jhale

I'm thinking about adding an '08 Audi RS4 to the stable and was curious if anyone on this forum has one. I located a low mileage black/black with approximtaely 30K on it.

I'm looking to move back into a sedan from my '06 Volvo V70R and this car has caught my eye. I swore I would never go back to Audi after a nightmare experience with my Allroad. From what I have read, the RS4 is getting great reviews (minus gas mileage) and reliability has improved.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

nile13

I used to work for Audi back in 2003 when they introduced new A8L and brought both new S4 and RS6. The mantra is always "reliability has improved". Same as for Chrysler and Kia.

Nice cars, but they break often and reliability doesn't seem to be of any particular interest to VAG. "We will beat BMW by year XXXX" seems to be the priority. If not for that I'd have an A8 as my daily driver. But it's way too scary (I know, VAG owners will jump me in 4, 3, 2, 1...)

southsong

Not a RS4 owner, but I have an A4.
RS4, like any German car, has its share of gremlins..namely Carbon deposit issue due to using a FSI motor and DRC suspension problems.
Those minor problems aside, it is a great all-weather car. Nice fit and finish, glorious V8 sound and nice power out of the box.
You can find wealth of information on RS4 at http://forums.quattroworld.com/rs4b7/

Good luck

skl2

My Dad has an A8 DD, 78K miles, no issues to speak of. Love it. (going to knock on wood)

mrsullivan

Bought my 08 RS4 new off the lot. Spent a ton of money on it (hurts me to think about the loss on that sale ). Absolutely loved it. Not quite as much as my RS6, but loved it a lot. If you research some titles on here, I probably posted about it.

Pros: engine sound, like crack cocaine (i would imagine, not that i know), very quick, very linear band, snickety shifter, stuck to the road like glue, fit and finish, interior, design, haunches, etc.

Cons: backseat not much bigger than the 993, carbon build up issues (read about this), navigation a little dated now.

Overall, great car. I have also been thinking lately about buying another one. I loved that car. I would definitely not buy without a Fidelity extended warranty. Any car like this would kill you out of warranty...

Of everything, what I remember most about that car was the engine and exhaust noise.

jhale

Thank you for all of the feedback. I will research the carbon build up issues. I learned my lesson the hard way with Audi's out of warranty. I was so fed up with my Allroad that I practically gave it away. I'm not too concerned about the back seats as my Volvo has minimal room.

BradB

No RS4 experience here, but I have owned an '05 S4 since new. It's been virtually flawless. And I love the sound of that big V8.

JDHertz11

SFBanchs has a very nice RS4. Miltech exhaust etc.

Ed Hughes

I know someone with an A4, that had a very expensive head problem just off warranty. He fixed it for $4500(?), then traded it on a MB.

Michael S.

Good friend of mine has an 07 RS4, and I love it! The exhaust sound is amazing, and it is scarey fast! Sticks to the road like glue! I also have a 2012 S4 on order and I just stepped out of an 05 Jetta GLI... So, I am a VAG fan. That said, I have to agree that their reliability and build quality are not what they should be. The Jetta had interior parts that peeled and a headliner that fell apart just outside of warranty (no help from VAG). It was also a blast to drive as a daily driver. If the ultimate in reliability is what you are looking for, buy a Honda... and, don't forget the paper bag to cover your face with! I personally can live with a bit of "personality" in order to get the performance and driving feel in a car that I don't mind putting a bunch of miles on...

Buy the RS4... you will love it!

Global Autosports

Great choice, I doubt you will be disappointed with an RS4.

slownrusty

Mitsubishi EVO > RS4

goofballdeluxe

The problem with ALL new cars these days, is the shift in philosophy: car makers no longer make the best car possible; they make the car to last only until the warranty expires.

Auto manufacturers have become wise that it benefits them more to make a car that only really lasts a few years. That way, when it starts to fail, they can either charge you lots for repairs, or steer you into a new car. Either way, they win.

That's one of the reasons I really don't enjoy buying cars built in the 21st century. The other reason is the rise of the "nanny-car", i.e. you must step on the brake to start the car, you must press the legal disclaimer on the nav system before you can use it, etc.

turbosonoma

+1

McQueen993

I had one and agree with Mr Sullivan above and would add that the stock suspension is prone to leaks. I bought a 2011 Cayenne S and I don't miss the RS4 at all. Seriously.

Go to Quattroworld.com and search for common problems.