Audi RS4 - time to let my baby go

Bohrio

Hey guys

So as some of you know I havent been using the car for a while. In fact, it has been on and off the road for 3 years now. Havent used it since september. Barely done 5000 km in the last 3 years. Has a total of 87k km, 2006.

So what's puzzling me is, 2 years ago when I looked at the street value of the car (what it was selling in ireland) cars were around 23k (private sell).

Today I decided to ring the Audi and they put me in contact with a guy who offered me 17k for the car.

I was thinking I might say yes and save me putting the car for sale and dealing with time wasters, scammers, etc. The guy seemed honest and straight to the point, no messing around which is what I was looking for.

So now I was having a look around to see how much the car is selling for and it seems that, first there are very few in Ireland (I think I saw only 1) but on average they sell for 28-33k (all dealers)?

How come the car has increased in value since I last checked? am I missing something?

Cee-Jay-Cee

So your saying average values are circa €30k but you were only offered €17k?

They're a specialised car and so buyers will be few and far between.

I'd imagine the increase in values since you last checked 3 years ago Is because the car market was in the doldrums back then and absolutely no one wanted large engined petrol cars. The 'must have a diesel for the low tax' mentality was well and truely embedded in irish drivers however people have since seen that diesels aren't the great value for money they were once thought to be.

Alanstrainor

What a car, I'm almost certain it was your RS4 that that me and a few boardsies jumped in for a quick blast. Kicked me right in the gut when you mashed the loud pedal! Best of luck with the sale!

Bohrio

Hey Alan

Yeap that was me! those were the day man... wish I would use it more, but is just parked in my garage gathering dust and I hate seeing that.

I am ok with taking a loss, I mean, like CJ said there will be very few buyers out there interested in a car like this and a lot of time wasters, scammers etc.

So I am happy with letting it go at a lower price, I just was checking in case I missed something.

I wish I could find out how much the RS4s have been selling this last year.

I might ring a couple of dealers and ask.

Del2005

Bohrio wrote: »

Hey Alan

Yeap that was me! those were the day man... wish I would use it more, but is just parked in my garage gathering dust and I hate seeing that.

I am ok with taking a loss, I mean, like CJ said there will be very few buyers out there interested in a car like this and a lot of time wasters, scammers etc.

So I am happy with letting it go at a lower price, I just was checking in case I missed something.

I wish I could find out how much the RS4s have been selling this last year.

I might ring a couple of dealers and ask.

Might get more selling to the UK and the VRT rebate would sweeten the deal.

Supergurrier

Jesus why would you sell a car for a little over half its value.

Stick it up on Pistonheads and work out vrt rebate for it

coolisin

Wow, yeah yours was the first one of these I was around back in the day of the midway meets think you'd only bought it at the time was that right?

You where probably talking to a dealer who let's face it is only going to offer you nothing.

But as said trying to sell to the UK maybe easier.

Bohrio

Yeah! I went to a few of those Midway meets, they were good fun, back in the days where I drove the car lol

UK might be an option, I might give them a call and ask if they would be interested.

Thanks for the tip

PS: I Actually had a look now at the UK and they are selling from 16K to 27 K sterling. Cars with similar Milage are on 23 K sterling. That's 29K euro.

dingding

Check the VRT calculator, I think you can get a rebate of the current VRT less 500 euro.

Looks like it makes sense to sell in UK.

Supergurrier

Bohrio wrote: »

Yeah! I went to a few of those Midway meets, they were good fun, back in the days where I drove the car lol

UK might be an option, I might give them a call and ask if they would be interested.

Thanks for the tip

PS: I Actually had a look now at the UK and they are selling from 16K to 27 K sterling. Cars with similar Milage are on 23 K sterling. That's 29K euro.

Ask for the Queen :P

On a more serious note, the dealership will offer you less than a car auction site+vrt rebate

The Vrt rebate on these after admin fee is almost 6500e

So all you need to get to make 20k is around 11k sterling (they are making over 20k sterling in the uk with similar spec/milage)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/audi/rs4/audi-a4-b7-rs4-quattro-2006/4553322?v=b

Thats near enough 30k as makes little difference.

Make an ad, what's the worst that could happen

Bohrio

Supergurrier wrote: »

Ask for the Queen :P

On a more serious note, the dealership will offer you less than a car auction site+vrt rebate

The Vrt rebate on these after admin fee is almost 6500e

So all you need to get to make 20k is around 11k sterling (they are making over 20k sterling in the uk with similar spec/milage)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/audi/rs4/audi-a4-b7-rs4-quattro-2006/4553322?v=b

Thats near enough 30k as makes little difference.

