Do I buy an RS4 or not?

[W31AAF]

I currently drive a Golf R32 and am in the market to upgrade. I narrowed my choice down to either an M3 or an RS4 and most people I speak to suggest sticking with 4WD and going for an RS4. I thought I'd see if there was an owners club and after a quick google found this site. However, after a few searches to see if there are any common problems or issues with RS4s, I have to say I'm a little put off, particularly following several lengthy threads about low power outputs, sticking flaps etc, etc. I have tested both an M3 and an RS4 and have to say they both drive extremely well, but the Audi is far more composed than the Beemer.

What's the score, is an RS4 worth getting? Or is it a wallet drainer? Is there any kind of inspection/check that I could get done before parting with my cash? Or is there anything specific to check for when looking at an RS4 or checking documentation (eg recall work etc)

Any advice appreciated.

[lengster1]

Its a natural step up from an r32,there alot quicker and far superior handling,theyre not cheap to run but neither is an r32,your looking on a forum were as usual people come with problems etc so can often seem negative,as a fast all year round car with good build quality imo theres isnt a better car out there for the same money,m3 is ok for 4-5 months of the year and good on a track if you are a pro and dont mind drifting your 30k car .....yeh righto how many owners do that in the real world?? Ive had an m3 and can catch slides etc but its the moments it catches you out and the kids or missus is in the car aint funny and found myself driving like miss daisy on all but perfect surfaces if it was damp or wet,in effect the car was dictating how i drove it safely on the road,the rs4 is as quick (or quicker if tuned) and that in all weathers and road conditions.Do you like and rate the r32? I dont really rate them and wouldnt be my choice if the Rs4 had to be downgraded,there a so so handling and performing car,a good rs4 is awesome compared to one and a no brainer

[sonny]

The new M3 had its problems to dont they...something to do with the transmission?

All car forums air there laundry, all car make and models have there niggles.

Im in my 4th year of ownership with the RS4 and no regrets so far.....ok I have bee hit with the modding bug that has cost me dearly lol

[W31AAF]

Lengster,
The R32 has served me well, nippy in a straight line and handles well compared to a standard golf, but its no out and out sports car, more of a comfy GT car - relaxing over long distance. The 4WD is a real bonus in the wet and the V6 sounds good when on full chat. Don't think I'd buy another one though - lot of money for a golf and in reality not 'that' fast.

I have test driven an M3 and an RS4 and there is no doubt in my mind that the RS4 is the better car. Outright speed there didn't feel anything in it and on fast sweeping bends they were pretty even, but I booted the M3 coming off a roundabout and the electronic gadgets kicked in and it just felt jittery. Infact I'd agree with what you say about needing to be a pro racing driver to get the best out of an M3 - and I'm not.

However, I don't want to buy a monry pit - I have an old house for that - and if there are expensive bills waiting at every corner then I'm going to need to be cautious. I take your point about forums attracting people with problems looking for solutions. Guess I need to search out a nice low miles example and get a good warranty.

[HYFR]

RS 4 is NOT a money pit, by any stretch of the imagination

ok, 22mpg, £175+ per tyre, £440 RFL aside

servicing and maintenance is NOT expensive, and they are pretty bullet proof relatively speaking

[Dom81]

I've had mine from new - 4 and a bit years. It's only cost me two services, one set of tyres and some front pads - plus a couple of voluntary oil changes and a new set of plugs just for fun

DRC can be flaky, but has extended warranty and can always be swapped out. Most of us make some carbon, but the effect is questionable, and you get the fastest barbecue around...

Steer clear if you're afraid of insurance / fuel / tax, but running costs shouldn't put you off

[stu]

I would to go for the M3 over an RS4 if I currently owned an R32. Maximise the variety in your driving life!

I don't know your personal circumstances so I'm assuming this will be one of several future cars over a lifetime. Scratch the M car itch and appreciate the contrasts between two very different cars.

