Life after an RS4

[mugelloant5]

I know this has been chatted about before in previous threads so lets lay the facts.
-Everyone who sells their RS4.. misses it dearly
-An e9x M3 is a great car, but the RS4 is just more unique so is it a great replacement?

I think the question I want to raise is this... it is almost impossible to think of a car that is outright better than ours for the money (challenge me on this)

So after you let someone else enjoy the RS4.. does anyone have an experience where the car they bought after suprisingly satisfied them?
Right now Im thinking of a clean, E46 6spd for around 30k. Less power, RWD, probably more fun to bang gears without losing a license.

lets say you have 30-35k to play with...

[iduff]

My neighbor has a stripped and caged '84 GTI track car, an E36 M3 track car, and his daily, an E46 M3. He sold his wife's B7 S4 Avant as their family needs were outgrowing the S4. He's jonesing to replace his E46 with an RS4, tells me so every time he sees me in mine. Food for thought about that E46 M3.

[eljay]

I've never owned or driven an RS4, but love my E46M3.
My dream garage would have an an RS4 Avant next to the E46M3. Sedans just don't do it for me. But yes, NA and manual all the way!

If I had the money and time, I would do a B7 RS4 Avant conversion. The ultimate unique family car in my books as RS6 is just too big for my tastes.

[mugelloant5]

Your neighbor seems like a fun guy haha...

[Fourplay]

In that price range there are definitely better cars, but maybe not any cars that are as versatile. My list for $30-35k would include:

Elise/Exige
Evora
997.1 Base/C2S
987.2 Cayman S
C6 Z06
Early V8 Vantage
The list could go on, but you get the idea

All of those are in one way or another better driving cars, but none of them are nearly as practical. Basically, just a bunch of coupes/sports cars.

[maybachgt]

I definitely wouldn't trade my RS4 for another car, but if it was stolen or something awful and I had to replace it I would consider a E39 M5 or even a W210 E55. Only because I wouldn't mind a slightly larger sedan.

In terms of "what are the best/coolest cars for $35k or less" my list is: RS4, 997 Carrera S, CL65 AMG, E39 M5, R129 SL600

[jonan]

In that price range there are definitely better cars, but maybe not any cars that are as versatile. My list for $30-35k would include:

Elise/Exige
Evora
997.1 Base/C2S
987.2 Cayman S
C6 Z06
Early V8 Vantage
The list could go on, but you get the idea

All of those are in one way or another better driving cars, but none of them are nearly as practical. Basically, just a bunch of coupes/sports cars.

i cross shopped my rs4 with the v8 vantage and an e92 m3 since they are all in similar price ranges...ended up with the rs4 obviously and couldn't be happier...

those are all great cars, but i know for sure that i'll 100% never be able to push my rs4 to its limits let alone any p-car or lotus...IMO the rs4 is the ultimate family sedan that can hit the track, twisties, and straights...it may not be the king of any of those things, but it is capable enough that i would crash and die before i even got close to the limits of what an rs4 can handle...i've never seen an rs4 in the wild here in TX or even when i lived in the north east, but high HP stangs, murican muscle, p-cars, exotics, its like a dime a dozen it terms of how frequently i see those things...

[Nuklear]

I sold my 996 Turbo for an RS4! 996 HAD tons of power compared to rs4, yep it will always feel that way if you downgrade the car, thing is RS4 is special-4 door , v8, manual, and its amazing when you have family, you pack your wife, kid inside and its awesome, rs4 dont's stand out they blend in, just like a4, as people dont know about them, until someone that knows about cars, exhaust sound from rs4 is probably the best sound, i've ever heard, or car owned....

[jmann2380]

Oh man, I have pondered this so many times. I REALLY wanted an RS4. To me it was the epitome of a year round family car that you can have fun in. You give us some track dynamics but gain AWD, which in Ohio is no small thing. End the end though I found myself in an e90 Comp Package. And saved probably a few grand vs a similar equipped/mileage RS4.

I'm super excited about having a RWD car coming from a Focus RS, but also a bit nervous come this winter. I'll need to keep my driveway plowed much better than I did this past winter and be willing to take my Jeep out on a really bad day... which sounds weird but she's my baby lol.

