I've been reading the forums here and just registered today. I'm thinking about selling my 05 W12 and getting something new. I want something sporty and for my needs I think the RS4 may be my best fit. I have 2 small children in car seats and also would drive it in the winter. The new M3 is out because a coupe is a pain to get the babies in and out of. I like the E63 also but lately the lease numbers haven't been what I would like and it is around 20k more than the RS4. I also don't think I can wait for the C63 (I'm impulsive ). I already know most love the RS4 but how does it work as a DD and kid hauling? I wouldn't be hauling the babies all the time just every now and then. Also are there some other cars out there I may be overlooking? I need 4 doors and AWD is nice but not a deal breaker. Sorry this is so long but as you can tell I just want something new and sporty and haven't made up my mind lol

 

we have two children (both less than 10yrs of age). owned an e500 prior to as well as a 997. i don't miss either of them? not really, especially not the mercedes.

nuff said.

 

Owning a Mercedes and having driven many i can say they honestly have terrible build quality. RS4 is absolutely SICK!!! I have a young daughter and my son is 6' 3" (hes big) and fits comfortably in the back seat (thats what he says at least i think he just loves the car) two kids should easily fit.

 

I'd go M5 sir. it's just a step above the RS4 imo. I think going from a W12 to a RS4 is a huge step down. just my 2cents

 

It's certainly not a huge step down, more a whole different league. He is suggesting to move from extremely luxury limousines to something thats quicker, and it may be smaller.

A8 -> RS4 is quite a step though. I don't know if you have an A8L, but even if you don't the interior space will be a huge difference. As long as your kids don't need a playground in the back ( in the A8 ), they're fine. The question is, will you be fine?

To make this step not too big, I suggest you take a look at an S6. Almost the same power, but 'less car' (and weight). Or try to wait for the RS6, it won't let you down.

 

I retract my former statement and agree with the above. RS6 is the way to go for you

 

S6 or RS6 are fast, but he said he wanted to get into something that was more fun to drive. Thats where the RS4 is the ticket, its a smaller car and more sport tuned then luxury tuned.

A W12 only makes 450hp and its HUGE, a RS4 will be much faster not to mention the W12 is caped at 130mph while the RS4 can do 155mph before the ecu cuts fuel.

 

Yes the W12 and RS4 are two totally different cars. I enjoy the limo like amenities in the W12 but I think I just want a change. The W12 runs good for a BIG car but its not fun to me. The W12 is my first Audi and I've been satisfied with build quality and options etc, but what is wrong with Audi's depreciation? Some of the trade in numbers I'm getting are crazy. Also I got numbers on a 24 month lease on the RS4 and they were almost as much as the E63 with the same terms. The E63 is almost 22k more! One dealer told me that the Audi's do not hold their value as well as BMW and Mercedes. I'm starting to believe him. Also I don't want to start an argument on which car is better or etc, I am just talking out loud and trying to decide what to do next.

 

Audi's do have poor depreciation. RS4 might be exempt (only time will tell) because they are of limited quantity.

 

do u mind giving us the lease terms they offered you?

 

It's 'funny' to read that Audi depreciate that fast in the US. Over here they hold their value better than an MBZ, and it's about even with a BMW.

 

thats cause audi depreciation is terrible

that being said RS models seem to hold their value a bit better, at least judging from the last iteration of RS6

 

Sorry I've been gone a couple days with some family health problems. I actually deleted the email from the dealer on the RS4 because I decided if I could actually get an M5 cheaper or an E63 for the same price I would go that route if I decide to sell my W12. Here is the best I can remember give or take a couple dollars

24 month with 12k per year and $0 down except up front fees, was something like 1710 a month plus tax. I actually got a quote after that for a 08 M5 that stickers for 98k for around 1540 a month plus tax for the same terms. I'm thinking about leaning that way. But I'm not knocking the RS4 at all it was a blast to drive.

 

damn, i would go get the M5 too. the new 6 speed makes it much more desirable, i cant stand that SMG nonsense

 

But is the M5 faster with the SMG vs 6 speed? I've been told that but I've never driven either.