro seats at the time,and since then, ive sat in a few RS4s,and my opinion is still the same regarding this matter,ie, i still prefer the Recaros in the RS4.Yes, prices for all cars are in major freefall,and is worrying because there are no signs of let up at all.I know from experience all about Porsche prices,just ridiculous if you are trying to sell,great if you are buying.Let us know how you get on,regards, SIMON.

Indeed I do remember you simon - when did you sell yours.

I would be very interested to know how the TTS goes - have you had a test drive (I guess not as they are so new). Not long till you get yours now - it will be very interesting to hear how you get on with that in comaprision to the RS4.

Hi Mark,
I only had my RS4 for a couple of months before i sold it last August.I then ordered a 997 Turbo,which was my absolute dream car,and waited patiently until this April before it arrived.The Turbo was everything i had expected it to be,and more,but i had become really disenchanted with having so much money tied up in a car,and feared for the safety of my bank balance,and with very much regret,i sold that as well.I didnt get my full money back,but i did ok though.Wouldnt like to try selling it now.I still wanted something sporty,so i had a good look round and tried various things,such as Evo X and Merc C63,which did nothing for me at all.Then the lads at Preston Audi said to try their TTS for the day,which i did,and i was speechless.I never thought of a TT for myself,but the car was just fantastic.The performance is eyepopping in some situations,the s-tronic box along with the adjustable suspension and active spoiler,make the car feel alive.The handling and grip is up there with the best,and the quality is top drawer.I had the car for a full day,and drove it in all situations,over my bench mark roads,motorways,A roads,just everwhere.When i finally took it back,i oprdered one instantly.I surprised myself,and the MRS is more excited than i am,a first i think.I went for Sprint Blue,with silver and black leather,and a few extras.If you dont need a lot of room in the car,i would recommend you having a test drive,even just to rule it out.Mine should be here two weeks today,regards, SIMON.

[hbk]

I've really had no issues with my car and even though prices have taken a hit, I just can't think of one car that I would replace it with that ticks all the boxes, a truly fabulous car - Even though I've ordered the next RS4 it's going to have to be something very special to beat this car.