RS4 ADVICE

[puplet]

Can anyone let me know what the ownership prospects are for a 2000 model RS4 and how terrible is the fuel consumption?

[steveurq]

One of the best uber cars ever made. Have had two. Average between 22-25 MPG. Handling can be a little 'wooden' based purely upon steering feel, ESP even when off isnt off. Its not a GT3 but not many 380HP cars can carry kids/shopping/dog etc. Servicing is typical Audi (crap customer care and above average cost). NB. Servicing either variable interval (longlife oil) or fixed, make sure you check service book and query dealers that have serviced to ensure you are happy. Tyre consumption no more than any other powerful bus. I cant think of ANY reason why you would not want one if you have got far enough to consider it. While your at it, make sure you own ur quatt and RS2, same as RS4.... get good ones and you would not be disappointed.

[the prof]

Just sold my low mileage 2001 RS4 after 2 months of ownership.

I always wanted one and sold my 911 to get it, but after a very short while i realised i had made a terrible mistake. Very wooden steering feel, nose heavy handling and one of the worst gearchanges i've ever experienced in a so called performance car. The ride was terrible as standard ( i mean too soft, woolly and vague ) you need to spend thousands on it to get it right.


Fully adjustable suspension, short shift, remap are all essential to get it going like it should - and also the 40k service is a killer near £1000. The torque below 3k is also poor.

The seats are no where near suportive enough for the performance and the steering feel is outrageous - you have no idea what direction the front wheels are pointing in.

Basically, they go like stink and in a straight line are pretty bonkers - 22mpg is average - but if you're after point and squirt driving, you can forget it.

I think you get my drift, I'm glad I got the performance audi thing out of my system. I will not be going back, and that was my experience with a mint trouble free example, so god only know what it's like if you end up with a bad one.

You should also factor in the cost of a warranty, £1k from audi and the fact that they are a little dated now too. The new RS4 may well be a different matter, but you did ask and thats my opinion.

cheers,

[steveurq]

Whilst everybodys opinion is valued I am not sure how any expectation would be fulfilled by getting out of a (any) 911 into an RS4, different planet. For what it is (hugely quick family estate) the RS4 has no equal. For the same money (25k or so) on a good RS4 you would just get a 70k+ mile 993 vario or a very bad 996. Pays your money. A 911 is in my opinion singularly the best everyday supercar you can buy....except if you need space and speed. Further, on any everyday road I can shift my RS4 from A to B quicker than any normally aspirated 911 (GT3 excepted).

Accept that handling could be better, but it as a 1700KG estate ! Thousands to get it right? To whatlevel?

I bet there arent many 911 drivers out there who arent a little wary of being shown up by any RS4 (or RS2 for that matter) when it appears in the mirror, and that is when it is dry let alone when its wet.

We all have opinions.....

[the prof]

puplet did ask and I answered, you are correct everybody has an opinion, that's why we all take part in this forum.

i didn't expect the RS4 to be a 911, i'm not that naive, but i did hope it would be worthy of the money and the 380bhp under the bonnet.

funny thing is i bought another 911 and a mk4 R32 to replace it and I enjoy driving the R32 more than the RS4 - not half as quick - but more hardcore straight out of the box.

i would advise that any prospective owner take a long test drive over roads they know to make up their minds what they want.

you are correct, it is the fastest estate car out there - if you need a fast estate car, then it's sure to tick all the boxes and put a smile on your face.

[AL001]

Prof - I've not driven the RS4 but maybe you should try the RS6. Steering is firmly weighted and gives good feedback (although less so once into higher, illegal speeds). Lightweight PAS is one of my pet hates - the service loan of new A6 3.0 diesel was awful also.

Btw, I've had a GT3 and it is certainly not the fastest 911 for most everyday driving. It's only faster on smoother roads....It is the best fun and most rewarding though.

[craigw]

I've had & driven a fair few very nice cars, the RS4 doesnt really pretend to be anything, its just a load lugger, a very very fast estate car, its never going to be as nimble as an elise, have the feel of a 911 or the poise of a ferrari, it will however, transport you, 3 others and a boot full of kit & keep up with all of the above, on all but the most challenging roads & at speeds as high as the others. Thats it.

>> Edited by craigw on Friday 17th February 12:04

[DaveCavRS4]

craigw said:

I've had & driven a fair few very nice cars, the RS4 doesnt really pretend to be anything, its just a load lugger, a very very fast estate car, its never going to be as nimble as an elise, have the feel of a 911 or the poise of a ferrari, it will however, transport you, 3 others and a boot full of kit & keep up with all of the above, on all but the most challenging roads & at speeds as high as the others. Thats it. >> Edited by craigw on Friday 17th February 12:04

Nail head



anyone want to buy mine

[craigw]

ha, for a minute then I thought you were insulting me, I've never been called a nailhead before

as an aside, a certain M6 owner told me I'd given him a suprise this weekend, he blasted past me with a little wave so I stuck with him, he booted it & I was still sat behind him, cant have been utilising all 500 horses though.

[gibo993]

M5 nuff said fast and handles (and blew away an RS4 the other morning)
steps back and runs like hell

[craigw]

wait until it rains then try the same trick

[davecavrs4]

Doesn't rain much this part off the world tho does it ;-)

[gibo993]

In the wet the RS4 is a killer nothing could really touch it. But when its dry..... and I must admit a love playing in the rain the M5 can exit corners in all sorts sideways shape, but its so easy to pull it back into line.