Will a B7 RS4 Avant make for a fun weekend car?
Discussion
Hi All - I want to add something fun and practical to the fleet and am honing in on a B7 RS4 Avant.
We currently run a Renault Zoe for daily duties and a couple of odd ball classics for sunny days - a VW camper and a BMW E12.
I’d like something for weekend getaways and figured given the way things our headed, this could be my last chance to own a NA V8. We have an 20 month old - hence the need for some degree of practicality.
My fun car has always been a 911 of some description but I’ve had quite a few of them now and they’re not quite suited to our lifestyle at the moment.
I’d be interested to hear other people’s thoughts.
Cheers,
Nick
We currently run a Renault Zoe for daily duties and a couple of odd ball classics for sunny days - a VW camper and a BMW E12.
I’d like something for weekend getaways and figured given the way things our headed, this could be my last chance to own a NA V8. We have an 20 month old - hence the need for some degree of practicality.
My fun car has always been a 911 of some description but I’ve had quite a few of them now and they’re not quite suited to our lifestyle at the moment.
I’d be interested to hear other people’s thoughts.
Cheers,
Nick
Have you also considered a B5 RS4? I have owned both and whilst the B7 was great, the B5 is the one that was the keeper for me. Feels much faster due to the turbo shove, even though on paper they are the same. And the rarity factor makes it feel far more special IMO. In the 7 years I've owned my B5, only ever seen 4 others on the road and thats with driving a lot of miles in a lot of different vehicles.
I've had mine 9 or 10yrs....had a 911 for 3yrs or so.
They're not actually that practical, if you get one with the bucket seats. And if you don't, it's not really an RS4 IMO.
If your OH is quite short (or you are) you'll manage with just 3 of you. But it partly depends on what sort of chattels you take with you to look after the little one as the boot's not massive either. There's obviously more boot space than a 911, but interior space overall isn't materially different with little kids involved.
They are quite amazing bits of kit for how well you can hustle them on b-roads. A good size for that job (which, of course, is why they're compromised inside). Will keep up with a 911 no problem, and are lovely to drive but in a different way. The 911 is lightness of touch and flow. The RS4 feels hewn from granite (though the controls are in now way "heavy") and feels more pugilistic.
I love the inside of this era Audi. Nice and simple and well laid out, with nice little details. But they are old cars now. You can fiddle and mess with the RNS system, and a well spec'd one does have some nice touches (auto lights, auto dimming mirrors, heated seats, DRLs etc)...but it's still an old car underneath
Presumably you're looking between 15k-30k (decent cars will cost this much. Ignore mileage. Condition rules more than ever)....in that sort of price band I'm not entirely sure what else you could get. Towards the upper parts of it you'd be looking at a 997.1 I think, and I never liked the interior of those much, and you have the potential engine concerns (all addressable with money). The Merc wouldn't do for me as I needed 4WD. If you don't, they're worth a look....but I always find the interiors of Mercs a bit gauche sadly.
I've considered replacing mine at various times over the last 4 or 5yrs, not because I don't like the car but because life's short...however I have yet to think of anything that could replace it properly. I now suspect the replacement path would be to change both the RS4 and the 911 for something like a Taycan...but more consideration required first.
They're not actually that practical, if you get one with the bucket seats. And if you don't, it's not really an RS4 IMO.
If your OH is quite short (or you are) you'll manage with just 3 of you. But it partly depends on what sort of chattels you take with you to look after the little one as the boot's not massive either. There's obviously more boot space than a 911, but interior space overall isn't materially different with little kids involved.
They are quite amazing bits of kit for how well you can hustle them on b-roads. A good size for that job (which, of course, is why they're compromised inside). Will keep up with a 911 no problem, and are lovely to drive but in a different way. The 911 is lightness of touch and flow. The RS4 feels hewn from granite (though the controls are in now way "heavy") and feels more pugilistic.
I love the inside of this era Audi. Nice and simple and well laid out, with nice little details. But they are old cars now. You can fiddle and mess with the RNS system, and a well spec'd one does have some nice touches (auto lights, auto dimming mirrors, heated seats, DRLs etc)...but it's still an old car underneath
Presumably you're looking between 15k-30k (decent cars will cost this much. Ignore mileage. Condition rules more than ever)....in that sort of price band I'm not entirely sure what else you could get. Towards the upper parts of it you'd be looking at a 997.1 I think, and I never liked the interior of those much, and you have the potential engine concerns (all addressable with money). The Merc wouldn't do for me as I needed 4WD. If you don't, they're worth a look....but I always find the interiors of Mercs a bit gauche sadly.
I've considered replacing mine at various times over the last 4 or 5yrs, not because I don't like the car but because life's short...however I have yet to think of anything that could replace it properly. I now suspect the replacement path would be to change both the RS4 and the 911 for something like a Taycan...but more consideration required first.
Thanks for all your feedback guys!
