2 Thins - Pricing My RS4 Help, RS4 for C350!?!

[PolishPete]

I'm seriously considering selling my RS4 to get into a 2012 MB C350.

I'm having some trouble pricing my RS. I see them all over the board. What do you guys think this is worth private party/retail sale?

- 2007 RS4
- 56,000 Miles (I've put 17K on it since I bought it...all highway, literally, almost all highway, that's not an understatement)
- Black on Black, with the brushed aluminum trim (my favorite combination)
- Couple Small Modifications
- Put LED's in the City Lights and the Daytime Running Lamps
- APR Tune
- Front Plate Filler
- Modded to keep the exhaust open all the time (like it is in "S" mode)
- 35% Tint All Around
- Vag-Com windows to go up/down from remote
- Tires 1 year old
- New Brake Pads all around, 3,000 miles old. Rotors were good when I did the brake pads.

She's clean inside and out. I have a door ding that will be repaired by a reputable shop before I sell her, so let's not count that.

I'm thinking $41,000 is a very reasonable price. I see them listed from $38K to $44K with these miles. That's a huge difference in my opinion.

What do you guys think?


And secondly...ugh...I'm thinking about changing for a few reasons.

Even though I drive a lot of highway, and usually avoid all rush hour traffic, the daily driving of stick is getting to me. Kind of want to go back to auto.
New C350 wouldn't cost me any more, but comes with a warranty.
Yes, I'm losing power, and I'm going down in HP...but, I do get 10GB internal hard drive, ipod cable, bluetooth streaming audio, rear back-up camera, push button start (key stays in pocket), etc. Also giving up Quattro for RWD.

So, my dilemma is...do I trade power for options, give up stick for auto (which I kind of like), and trade rarity for a warranty. Hmmmm...

[A4A4A4]

You'll regret that trade. The C350 is gutless and it may just be me, but those headlights complete kill the exterior, really feminine IMO.

How about a 2008-2011 C63 or 2010+ E550 Coupe?

Hell even the B8 S4 is in the same pricing ballpark as the C350, get the DSG, gain all the technology, take minimal power loss, and keep your quattro.

[Charlescrs6]

You'll regret that trade. The C350 is gutless and it may just be me, but those headlights complete kill the exterior, really feminine IMO.

How about a 2008-2011 C63 or 2010+ E550 Coupe?

Hell even the B8 S4 is in the same pricing ballpark as the C350, get the DSG, gain all the technology, take minimal power loss, and keep your quattro.

I agree, I would be in a bimmer or B8 S4 before a C350.

[Mc Suly]

keep rs4 & quattro

or go bmw

[beamon]

B8 S4 that is 1 or 2 years old and you may get a similar deal.

[ad2330]

Dude, this sounds like the worst idea ever. Please don't. C350?!?

[Trogdor1464]

Dude, this sounds like the worst idea ever. Please don't. C350?!?

I agree! I think you should take a look at a B8 S4 also. You can keep the quattro, get a twin clutch box and they can can be just as fast if not faster than an RS4. Not to mention they have all the fancy options it sounds like you want. It's win-win. Just get a B8 S4 and thank us later.

[PolishPete]

Yeah, it's definitely a tough decision.

I actually really like the interior on the 350. The steering wheel and gauges are very cool. A big improvement over the pre-refreshed version. Although similar, it's actually much better.

I like the looks of the 350, and the technology upgrade is what's calling my name.

Although I do drive the RS "spirited" sometimes...I don't ever hammer on it. I don't use it to the full potential. Something about how I was raised I think makes me respect my cars and it kind of hurts to push the car. I know it's made for it, and it can take it, but what I'm saying is that the 350 is capable of my driving style for 90% of the time.

I think my goal would be to drive the 350 for 2 years, and pick up a 2012 C63 used at that point. I wouldn't buy one now as the non-refreshed interior would be a deal breaker on the non 2012's, and I the 2012 is out of the budget.

You'll NEVER see me in a BMW, and good point on a B8 S4. I'll have to look at that. Maybe even an S5, but then I think that's going to be even more money.

[ENV²]

B8 S4 is the way to go. No loss in quickness. Power is definitely there. Better interior than any Benz or BMW. All the things you want and if you get DSG transmission you will have the best of both worlds. Auto when in traffic on the daily and a true manual mode or those days you take ice highway trips or hit some fun roads. Do it! You will thank us TRUST ME. Ask RichiB86 He went from a B7 RS4 to a B8 S4.

[A4A4A4]

Yeah, it's definitely a tough decision.