Make an ad, what's the worst that could happen

hehe

I was checking that VRT rebate thing and I had to check twice when I saw 6500 euro... def seems like a great option.

It does imply that not all claims are accepted, not sure what are the basis though.

I didnt want to go through the hassle of putting it up for sale etc but I thought that I would only be making 3000-4000 euro more by selling it via private sale, but now we are talking about 10-12k, that's a big difference and def seems worth the wait and hassle.

Neilw

Is it a petrol or diesel RS4? The diesel ones seem a lot more popular.

Boskowski

I'd go for the diesel M3 all day long

tossy

If it is indeed a petrol RS4 then sell it right lol, DONT ring a dealer and ask them the value or to buy it from you ,DO put together a nice ad and put it up on pistonheads,audi-sport etc.

These cars have increased in value as good ones (like every performance car ever) are getting harder to find, the will probably appreciate more so if you can sit on it then do.

Caliden

You'd struggle to find a buyer in Ireland due to our stupid tax bands on older cars.

As others have said, pistonheads is the way to go. Applies to any big litre/high tax car really.

flatty

It's a good time to be selling a rarish sports car in the UK by and large, especially one which has not been exposed to salt. Cars like this are going up in value as people consider them as good an "investment" as money sitting in a bank account earning nothing. Look at the used 911 market. It's crazy. Whether it will last or not is unclear, but there seems to be plenty of money about.
You would need to be aware that sterling is volatile at the moment. Whether a price in euro would deter a buyer, I'm not sure.

Bohrio

Ah! its a petrol RS4, I always wanted a diesel RS4 but in the end I had to settle for a petrol version

Ok so I have put the car back on the road, paid tax and have an appointment tomorrow at the NCTS to get the NCTS Export Repayment Examination.

Once I have it I will wash the car and take a few nice pictures of it, and then put an advert on pistonheads, and then just wait and see!

Sterling is strong now, even if I ask for 18000 pounds plus the VRT rebate I could end up with close to 30k euro which is more or less what I paid for the car 4-5 years ago. Even without the rebate is a good deal.

Thanks everyone for their advise!

daRobot

Also advertise it on ebay.co.uk, it gets a ton of traffic.

And keep the price in Sterling. I just did that for a recent sale of the car to the UK, and insisted on Sterling in cash when the buyer flew over to collect the car.

What will sell the car for you is an incredibly detailed advert and great pics. Include service dates, what was done, and what you've done to the car over your ownership of it. Literally go OTT with your advert, as it will save you a ton of time in email responses, as potential buyers can't view the car easily and will want a far larger amount of detail than usual before committing to come over.

Also, be aware that any previous successful appeal of the previous VRT paid, will now be held against any amount due. So for example, say if the car is a 2007 model, someone imported it and appealed an originally quoted VRT amount of say, 20k. If it was reduced by 3k at that time, your VRT export quote of 6.5k, will be reduced by 3k accordingly. It's bananas but it's how revenue work it.

Make it easy on your potential buyers, and do the research for them on how they import it. Not sure if your clock is in MPH or KMH, but if it's the latter, try and investigate the price to change over the speedo, as UK buyers will need to do this. Additionally, bring the car up North and get it MOT'ed - you can do this on the VIN number of the car, and it again makes it easier for buyers and provides them with more reassurance.

Another quick tip, is don't take a large deposit via Paypal. It's easy for them to do a chargeback once they're home if they're an unscrupulous sort. Keep it 100-200 quid range.

Best of luck with the sale. Was very close to buying one back in 2009, really smashing cars.

j2dab

daRobot wrote: »

Also, be aware that any previous successful appeal of the previous VRT paid, will now be held against any amount due. So for example, say if the car is a 2007 model, someone imported it and appealed an originally quoted VRT amount of say, 20k. If it was reduced by 3k at that time, your VRT export quote of 6.5k, will be reduced by 3k accordingly. It's bananas but it's how revenue work it.

You sure about this? Doesn't make sense at all. Did it happen you and did you appeal?

mfceiling

Neilw wrote: »

Is it a petrol or diesel RS4? The diesel ones seem a lot more popular.

Only the "nurburgring" ones...

daRobot

j2dab wrote: »

You sure about this? Doesn't make sense at all. Did it happen you and did you appeal?

Yes, I am one hundred percent sure.

Ring revenue and ask them, and they will quote the 1992 finance act for you which seeming has a legal provison for such. With that in mind and it being law, appealing it is a complete waste of your time.

I agree, it's absolutely nonsensical, but it is exactly how it is.

