2001 AUDI (B5) RS4 AVANT

This Audi RS4 Avant is a well-presented and mechanically unmodified example of the first generation model, offered for sale with only one private owner from new. Featuring a 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing around 380hp, power delivery is controlled by the Quattro all-wheel drive system and a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 124,415 miles.

First registered on 10 April 2001, this UK-market car is one of only 400 initially allocated to the UK market. The V5C shows a change of keeper in May 2001, as it was sold as a pre-registered car with delivery mileage only to the first private owner, since the person who originally ordered the car never took delivery. This high-performance estate has been regularly garaged from new, with 12 years of maintenance by an Audi main dealer and subsequence maintenance carried out by a marque specialist.

Resplendent in Audi Avus Silver, it wears its mileage well, with only minor imperfections present in the paintwork, which has been resprayed in places. There are a handful of stone chips near the front grille, as well as a chip on the windscreen surround. The front and part of the rear bumpers are protected with Armourfend PPF.

Brightwork including the aluminium-capped wing mirrors presents well, and all badges and light lenses appear to be free of damage.

The original 18-inch RS4 alloy wheels are in excellent order, having recently been refurbished. The vendor notes that these were replaced under an optional recall with the strengthened OEM wheels, following customer reports of buckled wheels in the early days of production.

Moving inside, the Audi’s interior is in a condition belying its age and mileage. The Recaro Onyx leather seats are in excellent order, with no rips or tears in the material, and only slight creasing on the driver’s side bolster.

The car is well-equipped, with xenon headlights, central armrest, a Bose sound system, an electric sunroof, cruise control and automatic climate control. All of the switchgear presents well, and there are no electrical faults noted. There are a handful of scratch marks on the driver’s door grab panel but otherwise the interior is in remarkably good condition.

This practical performance icon has been well-maintained throughout its life. Its most recent service was in June 2020 at 124,363 miles, by D Tech Motor Engineers of Ipswich. The air, oil and pollen filters were replaced, along with the front windscreen wipers and engine oil. Prior to this, the car was serviced in March 2019 at 122,880 miles, when an oil and filter service was again undertaken. The cambelt and water pump were last replaced at 112,683 miles on 11 September 2014.

In addition to scheduled maintenance, the vendor states that the car has received additional maintenance when required, including new coil springs, new brake discs and pads, re-gassing of the air-conditioning system, CV joint boot gaiters, and rocker cover gaskets.

The most recent MOT test was on 11 August 2020 at 124,396 miles. This resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. Wearing matching Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres all round, these are reported to be in excellent condition with sufficient tread.

Accompanying this RS4 are its original handbooks, two remote keys plus workshop key, a spare key and the key tag, tyre compressor and sealant. There is the full complement of original tools plus the Radio system code number. In addition, a VHS tape documenting the customer day at Millbrook  with the alloy wheel deformation tests will be included, as well as a hardback copy of the original showroom brochure. Garage items include a spare wheel of the original ’soft’ compound, a lower grille mesh, and a re-useable number plate holder. All of the original MOT certificates are also present.

Combining Quattro stability with impressive pace and practicality, and low production numbers, this Audi RS4 is a superb example of the breed. It would make for a very enjoyable weekend toy, and would also be a desirable addition to any collection of modern performance icons.

Summary of service history:

• 01/04/2001 – PDI
• 19/09/2002 – 14,241 miles
• 19/01/2004 – 27,828 miles
• 16/03/2005 – 41,620 miles
• 30/06/2006 – 53,953 miles
• 07/11/2007 – 64,783 miles
• 15/01/2009 – 74,292 miles
• 24/03/2010 – 85,016 miles
• 20/06/2011 – 97,355 miles
• 14/11/2012 – 106,631 miles
• 20/11/2013 – 110,742 miles
• 11/09/2014 – 112,683 miles
• 23/09/2015 – 116,212 miles
• 13/10/2016 – 118,082 miles
• 28/11/2017 – 120,354 miles
• 20/03/2019 – 122,880 miles
• 05/06/2020 – 124,363 miles

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing. The car was erroneously logged by DVLA as being purple when new, but it is and always has been Avus Silver, as all the original correspondence from Audi confirms. This error was corrected in 2003.