Why You Should (and SHOULDN'T) Buy a B7 RS4 

I bought my 07 RS4 in October 2012 and am the second owner. I had a fuel pump replaced and a valve cover during my ownership. Other than that I've just done the regular maintenance, oil changes etc. I did replace the rear brakes and will replace the front brakes over the next year. I bought the brakes from FCP Euro for far less than the dealer would have charged. I recently had a carbon cleaning done. It's been a beautiful car to drive and very reliable. I would like to replace the door blades because one of them is starting to bulge out a bit. So far I have been unable to find any which is pretty frustrating. So, I can relate to the comment that parts can be difficult to find for these cars.

I like how this vid came out the same day my rs4 got delivered 😂

I’ve owned my rs4 for about 3.5 months. And although it’s been a pain in the ass , it’s pretty dialed now and I don’t think I’ve owned or driven such more raw feeling car. Will never sell

“Barefoot Eli, the IgnitionTUBE guy” 🤣🤣

I agree about the emotion of the RS4 versus the B8 S4. I went directly from the RS4 to the S4. I was excited every time I went to drive the RS. The sound, the gearbox, the look, the steering feel are all amazing. I bought it as a CPO car back in 2008 so did not really experience the expensive RS4 maintenance (other than a $3k brake job). I sold it after a few years and bought a new S4 so my wife could drive it (DSG). The S4 had no soul. It was quick, steering feel and handling were good, the DSG was impressive, the sound was ok, but I always felts like I was driving a regular V6 A4 with the performance turned up 25%. It just wasn’t a special car. I sold the car after 18 months.

I've also had 2 s4,s and no waaaaay would I choose over rs4 this car is pricless ! it's iconic

I am a seasoned tech and these cars are challenging lol. Fabulous car though. Totally worth owning.

As a C5 RS6 owner, I feel called out. On the other hand, you’re absolutely right. These older RS cars aren’t daily drivers at all. Great 3rd cars especially if you have to let them sit for awhile while you slowly wrench on them as an amateur DIYer

You're absolutely right. I thought about it long and hard and ended up buying a B8 S4 for the reasons you explained, even though I do all the wrenching and have other vehicles, in my case, is the hassle and the lack of time required. Another one that have my attention is a S6 V10.

The B7 S4 and RS4 are Mechanics cars. They are beasts and when regularly maintained and have a Full timing service at the 100k mark. Many of the simple flaws have been discovered. And have easy fixes. If you are a true car guy and truly turn your own wrenches. And have a lift. Owning and servicing is easy. He is literally complaining about normal stuff that goes bad. This car is a specific fine wine for a mechanic driver. Any car you could own could have these same problems. It's designed to drop the engine out and/ or removing the front clip depending on the problem. That is why it's such a high bill any time anything large goes wrong.

Great video explaining not only the RS4 but also other "rare" cars of that era like the Golf R32

Great video, thanks, I own an NZ B7 RS4 avant and couldn't agree more, it's not slow but not crazy fast either but really satisfying. The steering as you say, really stand outs. I gave it a hard flick left/right/left/right a couple of weeks ago after replacing the sway bar links on the C5 allroad V8 (had that engine hanging on a string within a week of buying it, obviously!) and I'm still in shock. I gave it ALLROAD steering inputs, and it changed direction like a kid grabbing a model car and turning it 20 degrees left then back the other way as fast as they could. Uneventful yet violent. I'm in love with it. I know it'll bankrupt me one day but marriage does that too and I'm determined to stay single so... "B7 RS4, do you take this idiot to be your lawful wedded driver, to yadda yadda..."

Well said Eli, and I agree with you. Enjoy the experience with the RS4.

I have the A4 b7 but a RS4 would be a dream and in Germany it is easier to get some Parts especially over the Audi dealer

Great video

B8-8.5 S4 is where it's at. The 3.0T is super reliable and makes a bunch of power with just a few upgrades. I recently got into a 2012 S4 Fluffy Edition (aka A6) with just a stage 1 tune and it's about as quick as I could ask a 4100lb car to be for under the $19,000 I paid for it and the tune.

