RSQ3 RSQ3 and Q3 - any common issues/faults

[S3GCN]

Hi all

As per a recent post I am likely to be getting an RSQ3, but was wondering whether there are any common issues/faults with the RSQ3/Q3.

The AMG that I have now has had a few problems so ideally I’d be looking for trouble free motoring with my next car - or at least as trouble free as motoring can be..

Is there anything it worth know about with these cars before I bite the bullet?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cosmicblue]

F3 RSQ3 - none so far, seems fully sorted. I'd test drive, 21" wheels and no adaptive dampers is going to be the solid end of firm. It is acceptable on 20" wheels, similar to the previous gen 8U.

Been out in mine today, just at the 800 mile mark and reflect that it is fabulous fun to drive whilst being easy to get in and out of - sounds great in RS1 mode too. Love it.

 

[firecracker69]

Agree! Fantastic car, love my RSQ3 at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, missing the burbles my 2019 RS5 had, and I don’t want to mess with changes due to warranty, but still sounds loud when going some! Typical filters we have nowadays.

Had a silly niggle with mine which you will see here in the forum, SOS issue, but fixed so not really an issue.

Having just come from a new BMW 330i it’s chalk and cheese! The BMW was cheap rattling plastic! Things going wrong all the time, only 3 months ownership and I’ve traded for the RSQ3. The BMW forum is full of people with multiple faults and rattles, it’s really appalling of BMW, my previous gen was great, new ones suck!

Anyway, you’ll love the RSQ3, I’m so glad to be back in a quality car!

 

[S3GCN]

Agree! Fantastic car, love my RSQ3 at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, missing the burbles my 2019 RS5 had, and I don’t want to mess with changes due to warranty, but still sounds loud when going some! Typical filters we have nowadays.

Had a silly niggle with mine which you will see here in the forum, SOS issue, but fixed so not really an issue.

Having just come from a new BMW 330i it’s chalk and cheese! The BMW was cheap rattling plastic! Things going wrong all the time, only 3 months ownership and I’ve traded for the RSQ3. The BMW forum is full of people with multiple faults and rattles, it’s really appalling of BMW, my previous gen was great, new ones suck!

Anyway, you’ll love the RSQ3, I’m so glad to be back in a quality car!

Reading reviews Audi seem to have been criticised about materials and quality with their more recent cars. I had an 8V S3 and that was great quality to me. Supposedly the new A3 has lesser materials but I have been in one to know.

The AMG I have now has felt like a step back, and the forum has loads of people with issues, many the same - repeated airbag lights, uncured rattles, tyre wear, cracked alloys. It’s a shame as I like the look of my car but the issues have put me off it a bit.

 

[cosmicblue]

I had the same worries over the interior plastics quality in the F3, picky press reports especially, received assurances that it wasn't the case in reality by 'Mike' who posted in one of the other threads which as been proven by experience. There are a lot more F3 Q3 owners over here: https://www.q3ownersclub.co.uk/forums/

 

[firecracker69]

Reading reviews Audi seem to have been criticised about materials and quality with their more recent cars. I had an 8V S3 and that was great quality to me. Supposedly the new A3 has lesser materials but I have been in one to know.

The AMG I have now has felt like a step back, and the forum has loads of people with issues, many the same - repeated airbag lights, uncured rattles, tyre wear, cracked alloys. It’s a shame as I like the look of my car but the issues have put me off it a bit.

I was tempted by the CLA45S, great sounding car and Fast!
I love the look of the interior personally but having been in a A220 it was actually filled with plastic and fingerprint gloss, so up close not as good as it first looked.
Also I hear a lot of Mercedes issues which also put me off. I know all cars have issues but certainly some more than others!

I’ve seen the reviews and YouTube videos of the Audi range, RSQ3 included. They talk about cheap plastic here and there, Carwow for starters, but then praise the bmw 3 series. Having owned both, the bmw is cheap and lacks quality and the Audi shines, so imo I can’t see how they can get it so wrong? The RSQ3 they used as well wasn’t even a high spec, so looked less exciting and aggressive than the Vorsprung or black edition versions, and didn’t review overly great imo. Not that other models aren’t good looking, but normally in a review they use high end models, in this instance it’s like they couldn’t be bothered.

