taipan
February 3rd, 2003, 13:53
As some of you know, I've been looking for a second-hand RS4 since November '02 (after canceling my initial order back in 2001).
What struck me was the disconnect between the prices in the market and what I read in the forums, especially on buy-backs from Audi dealers.
The gap between selling and buying prices often exceeded 15 000 Euros (or 10 000 £).
So I decided to do one or two quick checks.
1. I made a quick visit at the dealer down the road (Audi Bauer in Levallois, Paris suburb).
There was a second-hand black RS4 from 2000, with GPS, 48 000 km, for sale at 55K Euros (price new 75K Euros).
So I went straight to the "New Cars" salesman and said : "I want to buy a RS6 Avant but I need you to buy back my Grey Avus RS4, from early 2001, GPS, 52 000 km, no chipping/mods. How much do you offer ?"
-> His answer : "I need to see the car to confirm but it'll be around 40K Euros".
15K Euros margin for the dealer, don't count on me, pal...
2. Then I looked into the major second-hand publication in France which also runs a major website (La Centrale Des Particuliers, part of the int'l house Trader.com). It's the absolute leader in the field here.
There I saw about 15 RS4s, all either Black or Avus, ranging from 40 000 to 90 000 km, all with 12 months warranty
So you get an idea of the offerings :
- between 44K and 46 K Euros : 3 RS4s
- 46 to 50 K Euros : 2 RS4s
- 50 to 56K Euros : 9 RS4s
Only 4 RS4s come from private owners, the rest come from dealers (mainly Audi).
THE TRICK : I actually run one of the 3 cheapest offers, so I could figure out how many buyers were looking for one, like me.
Cost me 50 Euros but to potentially save a few thousands Euros, it's a no-brainer.
You know this feeling, when the seller tells you "please hurry/ can't lower my price because I have two other clients" and you're like "yeah right, take me for a ride ...".
THE SURPRISE : since the ad started running 3 weeks ago, I have not received a SINGLE call or email for the car.
As if no one is currently looking for an RS4, even at the current cheapest prices from the largest market place in FR.
A bit weird, no ?
Eric
What struck me was the disconnect between the prices in the market and what I read in the forums, especially on buy-backs from Audi dealers.
The gap between selling and buying prices often exceeded 15 000 Euros (or 10 000 £).
So I decided to do one or two quick checks.
1. I made a quick visit at the dealer down the road (Audi Bauer in Levallois, Paris suburb).
There was a second-hand black RS4 from 2000, with GPS, 48 000 km, for sale at 55K Euros (price new 75K Euros).
So I went straight to the "New Cars" salesman and said : "I want to buy a RS6 Avant but I need you to buy back my Grey Avus RS4, from early 2001, GPS, 52 000 km, no chipping/mods. How much do you offer ?"
-> His answer : "I need to see the car to confirm but it'll be around 40K Euros".
15K Euros margin for the dealer, don't count on me, pal...
2. Then I looked into the major second-hand publication in France which also runs a major website (La Centrale Des Particuliers, part of the int'l house Trader.com). It's the absolute leader in the field here.
There I saw about 15 RS4s, all either Black or Avus, ranging from 40 000 to 90 000 km, all with 12 months warranty
So you get an idea of the offerings :
- between 44K and 46 K Euros : 3 RS4s
- 46 to 50 K Euros : 2 RS4s
- 50 to 56K Euros : 9 RS4s
Only 4 RS4s come from private owners, the rest come from dealers (mainly Audi).
THE TRICK : I actually run one of the 3 cheapest offers, so I could figure out how many buyers were looking for one, like me.
Cost me 50 Euros but to potentially save a few thousands Euros, it's a no-brainer.
You know this feeling, when the seller tells you "please hurry/ can't lower my price because I have two other clients" and you're like "yeah right, take me for a ride ...".
THE SURPRISE : since the ad started running 3 weeks ago, I have not received a SINGLE call or email for the car.
As if no one is currently looking for an RS4, even at the current cheapest prices from the largest market place in FR.
A bit weird, no ?
Eric