I really wasn't considering anything besides an RS4 and e90 M3. F80 maybe, but more money and lose the v8... really wanted the v8. Everything else such as the RS3 or Guilia QF were more money and only autos.

Now if your willing to go 2 door, the options open up tremendously. But I wouldn't consider an RS4 if I only needed a 2 door most likely.

[stanglife]

My Avus is for sale now - but I'm in no huge rush due to this exact thing. I think another question to ask is - who is on at least their 2nd RS4? This is my second - and for some dumb reason, it's listed for sale. I decided to leave it essentially stock or OEM+...and it's been very reliable so there's not much to do. I'm itching for a new project and I cant bring myself to mess with this car, lol... so that's why I'm selling, I guess. I know I'll regret it.

[vdubjetta02]

4 door cars that make great power with bolt ons.... Are they going to be as special as an RS4 at the end of the day no, but you asked for options

1st gen Panamera Turbo

E60 M5

Infiniti Q50 3.0t

Mercedes C450 AMG

Cadillac ATS-V

The obvious a B8.5 S4

S7/S6

[AlexB7RS4]

Been pondering this myself as I've had the RS4 for coming on 3 years, which is the longest I've owned a car. However, I still love it.

Options on my list are F80 M3, C7 RS6 or perhaps a 911 Carerra S (997 most likely, 991s are still crazy expensive in Australia).

RS6 more comfortable and bigger, so would make a great daily. F80 a good daily and more dynamic but lose the Avant shape (my RS4 is an Avant) and the rarity. 911 is a fair departure from both, but also makes a good daily and heaps of fun dynamically. Only the RS6 is close to as special and rare.

My issue is I'm still dailying the RS4. However, it's adding up the miles and I'm starting to feel guilty - it's a very strong example and miles are around 80k (130k km) so still lowish. It's also expensive to run. I'm thinking about another car for a daily and parking it for fun use - but then a family estate car is an odd choice for a weekender/tourer so something like a M3 coupe or M4, or a 911 would make more sense.

So my choices are basically sell it and move to something else more weekend friendly, sell it for another great daily like an RS6, or stop worrying about wearing it out and just continue to enjoy it and accept the depreciation and running costs.


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[RAudi Driver]

I still have mine but am itching for a 2014 anniversary gated gallardo or a 458, as they are getting cheaper, under 200k. To make that happen I would have to part with either my GT3 or the RS4. I have been unable to commit as of yet.

Maybe when my Lambo is found, I'll be able to part with one of these cars. Both of which are so very special.

[ginch]

I think another question to ask is - who is on at least their 2nd RS4? This is my second - and for some dumb reason, it's listed for sale.

I'm on my second RS4. I knew as soon as I sold my first one I was making a mistake. I did it for good reason though as I used some of the proceeds of the sale to fund the top end rebuild on my 993 C4S. Figured putting money into a car that was appreciating wasn't a bad idea. Plus that's my forever car. So yeah, once I found another low mileage, clean RS4 I jumped on it and couldn't be happier.

[kpop]

Ok, I'll play.

I'd probably look at getting back into an E90 M3 6MT only this time hold out for a "stripper" unicorn (no nav, slicktop, cloth manual seats, ZCP). Admittedly, I'm jaded since my last E90 M3 only had 20k miles and I'd end up spending a lot more to find another in that condition and configuration. Others on my list would be an R32 Skyline GTR with some tasteful upgrades, Camaro Z/28, or Shelby GT350.

[jdmnomore]

I still have mine but am itching for a 2014 anniversary gated gallardo or a 458, as they are getting cheaper, under 200k. To make that happen I would have to part with either my GT3 or the RS4. I have been unable to commit as of yet.

Maybe when my Lambo is found, I'll be able to part with one of these cars. Both of which are so very special.

Dont sell it man. You have an exceptional example and those imo are works of art that cannot be replaced. We still take these cars for granted but for the price point there is no car like it not even close. You wont find another as good as yours and you will search for one eventually.