Mc-BigE

would like to see some pictures of your car. i had an B5 S4 a few years ago , i loved the car, but did come with some trouble and loves petrol, but as a second car ( with 6 months road tax and offroad during winter) it might be worth a look.

put a link to the pistonheads add when its up

Bohrio

Thanks Darobot very good tips. I will put this up on ebay as well.

I will modify my add tomorrow with service dates etc. I need to go to the audi first as they missed the stamp of my last service although I have the receipt.

BigE I just put the add on pistonheads so feel free to have a look at the car.

It was too dirty and yesterday evening it cleared out so I had barely enough time to bring it to the valet and ask him to give it a quick wash.

Sun was coming down so I barely had time for a few pictures, although I think they look good, I wish I could have chosen a different location.

I put the add today and a dealer already contacted me, but he is not familiar with the export process so like darobot said I better familizarize myself with the process and make it as easy as possible for them. If this means doing the MOT that's fine.

I did the VRT examination on saturday and now I have 30 days to sell it, otherwise I will have to renew it again next month.

So again, have a look at the add and feel free to comment or throw any suggestions!

link

I have set the price on 18900 pounds. I think its about right, although I might need to lower it a bit.

I am not 100% sure if I should also advertise this in Ireland as there are literally no RS4 available, only ones are from the UK and they are selling for over 30k (Northen ireland), and thats without VRT/taxes... so It might not be a bad idea to do it. I will think about it.

GustavoFring

Throw a pic up of the paperwork - on a car like that it's good to see and mention it's verifiable.

Bohrio

GustavoFring wrote: »

Throw a pic up of the paperwork - on a car like that it's good to see and mention it's verifiable.

good point I will do that tomorrow

JoeA3

Jesus... Stunning car! Love it. Pretty rare colour combo too, inside and out and all the better for it. I think I like those red seats!

Take your time I say and wait for the right buyer with the right money to come along... It'll definitely find a buyer in the UK.

vintagevrs

Class motor, good luck shifting it. Just a note on exporting it to the UK. You will need to change those clocks to mph to pass the mot.

This is an oem looking aftermarket solution: £95




http://www.lockwoodinternational.co.uk/dials/mph/audi/rs-models/rs4/b7.html

Bohrio

vintagevrs wrote: »

Class motor, good luck shifting it. Just a note on exporting it to the UK. You will need to change those clocks to mph to pass the mot.

This is an oem looking aftermarket solution: £95




http://www.lockwoodinternational.co.uk/dials/mph/audi/rs-models/rs4/b7.html

Yes I noticed that earlier today, I have found two, lockwoodinternationa and heiler-tachodesign, I added this information to the post.

I am not sure if I want to make the changes myself or let someone else do it. I only have 30 days to sell it so I might actually wait for a week or 2 and see how people react to the add.

I might buy it and let them put it on but, if in the end it doesnt sell to the UK I will have wasted 90 pounds on this stuff. Although I suppose I can always sell it on ebay. I am seriously considering buying it though.

vintagevrs

I thibk the import process will worry a lot of serious potential buyers and changing clocks etc.

Your best option, if possible is to register the car to someone in the UK/ni that you know. Get the export sorted first, then advertise it as a uk car from the start.

Getting the vrt refund could be hassle if you have a buyer that delays anything. So doing it that way should be smoother. Lockwoods have a list of installers on their site. Any auto electrian should be competent to do the work if you don't fancy the DIY.

vintagevrs

By the way, I shouldn't offer you any advice as I don't want the car to be exported. It's a shame to see it leave the country.

Bohrio

vintagevrs wrote: »

I thibk the import process will worry a lot of serious potential buyers and changing clocks etc.

Your best option, if possible is to register the car to someone in the UK/ni that you know. Get the export sorted first, then advertise it as a uk car from the start.

Getting the vrt refund could be hassle if you have a buyer that delays anything. So doing it that way should be smoother. Lockwoods have a list of installers on their site. Any auto electrian should be competent to do the work if you don't fancy the DIY.

Yes I agree. I dont have anyone I can trust in the UK so I can't register the car there.

I would probably prefer selling it to a dealer and let them worry, I can always go bakc to them and to follow up with the registration process. I have the feeling that if I sell it to a private he is gonna drive me nuts with the registration process and it will take ages to get it sorted.

Problem is that if I put the clocks myself and the car ends up staying in Ireland I would have to remove them and put the old ones back on.

Like I said, I wait a couple of weeks and see, it could be a good idea to buy the dials but dont fit them, worse case scenario I can sell them on ebay.

