Rs4

[Blackmolley]

Hello all,

First time here.
I've been driving a Mitsubishi EVO VI the last 4 years and feel I'd need to move on. And with moving on I don't mean to find yet a quicker car than the EVO (which I think a standard RS4 is not) but to find a quick car with much more comfort.

Are there any particular things I need to have a good look at when buying a 2001 RS4 ?

thanks in advance
Rene

[docurley]

Well first off make sure it's got a service history or things could get real expensive quick.

Control arms are a issue for the B5's full stop, then have a look through this Link although it talks about the S4 the RS4 is very closely related so most of this will count as even the engines are near on the same bar turbo’s and some internals (there is more but you get the idea of it all).

Things to look out for:

1. Carpets - worn drivers side
2. Bent wheels -ok if soft, not ok if they are the hard type will cost you money
3. Clutch - can go as early as 25K. Classed as wear n tear item as far as warranty is concerned at least £1K to replace.
4. Turbos - have been known to leak oil from as little as 25K miles. Covered by warranty in most cases.
5.Easily grounded so check under belly, sumps CATs exhaust for damage.
6. Gearbox check for excessive crunching.
7. Cam belt and associated pulleys/water pump. To be replaced at 40K miles
8. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) a check performed by VAGCOM £140 piece of software and OBD lead can check for all obvious codes. Can also determine if the car is chipped by monitoring the boost pressure on a run.
9. As with the A4s the front suspension ball joints can go. They squeeke when pressing down on the front of the car. They don't typically go until 60K miles on S4s etc.
10. 4 disks n pads cost over £1K to replace. Check their condition.
11. Rear Parcel shelf mount as with all avants. The location slots can wear and squeeke. £120 per pannel 2 off.
12. Oil leaks from either turbo lines or rocker cover gaskets.
13. Tyres at least £150 per corner for a half decent tyre. A proper Audi aligment check is approx £120. A kwik fit type alignment check is a waste of money.

General checks

14. Confirm that the Chassis No. Bottom passenger side of the windscreen matches the V5 doc.
15. Check for overspray on or under the rubbers of all window and door seals. + over spray on plastic inner arches or under the rear and front bumper.
16. Check the bolts which hold the wings on for damaged paint. Can indicate replaced wings etc.
17. Check overall alignment and gaps of bonnet to wing, bonnet to lights, bumper to lights, bumper to wing door to wing.
18. Rear diff oil seals.
19. Check every single electrical item i.e. windows, central locking stereo, cruise, tailgate electric locks.

[Blackmolley]

tnx Docurley. that's giving me a good idea what to look for.