Ray J

Lease is coming up, I loved the E55 experience and am ready for something different. Still need 5 seats got 2 kids and one more on the way. Am seriously thinking about getting an RS4...any opinions? Yes I know I will miss the Torque.

As a side note, is there anyone in Dallas who wants to buy a used Eisenmann Race exhaust?

CWW

Don't do it. RS4 is sloooooow.

If you are going for that super-tight feel, then get an M5 or a Porsche, because at least they can move. If you are trying to save money, then do an extended warranty on your E55, pick up a newer CPO E55, or do a $999 lease special on a new E63.

No matter how you cut it, there are a ton of better options.

MikeRPA

you want to get it brand new ? if yes then id personaly get c63 or m3, if used then cls55 or m5 , i'd never buy an rs4 , id take it over my maxima yes anytime , but if i had money i think it's way too overpriced a little fast 2.0 looking a4 but to each their own soooooo get w.e you really like, if you spend so much money on the car you shouldnt be not sure what car you want to get

skooby

S4 is tiny and slower, might as well go get a STI and save the money.

Audi's also depreciate worse than anything, so plan a a $1,400 payment for a $80K car.

rkao

I've driven an RS4 and it is a really neat (for the lack of a more colourful description) car...absolutely manic in its responses, but the steering is unfortunately typically Audi which is lighter than I'd like it.

The only concern I'd have for your situation is having 3 kids in it, I don't think it's going to work! But it depends on how old your two children are and if you'll need 3 child seats - we have a 22 months old in a Britax and hope to have another towards the end of the year and he/she will start in a Graco - no way a 3rd seat would fit in my E63 or my wife's upcoming X5.

If you don't plan to put all 3 kids in together and space isn't a concern, then by all means go for it. I'm of the opinion that you should try everything once for the heck of it...which is why we have the Z4 3.0si as an experiment after missing our '04 SL500 that was sold after our baby arrived.

ms2knights

I recently test drove the M5 and RS4. I would definitely go with the M5, as it is the closest to what you currently have. Don't get me wrong the RS4 was very nice, but the M5 was a whole different experience. Good luck on your decision.

Ray J

I drove the M5 and couldn't take the SMG, not a big fan of that. I considered the C63 but as I had an E55 for the last 3 years I think a change is what I am looking for. I didn't expect many people to be for the RS4, but it is the closest thing to what I want. A Manual 5 seater. I know M5 comes in manual now but apparently it is not up to the task. The Cayenne has come out with a GTS which seems an option, but RS4 is way faster. Have you guys heard an RS4 with an aftermarket exhaust?

Chargin55

RS6 is a good nimble racer. Nothing wrong with the RS4 but I like the look of the new RS6. Have you looked at that option. 580-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 5.2-liter V10 engine under its hood. More powerful than either the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG straight outta the box.

AMGhunting

For that much money, there's a whole lot more options out there than the
RS4, nice cars nonetheless...i started to look at them before i got my 06 E55 and glad i got it!!! maybe the new M3 4 door??

W211 BEAST

OK... i love Audi. LOVE! I love the S8, the A8 W12, the S6, and the RS6... but those are the only substitutes for an E55. Those are the only Audi's that I'd take over my E55. And sure, the RS4 has5 seats, but let me put it like this, a 997TT has 4 seats, but when was the last time you saw 4 people in a 997TT? Get my drift? Even 3 little kids will have trouble fitting back there (especially since the child seat will take up more than 33% of the space. Believe me, this is coming from a real Audi lover, save yourself the aggravation and at least get the S6. If money is an issue right now, which it might be with a 3rd child on the way (congradulations by the way) get a used M5, or get an extended warranty on your E55. If you get the RS4 i promise you that you will cuss yourself out every morning until you turn the lease back in. Good luck.

O ya, get whatever car you want, dont listen to any of us if you like the RS4, we're all biased sons of *****es

Addicted2Speed

This is what you need:

http://www.europeancarweb.com/featur...rs4/index.html

Rock

Too lazy this morning to give you my list of pros and cons on the car but do a search on this forum. It's a rewarding car to drive but it's nowhere as fast as an E55 or M5.