I actually really like the interior on the 350. The steering wheel and gauges are very cool. A big improvement over the pre-refreshed version. Although similar, it's actually much better.

X2. I love the new MB interior. Probably my favourite interior on any sub $50,000 car out there right now, including the Audi's. But why not the E550 coupe? It's pretty well C class sized, good auto transmission, same great new MB interior w/ all the tech, same price range, still in warranty, nice wide fenders, good exhaust note, looks better than the C IMO, and still has some balls to back it up.

The old MB interior actually isn't too bad either if you dress it up a bit. You do have to be a bit nutty to buy the C63 though, and it seems that may not be you.

[Apat]

You shouldn't have a problem selling it for $41K. Black on black is highly desirable.

How bout one of these?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECUn_BaP8LY&t=0m28s

[RAudi Driver]

I don't care what you buy but you should always price a little high. There is always negotiation in buying a used car. Give yourself that cushion and you might just get lucky enough to get a buyer who falls in love with the car and doesn't know how to negotiate.

[jrclutch55]

I don't think you will get $41k. I look at rs4 pricing all the time and your car is worth about $36-$38k.

[RocC4S]

I used to drive a C350 almost every day. And while it is a nice car, I have a feeling you will grow tired of it quickly. Keep the RS or B8 S4 IMO.

[405Z]

MB makes really nice looking cars, but I would only go for one of their AMG cars, especially after owing an RS4. You'll have to live with a slushbox though. I think you'll regret it.

[lqmeh]

I don't care what you buy but you should always price a little high. There is always negotiation in buying a used car. Give yourself that cushion and you might just get lucky enough to get a buyer who falls in love with the car and doesn't know how to negotiate.

This. It is a rare car, with a desirable combination.

If you price high, even with a buyer who knows negotiating you can settle at a comfortable spot in the middle.

If I were you, I'd personally go B8 S4 w/DSG instead of a bmw or any MB for that matter. I'm a sucker for quattro though

[vdubjetta02]

B8 s4 - > S-tronic

or

335 XI -> Steptronic

[Auditude2.0T]

Just trade with my for my a4... ;D

[PolishPete]

Here's the 2012 C350 Interior. Pretty good looking if you ask me.

[Mr. Corey]

Interior looks nice but not any nicer than a 8 yr old S4. I'd have to agree with everyone else and say look at the B8 S4 or a 1M

[PolishPete]

So now, to throw a wrench into things...

I can get a great deal on C63. I have a family member who works at a highline dealer who can sell me one they have on their show room for a couple thousand more than a new C350 (it's a 2009 C63).

So, here are my options:

#1 - Keep the RS4
#2 - Purchase a 2012 C350 (and need to chip it)
#3 - Purchase a 2009 C63 (certified, low mileage, would probably do a steering wheel swap)

Hmmmm....the technology the C350 has over the RS and the 63 still draws me to do. Researching now to see what performance a chip/tune could add to the 350. However, the power of the RS and the C63 draw me too!!

[audikid66]

i hate mercedes personally so i'd have to vote for a B8 S4 or s5 when it has the same engine as the s4(they out yet?) only mercedes id even consider is AMG cars but still they dont do it for me... and BMW..ehhh no thanks... I'd do the B8 S4 if ur looking to get out of the rs

[A4A4A4]

So now, to throw a wrench into things...

I can get a great deal on C63. I have a family member who works at a highline dealer who can sell me one they have on their show room for a couple thousand more than a new C350 (it's a 2009 C63).

So, here are my options:

#1 - Keep the RS4
#2 - Purchase a 2012 C350 (and need to chip it)
#3 - Purchase a 2009 C63 (certified, low mileage, would probably do a steering wheel swap)

Hmmmm....the technology the C350 has over the RS and the 63 still draws me to do. Researching now to see what performance a chip/tune could add to the 350. However, the power of the RS and the C63 draw me too!!

2009 C63 for a couple thousand more than a C350 really doesn't seem like that great of a deal.

Tunes on the C350 do approximately nothing. A chip on the C63 uncranks it to over 500hp if thats the sort of thing you're into .

What specific technology does the C350 have that the other two are lacking? TBH, if you're any sort of enthusiast, I think the C350 shouldn't even be in the question anymore. Although as others have said, you should still take a serious look into the B8 S4.

I think it comes down to this; auto or manual, rwd or awd?

[ad2330]

I think A4 nailed it. It doesn't sound to me like you're much of an enthusiast. Not trying to be a jerk but let's be honest, if you're still debating between an RS/C63 and a C350, there's reason to believe that you're not. Totally different cars for what's under the hood and if you're more into plush interior (which btw, the RS isn't exactly slouchin' it) than the ponies, I think you've got your answer.