In answer to some of your questions above, the reason why I’ve honed in on the RS4 is because it must be a manual and 4WD which rules out fast Merc and BMW estates of the same vintage.
Why B7 over B5 or even an RS2? Lots of reasons I think - think the B7 offers the best value I think in the current climate and it’s ULEZ compliant for now which is helpful living in central London. I’ve also never ever had a V8 before despite owning some 30 cars so I feel like I need to scratch that itch.
Regarding spec - I’m actually looking for a car without buckets as I understand them to be thief magnets - especially in London. I’m v sad about this as I’m sure the buckets are half of the “event” but I don’t want to lose sleep about the damn car every night.
I know the DRC system is prone to leaks so am I right to be looking for a car with a refurbished system over replacement bilsteins or similar?
Any other options worth having?
Cheers
Nick
In answer to some of your questions above, the reason why I’ve honed in on the RS4 is because it must be a manual and 4WD which rules out fast Merc and BMW estates of the same vintage.
Why B7 over B5 or even an RS2? Lots of reasons I think - think the B7 offers the best value I think in the current climate and it’s ULEZ compliant for now which is helpful living in central London. I’ve also never ever had a V8 before despite owning some 30 cars so I feel like I need to scratch that itch.
Regarding spec - I’m actually looking for a car without buckets as I understand them to be thief magnets - especially in London. I’m v sad about this as I’m sure the buckets are half of the “event” but I don’t want to lose sleep about the damn car every night.
I know the DRC system is prone to leaks so am I right to be looking for a car with a refurbished system over replacement bilsteins or similar?
Any other options worth having?
Cheers
Nick
I would just go with buckets and ensure you have decent insurance.
Flat bottomed steering wheel.
Carbon inlays.
Auto dimming mirrors, drls and home light function all worth having.
Sunroof isn't necessary.
DRC is IMO. Later versions of dampers are allegedly more reliable, but I'm not convinced. Other bits of the DRC can also fail. Just have a healthy budget set aside to fix issues.
Rust can be an issue now. Lower door blades. Wings. Underside (underneath the trays). DRC pipework. Ask how I know
Remember that these were 70k cars when new. They are still that for maintenance only are now 14+ yr old 70k cars
Flat bottomed steering wheel.
Carbon inlays.
Auto dimming mirrors, drls and home light function all worth having.
Sunroof isn't necessary.
DRC is IMO. Later versions of dampers are allegedly more reliable, but I'm not convinced. Other bits of the DRC can also fail. Just have a healthy budget set aside to fix issues.
Rust can be an issue now. Lower door blades. Wings. Underside (underneath the trays). DRC pipework. Ask how I know
Remember that these were 70k cars when new. They are still that for maintenance only are now 14+ yr old 70k cars
I’ve had mine for almost 10 years now and have enjoyed every minute. Yes, it’s a bit dated now compared to my daily (‘19 plate 340i Touring), but it’s a more engaging drive than the BMW. It’s on the original DRC system, which is much better than after-market replacement options, and I’ve only had to replace one leaking strut at 47k miles (I bought it at 43k and it’s now on 66k). It still feels tight, and apart from a noisy thrust bearing drives faultlessly. I had it carbon cleaned and remapped by MRC a few years ago (went from 367hp to 427hp). The build quality is superb compared to the daily and on a fast B road it’s still a lovely drive, esp when it’s a bit wet, with the V8 sounding epic
I keep thinking about selling as I don’t use it much due to other commitments, but then take it out for a drive and change my mind
It’s not the cheapest car to run but well worth it
I keep thinking about selling as I don’t use it much due to other commitments, but then take it out for a drive and change my mind
It’s not the cheapest car to run but well worth it
Edited by Escort3500 on Wednesday 12th January 19:16
Andyuk911 said:
Not £70k, they were £56k ish
Am sure the paperwork with mine had an invoice that was higher, but could be wrong.A quick Google only brings this up:
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/rs4/21099/2006-...
AutoExpress said:
PRICE £65,465 to £83,065
Either way, they are not cheap cars to run. Worth it. But not cheap (brakes cost as much as the higher end cars I've owned for example).Took the plunge last weekend.
Mugello blue - Heated Recaro comforts, 100,000 miles but with recently recharged DRC (the only car reasonably priced that I could find that hadn’t been switched to Bilsteins), new clutch, rebuilt gearbox and a boat of other little bits that makes it feel every bit as good as the reviews and feedback suggest.
Not a fast fast car - but it feels immensely powerful, stable and special. I’m v pleased - thank you all.
Mugello blue - Heated Recaro comforts, 100,000 miles but with recently recharged DRC (the only car reasonably priced that I could find that hadn’t been switched to Bilsteins), new clutch, rebuilt gearbox and a boat of other little bits that makes it feel every bit as good as the reviews and feedback suggest.
Not a fast fast car - but it feels immensely powerful, stable and special. I’m v pleased - thank you all.
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