B7 RS4 advice.

[chris_m]

Good evening guys and gals if we have any here?

Second post on the forum so sorry to jump straight in for advice but I'd rather be armed with a little more information instead of fighting back tears in the coming weeks. Currently, I have a BMW E60 530d and want something that is going to make me smile every day I look at it.
To be honest, I didn't even want to scour the net to probably finding reasons which would put me off buying but I have kind of made up my mind now.
I am looking to buy a B7 RS4 for under 20k, preferably blue, sedan and between 60-80k on the clock. I don't know if i am being a little optimistic here but there does seem to be motors out there fitting this category. I will be financing the car through my business hopefully in the coming weeks if i find the right car. My research has found me looking for the more convincing reasons why to get one as opposed to not. I mean apart from suspension and coking up, Is there really much I need to be concerned about other than the usual? I guess you guys probably get this quite often therefore any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Chris.

[MikeFish]

Coking up isnt really a big issue. Some people report a big difference afterwards others say you might see a difference on a dyno but not notice any real world difference while driving.
Personally I have had my car for 3 years and done 30,000 miles and I can't say I noticed any dip in performance. If it is coked up I'm not that bothered cos it still drives how i expect it to.
And for the suspension there is a problem with DRC but the majority of cars have probably had them changed by now. If you d oget a problem with it just stick a set of coilovers on it, job done.
I wouldn't let any of the known problems with the car put you off, it is no worse than any other car I've ever owned (in terms of things to be aware of), and touch wood has been nothing but a pleasure to drive. Not only will it put asmile on your face everytime you see it, but the smile will get bigger every time you start it and drive it. I don't think I've ever heard any ex-owners regret buying one, most regret selling them.
There is a buyers guide on here somewhere, I saw it linked just a day or so ago, take a look in the B7 RS4 forum, I'm sure it isn't far away and is probably a sticky.

[murph7355]

Great cars. Loads of similar questions on here so do some research.

I think sub 20k is doable if you're patient, but only just for a half decent car. There are a lot of pups out there under that mark. A grand or two more sees you in the sweet spot.

Buy on condition only. Rectifying "minor' issues can be costly taking a sub 20k car over that mark easily.

[chris_m]

Thanks for the sound advice guys.
To be honest, I haven't really read much bad about the RS4. I have read once or twice that people have been disappointed with the performance which I found surprising. Not that I have drove one or even been in one for that matter but the figures alone suggest that it's certainly no slug. Never mind, you can't keep everyone happy can you..?

I may have found my car. Slightly over budget but with 50k miles, fsh, new brakes, tires etc and a good previous knowledge of the car, I will certainly be going to at least have a look and fingers crossed buy my first Audi.

Thanks again for the advice.

[Audi Pardner]

Good luck. Sure you won't regret it I certainly haven't.

[MikeFish]

I have read once or twice that people have been disappointed with the performance which I found surprising. Not that I have drove one or even been in one for that matter but the figures alone suggest that it's certainly no slug.

Generally people coming from turbocharges or supercharged cars comment about it not being as quick as they thought. Two things here really; one is that you often don't realise how quick you are going because the suspension isn't very harsh so you can be doing high speeds with rattling your bones and knocking out your fillings. Two is that it takes some time to adjust to the different way in which you need to drive a N/A car compared to forced induction (N/A not very torquey). What you won't find is that any regulars drivers are disappointed with the performance.

[chris_m]

Fair point there Mike. I do come from a turbocharged background but having said that, nothing close to these figures. One thing i know I won't miss is the Laaaaaaag.

[S4Player]

Tbh I found the standard car slow and I didn't come from forced induction cars. The problem with the B7 is it feels way too safe when pressed on, my solution was to go balls out and supercharge it amoungst other things. It was great for a while but tbh I'm maybe a little power hungry and even with over 600hp on tap the car was just too good when pressed. You won't regret one for sure just don't expect to be blown away by the outright speed it will be its handling properties that really surprise you

[chris_m]

Tbh I found the standard car slow and I didn't come from forced induction cars. The problem with the B7 is it feels way too safe when pressed on, my solution was to go balls out and supercharge it amoungst other things. It was great for a while but tbh I'm maybe a little power hungry and even with over 600hp on tap the car was just too good when pressed. You won't regret one for sure just don't expect to be blown away by the outright speed it will be its handling properties that really surprise you

Will this not be a typical thing with most new models for instance even the B8 as opposed to B5 variants? I must admit, I am power hungry myself even though I'll not often use it. Still, I don't think I'll be disappointed or I hope not.

[S4Player]

I have a 750hp b5 widebody S4 that scares me shitless, the B7 is way more planted. The b7 can be tail happy if you want it to be, as I said you won't be diss appointed it just didn't give me the thrills I expected.

[chris_m]

I'm not surprised your scared shitless in that thing. Thanks for your advice mate.

[jaysrs4]

You can't knock that 5,250rpm kick in the arse!

One month of ownership and every time I get in it, its an event!

I was out for a run a couple weeks ago and a load of lads in a van couldn't resist winding the windows down every time I went buy them in traffic. Brought a wry smile to my face - far more purpose than my recently sold GolF R32 with a non Rez Milltek.

Love it, there really isn't anything other than a Supercar I'd replace it with.

[sonny]

6 years on and im still enjoying it (albeit many modifications).

[chris_m]

I've done it!

Pictures to follow in a day or 2 hopefully...

[MikeFish]

What do you think of it then? Have you collected it yet?