Newbie buying RS4

[Ewan1985]

Hey all, first post so hello.

Ive been reading through the forum for the last couple of weeks to find out more about the RS4 and to be honest im quite excited in possibly getting one, it has been a toss up between an E92 M3 or the RS4. Im more pushed towards an RS4 which will be my first V8, ive narrowed my options to a sprint blue saloon which im on the hunt for just now. Are there any on here from members that are known to be good examples as id imagine they would be more looked after.

Is there any diffrence between the 2006, 2007 and 2008 models? ie more options or upgrades? im not going to ask what to look for in depth as i know this has been covered in previous posts but what im after is a clean un-modded one with upto 40k miles. the costs for 3 ive found are from 22-24k. Does that seem like a right way of looking for these cars?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Ewan

[Ollieb7]

Hi Ewan

Pm sent for mine

BR H

[AdrianD]

Thank god you wasnt looking a month ago as it sounds like you're looking for the exact car i've just bought. An fantastic spec 2006 RS4 in Sprint Blue .... Sorry, i couldn't resist. Seriously though, keep looking, they are out there and well worth the wait

[Ewan1985]

Oh thanks just rub it in !! lol na just kidding. I have been looking for a little bit now and to be honest they all look in amazing condition on skin but i suppose its the history of the car and services etc etc

[TimDogg]

Mate, some mods are acceptable to us fussy forum members such as a Miltek exhaust system - find one with the non-res valved if you can. I'm sure others will tell you what other mods are acceptable (ie. superchargers acceptable for the few!!!)

[Dave7]

Good luck Ewan.

Service History and condition plus right options are important. I have listed stuff below. Some might disagree and I am sure there is more but these points are from my book of buying an RS4 which I did in Dec last year.

Options & things to consider:

*Buckets
*Flat bottom steering wheel (Don't buy without in my opinion as you will find it very hard to sell on) You can change for about 1000 quid but you'll be left with a redundant 'S' button on the dash.
*Carbon inserts - Silver is ok but carbon is more desirable
*Apart from maybe a Miltek don't buy anything thats been overly modded.
*Parking sensors front and rear (Not sure if they were standard or not)
*Bluetooth is a nice thing to have but nonessential IMO
*Sat Nav (A few came without)
*DVD based Sat nav with technology pack with adaptive lights / Bose etc
*Check the Sat Nav works properly as they can fail.
*See the car from cold and check the gearbox 1st to 2nd is ok without a crunch
*07 and later cars have clear front indicators which is about the only tell tale of year on the outside I think...
*Any Audi dealer will be able to tell you by giving them the reg is the car has had all the recalls done and also ask them for the history / any repairs done. Some dealers will give you this info and some will decline saying its data protection but try a few as most are forthcoming - its all on the Audi UK computer system.
*Don't buy a car that has poor quality / budget tyres fitted - reason being that I looked at a gorgeous car in good nick but had some tyre make I had never heard of - turned out that they were budget tyres so if someone has fitted cheap tyres, they have probably saved money in some other area of the upkeep too so beware.

There is a buying guide on here too so check that out. Also often better to buy from a dealer or privately. I wouldn't buy from a car shop or trader as you don't know what you're getting. Buying privately you can speak to the person who has loved and cherished and maintained it. A trader (non Audi) will know nothing about the car in most cases.

Good luck and be picky! If you want any more advise just ask or PM me.

Dave

[ShaneyB]

Good luck Ewan.

Service History and condition plus right options are important. I have listed stuff below. Some might disagree and I am sure there is more but these points are from my book of buying an RS4 which I did in Dec last year.

