Should I make the jump from the B7?

[aarghesfore]

Hi,

For the past 4 years I have been running a B7 RS4 which I still love to bits. However, my kids are getting bigger and my wife’s back isn’t great so we could really do with something bigger without the buckets. A C6 RS6 is the obvious choice but I just wanted to get some views from people who have made the jump re the following:

1/ Day to day does it feel like a barge after the RS4? I do prefer the looks of the RS4 but could put up with the next size up if it still handles.
2/ Is the fuel economy that much worse? I’m not that fussed as I only do about 7k a year but if it crazily bad it might make me think again.
3/ Is reliability much of an issue? My RS4 has been out of warranty for 3.5 years and I have had no issues. Would you buy a C6 without a warranty?
4/ Does the 3G MMI make much difference, should I bother holding out for that?
5/ Finally, anyone fancy a part ex for a well loved Daytona RS4 Avant with 50k on the clock?!

Cheers.

[doodlebug]

Hi,

For the past 4 years I have been running a B7 RS4 which I still love to bits. However, my kids are getting bigger and my wife’s back isn’t great so we could really do with something bigger without the buckets. A C6 RS6 is the obvious choice but I just wanted to get some views from people who have made the jump re the following:

1/ Day to day does it feel like a barge after the RS4? I do prefer the looks of the RS4 but could put up with the next size up if it still handles.
2/ Is the fuel economy that much worse? I’m not that fussed as I only do about 7k a year but if it crazily bad it might make me think again.
3/ Is reliability much of an issue? My RS4 has been out of warranty for 3.5 years and I have had no issues. Would you buy a C6 without a warranty?
4/ Does the 3G MMI make much difference, should I bother holding out for that?
5/ Finally, anyone fancy a part ex for a well loved Daytona RS4 Avant with 50k on the clock?!

Cheers.

Can't speak on the first point. Go drive one for comparison. It is a big car and it handles like one. Handling is good considering but not likely to be comparable to the 4.

2) I'd imagine so. Expect low/mid double figures.
3) I would not have without warranty. If you can face a big four figure bill out of your pocket then you could take a punt, but I wouldn't.
4) 3G is current tech, standard in all saloons but only a small fraction of later Avants. You'll be limiting yourself on budget and choice at the end of the day.

[luffenham1]

Hi there

I have come from a rs4 to a rs6 and wondered the same when I was thinking of changing.

So
1, the rs6 c6 does handle fine for every day driving and also on the B roads blast but you can't get away from its weight of 2tons plus. The feel of the steering is not as nice as the rs4 and I still don't feel 100% when going around corners fast, even so it goes round they each time.

2, 22mpg on motorway doing a steady 85, 16 mpg in towns, 6 if you really gun it. I also only do 8k year so it does not really bother me.

3, So far it's been fine. No issues drc, etc. I have no warranty on the car and have had it for 17months. Yes when it goes wrong it will cost but due to my mileage and not paying the warranty premium of £1200 a year roughly I have saved 2400 in account just in case, I deal with it when it happens.

4, I have 2g so can't really comment on 3G. I guess not much different apart from 3d maps and storage hard disk?

5, ummmmmm. Wife won't let me. She hated the ride and bucket seats. She loves the quality of the ride in the 6, nice seats. Good cabin

If you after a more powerful, well equipped, very capable, practical with extra space and better ride for the wife than the 4 then the 6 is for you. If you want something as good as the 4 in the corners then the 6 is not. It will never be.

If I could swop my 6 for my old 4 back....... Tough question!!!

Personally the 4 was great, the 6 is also good and suits my life style (wife and baby). Maybe in a few years a r8 v10 and I buy a shed for the daily run around.

[doodlebug]

Limited mileage fully comp warranty is around 900 from Mondial.

[Trups]

mine is due to renew and they said for 15k which i dont do was £1900 with no excess, i will call them next week again when i have more time to go through options.

[doodlebug]

If you're into 6th year I'd expect the price to go up. The 900 notes was limited mileage and an excess of £250.

[Trups]

mine is 08 reg, coming upto 60k. so 5th year. going to buy it regardless, just dont want to be ripped.

[doodlebug]

Can't be fifth surely? I'm into fifth year and I'm on 58 plate,

Agree it's a no brainer though.

[sixspeed]

Get it renewed before you click over 60k. There is a sizeable jump once you go over.

[RS6chris!]

I did this change.

I too had a B7 for 4 years.

Have a read through some of my older posts on my thoughts on B7 vs C6.

I too thought I couldn't live without a B7....great all rounder etc etc

But I wouldn't swap back now....the C6 is no track machine but more than capable of quick driving in Britain in 2013.

Almost too fast to be fair mine feels quicker now than it ever has, the engine is sensitive to mods I got custom zorst and high flow filters with no map and its noticeably quicker than OEM....mental with a Map.

Plus very exclusive and great bragging rights due to crazy power an rarity.

Again I've had a few issues as if ou read my posts you will see with my c6, but they are bulletproof as oppose to the B7, or so it seems anyway....

Warranty is a personal choice?...I choose not too and got burnt!!!...but you pay ya money ya take ya chances!!....the money it cost me would have been a good warranty anyway so it is what it is.

They say also if you lower the C6 is really transforms the handling?...again not a go kart but good for a 600bhp barge....this will be my next mod.


Chris

[aarghesfore]

Thanks for the feedback chaps. Looks like I will be going ahead and swapping at some point soon. I have considered an M5 Touring and E63 but the BM gearbox puts me off and I always think Mercs are a bit too middle aged. I think the final decision is made easier by Harry Metcalfe’s summing up following his long term test:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolong ... i_rs6.html

[Gumball0r]

After 4 years of truly amazing ownership (best car I've owned) I've replaced my B7 RS4 Sedan with a C6 RS6 Sedan.
1) I am really impressed with the C6. I was expecting it to feel much heavier, but around tight bends at speed it's almost as composed as the B7 with SS+.
You do get a lot more space, especially rear leg room, but you don't feel the size when driving.
2) Fuel consumption seems to be very identical to the B7, the C6 might drink a little more
4) I have the 3G but I can't comment on whether to wait for a 3G or not, as I haven't experienced the 2G. The 3G MMI though is a very nice setup compared to the out dated RNS-E in the B7. I do 20.000 miles a year and I already know that I'm gonna love having the option to choose between manual or automatic and comfort, dynamic or sport mode.

I've only had the car for a week but I feel certain that I won't regret the swap. The difference in straight line speed alone does it for me

[Gumball0r]

I forgot to add that the sound is quite underwhelming, even compared to a standard B7 RS4 exhaust. Whereas a remap could be fun but not a necessity, an exhaust definitely is. Sonic boom on upshifts is a nice touch though.