New guy looking for pros of RS6 vs RS4

[criscampanioni]

Hey guys, looking for some friendly advice really.

A friend of mine told me to have a browse on here and do my research before looking at some RS6's as he told me they are money pits!

This one (below) looks pretty tasty...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1459074.htm

I would like a tuned one as standard they seem to be pretty slow ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q61HVGiocOw ) in the quarter mile but once mapped really seem to liven up (108+ in 1/4 mile)

So should i be wary that this is potentially a ticking time bomb (it looks tuned). I read on here that virtually everything on these beasts seems to go wrong... gearboxes, suspension, oil coolers..... engines going bang etc. I can afford the upkeep (just!) but my question is why should i look at an rs6 over the twin turbo rs4 avant as this seems to do everything better is quicker and seems alot more robust and FAR cheaper to run. Is the RS6 worth all the hassle? Has anyone owned both of these and can share opinions? Thanks Cris

[Shoppinit]

I don't see MTM zorsts on it. I don't believe the 530bhp claim. 500 maybe.

[kaisersolsay]

Hi Cris,

I think there are quite a few horror stories going around on here about the RS6 constantly breaking down. I'm a member on a few other owner forums as I have a few other cars (MK1 Cortina Cosworth 4x4 + VW Golf VR6) and what you tend to find is that there is way more horror stories than praise for reliability.

Cars are machines and by there nature breakdown.

What you have to remember is that the repair costs are relative to the cost price of the car, and we are talking about a £60k+ motor when straight out of the wrapper.

What I'm trying to say here is that some cars will breakdown and others will run fault free for years (as long as you look after it), therefore like most 2nd hand car purchases, its a bit of a lottery. To safe-guard yourself against any issues a decent warranty policy is essential. RS6 repair bills are expensive if things go wrong. Hope this helps!

[Stuart6587]

If it is a 530 bhp MTM conversion I would expect to see other than a standard exhaust.

Don't buy an RS6 for 1/4 mile sprints as the car is too heavy and too slow even in tuned form and the gearbox won't last.

Like all cars they have their faults but they are not as unreliable as forums might portray and like any news you ever read it only ever tends to be bad news !

I have been to the South of France in mine twice in the last year, five up with luggage and it didn't miss a beat and is also used most days. Only problems have been DRC (fixed under Audi goodwill warranty) and misting up of windows due to solar sunroof/air con and failed remote both resolved under warranty.

I would want to ensure that the DRC is okay (and gearbox) and would push for a longer warranty than 3 months. Also see what the limit on the warranty is as parts aren't cheap.

Bought mine Jan 2009 and no regrets.....

[kaisersolsay]

Glad someone else is on my wavelength.

[criscampanioni]

Thanks guys.. guess the logic of spending £17k on a car and then half the value of the car running it per year is what i am struggling to come to terms with... and the mrs keeps telling me the same! and that i should be looking at a newer car with less chance of $$$ problems

[Shoppinit]

Horses for courses. Personally I think the running costs are reasonable for a 450hp car. I'm quite happy with the risks. Nothing serious really goes wrong with these cars other than the gearboxes (not all of them) and the DRC (easy and permanent fix with coilovers). I'd rather that than self-destructing engines and plasticine subframes like the E46 M3 which isn't even in the same league.

[Cornishmoocher]

You think a B5 Rs4 is cheaper to run and is a stronger car............

Na.

Faster yup when highly tuned, but stronger, nah, has just as many failures as the 6- just different ones.

As for the video- the datsun weighs about the same as a fag paper and tge Rs6 near 2 tons, it aint a drag car.

[kaisersolsay]

Cris, have you considered a B6 S4? I had one 3 years back and loved it. Will average 28mpg if driven sensibly and they dont run DRC suspension set up. I used mine on business trips from here in Scotland to the South of England at least twice a month and the occassional track day at Knockhill and it never missed a beat. You could pick up a nice low mileage example for around £14k too!

[GregRS6]

Ive gotta say between the test drives i had 2 and 1/2 years in a 4, the 6 is so much more comfortable. The 4 is small if your 6ft plus,
I love the fact that driving the 6 is like being in Executive arm chair with everything you could need in reach with a finger tip and one almighty engine in front of you. I did nt think i would warm to a auto box but when these boxes are right they are so smooth but lively when needed.
The 6 interior is to me light years head. It's quality!!
There is a lot of car for its money. To much for its money

[kaisersolsay]

The only down side to the S4 is the lack of leg room for passangers in the rear, or if you have kids in car seats they will drive you crazy with their muddy foot prints on the backside of the seat / headrest!

[GregRS6]

The nick name for the 6 is class!!!

'The Beast'

[Golfather]

...has just as many failures as the 6- just different ones.

Doesnt have DRC or an auto box, so thats two less failures for a start !

And even if failures do occur as they would do on any car that is now 10+ years old, they are cheaper to address on the 4 than on the 6.

[lynchy]

try and have a test drive in both that is the only way.. both very quick cars but in a different way

[kaisersolsay]

What 1/4 mile times do the 6 run?