As someone else said, the RSQ3 is understated and under rated imo. It’s a beast, looks awesome, quality Audi build, solid, fast, so what’s not to like!?
My RS5 felt a bit numb, but was a rocket, the RSQ3 feels as it should, the RS5 should’ve offered more for its price hike but probably on a par. Difference being the RSQ3 is a mini suv so I don’t expect it to be the most thrilling whereas the RS5 should’ve been.

All in all, drive the RSQ3 to be sure, but I think you’ll love it!
If you’re South West at all then feel free to test mine

 

[cosmicblue]

Interesting firecracker69 over your RS5 as I had a fully loaded B9 RS4 following my 1st RSQ3 and was totally underwhelmed by the experience, make no mistake it was a lovely car but not in anyway involving or with any drama attached - it just missed the point of what an RS is all about.

The RSQ3 in both 8U and the current F3 guises is bang-on for the full RS experience, sufficient performance to make the heart beat faster, fabulous sound track and needs a lot of respect to avoid something terminal.

 

[S3GCN]

I was tempted by the CLA45S, great sounding car and Fast!
I love the look of the interior personally but having been in a A220 it was actually filled with plastic and fingerprint gloss, so up close not as good as it first looked.
Also I hear a lot of Mercedes issues which also put me off. I know all cars have issues but certainly some more than others!

I’ve seen the reviews and YouTube videos of the Audi range, RSQ3 included. They talk about cheap plastic here and there, Carwow for starters, but then praise the bmw 3 series. Having owned both, the bmw is cheap and lacks quality and the Audi shines, so imo I can’t see how they can get it so wrong? The RSQ3 they used as well wasn’t even a high spec, so looked less exciting and aggressive than the Vorsprung or black edition versions, and didn’t review overly great imo. Not that other models aren’t good looking, but normally in a review they use high end models, in this instance it’s like they couldn’t be bothered.

As someone else said, the RSQ3 is understated and under rated imo. It’s a beast, looks awesome, quality Audi build, solid, fast, so what’s not to like!?
My RS5 felt a bit numb, but was a rocket, the RSQ3 feels as it should, the RS5 should’ve offered more for its price hike but probably on a par. Difference being the RSQ3 is a mini suv so I don’t expect it to be the most thrilling whereas the RS5 should’ve been.

All in all, drive the RSQ3 to be sure, but I think you’ll love it!
If you’re South West at all then feel free to test mine

First off, thanks very much for the kind offer! I’m near Manchester unfortunately, I would definitely have been tempted if I was closer to you.

The A35 I have is my first Mercedes and I’ve been underwhelmed. I’ve had C and E class courtesy cars (numerous times unfortunately) and they’ve felt sold and like I expected of a premium brand, but the A class definitely feels like a poor relation.

It’s reassuring to hear your (and cosmicblue’s) experience of owning the RSQ3 and how well built you feel it is. I have been in two minds about changing from the A35, despite its faults, but I’m looking more and more forward to my test drive next weekend now.

Unfortunately my budget only stretches to a basic RSQ3 albeit with some options - it seems fairly well specced as standard. I’m coming from a premium plus A35 with aero pack and night pack, so it the best spec with exterior black trim. Returning to elements of chrome is a bit of a shame, and to be fair part of my apprehension about getting rid of the A35 is that I think it looks mega. I couldn’t keep it beyond the end of the warranty anyway though (although that’s about 16 months away yet to be fair), as I’d be sure something expensive would be waiting to happen.

 

[cosmicblue]

I'm not a fan of black cars but this is delivery mileage only in a decent spec - not that different than mine:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new/202010054607939?sort=price-asc&keywords=sunroof&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&model=RS Q3&include-delivery-option=on&radius=1500&make=AUDI&postcode=cv346rf&year-from=2019&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

• Brake calipers painted red
• Comfort & Sound pack
• RS Sports exhaust system
• Panoramic glass sunroof

Like mine has the 20" wheels - so 255/40 20 tyres, and decent, liveable, ride quality as a result, this one has the black/red Alcantara interior too. I was a little apprehensive over the chrome trim (didn't like it on the RS4), and yet to my eyes it picks out the lines of the F3 really well and I wouldn't swap now.