Just end this madness and pick a yuppy 4-door over one of the great RS models of all-time. Never thought I'd see this day...

[Auditude2.0T]

Nothing can ever replace the feeling of a high revving V8 like the RS4 but the B8 S4 with just a tune is an animal and the interior and technolog is up to date. It's no RS4 when it comes to that racey feel V8 but for brute performance, mpg and technology the S4 is your ticket. I got mine running 12.4's all day with ONLY a 93 tune.

[PolishPete]

It's a weird thing. I AM an enthusiest...but also drive A LOT. That is, interior comfort/features is important to me.

When I went from my A4 to the RS4, I felt I'd never sell the car. But now I'm at a point that I feel I'd like change, and I'd like to get in on something "up to date". That is my dillema. Do I go for power, or technology/comfort. Over the RS4, I'd be adding (going C350):

- Keyless Go
- Rear Camera
- Sirius Streaming Traffic/Weather
- Updated Interior
- Bluetooth Streaming Radio
- 10GB internal HD (also has SD card slot)
- Ipod Cable + Aux Cable
- Apparently really good voice control over the car



I do have a '75 Vette that'll spin the wheels at the touch of the gas pedal, nothing too big in the motor, but fun anyway...so I do have a V8 laying around the house.

I guess I just want change. I feel that going to the C63 will get me that change, and keep the RS4 like feeling...but the C350 at 302 HP isn't a slouch either. From what I'm reading, a $1,300 tune nets you about 30hp in that V6.

I'm working a deal on the C350, and on the C63 right now (two different dealers)...maybe I'll just go with the overall better deal, let the $ decide. Test drove the C63 yesterday. It feels weird to have all that power, and not in a manual!

[ENV²]

Any reason you are staying away from the B8 (2010-Present) S4? Have you test driven one at all?

If you loved your RS4 you are practically getting into a B8 S will let you keep the power, a slight better on gas mileage, an interior that screams comfort and luxury, plus updated tech...

C350 is a very boring car... Just my .02

Food for thought...

[aaron1085]

whatd you decide??? I'd like to drive a c63!

[PolishPete]

Haven't decided anything yet. Still working deals on a C63 at one dealer, and th C350 at 3 dealers. Trying to get the best value here.

BallzDeepNYC...I love Audi, but I think the re-freshed Benz interior takes the B8 S4 interior. The reason I'm shying away from the B8 S4 is because it'll be too similar in my opinion to my A4, and now RS4. It's slightly updated than those, but still very similar style. I'm sort of looking for change.

[What's Next?]

I have a C350 and it has been the worst car I have owned! I have had nothing but problems with it and the dealer has not been able to fix it. I am currently in a law suit with MBZ and they have been stringing me along for over a year and a half now. The car is clearly a lemon and MBZ is basically telling me to pound sand! It has been the worst car experience I have ever had.
If I were you i'd look into the S4. It has more power and features than the c350.

[audikid66]

only cars id sell my RS for (with something i could afford) would be a B8 s4 or S5 with the new supercharged engine the interiors of the new audis are simply amazing

[PashaS4]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You cant leave Audi for a Benz!!!!!

[madkimchi]

b8 s4 interior feels cheap to me. quality has gone down a lot. it sure does look nice but materials they used are crap. i can see why you like MB interior cuz i do too.

you mention " 10GB internal hard drive, ipod cable, bluetooth streaming audio, rear back-up camera, push button start (key stays in pocket)". you can have almost all of these in your RS4 with little bit of money. may be not the push button start but is it so hard to put the key in the ignition and turn it? get yourself a top of the line deck with hard drive, ipod connection, blutooth connection and back up camera and you got yourself MB like options.

i wouldn't trade in your RS4 for C350 that's just major downgrade. go big or don't do it at all and go for C63.

[madkimchi]

I have a C350 and it has been the worst car I have owned! I have had nothing but problems with it and the dealer has not been able to fix it. I am currently in a law suit with MBZ and they have been stringing me along for over a year and a half now. The car is clearly a lemon and MBZ is basically telling me to pound sand! It has been the worst car experience I have ever had.
If I were you i'd look into the S4. It has more power and features than the c350.

MB can be really hit or miss. it can be major pain in the ass with shit load of problems after problems or you won't have any problems at all and runs good even with 200+k miles. my buddy's dad have couple of (70's) MB and those things are old but engine is just solid. yea lots of things inside the car doesn't work anymore but it runs so smooth. and he doesn't really take care of it either other than regular maintenance.