Newbie - Just tested RS4 and new M3..

[psg001]

Hi guys,

just wanted to say hello and that I am interested in getting an RS4. I currently drive an R32. Last week I test drove the new M3 coupe and the RS4 (B7). Before driving them I had no preference for either, maybe a slight preference for the M3 as my father has had the E46 (last gen) M3 for the last 6 yrs and I have driven that lots and really enjoyed it.

After the test drive in both the new cars I definitely preferred the RS4. It was far superior interms of interior build and comfort, the engine/ehaust note was better (in my opinion) and it was so smooth and effortless to drive, it covered the ground fast and with ease inspiring confidence to push the car harder (even on B-roads with far from perfect road surface quality). The M3 felt twitchier and less satisfying to drive. Anyway, I'm decided on an RS4!!

From the dealers they wanted 34k for a 2007 (07) plate with 15,000 miles on the clock. Is this a bit high?? I am wondering if the price will come down much in the next 6 months, at the end of the day I dont want to throw a few grand away for the sake of 6 months. I know there are issues with the DRC which is covered under warranty. Anything else major to look out for??

There are about 3 RS4's I see regularly around me here in Lytham, a black avant, a silver avant and a blue 4 door. They always look and sound the business. There was a red one parked up down my road but i've only seen that once. Great cars, hope to get one this year. Not sure which colour to go for, test drove a silver one which looked better than expected but am probably thinking of grey or blue (black is a pain to keep clean).

Appreciate any advice.

Cheers..


Priyan

[Contigo]

Had a Daytona Grey one on a 56 plate and it was a great colour choice. 34k from the stealers is not too bad a price but I reckon there's room for movement on it especially in this climate. Are they offering extended warranty on it or just remainder of three years?

[psg001]

standard warranty which runs till Apr 2010. I think they would go a little bit lower to be honest, maybe £500. Am not sure I want it in silver though so not going to pursue this car.

Are heated seats standard on the RS4? The bucket seats were brilliant.

[chogg1000]

I just bought a Daytona grey on a 56 plate a few days before christmas. It was on for a 33k, and they accepted £32k after a lot of haggling. You should definately try and get more than £500 in today's climate.

I think heated seats are an option, you can get either fronts only or fronts and rears.

[PetrolDave]

I thought heated front seats were standard, but rears were an option?

[Contigo]

Front are standard and rear are an option correct.

I'd got and offer a couple of k off the list and see what they say and if they won't budge ask them to slap another year on the Warranty as that's worth alot on these motors.

[psg001]

they said at 34k they were already losing £1500 on it, I think dropping £500 more would be the absolute limit. Its not the right colour too for me so not going to chase this one. If it were the right one I'd be haggling like mad!

[Contigo]

What about this 07 plate from Fontains in Sprint blue?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/854750.htm

or this Phanton Black from Stafford Audi?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/836987.htm

[hamski]

Slightly off topic - sorry, but both ads don't mention phone prep. Am I right in thinking that if it's got the sat nav, then it automatically has bluetooth??

[PetrolDave]

Am I right in thinking that if it's got the sat nav, then it automatically has bluetooth??

No - they were separate options.

[chrissyr32]

Mmmmmmmmm. Intresting one. I also had a R32 (2 actually) and a E46 M3. I,d choose a RS4 over a E46 anyday BUT i havent driven a New M3 so cant comment, but give me 4WD over 400bhp through the rear wheels anyday I feel soooo safe when i boot my car, my E46 with just 340 BHP scared the <beep> out of me in the wet i just couldnt enjoy it day to day so i guess the lateset M3 isevn worse????

[scaghead]

psgoo1,i brought my rs4 september last year after owning a e46, and like you thought the new one just aint got it. i am not a lover of the shape and thought it did not sound like a v8 until you got the revs up, the interior is shocking. as for the rs... prices seem to vary, but 34k for an 07 reg seems about right really. not had any aggro from mine [touch wood]. good luck and you gotta get it in sprint blue

[Oli]

Prices for a lot of used cars have actually levelled this month. Dealers are actually selling cars again. I think prices on used won't actually move much in the next 6 months, and then depreciate as normal. I have been watching RS4 prices for the last few months and they have been holding reasonably well, like they've found their 'lower' ceiling price, people are just snapping them up, and for £25k, or so they are an absolute bargain! - The cheapest saloon at present s £26k, and the cheapest touring is £29k, cabs come in at £34k (these are all of Autotrader)

Cars like the RS4 should fair better than most due to their limited numbers and strong following.

[P_G]

and the cheapest touring is £29k,.

you can tell you used to be a BMW boy

[Oli]

Ha ha, funny thing is Ive owned more Audi's than BMW's!!! 5 vs 3 I think!

It was a very nice 335d - do you remember it??

Avant, avant, must remember it is an avant (and this is someone who deals with cars everyday)