This is, I'm sure, currently out of budget, however let's not forget that compact SUVs with higher than normal running costs don't exactly fly off the forecourt so going and having a serious haggle would be worth the effort.

For purely tarty reasons I wanted red brake calipers - getting that done on Monday.

 

[A3simon]

I was going to post the same car. That’s the dealer I got mine from and as mentioned they are pretty good with doing extra deals.


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[S3GCN]

I'm not a fan of black cars but this is delivery mileage only in a decent spec - not that different than mine:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new/202010054607939?sort=price-asc&keywords=sunroof&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&model=RS Q3&include-delivery-option=on&radius=1500&make=AUDI&postcode=cv346rf&year-from=2019&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

• Brake calipers painted red
• Comfort & Sound pack
• RS Sports exhaust system
• Panoramic glass sunroof

Like mine has the 20" wheels - so 255/40 20 tyres, and decent, liveable, ride quality as a result, this one has the black/red Alcantara interior too. I was a little apprehensive over the chrome trim (didn't like it on the RS4), and yet to my eyes it picks out the lines of the F3 really well and I wouldn't swap now.

This is, I'm sure, currently out of budget, however let's not forget that compact SUVs with higher than normal running costs don't exactly fly off the forecourt so going and having a serious haggle would be worth the effort.

For purely tarty reasons I wanted red brake calipers - getting that done on Monday.

Thanks for the link. I’m not sure black is the colour for me, I recon it will take more effort that I can give to keep it looking good, and the swirl marks that is undoubtedly end up with would do my head in.

As I mentioned in another post, the car I have my eye on reportedly has the following extras.

Turbo blue paint
21” wheels
Matrix headlights
Bang & Olufsen
Reversing camera
Ambient lighting
3 zone climate

As desirable as a pano roof probably is I wouldn’t use it often, and the quieter of the exhaust options is probably more suitable as I use the car for work and turning up at meetings making too much noise might be frowned on.

This attached photo is the one I’m test driving.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[S3GCN]

I'm not a fan of black cars but this is delivery mileage only in a decent spec - not that different than mine:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new/202010054607939?sort=price-asc&keywords=sunroof&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&model=RS Q3&include-delivery-option=on&radius=1500&make=AUDI&postcode=cv346rf&year-from=2019&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

• Brake calipers painted red
• Comfort & Sound pack
• RS Sports exhaust system
• Panoramic glass sunroof

Like mine has the 20" wheels - so 255/40 20 tyres, and decent, liveable, ride quality as a result, this one has the black/red Alcantara interior too. I was a little apprehensive over the chrome trim (didn't like it on the RS4), and yet to my eyes it picks out the lines of the F3 really well and I wouldn't swap now.

This is, I'm sure, currently out of budget, however let's not forget that compact SUVs with higher than normal running costs don't exactly fly off the forecourt so going and having a serious haggle would be worth the effort.

For purely tarty reasons I wanted red brake calipers - getting that done on Monday.

Out of interest, when you mention these cars not exactly flying off the forecourt, I had been wondering before about residuals. Do you think the relative rarity of these will keep them up, or will the lack of demand pull them down? Just wondering what the residuals will be like in three years or so.


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[Spike107]

Out of interest, when you mention these cars not exactly flying off the forecourt, I had been wondering before about residuals. Do you think the relative rarity of these will keep them up, or will the lack of demand pull them down? Just wondering what the residuals will be like in three years or so.


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The 8U RSQ3 had approx 900 made during its lifespan and this "limited" stock still won't stop the residuals falling imo. A lot will depend on specs of the car but as with other cars I would expect nearly half of the purchase price to have disappeared at the 3 year old mark. The car I'm driving was about a 50k car when new with all the options the previous owner had, he got about 23.5k at trade in 3.5 years later with only 11k on the clock.

