First B5 RS4- £14.5k enough?

[thebig25]

Hi Everyone,

Been a member a while but this is my first post, and as with so many before me I come with questions!

After quite a few years on the dark side in BMW M cars I'm in the market for my first B5 RS4 and have approx £14.5k to work with. I could keep saving, but i've got the urge now and really want one now!

There are a number of cars on PH and the trader at this price and below, but is this a viable entry point in to the market? Not looking for any particular spec but the ideal would be a tidy well maintained car in misano or black (whichever colour is fastest?!) with full leather.

I'm aware that i'm probably going to be looking at cars that may have done a few miles, but do you think this is realistic budget for a good car, or should I keep saving to avoid a potential money pit.

Lastly, and probably a stupid question based on the body type, I assume the RS4 is ok as a daily driver? I'm sure it is, but want to check as my wife has a Z4 Coupe that you would think would be fine everyday but is so teeth rattleingly hard (bloody run flats) that I can't face driving more than 50 miles in it!

Thanks in advance!

SK

[frazered]

in a similar situation to you

moneywise that pricepoint appears to buy a std car that should have all the bells and whistles in great nick - you will have seen the more modified examples at a touch higher, std cars have been sold circa 11k as well but appeared well - all down to the sellers position as your would expect

in terms of money in the bank I am planning to have circa 35% as a contingency for these cars (RS4/6)

the suspension is totally fine for a daily driver - depends on the miles - i do approx 1000 per week so have a daily whip for that sort of stuff

i am not too fussed on colour - green has a bit of an image problem it would seem, avus = more of them, misano = marmite, black = popular but few good examples around, imola = marmite, denim blue - very few around, noggy = pretty popular but similar to black.

HTH

[thebig25]

Thanks frazered!

notwithstanding the odd very generous/naive seller, i'm also suspicious of most cars at the lowest prices as they tend to be hiding a neglected poorly maintained monster that needs feeding.

I'm also going to hold a reserve in case of problems, but would like to get off to the best possible start by taking it to MRC for a refresher when i take ownership and go from there.

cheers

SK

[lengster1]

You should get a nice standard lowish mileage car within your budget,if you plan to modify its cheaper to buy one with bits already on it.A grand or two is enough for any shock bills but keep a keen eye on it and you shouldnt have any.The 60k std car on pistonheads may be within a scrape of your budget

[stumpyrs4]

Was in the same position as you a few weeks back. Couldn't wait so had to go and get one.

Fortunately the one I went to see (Avus Purple !) looked pretty tidy. Obviously had some scuffs and stone chips but nothing of any consequence. Paid just over £11k for it (83k miles) and standard. Booked in with MRC next week for a full health check up, so a few choice mods can commence..>!

Just need to look at them carefully, and ideally get them VAGCOM'd to check for faults...

Good luck !

[lengster1]

You got a bit of deal there stumpy well done

[stumpyrs4]

Fingers crossed ! Wont be convinced it's a deal until Mr MRC says so!!
If all ok, then I'll be a happy bunny.

I'm a tad nervous TBH, and am anxious of being too heavy on the go pedal till it's been checked out. Everything seems fine, but want a little peace of mind. AND CAN'T BLOODY WAIT !!

[thebig25]

Sounds like a good one stumpy67 and hopefully there are more of those deals out there!

I've had mixed luck with cars, and am not particularly knowledgeable about RS4s (this forum is slowly helping me fill the gaps!) so will try to get the seller to agree to a health check at a specialist before any purchase.

Ideally like to find a car thats been maintained by a good specialist who can give me an idea of its condition, and how the owner treated it!

Cheers Guys!

SK

[stumpyrs4]

Depending on location, the guys in this section are very helpful and may indeed check the car out with you...
Much better knowledge base than the place you buy it from, probably...

[frazered]

any reasonable seller should have no problem agreeing to a healthcheck

whereabouts are you ? there is usually someone with vagcom nearby happy to help

[rtd]

this is a good'un and well worth considering http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=78687

[rtd]

my car has been my daily driver for the last 9 months and never missed a beat. only problem i've found is that i constantly keep taking the longest route home!

[eyeball]

I can second that rtd, I've had mine for about 4 months now and I'm always thinking of a reason to go out and of course to use the RS...and once I'm in it I find it very hard to park it back up again. I've had some real nice cars in my time and this one just tops the lot. I was really worried when I went to view my rs and even thought I've got another b5 this was territory unknown for me. I travelled 400 miles to see the car and was kindly met by contigo who help me cast an eye over her. It turned out tobe a fantastic car and as mentioned before the guys on this forum seem to be more that willing to help out where possible so good luck with the hunt and dont get to giddy, though I think we've all been there.lol

[thebig25]

Thanks for all your input!

I'll try not to get giddy- I have a history of heart beating head when it comes to cars, and bought he first car I viewed on a couple of occasions in my younger days. I'm determined to protect the wallet by being be more thorough this time!

The Misano example in the link above is really nice, the spec and condition are amazing- I'd seen it advertised before I introduced myself and its on the list.

I'm in Hampshire but will travel anywhere for the right car. I'd rather buy from an enthusiast or specialist trader who knows what he's selling and unlikely to have bought a nail by mistake. Other than Nick Johnson, whose cars look great but out of my price range, are there any other specialist traders I ought to be looking at?

The anticipation is building nicely!

SK

[rtd]

Thanks for all your input!

I'll try not to get giddy- I have a history of heart beating head when it comes to cars, and bought he first car I viewed on a couple of occasions in my younger days. I'm determined to protect the wallet by being be more thorough this time!

The Misano example in the link above is really nice, the spec and condition are amazing- I'd seen it advertised before I introduced myself and its on the list.

I'm in Hampshire but will travel anywhere for the right car. I'd rather buy from an enthusiast or specialist trader who knows what he's selling and unlikely to have bought a nail by mistake. Other than Nick Johnson, whose cars look great but out of my price range, are there any other specialist traders I ought to be looking at?

The anticipation is building nicely!

SK

if i was buying now the misano car would be near top of my list to consider primarily becuase an enthusiast has owned it and, he is a proper car nut at that. prior to getting mine i travelled to scotland to view a car!

however, whatever you buy don't hand any money over until someone like MRC or Unit20 have done an inspection on it and if i was buying now i would also include a cams check in the inspection as well. if its a car your paying top wack for then this must be factored into the price.

good luck with the searching and impending sale they are exciting times!!!

eyeball - my extended journeys have made me rack up the miles big time but hey who cares they are there to be driven!