We spend 99% of our time in the cabin and the sound and feel of an RS4 from a daily drivers perspective is something I know not to expect again unless in another RS4. There are plenty of other cool cars out there but to replace a car like this which some us have been blessed to own I feel you'd have to go back in time 996 gt3, r33 gtr, e39 m5, e55 or e63amg, e46 m the list goes on depending on price range. Sit in any one of those and then hop back in an RS4 and I'm sure youd agree the cabin in an RS is top 3 and imo 1st place.

It's the best piece of Audi history ever released state side that you can own if you ask me. If it isn't now just give it time. Throw in the unique wide body / dtm design and it should be a no brainer. Keep your RS4s people!!

[jmann2380]

Ok, I'll play.

I'd probably look at getting back into an E90 M3 6MT only this time hold out for a "stripper" unicorn (no nav, slicktop, cloth manual seats, ZCP). Admittedly, I'm jaded since my last E90 M3 only had 20k miles and I'd end up spending a lot more to find another in that condition and configuration. Others on my list would be an R32 Skyline GTR with some tasteful upgrades, Camaro Z/28, or Shelby GT350.

I found that exact e90 but with Nav. Offset by being a 1 owner car and 50k miles and an hour from my house. I REALLY wanted a no Nav car but now that I have it I really kind of like it. For a daily it adds a bit of utility and relevance when you can see what song is streaming over Pandora or who your talking to on the phone.

I wouldn’t let Nav hold you back if everything else clicks. Even the dreaded double hump isn’t bad in person.

[Fourplay]

My Avus is for sale now - but I'm in no huge rush due to this exact thing. I think another question to ask is - who is on at least their 2nd RS4?

I've had 3 and am considering #4. Next car has to meet 3 conditions: warranty, non-coupe, non-manual (last two are from the wife, so she can drive it if necessary and non-coupe for practicality purposes).

List right now is:

45k mile RS4 (N Y N)
8V RS3 (Y Y Y)
8S TTRS (Y N Y)
GT350 (Y N N)
ATS-V (Y N Y/N)
Golf R (Y Y Y/N)
Civic Type R (Y Y N)
B9 S5/S4/Sportback (Y Y/N Y)
Alfa 4C (Y N Y)

If the 45k mile RS4 is still around in 2 months when I plan to buy, I'm getting it. Otherwise, it's looking like RS3 or Golf R are the most likely (though I'd really like a GT350 or TTRS).

[MugelloB7RS4]

I've had 3 and am considering #4. Next car has to meet 3 conditions: warranty, non-coupe, non-manual (last two are from the wife, so she can drive it if necessary and non-coupe for practicality purposes).

List right now is:

ATS-V (Y N Y/N)

You can get those in a sedan too

[Fourplay]

You can get those in a sedan too

Whoops, yeah, typo on my part.

They are surprisingly quick, but the interior (and CUE interface) aren't great. They have ridiculously high residuals though, so they lease quite well if you find a dealer who will do a balloon lease. Like $450/mo for a very high performing car.

I think the Cadillac stigma and the interior quality really hurt them.

[Onkar02]

Don't get me wrong... BMW absolutely killed it with the e46 M3, I would love to have a Laguna Seca Blue in my driveway. But, I honestly don't think they sound all that great and I think they are overly saturated. I like driving around my RS4 knowing that in most cases I wont see another. I do occasionally miss driving around my 350z though, just something about that car... and they sound amazing.

[DOCEVG]

It's the best piece of Audi history ever released state side that you can own if you ask me. If it isn't now just give it time. Throw in the unique wide body / dtm design and it should be a no brainer. Keep your RS4s people!!

This.
Sold one of mine recently, and regretted it literally as soon as I saw the buyer (another forum member here, fortunately) drive it away from my house. That car put a smile on my face everytime I looked at it, but got tired of pressure from wife to thin the herd.
Still DD my other one and, as far as I'm concerned, there's no suitable replacement.

[jonan]

Oh man, I have pondered this so many times. I REALLY wanted an RS4. To me it was the epitome of a year round family car that you can have fun in. You give us some track dynamics but gain AWD, which in Ohio is no small thing. End the end though I found myself in an e90 Comp Package. And saved probably a few grand vs a similar equipped/mileage RS4.

