Find of the Day: 2001 Audi RS 4 Avant

words: Bill, photos: Josh Decker

Find of the Day? Maybe Find of the Year as in you will have to wait until 2026 to import one from Europe (if you live in the States; Canadians have been able to import these since 2016). There are a few B5 RS 4 Avants in the States but none are for sale now and arguably, none in this condition. Also, I happen to know the owner and you may too.

Josh Decker founded  QuattroWorldAchtuning, and is now the CEO of  Tagboard.  You can say that he knows his way around Audi and the enthusiasts that follow. We’ve shared a few beers on Turn 16 and chased each other in golf carts at Sebring though not at the same time. We’ve run into each other at shows and I’ve always admired whatever Audi he had with him at the time however, I’ve never seen this RS 4 Avant in person as he’s on the West Coast and I’m on the East. So when I found out this was for sale, I reached out to him and he was kind enough to send me the photos you see here.

I’m a little late to the party since this was placed on Bring A Trailer and word has spread that a special Audi is up for grabs, Here’s the ad:

This 2001 Audi RS4 Avant was purchased new by the seller in Germany and was subsequently imported to the US in July 2002. It was federalized before moving to California with its second owner in 2006 and was re-acquired by the seller in 2012. Finished in silver over black leather, the car is equipped with the Audi Quattro GmbH Sport Package which consists of a factory sunroof deletion, black roof rails and tailpipes, and a lowered suspension.

The turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 sends power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, and modifications include Edge Racing intercoolers, a Miltek exhaust system including downpipes, an Öhlins suspension, a Stasis rear differential, BBS wheels, and more. An engine overhaul was completed last year, while the turbochargers were replaced around 55k miles. This slicktop B5 RS4 Avant now shows 80k miles and is offered with manufacturer’s literature, partial service records, a set of Milltek downpipes equipped with high-flow catalytic converters, a car cover, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Washington State title in the seller’s wife’s name.

Compared to the contemporary S4, the RS4 model features widened wheel arches, a rear spoiler, unique front and rear bumpers, and more aggressive side skirts. This example was repainted silver by Queen City Auto Rebuild of Redmond, Washington after it was keyed in 2016. The car was optioned without a sunroof and features black roof rails and tail pipes, a rear window wiper, and front and rear fog lamps. Replacement European-spec headlights are said to have been fitted in August 2019.

BBS 19″x10” CH wheels are wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires measuring 275/30. The suspension has been modified with Öhlins/Stasis adjustable coilovers with remote reservoirs and aftermarket control arms, while the braking system features Alcon 14” six-piston brake calipers and Girodisc rotors. The seller notes the inner part of the rear tires are worn, a rattle can be heard from rear suspension, and the inner and outer tie-rod ends are said to have been replaced in 2019.

The cabin is upholstered in black leather with matching carpets, and carbon fiber trim has been added to the dash, door panels, and center console. Amenities include RS4-branded Recaro power-adjustable and heated front seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, a navigation system, and a short shifter. A bluetooth module has been integrated for use with the factory stereo and the radio is currently coded to receive European frequencies. The seller notes wear on the door cards and each entry point as well as scuffing on various interior plastics.

Instrumentation includes a 200-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 7k-rpm redline, along with gauges for oil and coolant temperature, fuel level, and voltage. The digital odometer shows 80k miles, approximately 25k of which have been added by the seller who notes less than 500 miles per year have been driven since 2014. The brackets which hold the rear cargo cover are cracked and in need of replacement and remote unlocking via the key fob is noted to be non-operational.

The twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 sends power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive with a Stasis rear differential. Replacement turbochargers are said to have been fitted at approximately 55k miles, while modifications include Edge Racing intercoolers, an AMD clutch kit, and a Milltek exhaust system with cat-delete downpipes. The engine was removed, disassembled, rebuilt, and tuned and by Addict Motorsport Design of Woodinville, Washington in August 2019, which included machining of the internals, vapor polishing of the aluminum components as well as replacement of the timing belt, water pump, radiator, and alternator. Less than 500 miles have been added to the car since the aforementioned work was completed according to the included service record which can be viewed in the gallery below. Milltek downpipes with high-flow catalytic converters will accompany the vehicle, and the seller notes the oil cooler has been removed.

Maximum output was recorded at 416 horsepower with 374 lb-ft of torque during a dyno test and a video of the test can be viewed here.

The February 2020 Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists history in Florida, California, and Washington State through its most recent entry in November 2016. 

As you can see, this is a clean (very clean) example of a B5 RS 4 Avant. As of this posting, it’s up to $55,555 and the auction ends in 3 days. If you are interested in purchasing this Avant, you probably won’t find a better example either here or across the pond. Josh knows Audi and its enthusiasts so you know this is done right. Find the ad HERE.