Audi RS4 Review (2000 to 2002)

Quick Summary

The Audi RS4 was a lot of car for the money when new, and despite its meagre depreciation, it's an even bigger bargain used. For peace of mind, if nothing else, many owners will change the wheels and it's worth upgrading the brakes if you're looking to boost ultimate capability. The experience of catapulting an RS4 off the line is worth the price of admission alone. Get saving.

Overall:

Models Covered: RS4 – 2000-2002

A FOUR MOTIVE EXPERIENCE

The fastest production estate car in the world. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? The Audi RS4 was a car that would leave a McLaren F1 floundering in its wake from the lights yet could still carry a family of five and their luggage up a snowy pass. The ultimate driving machine? No. With too many flaws in its dynamic makeup, the RS4 never garnered widespread critical acclaim, but as used examples trickle onto the market it is becoming an interesting and supremely practical way to paddle supercar behind without losing your shirt.
Used Audi RS4 for sale

History of the RS4

Built by Quattro GmBH in Neckarsulm at a factory quite separate from the common-or-garden Ingolstadt Audis, the RS4 was the spiritual successor to the 315bhp RS2, a car that was developed as much by Porsche as by Audi and had been a minor hit in the early nineties. With 380bhp at its disposal from a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6, the RS4 majored in brute force. It was introduced in early 2000 to a disbelieving general public who soon realised that here was a car that was quicker than a Porsche 911 for £13,000 less and which could act as something more than an extravagant plaything.The RS4 sold well, but was later dogged by accusations that the alloy wheels could distort, leading to potentially dangerous blowouts. Audi UK even staged an event in October 2001 at Millbrook test track where an RS4 was driven at high speed over concrete blocks without the wheels failing and went to the effort of offering alternate rims for anybody not satisfied with the results of the demo. Sales of the limited run RS4 finally ended in early 2002.
Used Audi RS4 for sale

Audi RS4 Road Test

The RS4 is all engine. OK, so it's basically the same Bi-turbo 2.7 litre V6 used by the S4, but an extended visit to Audi-owned Cosworth Technology has changed it almost out of all recognition. The four-cam V6's 141 bhp per litre figure is claimed by Ingolstadt to be the highest for any production engine. Though its roots lie in the old RS2's 315 bhp in-line five cylinder engine, this powerplant is a work of art in its own right. The crankshaft, conrods, block and pistons have all been reworked, while bigger KKK K04 turbos replace the smaller K03 units used on the S4. As a result, maximum turbo boost is up from 1.9 to 2.2bar.This is an engine that provides an immensely usable spread of power. Astonishing torque figures promise instant acceleration at any time in any gear. Even at 120mph, you can expect the car to surge forward as if drawn towards the horizon by a powerful magnet. That 155 mph top speed is artificial by the way. Owners report achieving 165 mph and without interference, over 180 mph would be easy. 60mph is a mere 4.7 seconds away.You can't simply add this much extra power without changing the steering and brakes. Hence the new hydraulic pump for the power steering and those huge ventilated disc brakes mentioned earlier. Would that equal effort had been expended on the gearbox: as with the S4, this is one of the most disappointing parts of the car, with a lifeless feel to the change and a long travel across the gate. According to Audi's technical people, the engine develops so much torque that they couldn't find an automatic gearbox capable of taking it. This is one reason for a slightly heavy clutch which, for the uninitiated, can make the change from 1st gear to 2nd somewhat jerky. You certainly don't feel like flicking up and down the 'box for the sake of it. Handling is super secure, the RS4 unwilling to play fast and loose, but at the same time there's that characteristic Audi feeling of deadness in the steering and little feedback transmits back through the chassis. Despite its leviathan pace, the RS4 isn't as much fun as an E46 series BMW M3. But then it is an estate…
Used Audi RS4 for sale

Buying an Audi RS4

Despite Audi's protests to the contrary, many owners have discovered wheels slightly out of alignment, so a pre-purchase check may be required. Hard driving also shows up a weakness in the braking system, with track use warping the brake discs. This will manifest itself in a juddering of the pedal under braking, much as if the ABS has cut in. Check the tyres for wear as these will be costly. Otherwise, the impeccably screwed together RS4 should be a less temperamental partner than any other 170mph vehicle you can imagine.
Used Audi RS4 for sale

Audi RS4 Typical Pricing

Prices start at £20,000 for a 2000V plated RS4 rising to around £28,000 for the last of the early 2002 cars. Insurance is Group 20.
Used Audi RS4 for sale

Audi RS4 Parts

(approx based on an 2001 RS4) A clutch assembly kit will be around £225 and an alternator should be close to £175 and a radiator around £180.Front brake pads are around £70, rear brake pads will be £45, and a starter motor close to £165.
Used Audi RS4 for sale