If ya still want one I have a nice mint 07 black/black.

rkao

I've driven an M6 with the SMG (the dealer didn't have an M5 when I was shopping for one) and you're right, it's not the greatest of transmissions...certainly the recently announced BMW's versions of DSG is expected to excel where the SMG failed. And from everything I've read, the 6-speed manual transmission implemented with the V10 has been a disappointment - not the least of which is due to the fact that the BMW engineers NEVER intended a manual transmission mated to the V10 and had to modify the DSC to make it work.

As for the RS4 exhaust, I've never heard one but many Audi drivers seem to favour a system made by Milltek. Check out http://forums.audiworld.com/rs4b7/, AudiWorld was my source when I had leased an '04 A8L before I got the E63.

That's actually an interesting alternative - after I had the A8L, my brother started becoming interested in an Audi and after a C32 AMG, upsized to an S6 because they were expecting a new addition to the family. The V10 has a very fruity exhaust sound...love hearing it start up every time - of course I also enjoying starting that 6.2 litre lump under the bonnet of my E63!

And +1 on the comment about being biased...I'm biased to trying everything at least once in one's life!

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

I would never drive kids around in my M5. Too raw, too bumpy, too dangerous. IF I ever get married, and IF I ever decide to have kids (chances are slim), wifey will have to truck them around in whatever SUV I deem acceptable for her.

JamE55

Listen to this man!

Vic55

Ill sum it up ... The RS4 can only be a compliment to an E55 not a replacement. There are truly only a few cars that can hold a candle to everything that an E55 is IMO.

Rock

Vic, I can give ya a great deal on a mint RS4.

How does $19,000 in negative equity sound on my two-for-one trade in. I hate stealers. For 2,000+/month I would expect to be driving at the least a slow 997tt.

Vic55

or less

Boy your RS4 tanked but then all of these luxo cars do that or almost all of them. 19k is a f'd up though--- its a lease right? Just make the payments and endure.....

Carl Lassiter

I've spent a few hours behind the wheel of a friend's RS4 and it's a lovely car. Resolved suspension, great brakes and an engine that pulls to 8k and sounds wonderful. On the freeway it's no M5 or E55 but it certainly isn't slow.

However, I had an S4 and the space in the back is insufficient for anything other than two people and short journeys. If your kid quota was at two I'd say go for it but otherwise you may run into child seat related issues.

However, the RS4 is a great car with speed and handling in spades.

If you go Cayenne GTS, make sure to get the optional EDC as the springs aren't up to it.

psuball1

I spent some time in an RS4 and it is a nice looking car inside and out but it definitely has nothing in regards to speed compared to an E55. I don't see why the car is so expensive, especially with the M3 undercutting in price by $10K++.

If I was to replace my E55 I would either stay in the Benz family or wait for the new CTS-V.

Vic55

The CTS- V is very appealing with the ZR1 engine. Its also very reasonably priced IMO.

baldmike73

you going to sell the brabus lowering module?

Ray J

I don't know why, but I have really fallen in love with the Audi, my kids are 3 and 4, the only time they will be in it is a 10 min drive to drop them off to school everyday. The 3rd baby most likely will be carted around in my wife's CX-9, which is a really nice truck to drive.
I don't really like the look of the CTS-V new or old. Not many other options out there for what I want...also want the payment lower..

Carl Lassiter

Go for it bro. B7 RS4 is a stop and stare kind of car. Get it in white or black and make sure it has the luxury pack (the one and only available option.) Make sure to dechrome the window surround and it's the complete product.

Rock

The car is a beautiful design and looks like rolling art as it travels past. Great interior, wonderful ergonomics, tremendous interior lighting and all the latest techno-gadgets. Oh....and did I mention that exhaust note.......sweet Jesus!!!!!!

I have only a few concerns about this car (I've owned mine for 8-9 months):
1. This is not an "E55" fast car.
2. Lease deals usually not great on this vehicle
3. The car is heavy
4. The car is heavy.

If you're really considering this car, pm Vic 55. He got me a deal for $695/month +tax........ I just love Vic!!!