RS6 - Ownership Advise Needed

[MELUNS]

Hi everyone
I am hoping that between you all , you will be able to provide me with all the factual information I need, to help me make the decision of whether to buy the RS6 Avant or not?

Let me explain my situation.........
I am a total car enthusiast and have been lucky enough to own some nice cars (for a relatively young man), over recent years which have answered my need of a rewarding driving experience. (Type R Impreza, 01 996 C2, 03 M3 Cab). However I have always had to battle major costs and depreciation as my job means I do more miles than you would ever want to put on any performance car.
I have tried the second car scenario, but it just doesnt work for me, so ultimately I simply accept that I lose money more than most on depreciation!
I therefore need a car that I can use for my daily motorway cruise, but at the same time when not working provide me with that ear to ear smile and driving satisfaction!!! This time around also provide a big boot and plenty of space for passengers.

Anyway, as stated, I have to carry out a reasonable amount of motorway miles , 3 ot of 5 days for work (Approx 100 miles round trip), so need to know what kind on MPG I can expect to get, if driving a sensible 80mph cruise etc?
I have read through previous posts which would indicate about 20mpg? Is this the best I could expect on such journeys? I remember going on the M3 forum prior to purchasing and was told that the best I would get was 22-23, however regularly got 28+ on the sensible motorways!................... Your input is much appreciated.

Also, can someone advise of the service intervals and more importantly when the big ones are? I am trying to work out whether buying a low mileage example is best (as I am going to put 25K a year on it), or whether one that has already had the first big service all sorted, 40K???)

Sorry for the long waffle, but I really after some real world experience to help make a decision.

Thanks in advance
Rob

[Rupert]

It is possible to get above 24 MPG on a long trip at a steady speed.

I think buying a higher mileage car would be best for you, you'll lose less going from say 50k-75kmiles than from 20k-45k miles.

The RS6 is plenty big enough for four adults and luggage, and comfortable ont he motorway too, it's most at home there.

[bogie]

I bought a 3.5 yr old car with 37K on it from a main dealer...so it had the belts, brakes and new tyres on it. You can get into one for about £33-37K with a warranty. I figured that the highest mileage/oldest cars are just dipping below £30K now, so hopefully I can put 20K a year on it, and sell it with 80K on for about £25K ish...not too bad for 2 years in a 60K car.

Its used as a daily drive to the office/airport and carried 8 peoples camping gear to LeMans this year...and didnt get left behind by the other exotica in the convoy ...for me it is the ultimate daily drive, practical fast car, which is also discrete enough to turn up to customers in ....

MPG wise then at a steady cruise 70-80mph then 25Mpg is easy enough - it will go down to 18Mpg with mixed use e.g. B roads and city driving

Service intervals are every 10K miles - cambelt is every 3 years/40K miles I think - a search on here should give you some cost indication

cheers
bogie

[MELUNS]

Thanks for the comments.
If I can get around 25mpg on the boring sensible motorway cruises I should be fine.

I have seen a nice 53 plate with only 20K on, so may have a look at that.

[SteveH]

You have similar circumstances to when I purchased, I was doing 25-30K per annum, has now dropped to 20K but still have the occasional longer drive. As above, service intervals are every 10K and alternate between minor & major. the difference being Minor about £225, Major £400. Cam belt was originally 40K but the official advice changed to 60K so you will need to check the specific car as there is little consistency as to precisely when the belts were changed.

Front Disks and pads appear to last between 15K to 35K depending on use (a lot of motorway would help, A roads with hard braking for islands is a killer on the disks).

If you go with a softer tyre like P-Zero's then dont expect much more than 15K; I now use PS2's and am getting even wear and 5mm rubber left all round after 20K miles.

My mid-term average is usually between 18 to 23mpg, 23 being when I was doing mainly motorway, but I am guilty of not hanging around, so slower cruising should deliver slightly better results.