I'm super excited about having a RWD car coming from a Focus RS, but also a bit nervous come this winter. I'll need to keep my driveway plowed much better than I did this past winter and be willing to take my Jeep out on a really bad day... which sounds weird but she's my baby lol.

I really wasn't considering anything besides an RS4 and e90 M3. F80 maybe, but more money and lose the v8... really wanted the v8. Everything else such as the RS3 or Guilia QF were more money and only autos.

Now if your willing to go 2 door, the options open up tremendously. But I wouldn't consider an RS4 if I only needed a 2 door most likely.

once i have a house with a four car garage, i'll eventually add a r8v10 and e92m3...that's my dream garage right there...#savethemanuals

[jonan]

Don't get me wrong... BMW absolutely killed it with the e46 M3, I would love to have a Laguna Seca Blue in my driveway. But, I honestly don't think they sound all that great and I think they are overly saturated. I like driving around my RS4 knowing that in most cases I wont see another. I do occasionally miss driving around my 350z though, just something about that car... and they sound amazing.

i've literally gone to cars and coffee here in austin, 300 plus cars and one rs4, mine...people walk by it and don't even know what it is...i love how under the radar this car is...then when you drive away people look in your general direction trying to figure out what car sounds so f'ing good, and finally realize it's the jetta shaped audi with RS4 labels all over it

[stanglife]

Otherwise, it's looking like RS3 or Golf R are the most likely (though I'd really like a GT350 or TTRS).

Well I don't always agree with you but it's hard to argue this. I've been looking at RS3s for a while but just cant pull the trigger - IMO, they don't look unique enough vs an S3. The RS4 pulled this off nicely. The Golf R is my adolescent self talking - I really like the looks, the size and the tech but as a 45yo adult..somehow I'm talking myself out of this one. I own a GT350R and it's incredible, I mean, REALLY amazing...fit and finish isn't as horrible as some say but it's definitely not it's strong suit. The 350R is for sale - mainly to move on to my 964 project car...I know that it will never perform like the R but my chances of getting arrested are much lower. ;)

[Jake Ok]

No sure what is the point of your question? LOL
Everyone has different reasons based on preference, financial situation, taste etc. You should never make a decision based on what people say or think. Be glad you have a nice set of wheels, at the end of the day its just a car.

[RAudi Driver]

No sure what is the point of your question? LOL

It's another thread to keep this forum bumpin'. Any thread which keeps the members active is good in my book. even if it's just to strike conversation

[mattshaver]

I've had my RS4 for going on 7 years now. By far the longest I've owned a car. Lately, the itch has come back, but I'm kind of at a loss as to what I'd get into.

I drove a 987.1 Cayman (base) and the engine sounded like ass, though the steering was telepathically good and it was quicker than I thought it would be. Shifter was kinda meh, but the RS4's is really top notch imo.

Thinking maybe a 996/997, but I'm a big fan of the how sleepy the RS is.

Finally, I know it's dumb af but I hate the idea of not having the 'best' version of a car, so if I got a Cayman I'd want the Cayman R, if I got a 911, I'd want a GT3, etc.

Oh well, I guess I'll have to stay in my AWD, V8 manual sedan...poor me.

[kpop]

I've had my RS4 for going on 7 years now. By far the longest I've owned a car. Lately, the itch has come back, but I'm kind of at a loss as to what I'd get into.

I drove a 987.1 Cayman (base) and the engine sounded like ass, though the steering was telepathically good and it was quicker than I thought it would be. Shifter was kinda meh, but the RS4's is really top notch imo.

Thinking maybe a 996/997, but I'm a big fan of the how sleepy the RS is.

Finally, I know it's dumb af but I hate the idea of not having the 'best' version of a car, so if I got a Cayman I'd want the Cayman R, if I got a 911, I'd want a GT3, etc.

Oh well, I guess I'll have to stay in my AWD, V8 manual sedan...poor me.

Glad I'm not the only one who feels the same about only getting the "best" version or nothing. I'd love to get a 911, but it would need to be a 997 GT3 RS 4.0, or a 911 R.

