Hi, I'm in search of a daily driver with back seats that I can squeeze a baby seat into and possibly drive in occasional snow. I REALLY like the way the RS4 looks inside and out. I've driven the new body style S4 but never an RS4. Two questions:

1) I have not been able to find any factual information (including on this forum) on the reliability of the S4/RS4. The closest I have found is consumer reports reliability ratings on the A4 which frankly were pretty weak on all but the newest couple of years. I usually keep my cars 5-8 years. Does any factual (not anecdotal) information exist?

2) I plan on test driving the car but it is hard to push this level of performance car to its limits on a test drive. How does the fun meter on the RS4 compare to fast RWD cars (i.e. M3, C5 Z06, etc)?

My budget will likely put me in an '07 with 15-20k. I am also considering a 996TT and have driven several. On those the fun meter is very high, really no weak points from a performance standpoint. If anyone tried either of these as daily drivers and thinks this is a bad idea, please let me know.

thanks!

 

All I'm wondering right now is why you don't have the NEW A4 in the USA? A new 3.2Q S-line will do fine as a DD, strange you don't have it yet.

 

I would choose a 996tt as performance, but since you have a baby and you want to drive it on snow you should pick a RS4...

 

RS4 is on a totally different level than the S4. Would be great for a daily driver if you don't mind the gas mileage and price. Back seat will be tight for a carseat but better than a porsche. You should google that Top Gear episode where they pit the RS4, M3 and C63 against each other.

 

Honestly if your looking for a sporty fast car the turbo is the way to go. However if you need real back seats and 4 doors and a decent sized boot than the RS4 is an excellent sports car substitute.

There are a lot of ex-911 drivers who have RS4's now and love them. It's AWD so it will never be slide happy like a M3 or vette, but the rear end can be pushed out and the car is super easy to drive fast which for me = fun. Getting sway bars and turning stability off will make stepping out the rear easier, but it's still awd so don't expect to drift much unless there is snow out.

Also given your in Colorado the RS4 is an excellent choice. I skied over 20 days this year and took my RS4 every time and I tell you there is no better (or faster) way to get through the snow. With Dunlop Winter Sport M3 tires the RS4 was a true champ on the road, and snow filled lots + traction/stability turned off = extra fun.