|

6 years have passed since the
first of a very limited number of RS2's touched
British tarmac. The RS2 has proved to be a very
rugged and reliable supercar. Although the 2226cc
engine pushed out 40% more power than the
standard S2, the combination of bullet proof Audi
mechanicals and Porsche engineering has meant
that the RS2 has stood the test of time well.
However, ownership of one of these thoroughbreds
is an exclusive club. Taking into consideration
the examples that have been either witten off or
stolen, little over 100 are still in existence.
| So what should the
potential buyer look out for if
considering ownership? Like all
supercars, a comprehensive service
history should be the first thing to be
considered. RS2's service schedule is the
same as for most other Audis, requiring
oil changes every 10,000 miles and full
servicing every 20,000 Miles. Even if
these mileages are not reached, an annual
inspection is a must. Study the service
book of the RS2 carefully. If it is the
original item, the cover will relate to
the RS2 and there will be a white
computer sticker in the inside cover
displaying the car's unique chassis
number along with other codes relating to
the mechanical and trim options. Most RS2
service books also have an extra sticker
displaying the unique Porsche build
number. However this is not essential and
it may be that the original service book
has been lost and a duplicate sourced.
Whilst not ideal, this should not affect
the car's resale value. However, the
servicing schedule stamps should be
carefully studied. A proper RS2 would
have been serviced by a main dealer in
it's early life although good quality
specialist servicing is fine later on.
verify the servicing with the dealer by
telephone and check that it relates to
the car's registration or chassis number.
Sometimes dealers change hands or delete
old computer records but it is still
possible to check main dealer servicing
with Audi UK direct who hold a record of
major services on their own database. A
free call to Customer Care on 0800 699888
should answer these queries. They will
also hold details of the original factory
equipment and colours as long as the car
is not an import. The next item to check
is the registration document. Ownership
will affect the value of an RS2. A one
owner example is very rare nowadays but 2
or three is quite acceptable. Check
carefully the registration and chassis
number with those displayed in the front
of the service book and then with the
actual details under the engine
compartment. |
|
There are two chassis numbers located on
the bulkhead behind the the engine. The chassis plate is riveted to the left hand side just behind the suspension
turret. The second and most important, as it is stamped
directly into the body, is located mid-way at the top of
the bulkhead. Check these carefully with the service and
registration documents. It is also possible that some
late production RS2's also have a third chassis number
located in the bottom right hand corner of the
windscreen.
It is imperative you
have the registration details checked with HPI Equifax or
Experian to ensure your RS2 is clear of finance and has
not been previously written off or stolen. Ensure you
have both the registration number and chassis number
together so that they can be cross referenced.
|