That said, when I watch auctions like that B5 RS4 on BAT now at $68k, it does affirm the cult-following for these cars. I'm confident the really clean, low-mileage B7 RS4s will have their day in the collector spotlight soon, they're just not quite there yet.

[ginch]

HaHa!!! I also always buy the best version of a specific car. I always thought that made me a snob but I just didn't want to be the guy that's sitting at a stop light and has someone in a better version of the same car pull up beside me! Oh well!

I do however only own a 993 C4S and not a Turbo so I guess that rule doesn't apply 100% of the time!

Derek

[NewImageS4]

I still have mine but am itching for a 2014 anniversary gated gallardo or a 458, as they are getting cheaper, under 200k. To make that happen I would have to part with either my GT3 or the RS4. I have been unable to commit as of yet.

Maybe when my Lambo is found, I'll be able to part with one of these cars. Both of which are so very special.

For the first time I'm really considering selling my RS4.. would be replacing it with a GT3. I've had friends tell me I'm crazy.

[AlexB7RS4]

Glad I'm not the only one who feels the same about only getting the "best" version or nothing. I'd love to get a 911, but it would need to be a 997 GT3 RS 4.0, or a 911 R.

That said, when I watch auctions like that B5 RS4 on BAT now at $68k, it does affirm the cult-following for these cars. I'm confident the really clean, low-mileage B7 RS4s will have their day in the collector spotlight soon, they're just not quite there yet.

I'm the same as well, always want the best version. I'd want a GT3 too. Also vaguely considering an F-Type R. GT3s are stupid money in Aus though - you could literally buy 8-10 B7 RS4s for the same price as a single 997 GT3.


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[mattshaver]

Glad I'm not the only one who feels the same about only getting the "best" version or nothing. I'd love to get a 911, but it would need to be a 997 GT3 RS 4.0, or a 911 R.

That said, when I watch auctions like that B5 RS4 on BAT now at $68k, it does affirm the cult-following for these cars. I'm confident the really clean, low-mileage B7 RS4s will have their day in the collector spotlight soon, they're just not quite there yet.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way haha. Unfortunately my cars history looks bad at first and I have a lot of miles so I'm not getting top dollar for mine. I'm honestly not sad about not wanting to get into a Cayman or whatever. I was just at a track day and I couldn't help but realize that I wasn't that jealous of the guy with the Cayman R or the 991. I diiiid want the neon green GT3RS tho.... Haha

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[DAYTA]

Unfortunately, I lost my RS4 in a snow-related accident back in Feb so I was forced to find a replacement DD relatively quickly. My short (but limiting) list of requirements were:

- 6MT (a must)
- AWD
- 4 doors / practical
- $30k or less
- relatively new (too many problems with older/higher mileage cars)

Ultimately, I ended up with a 2016 Golf R and I've been pretty happy with it. It's obviously missing the character of the RS4, mostly due to the engine (I REALLY miss that N/A V8). But as a daily driver, it does make up for it in other areas:

- considerably better fuel economy (22MPG vs 12MPG)
- adaptive dampers are very useful in daily driving
- it has more interior/cargo space so it's far more practical
- front seats are actually more supportive/better bolstered
- updated infotainment/superior sound system from the factory
- comparable fit/finish to the RS4 in most respects

And in terms of outright performance, it certainly beats the RS4 in a number of areas:

- it is FAST; my car came with an APR Stage 1 tune (370hp/383tq) and SB Stage 2 clutch - the RS4 isn't even close in a straight line
- it weighs 6-700lbs less than the RS4 so it feels lighter on its feet, especially on the backroads that I commute on
- steering ratio is very quick (2.1 turns lock to lock) which helps in the tight corners on my commute

However, although the Golf R is great and better in many respects, it will never feel as unique or special as the RS4. The Golf R suits my life better, but I will always miss my RS4.

[rennsport]

I haven’t posted on AZ for a long time but I’ll bite and take the “challenge” to @mugelloant5. I owned my ‘07 RS4 for 6 years. Sold it last summer with 67,xxx miles on it. I was the 3rd owner, mostly stock but had the GMG catback exhaust. It was primarily a fair weather weekend car that I was somewhat trying to “preserve” because they are special no doubt. Incredibly engineered, elegantly understated but muscular and made noises to die for. Anyway you all know this and get it.

