Newbie, wondering what to buy!

[gatster]

Always wanted a fast estate car (only type of car I've not had), and have settled on Audi as the most likely supplier. Been lurking for a while and was looking initially at RS2's, then S2's, then B5 S4's and RS4's (can't really stretch to one of these though), and S6's (all Avants).

Obviously a big difference in prices and running costs from what I gather, will just keep looking at the various forums and PH and hopefully one will pop up that's exactly what I want when i have time to buy!

[macspring]

Welcome.

[david]

go for Rs2 mate,

[gatster]

go for Rs2 mate,

It'll be used frequently enough, although not everyday so I started to be concerned about frequent maintenance costs cropping up for an RS2

[david]

so then s2 rs2 are out of the question then,if you're worried about maintenance.maybe what you need is an s4 or s6

[Le S2 Audi]

so then s2 rs2 are out of the question then,if you're worried about maintenance.maybe what you need is an s4 or s6

Don't see your point... S2, S4 or S6 surely cost about the same if you have a good Mechanic... In fact I would have thought an S2 would be cheaper on run of the mill stuff...

any Audi thats an RS is always gonna be expensive... as I know to my cost... RS6 Avant

gatster;

[dest]

It depends on what you want really, they all have the scope for big power.
Id say the best thing you can do is get some test drives/rides in them all

[Jamo]

Running costs are high for an RS2 to keep it oem as audi only parts cost a small island

S2 is the cheapest S car to run if you can do any DIY repairs, S4 would be the car to buy if your keeping it stock but remember BIG service bills

[gatster]

S4 would be the car to buy if your keeping it stock but remember BIG service bills

Do you mean big service bills in general, or when things go wrong - I've have veered towards a B5 S4 or something like this probably because I'm used to pretty new cars in general, despite loving the RS2's. Basically by looking at the S4's and S6's I'd have money left over.

I can only do so much on my drive with the tools I have although pretty much managed to keep our trusty old Puma going, apart from the cambelt change which the mechanic did), so up to a point I'd be capable enough on an older model. Either way, I'd like to get something that doesn't need any work for a while.

[Jamo]

S4 = engine out for any major work

[GazzaG60]

as a coupe owner im probly not entitled to an opinion her eh jamo

id go S2 avant or S4 avant. depending on how you want it to be.

personally i cant see the point in an RS2 over the S2 avant. yes its a little different but lets face it its not porker. as jamo says an rs2 needs to be more original i feel too. costs spiral.

id say if you want to tune it and play an S2. if you want maybe a mild chip and an exhaust or stock car the newer b5 s4 is a nice place to be.

welcome to the forum. if your in manchester and fancy a run out in an S2 and your close enough give me a shout. mine is maybe not quite the right comparison though but an idea of potential.

from a car build/age prospective my S2 feels like a citreon compared with my 5 series.

[gatster]

S4 = engine out for any major work

Really, by major work do you mean engine upgrades or repair?

id say if you want to tune it and play an S2. if you want maybe a mild chip and an exhaust or stock car the newer b5 s4 is a nice place to be.

welcome to the forum. if your in manchester and fancy a run out in an S2 and your close enough give me a shout. mine is maybe not quite the right comparison though but an idea of potential.

from a car build/age prospective my S2 feels like a citreon compared with my 5 series.

Cheers for that, I'm in Dublin at the moment as I'm on hols but will be back in Hale/Sale next month - regarding S4's this sort of caught my eye, get coilovers/lowered and some BBC CH's and I'd probably be pretty happy!

[dest]

I wouldnt say that, to change the turbos its definitly an engine out job, but the majority of things dont require it.

Ive had 2 S2's (both ~280bhp), a B5 S4 (standard), and am in the process of buying another S4 (465bhp, highly modded) and after having both its easier to compare.
The S2 is a lot more raw and basic, where as the S4 is smoother and progressive.
Obviously the interior is, and feels newer on the S4, but on the same note, the S2 is still very good too considering its age.
If anything, the S2 feels more solid and better put together, but thats not to say the S4 does'nt feel it too.

Are you planning on modding them or keeping it standard? (yeah right!)
As I said earlier, you really need to experience both before deciding

Edit:
Just saw you linked to an RS6, now they are in a league of their own when it comes to running costs!!
If the DRC suspension goes, expect to spend a couple of grand on coilovers (and its not a case of IF, its a case of WHEN)
You need VERY big pockets for an RS6, and I wouldnt buy the one in the link

[Jamo]

If you want to know more about the B5 S4 The audisrs forum is your playground.

[Rusty]

Get a decent S2 avant with a few mods, if you like it then swap it for an RS2

S4s are cheap enough but make sure they've had the correct maintenance, don't know about S6s other than they are more practical/larger, if that's an issue.