Audi RS4 Best and Worst Years

Audi RS4 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

You won’t see Audi’s high-end German vehicles having a wide range of problems and even lower market sales due to the potential for widespread recalls and frequent issues when you consider buying one.

From the iconic Porsche-tuned RS2 to the V10 C6 RS6, Audi’s RS division, or RennSport, which translates to “Racing Sport,” has given us some great icons throughout the years.

The division has always focused on finding the right mix between extreme performance and sophisticated practicality, producing vehicles that are equally at home running errands as murdering supercars.

The RS4 is, of course, at the center of everything. The RS4 has been around the longest of all the RS models, debuting in 2000 alongside the beloved B5.

But what are the critical years to avoid for the Audi A4?

Audi RS4 Best and Worst Years
Audi RS4 Best and Worst Years

Are you an Audi Car Fan? Maybe you want to check this out: reliability of Audi

VIDEO: 2007 Audi RS4

2007 Audi RS4

Audi RS4 Best and Worst Years

There have been multiple incarnations of the Audi RS4, and opinions on the greatest and worst years differ. The B7 RS4, manufactured between 2006 and 2008, is one of the best-used Audis to purchase. The B5 model, which debuted in 2000, also marked the debut of the RS4. Due to their scarcity, the 2007 and 2008 models that were offered in the US might be costly. However, positive evaluations have also been given to the most recent iteration of the RS4.

Audi RS4 Overview

From the iconic Porsche-tuned RS2 to the V10 C6 RS6, Audi’s RS division, or RennSport, which translates to “Racing Sport,” has given us some great icons throughout the years.

The division has always focused on finding the right mix between extreme performance and sophisticated practicality, producing vehicles that are equally at home running errands as murdering supercars.

The RS4 is, of course, at the center of everything. The RS4 has been around the longest of all the RS models, debuting in 2000 alongside the beloved B5.

The Cosworth-reengineered 2.7 liter, twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood of the B5 produced 385 horsepower and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Things changed drastically when the B7, its replacement, was introduced. Although the turbocharged engine was changed, it was replaced by a normally aspirated, high-revving V8 that produced a respectable 420 horsepower, maintaining the same subtle appearance and destructive power.

The end product was a far cry from the previous RS models’ thudding turbos, opening the door for a new generation of quick saloons to emerge from Quattro GmbH, or Audi Sport GmbH as it is now known. The B7 launched in 2006, so it has a few years under its belt.

Fortunately for us, this means that costs are now very reasonable.

A Brief History Of The RS4

The RS2, B5 RS4, and C5 RS6 were a trio of subtle, practical, and twin-turbocharged estates and saloons that preceded the B7’s 2006 release.

The competition from German rivals Audi was fierce then, so it had huge shoes to fill. These competitors, the BMW E46 M3 and Mercedes E55 AMG, which later evolved into the E90 and C63 a few years later, were obviously in Quattro GmbH’s sights.

See also  Does Tundra Have Heated Seats? [Answered]

The B7 was offered in three body types—saloon, cabriolet, and station wagon—and only had a manual transmission, which was innovative then. Yet, many people welcomed this, especially when you consider the justifications for why fans favor stick shifts.

In addition, the car’s pricing, which was relatively comparable to the previously stated rivals, was around $70,000 new in today’s money, or $80,000 if you preferred the cabriolet.

A Comprehensive Look At The B7 And Arguments For Purchasing One

image 18
A Comprehensive Look At The B7 And Arguments For Purchasing One

We recommended these articles for you to read: Audi RS5 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!) and Audi RS6 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

The B7’s engine is the first thing that springs to mind when someone talks about it. And with good cause. The 4.2-liter lump was taken from the S4, and the RS4 received new cylinder heads, a new crankshaft, and set of bearings, changed pistons and conrods, and a new crankshaft and set of bearings to add 60 horsepower.

