I posted in the RS4 forum a few weeks back about whether I should get a new S4 (tip) or a used RS4. The consensus seemed to be "get the RS4" but alas, I decided against the RS4, at the time, because I had never gone the used car route before and I couldn't even find what I was looking for in my price range.

Anyway, I custom ordered an S4 a few months back and the dealer said it just came in today. Coincidentally, the same dealership took an '07 Black/Black RS4 w/ 6K miles (CPO) in on Friday. Now I am faced with a decision, which do I choose?!

I love the 2008 S4 I ordered and it has everything I could have asked for. However, the RS4 is exactly what I was looking for earlier and at just over 63K, its in my price range too. I have never bought a used car before and that issue kinda bugs me, however, it's CPO and has the extended warranty and all that jazz. What would you guys do?

The car I buy has:
-to be reliable
-to be safe in the winter (I live in ohio)
-to have everyday drive-ability (40 mile daily commute-mostly highway)
*but most importantly*-it has to be fun...

If the RS4 is in your budget, this isn't really a choice.

Just because it's used? As long you get it inspected by the Audi dealer and it has warranty, then you should be fine. Anyways, 6K is really low mileage.

Purchased '07 S4 a few months ago, really love it, decided against RS4 at that time due to 2 things: addl money didn't seem worth it and I have a 10 mile daily commute. Got rid of '05 M3 to do the S4. Had no plans for new M3 V8 and thought I'd wait for the B8 RS4. For past 2 months, have been sort of sorry that I didn't go for RS4, so now after tons of research have deposit on new one. After driving it, much different car although just sitting in it, S4 looks and feels the same. RS4 a nice aggressive look without being overpowering, S4 not so, looks rather tame. For me, it's like comparing BMW regular 3 series against M3, that's why we owned 4 M3's, no regular 3's. RS4 is pretty unique and I think that's what keeps me coming back to it. Back 10 years ago when we had our first M3, you didn't see many of them and that was appealing to me.

I think I've seen that car on autotrader and it looks to be a good buy, especially if CPO'd for no additional cost. If my deal on the RS4 wasn't so good, I'd be looking at it myself.

Is 63.9K a good deal on an '07 with 6,200 miles? Thats without any negotiating, thats just a list/starting price.

but here's why I went with the S4. First, looking for a daily commuter that would be some fun. I've had two S4's previously - B5 and B6. They're terrific cars - is a new RS4 really $20K better? You have to judge that for yourself. Mainly, went with the S4 since I'm fortunate to have an '04 Porsche C4S with 2500 miles that is my weekend toy. Bought the S4 exactly as I want it - including custom color. Car is due in 3 weeks. If you really want the RS4 and you can get it for around $60K with 6K miles and CPO - I would grab it.

With the Holidays fast approaching, car sales will slow down to a crawl, especially if winter weather hits early up north. Additionally, the state of the economy and stock market woes are not helping auto sales, new or used.

I think it remains to be seen how long the 08's will stay at msrp. My local dealer wouldn't budge $1 off msrp for RS4 (yesterday), stating other parts of the country were getting premiums on top of msrp. That's not what I've seen. Consequently, I have no trouble telling them to shove it unless I have warranty issue.

I'd go with the RS4 simply because its used. I ALWAYS buy used if I can. 6k miles is really low. Check service records if you want to feel better. I'd go with the RS4 because it won't drop is price nearly as much as the S4 will...I think RS4's hold their value better overall anyways.

If you really want to go S4, buy a used one too!

for '08's: RS4 - MSRP, period. S4 - $650 > invoice.

that's why I didn't get the used RS4...I go on trips to the mountains. I can't imagine being stuck on the 395 without anything around for 30 miles in each direction. That'll cut into my riding time!

I've still yet to see another B7 since I bought mine (2 months).

Don't forget that in the US until last year the S4 <b><i>was</i></b> the "M3" of the A4 series for like 10 years.

All that aside, if you have the scratch, go for the RS4 and don't look back. Not only is it CPO, it's still factory warrantied!

put a full spare in the trunk if it's a real concern for those occasional trips

trunk space is taken up with equipment...no room in trunk for anything, let alone a 19" x 9" rim &amp; tire. not even enough room for 3 people. The trips to the mountains are 5 months out of the year. but, whatever...go with the RS4, that's what everyone here will tell you...since they are "car guys" and they themselves are chomping at the bit to own one...BUT...if you DON'T take the RS4 to a race track, then it's a waste of cash. That's what they say at the dealership.

"That's what they say at the dealership."

Are you kidding me?
If the guy that walked in the dealership right behind you stated he was interested in buying an RS4 I guarantee you it would become the greatest car ever and totally worth the "extra" cash.

"This is a race car. If you buy one and don't track it, it's a waste."

but I'm sure you're right...although they were trying to get me to buy one. Frankly, I could have gotten a used RS4 for $60K that had 20K miles on it. Luckily, I searched all the audi forums and found that guys RS4 add, and his posts.

His posts contained tons of gripes with Audi, and the fact that he's owned the car for 60 days and it's been in the shop for 40 days. There was some suspension problem the dealer couldn't figure out. All in all, I'm glad I didn't go for it.

At any rate, buying a sports car used is a bad idea IMHO. There are many areas in which you don't know what the previous owner did to the car. If it's a sports car, I would assume the guy drove it hard. It depends on how it was broken in. You just don't know. The vallet guys in LA &amp; Hollywood slam cars around all the time. Just a few things to consider James. But if that doesn't bother you then go for it!

If you really wanted to drive the car...you could pay $600 and have track time with a RS4 and a R8 for half day. You could pay $1300 and drive an R8 on the race track for a day [shrugs]

Also, my cousin has a 2003 RS6, which is an amazing car, and I'm glad he lets me drive it as much as he does. He's at 45K miles and had an issue with the front suspension. Luckily it was under warranty and he got tons of parts in the front replaced. What was the total cost if it was not under warranty? $15,000.

If you are going for the RS, you have to be willing to pay the big bucks, up front and on the back end. If money is absolutely NO OBJECT, then it should be a no brainer.

If you're asking people in the S4 forum, you are asking people that have an "inferior" car than what you are looking at. They will always tell you to go for the "better" car. The decision is ultimately yours. Look at your situation and go from there. There are lots of Audi people out there that would LOVE to own a RS4, but just can't...there are lots of people around the world that would LOVE to have a supermodel g/f, but can't...

Ca-ching! my 2 cents

though it was new and I got my RS for 6% off.