Thanks Eli, great comments and it is good to hear how emotive you are towards this car. I've had mine for 4 years now and I have had very little issue with it only thing I have had to replace other than consumables has been a front CV. I daily'd (4 days a week) mine for the first couple of years but now it comes out once a week. My experience has been pretty great - IMO from my expereince the B7 RS4 is truly well engineered and feels like it was sculptured from granite - it just feels solid. Just thought of another issue and that is the wheels - due to the poor state of roads in much of Oz I'm going to have to shell out for new rims soon as the OEM rims just do not flex and even though I run high pressures 43psi I have had to repair micro fractures in the rims.

Im considering the same, only for the b8.5 rs5. Also a dying breed cause of the v8 that isnt used anymore. Not the same car offc but in my opinion something very special aswell.

Well said!!!... Thanks 👏🏽🙏🏽

Had a B6 S4 that was JHM modded very close to RS4 performance. I'm a pretty good tech so I would pick up one of these. There's just something special about a B7 RS4

These older RS cars aren't daily drivers anymore, but when you fancy going for a nice drive and just enjoy the occasion, get a B7 RS4 ;) The road feedback, handling, balance, lovely feeling MANUAL shift and peach of an engine makes this the best RS car out there IMO. I don't daily mine, I'd like maybe a B8 or C7 for that but can't afford both at the moment!

Would not buy for one reason - my modified C6 Le Mans is bigger, faster, better on fuel, easier to maintain and cheaper to insure (took me ages to find one, bought when only 2 were available in the entire country out of a total 51). That said, I do have a neat and clear advantage that I can order all my parts from Germany, and have access to overall the European market without having to pay American export duty. 6:50 then I fully agree, the B7 RS4 has that magic, and the looks - it is my favourite 4 by far, even if the next generations are faster.

with the known issues, you know what your buying. But to say the newer cars come with less problems I think Is false. You'll never get another NA v8 for one and for two, You just bought it with about 200k miles lol, I don't see ANY turbo engine making it to these numbers besides a turbo diesel. NA will last so Much longer. Also nobody is telling you to keep up with the same shit it came from the factory. Like you said unless you are hitting it hard you don't need 2k brake kits you don't need stock coolant lines. Most Hose shops around can make you specifically what you need to replace vac lines and coolant lines. I think there is a way around most of this stuff. Biggest problem you'll have is keeping it maintained right and at the correct times give or take. Get rid of the DRC and get Coilovers, switch tires to Michelin SS tires. JHM supplies a lot and if not you could always call and ask if they could revamp a part for you. I think this car is worth it allllll day!

@~5:24 you said that the S4 would run circles around the RS4 in most situations, if not all situations. Did you mean performance wise or just reliability? If performance, is that an S4 w/full bolt on etc?

HELLO THANKS FOR THE VIDEO I BOUGHT AN RS4 B8 AVANT AND IT IS AMAZING, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW IT IS COMPARED TO A B7, THEY ARE EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN BUT THERE IS NO BETTER FEELING THAN THESE V8s, the V6s do not have a wing

Oh shit. Eli did u buy the rs4 b7?. Ive always had plans later on to pickup a b7 rs4 then twin turbo it.. its going to come down to preference. I like it because its probably the last model that was still mechanical before they went every dsg etc

I saw a old asian women in Amherst with a blue 6 speed one

Eli I also have a real rare acura tl 06 aspec manual with rolled fenders and 20 inch vossens it awsome so rs4 tl summer cars and acura tsx all year round iam single no kids and own 3 sedans funny eh :-)

please get a b5 s4 that series would be so awesome

Picked up mine 2 years ago for a fairly cheaper price and in great condition, still rocking strong till this day after the carbon clean. It truly sucks that we live a somewhat dark era for car enthusiast where every manufacture is cutting their sacks off and reducing their engine sizes... When I was growing up car terms I heard most were "murdered out", "riced out", "stick shift" and "double clutching". Nowadays all I hear are green, climate change and EV... Sad to think that this, or next generation would probably have no chance to experience what a real car feels like

Please put an exhaust on this they sound amazing

Great words, Eli. I think you hit it on the top of the head.

do you still own it? what issues did it have?

