(this is a cross-post from the A6/S6 board)

I'm trying to decide on going Stage 3 on my A6, or buying a C5 RS6 w/ 60-80K miles. If I go with the RS6, what should I plan for maintenance-wise over the next five years?

Best case, average case, and worst case scenarios, if you have them.

Thanks guys,

- Jeff

 

Doesn't that have the lambo v10 in it? If so then expect quite the costs. Especially around 60-80k miles. Thats primetime for repairs and maintenence to be done just out of warranty that the old cheap owner didn't want to do.

 

Nah, C5 RS6 is a completely different beast. Definitely one of those vehicles that us C6 S6 owners go "whoa..." about when seen. For both performance reasons and maintenance cost reasons.

There's an RS6-dedicated site out there: http://www.rs6.com/

Find one with an extended warranty already in place...

 

When/IF you go to RS6.com, I currently hold the record for non-ownership/lurking on that sight for 4 years, while I waiting patiently for the price to come down and the right one to come along, as rushing in on the one that was offered would have been a disaster.

Having owned one for almost a year and driven it as a DD and starting with 36k on the odo:
1. Oil Change = $100-$150
2. Trans fluid/filter change = $450
3. Front rotors $280/each + $100 frozen (installed with a friend)
4. EBC reds = $175
5. Michelin PS2's = $1500-ish = 10k-20k miles depending on style
6. Sparkies = $80
7. Airfilter/cabin filter = $70
8. OEM Windshield = $700 ($100 deductible)
9. more... that I am sure that I am missing...

There are some peeps on RS6.com that have horror stories of spending $$,$$$ and a ton of time on fixing gremlins, repeatedly. There are others that spend very little with little to no issues.

IF you are serious, find one that has 20k-30k miles on it. The lowest mileage one's can/do have hidden issues and are not worth the premium you will pay for it. Or the markup is ridiculous. Extended Warranty prices are determined by current mileage - simple logic.

KEY questions to ask when considering:
1. Timing belt serviced at 35k/75k/105k?
2. DRC recall?
3. Trans/TQ issues?
4. Accidents (kinda obvious on this one)
5. Chipped ECU? TCU?
6. Rotors replaced?
7. Mods or stock?
8. Extended warranty included? Available?

IF you get the green light, make sure you get a test drive (and make sure the water/oil temp is up otherwise the ECU pulls BOOST and you will not receive the full effect). There have been several on RS6.com that have been slightly burned on CEL's or trans issues within the first week of ownership.

It is the ultimate sleeper super sedan that a rare few KNOW about and then have seen. Don't expect peeps to come up to you and ask about it...

Depending on your driving style, issues/costs could be:
1. Tires (requires XL load tires)
2. Rotors ($280/each fronts is the lowest around)
3. Mods - yes, you MIGHT want a little more grin above your chin.
4. DRC removal/replacement with PSS9/KWv3.
5. Trans/TQ replacement. Or $hit-can-it for Raven's 6sp manual.

Oh, and I almost forgot:
If you choose to go WITHOUT an extended warranty, may your wallet be fat...

 

Warranties are for cars you really can't afford to drive. The huge money required to cover an Rs6 is better spent on regular and required maint. from a trusted indy. A dealership will line their pockets if you need them to work on it. Much of the maint. is normal stuff that you could do in the garage.

You can spend as much if not more on building another 500hp Audi...or buy a good Rs6 for between 20-25 grand....and perhaps salvage some residual value down the road due the rarity of the cars in 2003 only in NA.

2 known and big problems areas on the cars are the DRC suspension and the torque converters as mentioned. Usually fixing them once does it for good though. With that said, no worse than any other early 4.2 with a bad torque converter or yikes, an newer Fsi motor with sludge build-up or the problematic allroad suspensions. Timing belts on the C5 are no big deal, the parts are only a bit more expensive than a 2.7s.

Go for one; no time like the present and with cars values declining...makes sense to get into one now while miles are still reasonable and plenty of good ones being unloaded by the first and second owners.

Everything you want to hear from real owners are over at www.RS6.com. Its a good site with very knowledgeable peeps and techs...just be prepared for a spanking if your skin is thin ( a few guys seem to troll around just waiting for noobs to chime in).

 

If you find a guy like me, I can save you a couple of bucks on service and repair.

 

Cant afford to drive? Hmmm, I paid cash for my RS6 with 20k miles. Then I proceeded to buy the longest 6yr/72k mile extended warranty for 3,000 dollars. Oh yeah, I perform all my own maint as well.

What are the odds I cash in on that 3k investment for the ext warranty in the next 6 years?

 

Thanks guys, your comments were very helpful. This is definitely a tough decision, since I too have been a boarder-line C5 RS6 stalker since I bought my A6. I'm definitely not looking for the extra attention (i.e. people asking "what's that!?!?), it's more (IMHO) the classic Audi super-sedan, and a pretty reasonable price for 450hp.

Believe it or not, there is a relatively small # of desirable C5 RS6's left on the market (without having to trailer it back from the east coast). Sounds like the maintenance costs aren't terrible, but would add up over time. After being an (previously) active member of the Audi World forums for several years, my biggest concern is pulling an unlucky lemon. Even in the standard 2.7T C5's, high-dollar repairs seemed hit or miss. Seeing an angry post about a Tip tranny replacement wasn't uncommon, and I've seen that post a few times on the RS6 forums as well.

I have a great Indy here in Portland Or that's done all the work on my 2.7T thus far (currently @ Stage 2+), and he said he can upgrade me to Stage 3 for about $10K. I already made the investment in proper exhaust, down-pipes, and suspension, including adjustable upper control arms to limit ridiculous tire wear.

After plenty of searching, the RS6 I'm looking for is about $25K. I have to be realistic, and assume that even with my upgrades, I'll only be able to get about $10K my A6 (90K miles, up to date on all maintenance), Maybe $12K for the right buying that actually wants to Stage 2 software.

So what would you do?

Option 1 - $10K - For known car with minimal issues thus far, driven easy, Stage 3 400hp A6

Option 2 - ($20K-$10K=)$15K - For unknown previous maintenance/driving habits, -but- the holy C5 grail 450hp RS6

- Jeff

 

RS6 looks better, will probably have lower mileage than your car, has a higher quality C5 interior than the A6, Some trick aluminum front hoot & frt fenders (aka A6 4.2), more Power & Tq., better brakes. The engines are reliable but even a low mileage RS6 will have issues that a '03 A6 will have as sensore and hoses get older. The RS6's are a little harder on the transmissions but they can be fixed. The more work you can do yourself the easier it is to own a RS6, even basic Mx such as oil changes which are as easy as any other Audi. Some are very trouble free. I've owned mine for 4.5 years and have put 49K on it and it has been trouble free. Others have had problems from the start? Can you afford a $3K tranny rebild and another $1K plus for the install if it goes out in the next year? Other than that, the problems will be the same as any 8 year old car, as I said, sensors, hoses, electronics, suspension bushings.

 

There is no warranty 'TODAY' that will adequately cover an RS6 for 3K. Please show us one and prove me wrong. 8-)

Why did you buy a warranty if you do all your own work anyway!?? That doesn't make any sense. Does your warranty cover the timing belt changes? or the valve cover oil leaks or O2 sensor changes? How about brake rotors and pads? What else is expensive on these cars to fix? Will they cover a torque converter re-build/re-place knowing it was bad from the factory? The company would lose $$ on every Rs6 (or V8 Audi) they covered for 3K that needed anything tranny related.

How much has the warranty covered you so far? ...more than 3 grand? You're ahead of the game if so. Congrats !