I'm not sure how many F3 models are being built... Maybe the same number?
I guess Covid is making high end car purchases a "buyers" market in the current climate...
My plan is to keep my 8U which still only has 22.5k on the clock until the F3 has been around for 3 years and make the jump then when someone else has take the hit on depreciation

 

[isleaiw]

Thanks for the link. I’m not sure black is the colour for me, I recon it will take more effort that I can give to keep it looking good, and the swirl marks that is undoubtedly end up with would do my head in.

As I mentioned in another post, the car I have my eye on reportedly has the following extras.

Turbo blue paint
21” wheels
Matrix headlights
Bang & Olufsen
Reversing camera
Ambient lighting
3 zone climate

As desirable as a pano roof probably is I wouldn’t use it often, and the quieter of the exhaust options is probably more suitable as I use the car for work and turning up at meetings making too much noise might be frowned on.

This attached photo is the one I’m test driving.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That looks very good, and agree with you on spec. Never buy for what someone else wants next time, buy what you want now (within reason!)

Residuals - I reckon you need a crystal ball to have any view on residuals going forward, especially 3 or 4 years. I PCPd my RS4 to get the best deal but the intention was to move to a different form of finance after a few months. However, with the uncertainty in the market generally with Brexit and the pandemic, I am going to suck up the interest charges for now and keep the £35k residual value at 4years / 32k miles. Having paid about £64k for it it means I know my losses as long as I keep it that long...

Like you, I'm not a fan of black for the swirls!

 

[alanyork]

Ive delt with Redline many times, Good Dealer.

 

[S3GCN]

Ive delt with Redline many times, Good Dealer.

My dad bought a PFL 8V RS3 from them five or six years ago and they were OK. I px’d my VW CC against the RS3 and bought my dads 8V S3 from him. Got a good price at the time for CC. Not sure the deal is as good on the AMG I’m looking to px now to be honest.


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[isleaiw]

My dad bought a PFL 8V RS3 from them five or six years ago and they were OK. I px’d my VW CC against the RS3 and bought my dads 8V S3 from him. Got a good price at the time for CC. Not sure the deal is as good on the AMG I’m looking to px now to be honest.


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Its a tough market for them, peaks post lockdown seem to have passed and they are likely to sit on your part ex through xmas and into the new year. Presume you have done the WBAC / Evans Halshaw / whoever else checks to see the non part ex value? If condition and mileage are decent, stick it up on the site to attract trade buys and see what happens (wizzle?).

 

[alanyork]

Redline bought my 17 plate amg gla, At the time £31K,

 

[firecracker69]

Interesting firecracker69 over your RS5 as I had a fully loaded B9 RS4 following my 1st RSQ3 and was totally underwhelmed by the experience, make no mistake it was a lovely car but not in anyway involving or with any drama attached - it just missed the point of what an RS is all about.

The RSQ3 in both 8U and the current F3 guises is bang-on for the full RS experience, sufficient performance to make the heart beat faster, fabulous sound track and needs a lot of respect to avoid something terminal.

Maybe lost in translation.
The point was, the RS5 at £72k should have offered a very exciting experience. It was basically my S5 (but a lot nicer looking) but a lot faster which wasn’t worth the huge uplift! The power and sound I loved, but was almost boring (for its price) after a few weeks, I don’t know what I expected, maybe I just got used to it?

The RSQ3 at its price is about right. It’s not setting my world on absolute fire, but for the price I wouldn’t say boring. It is a beast, I love driving it, and it’s worth the money by comparison.
So back to the point of price vs expectation imo is right for the RSQ3 and not for the RS5. Not saying the RSQ3 is numb at all, but it matches what I expected - fast, not going to be agile like others as bigger, and drives as I expect an SUV to drive for the RS.

I don’t trust it as much in corners as the RS5 but people will love that, gives the thrill factor of knowing the limits, the RS5 I was probably over confident as it didn’t move which no doubt could explain why I felt it was a little boring? That’s not saying it’s not good in corners, it is amazing, BUT....... Exactly like you say, the RSQ3 needs respect!