The result is a quick-picking, responsive engine that revs to an astonishing 8,250 rpm while emitting a loud, throaty exhaust note that energizes you.

You could go from 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds if you combine the aforementioned with Audi’s all-wheel-drive Quattro technology, first utilized in that infamous, fire-spewing rally car of the same name.

The Torsen-based system achieved the ideal combination of dependable Quattro security and an emotional sensation around turns by directing most of the power to the back wheels. Watch this video of a drag race between an RS4 B7 and an E92 M3 GTS to see the Quattro system in action.

The B7’s party trick may be its engine, but the exterior design is also good. They have a quiet, even sleeper-like appearance with a hint of ferocity from the flared wheel arches and 19″ alloy wheels.

The flat-bottomed steering wheel from the Lamborghini Gallardo and the optional full leather Recaro bucket seats make the interior a pleasant place to be as well.

The price of a B7 nowadays

Yet ultimately, the B7 RS4’s affordable pricing distinguishes it as the best-used Audi to purchase. A quality example will cost you about $14,000.

Furthermore, while several kilometers may be on the odometer, that should be fine if the car has been well-maintained.

These are the items to watch out for when buying a B7 RS4 if you desire a used example.

You can get ones with a lot fewer miles for about $20,000 if you’re looking for something a little cleaner. Costs vary based on your preferences, with cabriolets typically being the least expensive of the three variations.

This makes sense, given that they are supposed to be much less constructed than saloons and estates.

How Safe is an Audi RS4

The Audi RS4 is a safe vehicle to drive, thanks to its numerous safety measures. Active safety features like automatic emergency braking, electronic stability control, lane keep assist, and driver attentiveness recognition is included with the 2021 model.

Additionally, the RS4 Avant comes equipped with standard safety features, including blind spot monitoring and Audi Pre Sense, which has automatic emergency braking that operates up to 53 mph. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2008 Audi RS4 a 5-star overall safety rating (NHTSA).

See also  Buick Encore Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

In addition, according to crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), passengers are effectively protected in front, rear, and side impact crashes.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

image 19
How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Buy the Look with Audi RS7 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new.

It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

See also  Kia EV6 Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Audi RS4 FAQ’s

Are Audi RS4 trustworthy?

The reliability of the system is still a problem with the B7 and later B8 RS4s. Prior to my ownership, my original B7 had four sets of DRC, and it was beginning to malfunction once more. I chose to have the Bilstein B14 modifications installed, which strengthened the vehicle and improved the overall handling.

When did Audi start producing the RS4?

The B7 RS 4 was manufactured from 2006 to 2008 inclusively, however only the 2007 and 2008 model years were offered for sale in the country. Almost 2,000 of the 10,000 B7 RS 4s that were produced are located in the USA. From late 2006 to 2008, the B7 RS 4 Cabriolet was offered for sale in Europe.

What was the RS4’s final model year?

RS4. Built by Quattro GMbh, the RS4 Avant was a 2.7-liter V6 monster with 380 horsepower. The public saw it for the first time in 2000, and it was only produced from that year till 2002. The vehicle was only produced with an estate/wagon form; coupes and sedans were not offered.

The 2013 Audi RS4’s dependability.

For the RS4, reliability is typically not a problem. There are many horror stories about the engine issues with the previous generation version, but by the time of this post-2012 model, they had mostly been resolved.

Will the Audi RS4 go down in history?

The fast estate didn’t debut with the 1994 Audi RS2, just as football didn’t begin with Sky and the Premiership in 1992. But, it can appear that way and its seismic, game-changing influence is undeniable. After all, when it was debuted, it was the quickest of its kind.

Lead Writer and Editor at Discover Seldric | + posts

John Valdez - Passionate Car Enthusiast and Accomplished Writer

Meet John Valdez, a dedicated car lover and seasoned writer whose passion for automobiles is as vibrant as his words are eloquent. With a keen eye for detail and a heart that beats to the rhythm of engines, John brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of automotive journalism.

Similar Posts