I assume you've already seen my earlier post: http://rs246.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB ... ic&t=55716

It is a brilliant all-round car, I genuinely have no idea what else I would buy instead, kind of tempted by a 911 but not enough room for my requirements. M5 probably, but I am a sucker for the traction that quattro provides. Good luck!! at the end of the day if you opt for an RS6 it's certainly a purchase from the heart, if you were really using your head you'd probably end up with something far more sensible, but then again, so does everyone else and you only live once!!

[MELUNS]

Thanks for you reply Steve.
I think I am pretty sold on it being the right choice.
Cars are for driving and enjoying, rather than just cleaning and polishing etc.

[bbigman2000]

I saw 6mpg on mine yesterday under full boost !

Otherwise 18-22mpg.

I do a similar mileage to you but I have a second car to do it in, the Rs6 is just a toy.

I actually wouldnt like to try to sell a rs6 with 80k on it, you would get hammered down big time on the price.

[bbigman2000]

Also, the Rs6 Can go on longlife servicing if you arent a hard driver !

Which extends it upto 15-18k miles between services.

I personnally like the oil changed every 10k minimum !

[shimmy]

Thanks for you reply Steve.
I think I am pretty sold on it being the right choice.
Cars are for driving and enjoying, rather than just cleaning and polishing etc.

Absolutely they are for driving

I have done about 21k miles in the 11 months I have had mine and becuase mainly motorway miles it have been very good on the brakes and tyres.

Its at its best on the motorway or good A road but especially also with the family in it as you can stil drive in comfort and have it full of luggage and kids. The drive down to the South West that we do as a family 3 times a year for a short break has been a pleasure with the RS6.

Even though I am selling her now as the need for the extra space has gone as the wife has bought herself a 7 seater, I would recommend the RS6 for a great cruiser and gives immense fun and much flexibility.

Also IMHO avant is a must (waiting for all the saloon boys to reply now!)

[SteveH]

Also IMHO avant is a must (waiting for all the saloon boys to reply now!)

As with all things in life, its down to personal choice and needs... I went from a TT coupe to the RS6, I test drove an Estate but it felt like I was driving the Albert Hall round, I had visions of a small choir and a huge great cathedral organ being located in the boot . Moving to the saloon was a big enough step for me, and as a bonus you can actually give your friends, colleagues and clients a lift without the need to start shoe-horning them into the little back seat in the TT.

You never know, my next one may be an Albert Hall Estate!? (with optional extra BOSE Organ)

[Rupert]

Also, the Rs6 Can go on longlife servicing if you arent a hard driver !

Which extends it upto 15-18k miles between services.

The RS6 was not eligile for long life servicing. There is even confusion amongst dealers on this point as some will still try to quote for AVS1 or AVS2 instead of the fixed interval.

Isn't it comforting to know that no matter how hard you drive, the minimum fuel economy will be 6mpg?

[bbigman2000]

heh I like the saloon, though I agree that the avant is a better seller to the tune of 4k extra for a similar mileage car.

Regards Longlife servicing, the first owner of my car supplied by northampton audi put it on longlife.

Northampton supplied a lot of Rs6's they should know !!

However when it came back for its first service they put it onto annual or 10k which is more like it considering it has turbochargers, albeit running very low boost.

The first owner of my car was lady diane george, so very unlikley she drove it hard lol.

[edcase]

Mine will be for sale in a day or two, warranty, FSH, just had 40k and cambelt.

[MELUNS]

Well, have finally taken the plunge and shaken on a deal for a beautiful Ebony Black RS6 Avant.
53 plate, 22K miles with what seems every single option.
Needs a cambelt change as the three years is up in Nov. Used this as part of the negotiation but need to get it sorted.

Can anyone offer any alternative companies that are worth considering for the cambelt, other than the main dealer?
I am based in the South. Surrey, Sussex, Buck, Berks , Oxon............are all possible.

[bbigman2000]

Excellent congrats meluns, another to the forum then !