 

[cosmicblue]

Out of interest, when you mention these cars not exactly flying off the forecourt, I had been wondering before about residuals. Do you think the relative rarity of these will keep them up, or will the lack of demand pull them down? Just wondering what the residuals will be like in three years or so. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ahhh, RSQ3 residual values from new, have historically, been horrendous. We need to be fully eyes wide open here:

1) The market for ultra-high performance SUVs is small, with high running costs and a voracious appetite for 98+ limits the appeal to enthusiast type owners, school run wagons these are not.

2) It's always been a niche car, as Spike107 has already said Audi don't sell many, odd given what a cracking car they are to own.

3) The first RSQ3 I bought was 9 months old with 3,000 miles on the clock and I paid (Audi Southend) £17,000 less than it's OTR. Depreciation is an issue!

4) In your case here there is a further 'known unknown' as it is an 'Introductory Volume' car, has a specification that's never been possible to order - there are three Standard/Sports Edition/Vorsprung, and these cars are none of those. Will it adversely effect the value still further 3 years later - your guess is as good as mine.

Sorry to sound negative but now's the time to be realistic.

 

[firecracker69]

Thanks for the link. I’m not sure black is the colour for me, I recon it will take more effort that I can give to keep it looking good, and the swirl marks that is undoubtedly end up with would do my head in.

As I mentioned in another post, the car I have my eye on reportedly has the following extras.

Turbo blue paint
21” wheels
Matrix headlights
Bang & Olufsen
Reversing camera
Ambient lighting
3 zone climate

As desirable as a pano roof probably is I wouldn’t use it often, and the quieter of the exhaust options is probably more suitable as I use the car for work and turning up at meetings making too much noise might be frowned on.

This attached photo is the one I’m test driving.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks nice mate! Love the wheels (really not a fan of mine).

Personally I agree, black isn’t for me either (although green is a bit marmite lol) however we all have our own taste and preferences - hence choice!

Personally, although rarely used I do love a pano roof and it’s a must for me, same as the sports exhaust. You don’t buy an RS and not want it to sound like an RS imo, and don’t forget it’s only louder at certain revs and depending on settings.
HOWEVER - If the choice isn’t there or budget then you get what’s right for YOU!
The spec on this is good, if you’re happy with that then I hope it all goes well!

I work a lot around Manchester, perhaps after you exit Tier 3; although you’ll have one by then..... hopefully!

 

[A3simon]

Thanks for the link. I’m not sure black is the colour for me, I recon it will take more effort that I can give to keep it looking good, and the swirl marks that is undoubtedly end up with would do my head in.

As I mentioned in another post, the car I have my eye on reportedly has the following extras.

Turbo blue paint
21” wheels
Matrix headlights
Bang & Olufsen
Reversing camera
Ambient lighting
3 zone climate

As desirable as a pano roof probably is I wouldn’t use it often, and the quieter of the exhaust options is probably more suitable as I use the car for work and turning up at meetings making too much noise might be frowned on.

This attached photo is the one I’m test driving.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks like a similar spec to the one I test drove in December last year.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[S3GCN]

Its a tough market for them, peaks post lockdown seem to have passed and they are likely to sit on your part ex through xmas and into the new year. Presume you have done the WBAC / Evans Halshaw / whoever else checks to see the non part ex value? If condition and mileage are decent, stick it up on the site to attract trade buys and see what happens (wizzle?).

I haven’t tried WBAC or Evans Halshaw, just Redline’s px price. Perhaps I was overestimating what mine would be worth. Someone on the AMG forum I’m on has just sold his A35 which was same as mine but 6 months older for £500 more than I’ve been offered so maybe the px figure from redline isn’t too bad.

The other thing is the convenience of px’ing rather than paying off the remaining finance and stuff with a ‘private’ sale.

I might try WBAC for a laugh.


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[AllanG]

Have you contacted Prestige Performance (Yorkshire) Cars, who are forum sponsors, as they recently bought my Q5, and the transaction was very smooth and professional

 

[isleaiw]

I haven’t tried WBAC or Evans Halshaw, just Redline’s px price. Perhaps I was overestimating what mine would be worth. Someone on the AMG forum I’m on has just sold his A35 which was same as mine but 6 months older for £500 more than I’ve been offered so maybe the px figure from redline isn’t too bad.

The other thing is the convenience of px’ing rather than paying off the remaining finance and stuff with a ‘private’ sale.