That coolant line could have easily been patched with a couple clamps and a hose. Those door blades are the same as B6/B7 A4s and are plentiful used. There were 10k RS4s made. 2k imported to N America. The parts are pricey. Mine needs rear brakes. 😭 I also just paid $975 for a grille. And it’s back ordered. Definitely do not buy one of these to daily.

I have put a lot of time and money into my RS4 and still can't find a car I'd rather have that ticks all the same boxes. Manual, V8, back seat, and in my case, convertible.

Yep, most of the issues you bring up are why most people are better of with the turbo 4 A4’s lol.

I have a b6 s4 and I can tell you it’s not cheap to maintain and keep it on the road especially with higher mileage.

What supplies do you use for washes?

Hey Ignition. I’m looking at a B7 either A4 S4 or RS4. Of course financially, the 2.0t A4 is the smartest option. However it is certainly no where near as special. This will be my daily driver. What are your thoughts?

I have one, and being a master Audi teck is It's worth it

What about audi tradition for parts don't know about us delivery though

RS4 vs. RS5 ?

Spoken like a pro , welcome to the club 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

Search for b6/7 s4 door blades. They protrude more than the RS and they look badass when installed. Plus. They might be easier to find. At least here in the UK. 👍🏾

First time I've seen you a bit disappointed. Do you feel like if the car was not misrepresented you'd have had a different perspective? Also, since it's been a while can you disclose how much you bought it for considering it was 192k?

I’m Looking for something to replace my 2007 Acura TL Type-S (manual) and the more I watch your vids, the more I consider the B7 RS4.

If you can find a 6 speed b8s4 with alcantara/carbon fiber interior that’s a steal also

Eli just got my baby bro 30 hr roadie to get her she is murdered out black rims as well so dope so happy love her to death! All maintenence done as well as new mich sports brakes all new chains guides short shifter plugs cabin engine air filters carb clean ect ect ! 9800 miles next major update! got here for 26000 100000 miles ill keep her for life Eli iam in heaven exterior interior 9 out of 10 awsome shape so happy bud :-) hard to sleep

is there no aftermarket parts available?

Most rs4 I see now are 30k+ .. kinda high for 14yr+ car.. I was gonna get one but I could get something really sweet for mid 30s..

Yesss i am ready for the headache these cars bring i want one so badly. Not because its a rs its because i wanna go wrenching and learn how these things were out together.

You can get parts in the uk no problem

What about all the b6 and b7 s4’s they have the 4.2 and I know a bunch of them get parted out cause timing chains but that would mean there is a ton of parts out there for the 4.2

I bought RS4 pedal set for 210€ on e-bay in january this year and the last set from that seller was 1000€. This is car with soul and that's end of story.

❤️❤️❤️

What product are you spraying on after the wash?

1000 dolars for injectors thats 125$ per injector for that kind of motor is not a lot

Great info. VAG cars need owners who are prepared to del with the pitfalls of owning them.

Have had b8.5 for four years and no issues. Only super annoying rattling noise when cold start

For me, who wants all - b8s5 v8 manual will be great deal. Not so old, but still cool manual NA v8

So that's 20000 American I live in Canada maby 50 of these babies here !

Watching you wash your car in your driveway and all I can think of is how this is (as few know) illegal in most counties in CA. Untreated car soap washed into the storm drain system is a big no-no here.

Car is a beast a beauty rare v8 audi I had a s line b7 some Crackhead crashed into it😢😢😢

And then you see me daily my 94 S4.

But yours has like 200k miles 😮

😂😂😂

Good thing about FCP EURO is that u only pay one time. Life time warranty

Rick...if you're reading this, I want one of those shirts

"A B8 S4 a better buy than the B7 RS4". Sure 😂😂😂 As mentioned previously, you bought a lemon RS4. Not a good thing to generalize your experience among the rest of the RS4's out there. Keep your denigration to YOUR RS4, leave ours alone.

Never heard so much waffle in my life

Are you a hobbit?