Another option is to lower the price more, that will attract more people and convince them in doing the registration, but as they are private buyers, if by any chance something goes wrong with the registration and I dont get the VRT back I could lose a bit of money.

In all fairness if after 2-3 weeks I dont see any interest I might put it up for sale here for around 26K and see if anyone is interested. At the moment, if someone in Ireland wants an RS4, the cheaper similar model they can get is only in the UK (private sale) for around 25K, but they will have to add 7K on VRT so thats 32K for the car. Insane IMO. I would like the car to stay in Ireland.

vintagevrs

http://www.hollybrooksportscars.com/cars-wanted/

daRobot

I think you'll move that on fast enough, as it's a very nice colour combo with the Deytona grey and red interior, so there's a bit of incentive for the buyer off the bat. And with the mileage and condition you've got an attractive proposition.

My guess is that a trade buyer is going to offer you between 16-17k sterling with a view to retailing it at 20+. That may well be your easiest option.

Also, the MPH clocks should have KMH on them, so no problem to install here, even if the sale ends up keeping the car in Ireland. As this is how any imported UK Rs4 would be here and of course is fully road legal like that.

Another thing you'll need is a COC, which is a certificate of conformity. It's basically a document from the manufacturer which states all the official data - co2, db's produced by the car. Basically give Audi Ireland a shout, and they will provide one for you. Some manufacturers charge for this, but you need it.

So the steps basically go like this:

1) Change Clocks, and MOT in north.

2) Call the DVLA in Swansea and ask them for an import pack to be sent to you as you're moving to the UK with your car. They'll send it to Ireland. I would request 2/3 forms so you have spares.

3) The prospective buyer on importing the car, needs to inform HMRC that they have entered the country with the car.

4) They then send the completed import pack, COC, Irish Logbook plus MOT document to the DVLA in Swansea. This is accompanied by a 55 pound registration fee, plus 6 months motor tax, which in your case I think will be 145 pounds as my car was also over the 225 co2 bracket.

5) The DVLA then sends on the V5 to the new owner along with the new reg.

6) Then as they say, Robert is your Uncle.

Lastly you'll need to get the proof off to revenue and get your refund.

Hopefully that gives you some pertinent and succinct info to provide to your buyer.

It's a little bit more hassle than a domestic sale, especially if you have to deliver the car, but you'll end up with another 10k on top of the 17k you were tempted to accept not too long ago. A nice chunk of change for the missus to blow on pointless **** like shoes and bags if you've got one like I do...

Best of luck with it all.

Mc-BigE

I love your car, but i would probably be in the same situation as you, i.e. not able to drive it full time, so the car would only be sitting around for 9 months of the year, and 3 months summer on the road. not right for a car like that, let someone in the uk enjoy that car, as they can afford to road tax it and insure it.

its a crying shame Irelands motor tax system is soo f%$k up.

Bohrio

daRobot wrote: »

I think you'll move that on fast enough, as it's a very nice colour combo with the Deytona grey and red interior, so there's a bit of incentive for the buyer off the bat. And with the mileage and condition you've got an attractive proposition.

My guess is that a trade buyer is going to offer you between 16-17k sterling with a view to retailing it at 20+. That may well be your easiest option.

Also, the MPH clocks should have KMH on them, so no problem to install here, even if the sale ends up keeping the car in Ireland. As this is how any imported UK Rs4 would be here and of course is fully road legal like that.

Another thing you'll need is a COC, which is a certificate of conformity. It's basically a document from the manufacturer which states all the official data - co2, db's produced by the car. Basically give Audi Ireland a shout, and they will provide one for you. Some manufacturers charge for this, but you need it.

So the steps basically go like this:

1) Change Clocks, and MOT in north.

2) Call the DVLA in Swansea and ask them for an import pack to be sent to you as you're moving to the UK with your car. They'll send it to Ireland. I would request 2/3 forms so you have spares.

3) The prospective buyer on importing the car, needs to inform HMRC that they have entered the country with the car.

4) They then send the completed import pack, COC, Irish Logbook plus MOT document to the DVLA in Swansea. This is accompanied by a 55 pound registration fee, plus 6 months motor tax, which in your case I think will be 145 pounds as my car was also over the 225 co2 bracket.

5) The DVLA then sends on the V5 to the new owner along with the new reg.

6) Then as they say, Robert is your Uncle.

Lastly you'll need to get the proof off to revenue and get your refund.

Hopefully that gives you some pertinent and succinct info to provide to your buyer.

