Both cars are black/black 2007 RS4s with navigation, carbon trim.
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Car 1 - Still in negotiations but price is nearing mid 40s with 24k miles. It has a small curb rash on the chin spoiler about 2 inches long. The previous owner (traded for a GTR) installed a front/rear radar detection system.

The biggest pro for Car 1 is buying the cheaper car and use the savings to supplement an extended warranty. The con is the unknown installation quality of the radar system.
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Car 2 - high 50s with 17k miles. All stock.

The biggest pro is all stock and fewer miles means approximately 6months of warranty depending on inservice dates.
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Regarding the RS4, my thoughts are on overall problems of going to and from the dealership for little things failing. My 02 S4 was like that and it got old. My greatest concern is buying an expensive car and having problems with the DRC that are not covered by Audi by declaring it a wear and tear item. I do not want to spend 4-6k on a Stasis/Ohlins suspension although I do like to go to the track often.

What are your thoughts/comments/suggestions re: car and anxiety?

TIA

<ul><li><a href="http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&amp;car_id=253798375&amp;dealer_id=38470175&amp;c ar_year=2007&amp;model=RS4&amp;num_records=25&amp;systime=&amp;mak e2=&amp;highlightFirstMakeModel=&amp;start_year=1996&amp;keywo rdsfyc=&amp;k

<ul><li><a href="http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&amp;car_id=252344733&amp;dealer_id=3078621&amp;ca r_year=2007&amp;num_records=25&amp;model=RS4&amp;systime=&amp;make 2=&amp;highlightFirstMakeModel=&amp;start_year=1996&amp;engine =&amp;keyword

and go from there. Should be able to get a good feel for their stance on their DRC policy.

I'd opt for Car 2, esp if it's under $50k now. You are paying about $5k more for an unmolsted RS4 with 7,000 less miles. Pull the trigger!

The DRC should not be a detractor. There have been folks that have had a real pain, but the vast majority of cars are getting on fine.

And if you drive a Stasis car, you will probably change your mind about the suspensions anyway. Sorry, I am still honeymooning with my new suspension (MS, under 4k).

I'd tell you to get a Tubi too, but I digress...

The post was from someone who races a red A/S/RS4. From what I read the SLs are best for street only.

It's a more reasonable option although I don't mind spending the MS suspension it's just an aversion on such a new car with warranty.

Whatever car I choose local or otherwise I get a PPI.

Regarding the PPI the shop mentioned full PPI would include looking at the computer codes, DRC and damage.

Saving 4k sounds pretty good.

These are both pretty early production models, VIN 00101 &amp; 00361. These are the "a" verion or launch vehicles, some of which had a clutch hose issue - you might want to check if that TSB has been taken care of. Other mostly minor differences between early and late MY'07 production. Also, according to Sparkhill's RS4 registry, #361 was previously on E-Bay at 2514 miles.

As we have discussed, you will love the car - just make sure you don't get someone else's problem.

Good luck w/ your decision, Bob

cover the DRC for 4 years and if they have prior experience replacing the shocks and central valves.

Honestly are you racing your RS4 on the track in a RACE club? Are you competing for cash, status, women etc? No. You are taking it to driving schools. There are no points for first place, no money nothing.

The SLs will be fine. Seriously...step back and think about what you just said. "SLs are not good enough for track use" Come on.

In any case the SLs are fine for the track too.

If you do want a lighter and better suspension with a lot more adjustability and you are able/willing to spend more money to purchase them then yes the MS kit is the cream of the crop and is superior to the SL kit but certainly not a must for everyday driving and occasional tracking.

The only place the stock may be superior is on the road IF you like a bit more supple ride.

Are they the best out there? No, the MS is better. But I would rather run Bilstein PSS9s on the track than the stock suspension. Stock is a great road suspension, but any dedicated coilover kit will be superior on track IMO.

The KW V3's are slightly cheaper and they seem to be trouble free according to our Euro breathren who have been using them for almost two years now. On other cars that have had KW issues, KW has replaced the shocks no questions asked. I just put my order in a couple of weeks ago. MGH

Stasis is $2500 and $300 install most places.

So if spending $2700-3000 after you buy the car isn't for you.... then stay with the S4... spending 3K in addition to the entry price of the RS4 is well worh it in my book.

....the SL's make the car ride so much better it's freakish.

10-15 meals cost you $3000? WTF fatass!

haha just kidding!

built for comfort not for speed.

at least mine is being replaced for free (on Tuesday). Course... It will probably not be the last time.

Not enough compression on the spring when the car gets unweighted with the perches in too low a position. The entire spring is essentially a little loose, hence the clunking

The car needs to be lower anyway to make it look beter why not drive better as well.

that installed them couldn't diagnose the source. I took them out myself and found that the top mounting stud was hitting the inner fender well when the strut was compressed. The rubber isolation mount would compress enough to allow the stud to hit the metal. There's a clearly visible gouge in the metal where it's been hitting. I called Stasis and they said they modified the stud for the newer units and they mailed me a shorter set with a lower profile top lock nut. It made a significant improvement but there is still some clunking. Maybe I had two sources and only fixed one? I've got the fronts at 25.5 inches.

they were installed in May (5,000 miles ago)

everyone here prays to the Stasis gods, and maybe rightfully so, but I wonder how these two set-ups really compare

While I started evaluating the S4 market, I noticed the RS4 market quickly catching the 2007 S4 cars in terms of cost. Are dealerships aggressively negotiating with these cars so they can move them "quickly" or do you have to enter with a ridiculously low number? It is also interesting to see a large range of asking prices for these cars. I'm sure each seller is truly trying to capitalize on any additional profit but is it "typical" for these cars to go for $5K, $10K + off their asking price for a used model?

While I've driven the S4 on several occassions, is the RS4 that much "different" to warrant the $20K plus premium as "new"? This appears to be a great time to buy a late model RS4. The RS4 is an extremely unique car and I may be in a position to afford either model (S4/RS4). I like the exclusivity of the both models...is the RS4 worth the additional time and investment (I'm sure there are a few biased folks, here)?

Thanks,

JR