older RS4 (b5) or early RS6???

[andyleeds]

hi everyone, i have posted a couple of posts on here, before but it looks like that i might be able to get into a fast estate but i have a quandary.

am i better off in an early RS4 prob something around a 2000 car or should i get into a a slightly later RS6 as they would seem to be a similar sort of price.

i think that the rs6 would be more money to run but i like the idea of the bigger rs6 as i do alot of skiing etc so the space would be handy as i wouldnt necessarily need a ski rack, also the extra performance might be nice etc.

on the rs4 side of things am guessing the performance is still quite good, less space but less cash, and may well cost lost to run. do they have the ski hatch option like the rs6 has

one question i am not sure about, which would be the easier to sell on after a couple of years, which would depreciate more? i realise that this is not the reason to buy a car, but i think that it should be taken into acct.

i have just got out of a 993, so although not the quickest car, no slouch either, would an early rs4 be a good first step?

am happy to spend anywhere between £13k to £20k so am obviously not after a minter, but just a good honest car. with not stella mileage on it.

i am going to put this on the rs6 forum too, so hopefully i will get some opinions from all side of the fence.

cheers

andy

[bustermb]

rs4 b5 all day fast becoming very collectable and will not lose as much money over time this will always be the one to have

[Silversea]

As above, I think the RS4 will hold its value better than the RS6 (just look at how much they've dropped as it is).
If you are looking to spend upto £20K, then you'll get a very good example with good mileage which again should be worth more when you decide to sell.

You can get a ski bag option on the RS4, I don't know if they all have it but mine has it....?

The RS6 will be more expensive to run in comparison with the RS4 but provided they're serviced correctly then it should keep the bills down....

The RS4 is the quicker car, the RS6 will always be in second place!

If rear leg room is important, the RS6 wins hands down, there is much more room in the rear. In the RS4 its a bit more cramped.......

Good luck with whatever you decide to buy, either choice will bring you loads of smiles!

[Norrs2]

Mostly all said above. Space in the back is not good in the RS4 as the Recaro seats take up more space than a standard B5 A4 seat does (and it's not great)!

Remember that the RS6 has DRC issues and I've read that there's potentially Autobox issues too, but I'm not sure what they are, you'd have to research the Forums for that.

RS4 has potential Cam wear issue, so any potential purchase would have to have them checked out, as it's £2.5k to put right! Not all RS4's appear to be affected, but better safe than sorry!

RS4 should hold it's money better over the longer term.

RS6 still a stonking car too though!

[HYFR]

the RS 6 has a V8

Put on a non res milltek

game set and match!

[andyleeds]

thanks RS4 chaps & david from the rs6 fold....no-one on the rs6 has offered any insight although i have done alot of research on both forums; does anyone know if the ski hatch is standard in the rs4 as it is on the rs6.
cheers
andy

[rsmonkey918]

Fairly sure the ski hatch is standard- both my RS4's had it despite having markedly different specs- can't see why anyone would specifically specify (ooooh grammar police...) a ski hatch over say, a centre armrest/hi-tech seats etc.... Even my previous 1.8TQ sedan had a ski-hatch- although that MAY have been optional.....

Cheers
Steve

[Golfather]

B5 if you want fun and the word "Recaro" imprinted on your back... But getting a bit tired now.
C5 if you want space and effortless power.... But expensive when they go wrong.

[rickoshea]

and.....3 pedals versus 2 !

[Contigo]

Yep there's something so sexual about having a manual box with over 400 horses. The C5's only downside if you ask me is the auto/tiptronic box.

[andyleeds]

are the older rs4's alot more reliable than the rs6, i would only get an rs6 that had the drc replaced so that wouldnt be an issue etc.

andy

[Contigo]

I don't think you can say for sure which is more reliable, they both need maintaining at a cost. Things that are common to both cars include, MAF's, EGT's and O2 sensors and as these are not serviceable items they do need replacing from time to time above any servicing costs. When things like clutches go this can cost a grand easily and more at a main dealer. Take the car to a specialist and the labour costs will be far lower. Cam belt change with all parts shy of 800 notes, cams replaced $$$$ you see what I mean?

The RS4's have niggles including the cam wear. gearbox weakness (on earlier models) and bent/buckled wheels (see sticky) but other than that if you keep on top of them they are reliable and an everyday supercar. Tyres costs and petrol costs are on par with those of the RS6.

The 6 has it's niggles too with DRC (defo get on that has H&R's on or other aftermarket setup) and also gearbox troubles.