It's a little bit more hassle than a domestic sale, especially if you have to deliver the car, but you'll end up with another 10k on top of the 17k you were tempted to accept not too long ago. A nice chunk of change for the missus to blow on pointless **** like shoes and bags if you've got one like I do...

Best of luck with it all.

Thanks again for this

I will add this to my add

I already had an offer for the car for 18K pounds from what I think is a private buyer.

The problem I got with private buyers is that they could be a pain to chase up in regards sending me the registration details (that I will need to send to the revenue people) whether a car dealer will be much easier to deal with. Also, there is no way of knowing if the guy I sell it too doesnt end up registering the car in Ireland and then registering back in the UK a few months later just to get the VRT back.

I will contact the DVLA and the MOT in NI and ask them for an appointment.

The car is getting much more attention than I though it would tbh, at least so far.


I might add this information to the add to help buyers with the registration process. The add was meant for dealers mostly, I am not too keen to sell it to a private seller unless they know what they are doing and even then...

ironclaw

Mc-BigE wrote: »

its a crying shame Irelandss motor tax system is soo f%$k up.

Its not just the tax system. Its the motor system as a whole. I can't get 6 month insurance, so I either insure the car for a year or not at all. Not to mention the astronomical running costs of such a car in Ireland, it carries a premium for just about everything from pump to mechanics ramp. I think the costings I did on an M3 were close to €5k a year before even been driven. And finally, the begrudging and risk of theft. A good friend has sold a number of them and said nearly every single one, at some stage, had been robbed or attempted robbery.

Fantastic car, I do hope its stays in the country. I'd buy in a heart beat if I had the money at present

Bohrio

ironclaw wrote: »

Its not just the tax system. Its the motor system as a whole. I can't get 6 month insurance, so I either insure the car for a year or not at all. Not to mention the astronomical running costs of such a car in Ireland, it carries a premium for just about everything from pump to mechanics ramp. I think the costings I did on an M3 were close to €5k a year before even been driven. And finally, the begrudging and risk of theft. A good friend has sold a number of them and said nearly every single one, at some stage, had been robbed or attempted robbery.

Fantastic car, I do hope its stays in the country. I'd buy in a heart beat if I had the money at present

You are right, for instance, the last service check was in 2013. It had 84000 km back then. Now it has 87000 km. That's 3000 km in 3 years give or take.

Or 1000 km per year, or 19 km per week. Just on yearly costs I had to paid (although I have never put the car on the road for more than 3-6 months a year), but lets say around 3500 euro (tax plus insurance) a year.

Its a shame, and unfair IMO, paying 511 euro of tax per 3 month when I only do per month (80 km) what many people do in a day or two while the only pay a fraction of that.

anyway, couple of guys have offered to put a deposit on the car, all in UK. Got an email from the guys in hollybrook, they will take the car for around 16K and sell it on my behalf, and help me with the VRT as well. Seems like a good plan. This would mean I would get around 27-28000 euro for the car. Much more than what I would have thought I'd get when I bought the car 5 years ago. I think I am gonna go with them, although I do have to leave the car with them while they sell it.

Very sad to see it go, I am starting to feel it now.

vintagevrs

I have zero connection with Holybrook by the way. Just knew it was the kind of motor they would sell. The fact they are on the same island and in the trade makes things a lot easier for you I would imagine. It's about balancing hassle vs return and I think I would prob do the same vs selling privately. With a ferry/plane between buyer and seller, the export adding an additional layer of hassle it is probably the best idea.

waxon-waxoff

You should call a few specialist garages here to see if they'll buy the RS4 off you. High tax is not a problem for people looking for E46 M3's so dont think you cant sell in Ireland for that reason. The economy has picked up and people are looking for toys again. A couple of places off the top of my head are Kellys of Rathdrum, 4x4exporter, Godirect. All of these buy, sell and source exotic stuff all the time.

Mc-BigE

Maybe you could pick up a mid 1980s Audi quattro for a about the same money, vintage road tax. And cheaper insurance.

Bohrio

Ok guys the car is gone to the UK, sad day, so thanks everyone for your help!

If VRT works our I would have sold it for a bit more than what I paid for which for me is a first!

daRobot

Bohrio wrote: »

Ok guys the car is gone to the UK, sad day, so thanks everyone for your help!

If VRT works our I would have sold it for a bit more than what I paid for which for me is a first!

What a great result, well done!

What are you thinking of next?

Bohrio

daRobot wrote: »

What a great result, well done!

What are you thinking of next?

I am not allowed to think, wife is thinking of a baby...

I havent used the car in 3 years so I guess I will take it easy and wait for her to chill out but it seems it will be a while before I am allowed anything new