[moto15]

I had the V8 beemer for a week when my mate left me the keys as he went on hols and i coulnt make my mind up between one or the other, i am now the owner of an RS4 Cab, nuff said

[P_G]

Another long term owner, 4 years this summer and 70k miles by that time of ownership. Actual ownership costs taking road tax and insurance aside have been 4 services at a total of £800 (plus supplied own oil @ £60-80 a time), three sets of tyres at £700 per time fully fitted, new pads at £220, new discs at £600. I have had warranty wise DRC replaced on the front at 30K miles and two new back boxes for replacement exhaust actuators and nothing since.

So for a car that can match at least or outperform most on the road it is by far one of the cheapest ownership wise.

[Awd4]

I've had mine from new - 4 and a bit years. It's only cost me two services, one set of tyres and some front pads - plus a couple of voluntary oil changes and a new set of plugs just for fun

DRC can be flaky, but has extended warranty and can always be swapped out. Most of us make some carbon, but the effect is questionable, and you get the fastest barbecue around...

Steer clear if you're afraid of insurance / fuel / tax, but running costs shouldn't put you off

+1

Bought mine new in 2007, still love it to bits; perfectly adapted to the Irish roads (and backroads, where even trators have to slow down..)
and yes, like lengster1 said, you, not the weather conditions decide how you want to drive, the RS will always respond favourably

[RS6chris!]

I too came from a R32 to the RS4....I normally used to change my cars every sixmonths.. ...one of which included a E46 M3....


Ive had the RS4 3 years now, says it all.

Lets not forget these arent cheap cars to run..a M3 will be no cheaper to run than a RS4....These cars are getting older..with age comes problems.

NOT all RS4s for example have DRC issues..mines nearly 5 and all is well...Carbon deposits are a grey area..although my cars as quick as its ever been(30k)....drive it like you stole it seems to keep all well...

I think the RS4 sounds better than the M3 especially Millteked up...and a remap and port..some cars are kicking out 450bhp.

I like the 4WD...i dont profess to be "Jason Plato" but can handle a powerfull car..but the 4WD gives me the confidence in this country to press on without worrying about ending up in the hedge back...I believe the chassis on the B7 RS4 is one of the best..if not the best Audi have ever done...we will see wheteher they can reproduce on the B8...Dont forget 60% of the power goes to the back...so it can be fun.

I assumme servicing,tyres etc etc will be very similar.

Mine has no means been mega expensive to run....BUT if you have doubts about running costs this isnt the car for you. for example Audi over 3 years old get discount at Audi centers for work/servcing etc...but a lot of people go indy...i have to use dealer as its closer and easier for me..i have had excellent service from my Audi dealer..although some havent..luck of the draw i think..

Anyone can afford a nice car ...but if you cant afford the running costs dont bother IMO.


Check DRC. (covered up to 5 years 75k as long as FASH)
Check for kick at 5500rpm.
Check all recalls/workshop actions have been done.
Check seat bolsters if bucket seats.
Check discs

If all ok go for it....ask anyone on here for any furthur info...friendly bunch happy to help..

IMO you wont be dissapointed.

[pad125]

I've had problems with mine but I'm glad to say I'm still the proud owener and will be for a while. STILL nothing out there to replace it with out there. Would I have another......for sure

[PetrolDave]

I've had problems with mine but I'm glad to say I'm still the proud owener and will be for a while. STILL nothing out there to replace it with out there. Would I have another......for sure

+1

Had mine very nearly 5 years and still love driving it - no other car I've ever owned has been able to make me say that for more than 6 months.

[andre3k]

I've had problems with mine but I'm glad to say I'm still the proud owener and will be for a while. STILL nothing out there to replace it with out there. Would I have another......for sure

Alpina B5?

They've been getting some great reviews

[neckarsulm]

Didn't drive mine for 3 weeks until today and wondered how it would feel but it's still a very special car, the steering feel is phenomenal.
Engine sound is great of course.
Still think I am in 4th when I am in 6th the pick up is so good.
And taking it easyish I topped 27mpg, possibly more

M3s might be similar in performance in the dry but in the wet there is no contest and even in the dry, if you hit some diesel on the road or some gravel etc the RS4 is on your side. I also think they look plain, the RS4 is subtle menace, the M3 us just subtle, I mean that dark red colour doesn't help and yet many of the press cars were that colour, and they wondered why they didn't sell many at first!