I might try WBAC for a laugh.


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I sold my M5 to a well known dealer group and got more than I expected. WBAC also offered more than the dealer did (for the car i was first looking at) - dealers like to make the most of the convenience to their advantage....

If you sell in trade they settle finance and give you whats left. If the guy on the forum sold his a few weeks ago then prices have softened as the post lockdown boom ends... according to WBAC my M5 has fallen more than 5% in 6 weeks....

 

[S3GCN]

Have you contacted Prestige Performance (Yorkshire) Cars, who are forum sponsors, as they recently bought my Q5, and the transaction was very smooth and professional

I haven’t no. I might have a bit of a hunt round for px prices this week before the test drive. I tried Evans Halshaw and their price was a joke. Redline told me that the spec of my car wasn’t on whatever database dealers use to obtain spec so they didn’t know it had aero pack and night pack which was over £4K of options. If the exact spec for the car isn’t available to dealers it may explain lower offers than I was expecting.


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[firecracker69]

I haven’t no. I might have a bit of a hunt round for px prices this week before the test drive. I tried Evans Halshaw and their price was a joke. Redline told me that the spec of my car wasn’t on whatever database dealers use to obtain spec so they didn’t know it had aero pack and night pack which was over £4K of options. If the exact spec for the car isn’t available to dealers it may explain lower offers than I was expecting.


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How much do you think yours is worth vs the offering?
Sadly remember packs don’t always fetch more..... they add saleability not always value.

I took a £6k hit on my BMW in 3 months, just the way it is at the moment, seems px isn’t as strong as it was..... like a lose lose situation, they offer less to buy cars but still seem to charge a premium to buy!

Funnily enough, same as packs / extras! A dealer said to me “Your m-sport plus, tech pack advanced” doesn’t add any value, which I replied “so why is your Vorsprung £5k more than other RS equivalents” to which he replied “because it’s the top model with all the extras”!!

Go figure

 

[alanyork]

Thats so true firecracker.

 

[RGBARGEE]

Several thoughts.

loved my 2016 RS3 and currently in my second B9 RS4 which is superb. we had a Q3 SB 45 Vorsprung for 4 months to replace an S3 daily driver. Q3 was as boring as hell, hated dash and handling on 20in rolled and bounced like a *it on a trampoline. Plastic finish too. Not convinced the RS will be significantly different. Why do you need an SUV would be my challenge?
also ... swirls on Black paint!? Mythos Black has a clear lacquer coat and no swirls, easy to care for and looks stunning!! All views expressed are personal but based on experience!!

 

[NWHighlander]

I'd agree the interior plastics are probably not up to keeping with the overall finish of the car, in fact I think my 68 plate Black Edition 184 had a more acceptable interior finish, I expected a higher standard than my previous Q3. That said, one of the reasons I bought the RS was because I'm an old codger with bad hips, the seat height and position makes it an easy car to enter , leave and control, it is very comfortable and goes relatively quickly; fuel consumption was not a consideration. As with most things in life individual taste comes into the selection process, everyone to their own. Since March I've driven 5.7k miles, the car is now on SORN until Apr, and I like it. My major criticism would be that the ride is a bit on the harsh side with the standard suspension when negotiating what are called roads up here. Otherwise I find it fills the bill, it's not a 'forever' car, I'll change it on 2 years which is my routine for cars which maybe explains my acceptance of it's foibles.

Mike

 

[RGBARGEE]

I'd agree the interior plastics are probably not up to keeping with the overall finish of the car, in fact I think my 68 plate Black Edition 184 had a more acceptable interior finish, I expected a higher standard than my previous Q3. That said, one of the reasons I bought the RS was because I'm an old codger with bad hips, the seat height and position makes it an easy car to enter , leave and control, it is very comfortable and goes relatively quickly; fuel consumption was not a consideration. As with most things in life individual taste comes into the selection process, everyone to their own. Since March I've driven 5.7k miles, the car is now on SORN until Apr, and I like it. My major criticism would be that the ride is a bit on the harsh side with the standard suspension when negotiating what are called roads up here. Otherwise I find it fills the bill, it's not a 'forever' car, I'll change it on 2 years which is my routine for cars which maybe explains my acceptance of it's foibles.

