With the M3 sedan going for around 60k
the C63 AMG going for around 60k
and the Audi S5 for going around 60k
and the 09 audi S4 for around 60k
although im sure most of these cars can be had for under those prices right now

a used RS4 costs from what ive seen mid 40's to high 50's
and maybe a RS6 from mid 30's

is the RS4 really worth it compared to the m3 and AMG?

are there any good things you guys have heard about the RS4?
i was thinking about which car id prefer over the other the other day

and simply couldn't make up my mind..

so please, give me your insights on any of these cars.
or if you want compare them, from personal experience or from things you've heard

i really want to like the RS4

 

get what you like.. all are fast and nice cars

 

There is a guy around here that autox's. He brings his RS4 out when he's not competing. That thing is a BEAST. For the money I would have a hard time passing up an RS4 for a BMW or Mercedes. The service costs on Audi's suck, but are not nearly as bad as BMW and Mercedes.

Go drive one before you make a decision. I love the RS4 because it is one hell of a sleeper!

 

Service costs are relative to the original price of the car, so they all seem the same to me.

 

I don't mind paying service costs when they are justified. Service/parts for German made vehicles are artificially inflated for no reason at all.

I was considering buying an E46 M3... until I saw the cost of service and repair (and BMW's apparently need repairing quite often). $30k for a used M3 with 35k miles on the clock is a great deal... until you consider that you'll be paying 1/6 of that price in 20k miles for a service that is nothing more than a damn valve adjustment.

I've decided it just isn't for me.

 

It can be hit or miss with BMW. Some of them need a lot of repairing, but many don't. In general though, they're pretty reliable. Definitely more than Audi. I know I've seen a number of reliability ratings that put it far above Audi, and really, not too far below Honda. Not there, but not too far away.

 

do some research. The RS6 had some sort of funky shock set up that was failing at an alarming rate, and the cost to repair was crazy. The RS4 has the same set up.
I loved my S4. 3 weeks after I traded it in, and the warranty expired the steering rack blew up....4K for dealer to fix.

 

My friend has replaced the power steering pump in his 325i 3 times! He replaces window regulators almost monthly. I suppose those types of situations are rare, but with my luck I'd end up with one of the more problematic M3's.

 

Hmmm. Admittedly window regulators are a week point on my 325xi. Now, I have not had to replace, but I can feel it coming. They don't like opening when it's super cold anymore. They're far more sensitive right now than any other car I've had to the weather. Oh well.

 

All I know is that the RS4, to me, was much more impressive than the E46 M3. I think it looks better (stock), as well, and it has a great engine note, beautiful interior, great handling, and it's pretty usable overall as a daily driver if need be. Also great in all kinds of weather.