Hi From NZ.

[vs2]

Hi. Firstly good on the Lions for beating Otago yesterday. The "Barmy Army" is celebrating in style.

OK here goes, I need help today. Sorry for the long post.

I already have a good performance car (2002 Skyline R34 M Spec NUR - 700hp) that I use weekends, meets etc. I also have a 2004 X5 4.4i for an everyday vehicle but it just does'nt do it for me, plus I don't really need the whole SUV thing. BMW have offered me a new 545i Touring (wagon) with SMG and all options and a very good trade package, but the performance side of me tells me that I will get bored of this vehicle soon as well.

Well I've always loved the RS6 Avant but in NZ there are only 40 or so and hard to find, but yesterday one became available, its a 10/03 model, Nagaro(sp?) Blue Avant with 17.000 miles on it, black leather and in immaculate condition. Euro cars are expensive here in NZ. This car was $240k NZD new and they want !65K NZD for it now (55k pds). I want this car for my everday driver. Is there anything I should look out for? Still has 16 mths left on Warranty. How about the ride quality - is the suspension ok for doing long trips. It has new tires (P zeros), I've heard they eat brakes and servicing is really expensive T/F? Any of you have high milage on your cars and how are they holding up?
Hopefully I get positive feedback as this car makes sense to me as:
Its a wagon (lugging stuff around, dogs etc
5 seater & comfortable back seats
Powerful but unasuming (would debadge it)
Best looking station wagon (I think anyway)
Easy to drive performance car with luxury.

I know theres a new RS6 coming out soon and already theres the facelift A6 models out, but I like this model and shape.
Do you think they will hold there value resonably well? I would plan to keep it for the long term.

Thanks in advance.

[Demon]

Welcome to RS246.COM,

Is this RS6 from an Audi Dealer ?

I haven't had my car long enough to answer most of your questions, but will add a few of my thoughts anyway.

Ride quality - what size wheels has the car got - you may get a slightly softer ride on 18" multi spoke as opposed to the 19" 5 "arm" styel wheel - I would imagine most enthusiasts would prefer the 19". I came from running an E46 M3 with 19" and find the RS6 set-up a little more forgiving and is fine for long journey's but I have no experience of the quality of NZ roads though so unable to comment.

Brakes - again, not had mine long enough, but have read horror stories of discs being replaced frequently - see other brake posts on this forum.

Servicing costs - This car will not be cheap to run, depending on how many miles a year you cover, with servicing costs, tyres, brakes, timing belt check @20,000 miles (only 3000 miles to go on the car you are looking at) this car can cost more than a Ferrari to own. Make sure the car has full service history and is serviced before you take delivery

Mileage - mine's only covered 4000, so can't comment on high mileage problems/concerns

De-badge - you will still have twin exhausts, silver exterior mirrors, so most "enthusiasts" would know what car it is anyway.

New RS6 model - I don't think we will see this for another year yet, and when it does come out it will probabably be the saloon only as per the recent RS4 launch with the Avant following later, residuals will get affected as most older models do. As you only have around 40 on your country, the value may fair a little better due to it's rarity.

If you do decide to purchase the RS6 - come back and tell us all about it

Steve

[gord]

I've had two so far and concur with everything Steve says other than that I'm not sure it would cost MORE than a Ferrari to own (maybe not much less mind you!), only to add that you may well baulk at the fuel consumption if you do lots of miles (That said, I just saw that you have a V8 X5 so maybe not!).
GM

[vs2]

Thanks and I appreciate the replies.

Yes, it is through an Audi dealer who also has done all the warranty work on this car. Iam going to try for a full service plus brakes to seal the deal (if I do)
It has 19's on it.
Car is pretty much fully optioned. Not sure about the Nogaro Blue though, but it is the only one that colour in NZ. I think it would grow on me.

There is a guy over at RS6.com who has many negative things to say....so I'm not 100% sure.

Got to make a decision in about 12 hrs.

Thanks again.

[vs2]

Thanks for the replies from rs245.com & rs6.com.

I checked the maint. records. The car has 17000, miles and has had zero warranty issues, just the basic servicing. It is the same dealer who sold the car originally and who just got it listed back from the guy they sold it too. It was used by the wife from what i can gather as he had the Porshe & Aston (must be nice). Definately not a thrashed car.

Before I take delivery they will put on new rotors & pads all round, full service incl, plugs, fluids, filters, AC filters, wiper blades etc and also buy the cable and install my Phatbox for me (from the BMW) Has brand new rubber and this is only the 2nd set (so one set P zeros in 17,000 miles....def. not driven hard)

For $1700 USD they are going to extend the warranty to Oct. 2008.

So, thats about it. Servicing should be done late tomorrow afternoon and then I can pick it up.

[Demon]

Congratulations

[kcsun]

lets see some pictures when you collect it as Nogaro RS6's are rare even in the UK

kc

[gord]

Hear hear
Nice one.
Love to see some photos!
GM

[vs2]

Well, I'm very happy with the car. Put 300km on country roads since yesterday and I'm impressed, Build quality and finish I think are better than my previous other German Imports that I've owned. It pulls hard and smooth and you really got to keep your eye on the speedo as you a way over at the blink of an eye. (I've figured out already how to set the speed alarms ) It does feel heavy (because it is) , but in a nice solid built car way. My Skyline is heavy too (1560kg) but feels loads nore nimble. Not sure about the steering, I need to drive it more.
This car does everthing I wanted and hoped it would do, so its all good.
I wanted an all-in-one car - a sports car, a wagon, a 5 seater, dogs in back (partition net), a comfy highway cruiser, luxury finish, auto with paddles, AWD, good looks and unasuming to the untrained eye. What other car offers this? None that I know of.

Thanks.

[londonplus]

lovely car.

[vs2]

Thanks.
Just to let you know I'm just loving this car, and the Nogaro Blue is growing on me.

[Virdee Autos]

I see your already on here Amerikiwi!!! Good to see more pics of the RS6, looks stunning, and love the colour.

[GaryC]

Lovely looking car. That colour looks great on the RS6.

Gary.

[vs2]

I see your already on here Amerikiwi!!! Good to see more pics of the RS6, looks stunning, and love the colour.

Hey, what are you doing here.. ...get back to the GTR board

....thanks for the comments everyone.