Mike

Absolutely Mike. I do think the finish is a big let down in newer Audis and they feel less 'special' than earlier ones. My wife also has hip problems and actually finds she is more comfortable in a TT than an SUV. Easier to get into and more comfortable when in. Getting out requires a bit more effort but at least she didn't fall out like a friend's wife did recently from a LR Discovery.
It is indeed personal choice but I'm not convinced about the theory that SUV's are better for 'old codgers'..

 

[RGBARGEE]

How much do you think yours is worth vs the offering?
Sadly remember packs don’t always fetch more..... they add saleability not always value.

I took a £6k hit on my BMW in 3 months, just the way it is at the moment, seems px isn’t as strong as it was..... like a lose lose situation, they offer less to buy cars but still seem to charge a premium to buy!

Funnily enough, same as packs / extras! A dealer said to me “Your m-sport plus, tech pack advanced” doesn’t add any value, which I replied “so why is your Vorsprung £5k more than other RS equivalents” to which he replied “because it’s the top model with all the extras”!!

Go figure

Simples.. Residual values are based on the List price of a car. Not list price plus extras. The value of a Vorsprung will always be more than an S line with extras, even if those extras brought it to Vorsprung spec and price. Sline £40k + 10k extras may be worth £20k in 3/4 years whereas a Vorsprung at say £50k will be worth circa £25k.

 

[cosmicblue]

The ease of access into an SUV is preferable @ 63 than dropping into a low seat as was the RS4 - it's personal choice. The interior material quality of the RS4 is better than the F3 RSQ3, balanced against the tech in the B9, specifically the MMI user interface which was counter-intuitive to me and much improved in the F3 and it looks like the B9.5 has benefitted too.

A B9.5 RS4 with the 2.5 characterful RS engine would be a peach of a car....won't happen though sadly.

 

[RGBARGEE]

The ease of access into an SUV is preferable @ 63 than dropping into a low seat as was the RS4 - it's personal choice. The interior material quality of the RS4 is better than the F3 RSQ3, balanced against the tech in the B9, specifically the MMI user interface which was counter-intuitive to me and much improved in the F3 and it looks like the B9.5 has benefitted too.

A B9.5 RS4 with the 2.5 characterful RS engine would be a peach of a car....won't happen though sadly.

Nothing to do with age! I am older than you by the way!! I do understand the hip issue but several folks I have spoken to reckon it's a myth that an SUV is better for older aching bodies. Once in a TT, RS3 or RS4 type of vehicle you really can't complain and the RS4 massage function seats are really great.

The 5 pot 2.5 is a lovely engine but actually the 3.0V6 Porsche shared engine in the B9 is fine too. Sadly there is already a B9.5 with the same engine but messed about with touch screens, My 2 RS4 have been an 18 plate and a 69 plate which like the PFL RS3 are likely to be the sweet spots in the range.

 

[isleaiw]

Nothing to do with age! I am older than you by the way!! I do understand the hip issue but several folks I have spoken to reckon it's a myth that an SUV is better for older aching bodies. Once in a TT, RS3 or RS4 type of vehicle you really can't complain and the RS4 massage function seats are really great.

The 5 pot 2.5 is a lovely engine but actually the 3.0V6 Porsche shared engine in the B9 is fine too. Sadly there is already a B9.5 with the same engine but messed about with touch screens, My 2 RS4 have been an 18 plate and a 69 plate which like the PFL RS3 are likely to be the sweet spots in the range.

I'd agree with the comment on the engine, this V6 really does seem a great engine.

Before I got mine I would have agreed about the touchscreen but now I have it I am finding it easy to use when stationary (such as sat nav entry where touch screen is preferable to constant twirling of the wheel!) and I am using voice commands whilst driving for the few things I need to do on the move.....

My Mum preferred the SQ5 to the RS4, but prefers the RS4 to my brothers proper tonka toy off roader as that is too far up!

 

[RGBARGEE]

I'd agree with the comment on the engine, this V6 really does seem a great engine.