Being an enthusiast I’m always thinking about the next car I’d like to have. After months of research, thought and internal wrestling, I bought a Honda CTR without a test drive(damn near impossible to find a willing dealer even if your 57 years old). Mind you, I wouldn’t even consider this car for over a year after it’s release because of how it looks. A “Car Of The Year” article in EVO magazine pushed me over the edge.

I bought the Honda and planned to keep my RS4. But to my surprise, I didn’t drive it much after acquiring the Honda. Why? The RS4 is undoubtedly a great fun car to drive but the CTR is magical. It became painfully evident the only 2 aspects the RS4 had on the CTR were visual appeal and exhaust sounds. Everything else and most importantly the driving experience, the CTR is far superior. On your favorite backroads the CTR encourages you to up your game to do it justice. If you are a person who craves “being one” with a machine like professionals do, the CTR is the perfect partner in the $35K purchase range. I’m not good articulating words to fully describe the many aspects of the driving experience. I’ll leave it up to you all to read the industry journalists accolades.

I kept my RS4 for 6 months after buying the CTR. I thought I would keep it forever because it is special and now one of a kind in today’s turbocharged/EV world. But honestly, I don’t miss it as much as I feared when I watched it drive away.

I did keep a set of Audi S5 rotor wheels though. Someday they will be mounted on another Audi.

[Chandler]

My dad has a 997.2 S and I like it - but to me it's not as fun as the RS4.
Sedan wise it's hard to find something comparable or modest looking with that same power. If I were to trade for a daily driver sedan that would be different, and I would be looking at much larger sedans than the RS4. But the RS4 for me is a fun car. I came from a B8.5 S4 - and the S4 is hands down faster all day long with cheaper bolt ons. But the RS4 simply has more character.

[DOCEVG]

Being an enthusiast I’m always thinking about the next car I’d like to have. After months of research, thought and internal wrestling, I bought a Honda CTR without a test drive(damn near impossible to find a willing dealer even if your 57 years old). Mind you, I wouldn’t even consider this car for over a year after it’s release because of how it looks. A “Car Of The Year” article in EVO magazine pushed me over the edge.

Not knowing what a Honda CTR even is, your willing dealer/57 yo comment intrigued me, so I looked up what the CTR is. It looks like an incredibly fun car with amazing performance for the dollar, but have to wonder what kind of face a Honda salesman would sport if this 64 yo walked in to the dealership asking about one!

[RAudi Driver]

I think you need a pilots license for that CTR and that thing is cleared for takeoff. So ugly in so many ways, except performance, for a front wheel drive car.

[AlexB7RS4]

Looks are each to their own Raudi but I tend to agree. I'm 35 and I considered a CTR but couldn't even bring myself to test drive one.
Renault Megane RS is the pick of the bunch for a driver's car hot hatch for me. Drove one of those and they are just go-karts. So aweseome. I've heard amazing things about the Focus RS too but haven't driven one.


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[rennsport]

Not knowing what a Honda CTR even is, your willing dealer/57 yo comment intrigued me, so I looked up what the CTR is. It looks like an incredibly fun car with amazing performance for the dollar, but have to wonder what kind of face a Honda salesman would sport if this 64 yo walked in to the dealership asking about one!

Yes it could be an interesting response. FWIW I know of another owner in his 60’s. My purchase was not the normal approach. I ask for the newbie sales person assuming he/she would benefit the most if the sale came to fruition. It involved hard negotiations due to ADM at all dealers within a 300 mile radius. My dealer was only allocated 2 cars/year the first 2 years. I bought their 3rd car. Hence the difficulty finding a test drive. Today it is likely easier to get a test drive.

I think you need a pilots license for that CTR and that thing is cleared for takeoff. So ugly in so many ways, except performance, for a front wheel drive car.

I know, I know. Imagine the shit I got going from a understated, elegant German car to a bold, brash and yes, somewhat ugly rice burner! But once in the drivers seat, it’s so good, the looks don’t matter. It punches well above it’s weight with it’s 7:43.8 Nordschleife lap time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...eife_lap_times