I'm thinking of picking up a preowned RS4 less than 40,000 miles in the near future. I would be using this as a daily driver. Any advice on how people enjoy the car and how it could be setup as it will see a lot of snow and MILES, I travel a lot for business. I like the stock wheels a lot and would like to use them, will all seasons be sufficient year round and in the snow seeing how it's a quattro? Any things to be aware of as a possible red flag when picking up a preowned rs4? Thanks for any advice guys.

 

The carbon build up issue is the only thing I really would watch out for since it can really be a drag on performance.

 

What would a service cost for the carbon build up or if the drc issue crops up out of warranty? Seem like potential problems if this is going to be high mileage car for me.

 

I have a 2007 RS4 as my winter daily driver. I use a 2008 BMW M3 coupe as my summer driver. Get a dedicated set of winter wheels & tires. I got mine from Tire Rack. I don't think there are 19 inch snow tires available anyway. Don't ruin your regular wheels in the winter!

 

Oh there is. I'm running 19's on the S5, big mistake. Even with the AWD the thing is a sled

 

Someone recently posted a thread with pictures that showed his engine being cleaned of all the carbon buildup. It cost in the thousands unfortunately.

 

Its probably the best all around car on the market today!

A few minor mods and its a blast!

Congrats and enjoy in good health!

 

I just picked one up myself. Best all around car I have seen yet, I was between the E55 and the RS4 but for the snow there is no replacement for Quattro. I had an Audi tech from the local dealer tell me to watch out for the clutch, make sure that it isn't to heavy. The pressure plate may be to tight from the previous owner being rough.

 

I have had different results. I am running stock size winter dunlops (255/35/19) and find the RS4 to be amazing. MN received ~12 inches in the last 2 days and I was out traveling with traction control off. Haven't found anything to slow me down yet!

 

Thanks for all the input guys, much appreciated.

 

An RS4 as a DD in the snow will be loads of fun. As said above just make sure you get the DRC and clutch checked out. If you find one replaced by coilovers then even better.

 

I have used my RS4 as a DD four the past three years and I am now wondering if i am going to keep it. My lease is up an I think I will get hosed if i want to buy it, but I have really enjoyed the car. Only problem was the sub fram bolts comming loose. I blame bad dealer craftmanship, The problem came after a service and a checking of the allignment.. Fixed amd running great, millteck full res and a custom tune From EVOMS. Cars a rocket and I will either keep this one or i would like to have a white one..

 

What is the DRC?

And while we are at it, I have to ask this question - What is the average MPG are you guys getting with this car?

-Eric

 

How can you check to see if its become a problem or not? I know a side effect would be a decrease in performance, but for someone who hasnt driven one and doesnt know a properly running motor from a carbon loaded one, how can you tell?

 

The really sucky part about the problem, as reported by various owners, is that it's very difficult to detect any performance loss by just "feeling it" because your cars loss is only about 5%-8% loss every 10,000 miles. Certainly sizable, but not sizable enough over the course of 10,000 miles of driving to recognizably catch the problem. Most owners only caught the problem after doing dynos.