B8 RS4 - what’s it like as an everyday?

kolash · Aug 29, 2020

Thinking of losing my 8V FL S3 Sportback for a B8 RS4 as want something bigger and more “special”.

What’s the B8 like as an everyday car? I’m
not so worried about running costs or fuel as I do max 5k miles a year.

Like most I have never owned a 4 litre V8 (but grin ear to ear at the thought). Reviews from the time of launch talk about how the power is all at high revs, but day to day I will not be hammering it. The S3 is great for my driving style and the odd burst. Does the B8 feel average or even sluggish at lower revs? Interested to hear from anyone that has had one for a decent amount of time.

still looking for a decent one to test drive. Most examples available now have 30-40k miles. What sort or faults or servicing issues should I be considering at this age and mileage?

cheers guys

miatang · Sep 3, 2020

Definately an engine that needs to be revved to exploit its power. I went from a S4 to the RS4 and noticed the lack of low down torque but further up the rev range well.... Saying that putting it into dynamic mode and the gearing helps to negate the lack of low down torque.

Dont get me wrong it will putter around fine on the everyday

D-Berg · Oct 18, 2020

So I just had the same thoughts you have..
Coming from a low power torque monster A6 Allroad v6 TDI I was a bit worried but decided that I’ll go for it.
Got my Suzuka grey -15 RS4 yesterday and I can confirm that lack of torque is not a big problem
The costs involved with having this as a daily will most likely be astronomical, but hey, you only live once

kolash · Oct 18, 2020

D-Berg said:
So I just had the same thoughts you have..
Coming from a low power torque monster A6 Allroad v6 TDI I was a bit worried but decided that I’ll go for it.
Got my Suzuka grey -15 RS4 yesterday and I can confirm that lack of torque is not a big problem
The costs involved with having this as a daily will most likely be astronomical, but hey, you only live once

good for you. I’ve not taken the plunge yet. Put off by running costs and going to an older car...every car I’ve ever bought has been newer than that last. Kidding myself saving for a 2018 B9!

michael A · Nov 2, 2020

Interesting, I'm looking to go to an RS4 next year and finally take a plunge. Will also be a B8. I'd love a B7 but sadly mine will also be a daily driver and I do quite alot if miles. Most been motorway. I currently have the A6 3.0l TDI 245bhp with remap so running 295bhp but of course also 680nm torque so interesting to read about the low torque. However I'm keen to know exactly how bad running costs are. I imagine round town it's a nightmare but what are they like on a motorway run. I've heard on long runs at steady 70mph they not too bad. However be keen to hear it from guys that drive these daily.
PS if running costs are stupid please lie to me as I don't want to be out off

Rab. · Nov 2, 2020

Just sold My B8.5 after 2 years of use , around town I got around 13mpg, on a good run Ave had it upto 29mpg tops but 27mpg was more the normal, This is off the DIS.. Just buy it, u only live once and u can't take money with you..

michael A · Nov 2, 2020

Ouch was hoping to hear 30mpg on a good run. Maybe a remap to get better MPG hehe if I'm honest I'm determined to get one just fingers crossed I get one in summer worst case summer after with more budget. 13mpg does make me want to cry

Rab. · Nov 3, 2020

michael A said:
Ouch was hoping to hear 30mpg on a good run. Maybe a remap to get better MPG hehe if I'm honest I'm determined to get one just fingers crossed I get one in summer worst case summer after with more budget. 13mpg does make me want to cry

Rab. · Nov 3, 2020

A APR remap gives u about 15bhp but can't see it improving MPG, Being Naturally Aspired there not great for getting more power, and a supercharger is £10k plus, other than Fuel road tax £560 year and insurance mine never cost me anything.

sy119199 · Nov 3, 2020

I've had my B8.5 for over 3 years now. Had it Carbon cleaned and remapped by MRC when I first bought it as it was only making just over 400 bhp and have never got into the high 20s on mpg. Done 2 ski trips to France and doing a steady 80/85 mph it returned maybe 23 mpg with 4 up and all our ski gear etc. I'm fortunate that I don't need to use it as a daily as can well believe consumption would be low teens around town but the enjoyment I get from it and it's all round capabilities far outweigh a few extra miles a gallon. Good luck with your search.

michael A · Nov 3, 2020

I do alot of miles. Possibly around 20k a year. I'm happy spending money on fuel and cars as it's what I enjoy however these figures are a little scary. I'm starting to think I get the Mrs her own little run about and use that for shorter trips. There's always a way around it

RGBARGEE · Nov 3, 2020

kolash said:
good for you. I’ve not taken the plunge yet. Put off by running costs and going to an older car...every car I’ve ever bought has been newer than that last. Kidding myself saving for a 2018 B9!