Before I got mine I would have agreed about the touchscreen but now I have it I am finding it easy to use when stationary (such as sat nav entry where touch screen is preferable to constant twirling of the wheel!) and I am using voice commands whilst driving for the few things I need to do on the move.....

My Mum preferred the SQ5 to the RS4, but prefers the RS4 to my brothers proper tonka toy off roader as that is too far up!

When stationary a touch screen is fine, bit like an iPhone/iPad, but when on the move touch screen really is impossible to use safely imo.
The RS4 engine is a peach and in the current Classic Car magazine is billed on the inside rear page as a future classic. I have to agree.

 

[isleaiw]

When stationary a touch screen is fine, bit like an iPhone/iPad, but when on the move touch screen really is impossible to use safely imo.
The RS4 engine is a peach and in the current Classic Car magazine is billed on the inside rear page as a future classic. I have to agree.View attachment 213116

Thanks for that. I'd agree with everything - it is all you really need and the size is just right. 444bhp is also enough - I dont think I have ever yet missed the 600ps in the M5.

On touch screens, we will have to embrace them, they are coming to everything because they are cheaper to buy, look nice when in and the younger generation know nothing else. Thankfully, Alexa is also inspiring the use of voice commands - which work well in the Audi (although I have to remember to pronounce my H to avoid getting Alan (my boss) when I want Helen (a friend!).....

 

[cosmicblue]

Yeah would agree that trying to use the later MMI UI on the move is hard/downright dangerous and with firm suspension a definite hit'n miss affair.

Voice command is the way to go, especially for navigation instructions has been steadily improved and now in it's F3 incarnation (probably seems to have enhanced 'fuzzy logic' in that its able to pick specific words out of the verbal instruction and 'best guess', ranked in order of probability - it is uncannily accurate.

Sadly nothing in the printed press is worth the paper it's written on as the journalists don't get invites to the next big launch. They could print them on soft tissue and then at least it would have a use. As an example that above article writes of exhaust noise - you have a B9 RS4 with a Sports Exhaust? Loud? It's a muted affair...a case of 'is that it?' when you own one. Most likely the Journo took the Audi Press Pack and wrote the copy straight from that.... Cynical. Yup.

 

[isleaiw]

Yeah would agree that trying to use the later MMI UI on the move is hard/downright dangerous and with firm suspension a definite hit'n miss affair.

Voice command is the way to go, especially for navigation instructions has been steadily improved and now in it's F3 incarnation (probably seems to have enhanced 'fuzzy logic' in that its able to pick specific words out of the verbal instruction and 'best guess', ranked in order of probability - it is uncannily accurate.

Sadly nothing in the printed press is worth the paper it's written on as the journalists don't get invites to the next big launch. They could print them on soft tissue and then at least it would have a use. As an example that above article writes of exhaust noise - you have a B9 RS4 with a Sports Exhaust? Loud? It's a muted affair...a case of 'is that it?' when you own one. Most likely the Journo took the Audi Press Pack and wrote the copy straight from that.... Cynical. Yup.

I guess its all relative when it comes to noise. I don't think it is loud, but my Mum does when I start it on her drive! Its not as loud as the M5 - although owners complain they are muted now! - but I couldn't drive that in sport mode as the ****** overrun pops were embarrassing...... I think the exhaust is enough to know its not a cooking version without drawing unnecessary attention - low profile, discrete progress is my aim!

for voice commands for sat nav, are you using an address or postcode?

 

[RGBARGEE]

Thanks for that. I'd agree with everything - it is all you really need and the size is just right. 444bhp is also enough - I dont think I have ever yet missed the 600ps in the M5.

On touch screens, we will have to embrace them, they are coming to everything because they are cheaper to buy, look nice when in and the younger generation know nothing else. Thankfully, Alexa is also inspiring the use of voice commands - which work well in the Audi (although I have to remember to pronounce my H to avoid getting Alan (my boss) when I want Helen (a friend!).....

Yes indeed, when ‘talking’ to my daughter in messages we usually put an x or xx at the end of a message. Need to be very careful.. see you in 10 minutes x can become see you in 10 minutes sex.... fortunately the message played back first!!