Options & things to consider:

*Buckets
*Flat bottom steering wheel (Don't buy without in my opinion as you will find it very hard to sell on) You can change for about 1000 quid but you'll be left with a redundant 'S' button on the dash.
*Carbon inserts - Silver is ok but carbon is more desirable
*Apart from maybe a Miltek don't buy anything thats been overly modded.
*Parking sensors front and rear (Not sure if they were standard or not)
*Bluetooth is a nice thing to have but nonessential IMO
*Sat Nav (A few came without)
*DVD based Sat nav with technology pack with adaptive lights / Bose etc
*Check the Sat Nav works properly as they can fail.
*See the car from cold and check the gearbox 1st to 2nd is ok without a crunch
*07 and later cars have clear front indicators which is about the only tell tale of year on the outside I think...
*Any Audi dealer will be able to tell you by giving them the reg is the car has had all the recalls done and also ask them for the history / any repairs done. Some dealers will give you this info and some will decline saying its data protection but try a few as most are forthcoming - its all on the Audi UK computer system.
*Don't buy a car that has poor quality / budget tyres fitted - reason being that I looked at a gorgeous car in good nick but had some tyre make I had never heard of - turned out that they were budget tyres so if someone has fitted cheap tyres, they have probably saved money in some other area of the upkeep too so beware.

There is a buying guide on here too so check that out. Also often better to buy from a dealer or privately. I wouldn't buy from a car shop or trader as you don't know what you're getting. Buying privately you can speak to the person who has loved and cherished and maintained it. A trader (non Audi) will know nothing about the car in most cases.

Good luck and be picky! If you want any more advise just ask or PM me.

Dave

Some good points BUT add the DRC to that list! Make sure you check this thoroughly by looking at the shocks for excessive leaking - a fine misting seems to be acceptable. If there are any problems then Audi have extended the warranty as a good will gesture but a few are struggling to get this resolved if they don't have FASH.

I'd also argue about avoiding an overly modded car. Many modded cars (mine included) are pampered by their owners and I would happily put mine beside any standard, lower milage B7 to compare cosmetic and mechanical condition. If the car meets/exceeds your expectations and budget is good then go for it. Quite rightly though as Fokker points out be picky! There are some dogs out there that I'd steer clear of. If you see any you're considering let us all know - it could have been a forum car previously so it's history may be known.

Good luck mate.

[guffy]

*Flat bottom steering wheel (Don't buy without in my opinion as you will find it very hard to sell on) You can change for about 1000 quid but you'll be left with a redundant 'S' button on the dash.

If i found a car that ticked all the boxes bar a FBSW, i certainly wouldn't be walking away!!

[Ewan1985]

Thanks guys much appreciated for your time and advice, i will definately be asking plenty of questions over the next few days/weeks. ive had my eye on this one;

http://www.bhpmsport.com/2006_audi_rs4_ ... 0137).html

Ive read a bit about the DRC, is it the shocks that can be at fault themselves or is it an electrical problem. Im pressuming its quite expensive due to the suspension being electronically controlled.

[ShaneyB]

Looks nice but a shame it doesn't have SS+ for me. Drivers side outside bolster looks a tad worn.

[Dave7]

Thanks guys much appreciated for your time and advice, i will definately be asking plenty of questions over the next few days/weeks. ive had my eye on this one;

http://www.bhpmsport.com/2006_audi_rs4_ ... 0137).html

Ive read a bit about the DRC, is it the shocks that can be at fault themselves or is it an electrical problem. Im pressuming its quite expensive due to the suspension being electronically controlled.

Sorry I forgot to mention the most important DRC in my list of things to look for Thanks for pointing out Shagga!
I appreciate that some people will buy without the Lambo flat bottomed wheel but it WILL affect resale and value - fact.

Buckinghamshire HP are good and Jez and Neil are good fellows but you will be paying over the odds.
Looks nice apart from the worn bolster.

Tyres need to be good and also check that there is not a large lip in the discs front and back as they are expensive to replace. 1000 quid for front and not much less for the rears. also check that the discs are not warped.

Dave

[Dave7]

I know its not what you are looking for but this looks like a 'Right' example to me

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3520646.htm

[Jules]

Bolster wear can be sorted eaily aswell i dont know why more people dont.
The drivers side,which is obviously the main culprit can be stripped and new leather fitted for approx £150 to £200.

I also agree steering wheel and buckets will both usually help resale and value but both can be added at a later date.

[adsgreen]

Other difference is 2006 cars have may black dash buttons but later cars have chrome inserts.

[Jules]

Other difference is 2006 cars have may black dash buttons but later cars have chrome inserts.

Hmmm i'd like to see the difference,maybe these could be retro fitted