I can recommend the B9 RS4 . I am on my second and love the effortless performance. Not a V8 I know but the Porsche engine certainly delivers and if careful will to 30mpg on a run. Think early ones 67 plate are about £45k now.

michael A · Jan 22, 2021

I've done it, bought myself a B8. Should be collecting on Sunday providing all goes well. Will get pics up as soon as I've got it

michael A · Feb 6, 2021

Sorry for late pic. But here she is. Absolutely love it. Pretty much every Audi option I can think minus Pan roof, wasn't a deal breaker for me. Absolutely love it. Even after a few weeks I feel like an excited kid everytime I go near it. Done a few of my runs to pick the son up which is 140mile run mostly motorway, doing around 27mpg average. Town runs argh lowest I've seen is 5mpg when in dynamic and giving it some. Proud owner

kolash · Feb 6, 2021

michael A said:
Sorry for late pic. But here she is. Absolutely love it. Pretty much every Audi option I can think minus Pan roof, wasn't a deal breaker for me. Absolutely love it. Even after a few weeks I feel like an excited kid everytime I go near it. Done a few of my runs to pick the son up which is 140mile run mostly motorway, doing around 27mpg average. Town runs argh lowest I've seen is 5mpg when in dynamic and giving it some. Proud owner

lovely car, lucky man

michael A · Feb 6, 2021

kolash said:
lovely car, lucky man

Get yourself one honestly, you know you want to. Running costs ain't as bad as they sound if not booting it everywhere. It's worth it and by going older your getting the V8. I see alot if B9 owners just wishing they sounded anything like the V8 models. Only live once

goram · Jul 27, 2022

To the OP, if you're still about, just wondering how you're getting on with the RS4? A post on another thread has got me thinking as I'm in the market potentially for a V8 (if not BiTdi).

Interested in particular running costs / economy. Clearly no-one buys these cars to get all precious about economy, but I do have to balance cost of fuel given the miles I do. What can I expect to see in terms of servicing costs and fuel?

mdm83 · Apr 9, 2023

goram said:
To the OP, if you're still about, just wondering how you're getting on with the RS4? A post on another thread has got me thinking as I'm in the market potentially for a V8 (if not BiTdi).

Interested in particular running costs / economy. Clearly no-one buys these cars to get all precious about economy, but I do have to balance cost of fuel given the miles I do. What can I expect to see in terms of servicing costs and fuel?

I too would be very keen to get an update on this, I’m currently in the market for a s4/s5/rs3/c43 amg but would love the rs4. My man maths is saying 27mpg is the same running costs as my discovery 4 which wouldn’t stop me buying another discovery!

goram · Apr 9, 2023

mdm83 said:
I too would be very keen to get an update on this, I’m currently in the market for a s4/s5/rs3/c43 amg but would love the rs4. My man maths is saying 27mpg is the same running costs as my discovery 4 which wouldn’t stop me buying another discovery!

Well, I did take the plunge. Took delivery of a highish mileage RS4 6 months ago. It’s awesome! It is a thirsty ****** though - 8mpg on the school run, just about 30mpg on the motorway, and have averaged 22nd overall.

I love it!

mdm83 · Apr 9, 2023

goram said:
Well, I did take the plunge. Took delivery of a highish mileage RS4 6 months ago. It’s awesome! It is a thirsty ****** though - 8mpg on the school run, just about 30mpg on the motorway, and have averaged 22nd overall.

I love it!

Sounds like the running costs of my disco 4…….. and v- power unleaded is cheaper than v-power diesel…… just need to convince the wife now!

B8 RS4 - what’s it like as an everyday?

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