Are "new to RS6 owners" perhaps biting off too much??

[Bigglezworth]

With our rides surpassing the 10yr mark and with them selling for as little as $15K (less than 18% the cost of new), what are your thoughts on 'new' owners getting in to these rides. The majority of the cars out there no longer qualify for warranty coverage so anyone that owns a car either has to be good at performing their own work, or have a decent sized wallet. This was afterall a vehicle that cost $85-90K USD new ($120K CDN) and when you are an owner that is buying vehicles that expensive, you aren't concerned about what it costs to maintain or you only own long enough that the vehicle is covered by warranty.

I've always had a concern that because the price to get in to one of these cars is now as low as it is, that some owners find out the hard way that owning becomes a cost prohibitive proposition. They've always wanted to own one and can now finally afford to purchase one. They then jump in head first and realize after a while they are having a difficult time still justifying ownership - cost of gas aside. Yes, it matters on what maintenance work has been performed over the years, and yes it matters that the bit ticket items (TQ, Tranny, DRC) have been attended to, but there is still brakes, timing belts, etc. Hell - even an oil change if you have zero mechanical skills can set you back a host. Money-pits aside (there have been a few examples over the years), I find these cars to require no more maintenance than other similar performance cars. I'm personally fortunate enough to do all my own mechanical work irrespective of complexity so having more than one of these hasn't been a true 'burden' on the pocket book.

Just wanted to hear other members thoughts on whether or not you agree or disagree with these observations.

[ben916]

I do believe that you are correct.

There was no way in hades that "congress" was going to allow an RS6 in our driveway without an aftermarket warranty (it paid for itself with the non-bufkin oil tube cooler thingy failure @ $5200).

Some new owners jump at the low price tag, but fail to understand:
1. A DIY brake job is $1000 US,
2. Transmission failure is high on the list of issues and it WILL fail,
3. Timing belt replacement frequency is at 40k and range from $1200-1600,
4. It is a vehicle that must be driven and driven hard,
5. DRC, while theoretically amazing, will fail (yes, we can't forget about this little gem)
6. If you're mechanically challenged, be prepared for wallet maintenance and/or mods.
7. Even if you have EVERYTHING sorted out and can do a 6 speed swap, there is always something that fails (gas tank rollover valve, or ECU fry, ABS, N75, N249, etc)

I was very happy with 905355, but was fortunate to NOT have an issue without warranty coverage...
That is all...

[s8prtotype]

Who really cares? Pretty sure anyone getting into a used RS6 knows the value, and can rationalize it by not being the first one to drop 80k on it ;) I'll have the car for many many years until I reach that new retail amount.

But, I'm blessed.. many issues already sorted and I can handle whatever it throws at me, I love working on project cars... ;)

Oh and this....

15924

[Cmnair]

I am one of the "new" owners....fully aware of the maintenance costs etc (mine has warranty though). I finally bought one after years of contemplating it...but after a lot of research I got the right one. I also have access to a very good independent Audi mechanic. I had a stage 3 A6 2.7T (I know the RS6 is a different animal) but the stage 3 car also required a lot of upkeep.

[na1mt]

As OP also has an NSX like myself, it is seen on that platform as well. Younger crowd can afford to purchase car, but can't afford the maintenance when unexpected repairs come up.

[CBeau]

I would profer that perhaps there are numerous owners who just drive the cars half-normally and do / have done reasonable maintenance and don't have huge problems... at least under bona fide high mileage.

But maybe I'm naïve and/or stupid.

But I have a business that works in car dealerships a lot and I see them from time to time taken as trades and some of them are really nice. I'll inquire sometimes and more often than not there will at a min. be records of timely belt service(s).

Like the one I bought, from only person I knew who had one new.... actually that's what I thought originally but turned out he got it off a 2 yr. lease.... so kinda like new, anyway he is a Porsche track nut, and I mean a real and very expert one, his wife is too, and they drive the piss out of their cars. They used this one (early VIN = 905122) as a daily in rain, sun or snow for years and years and years in midatlantic area and just did reg. maintenance, kept inside for most part and cleaned reasonably on a reasonable basis, DRC warranty replaced, multiple belt services, water pump, brakes, but hat's it.... and that's normal for any car exDRC.

I've had it for abt. 1.5 years. I don't drive it near as much as they did just bc have other cars etc., which might come back to bite me (now 88k mi.s 2k of which I've put on in abt. last 18 mo.s which is way not enuf I know) Did belts and water pump just when I bought, keep inside climate controlled, but even with periods of long sits w/ just battery tender I've had no problems at all. Valve covers starting to weep a little, prob. from sitting, didn't used to, and sometimes little bit of fluid (like half-dollar sized) somewhere near rear main seal-ish and I think it may have been doing that since I had it, not sure. Trans feels strong (even tho obviously old technology and slushy by nature). I drive it pretty hard, do full rev. full load manual shifts etc.

I think MAYBE the fragility and early demises might be overstated on this forum at least a little bc people on here are always F-ing with them; and while maybe they aren't as fragile as might be painted out to be here, I will def. agree they seemingly pretty much come at the ragged limit from birth trans/TC wise etc.. Not a sermon.... just a thought. Of course this post's karma will prompt immediate full implosion... of well.

[lswing]

All depends on the new owner qualifications as mentioned. I can't work on a car worth crap, but can at least diagnose issues and had a mechanic friend down the street, or I never would have bought this thing. I would say if someone goes in ignorant thinking it will be like a standard Audi, well then, they will learn a serious lesson.

This would be a good sticky for potential new owners.

I've had a bit of free time, and been wanting to document my car along with some new web design and photography, so in a few months I might have a website up focused on the details of the RS6; good, bad, and ugly...

[SensoRS6]

I am one of the "new" owners....fully aware of the maintenance costs etc (mine has warranty though). I finally bought one after years of contemplating it...but after a lot of research I got the right one. I also have access to a very good independent Audi mechanic. I had a stage 3 A6 2.7T (I know the RS6 is a different animal) but the stage 3 car also required a lot of upkeep.


Which Warranty did you get? Cost?

[Cmnair]

Which Warranty did you get? Cost?

Transferable from PO Fidelity Platinum

[ttboost]

I tend to agree for the most part. While I don't exactly fall into this category, I've learned the downside to doing all your own work is that it is unattractive to MOST buyers of this level of car. When and IF you sell, they want a folder of receipts....If not, they walk.

[lswing]

I tend to agree for the most part. While I don't exactly fall into this category, I've learned the downside to doing all your own work is that it is unattractive to MOST buyers of this level of car. When and IF you sell, they want a folder of receipts....If not, they walk.

I have one of those folders...I look through it and think "wow, I spent how much on that?"...luckily I've had many good deals along the way. And how many Mugello Blue with carbon and black leather are in this world.

[DHall1]

As with any exotic....there are carry costs.

I would agree that most folks buying one have some idea of repairs. The others just quickly trade them off. Big deal

The right car will provide years of proper service. Both my cars are perfect....1 for 7yrs and counting and the other one just needed a transmission. Again, big deal

I dont burn thru rotors, do 95% of the work myself, perform routine maint with the best products and drive with care to the piece.

Some people burn thru cars..some dont.

Buy a car put thru the ringer....expect more repairs. True for a Camry or an RS6.

I walked past a new S6 in the lot today and thought...that car is so plain.

Give me those flared wheel arches, chicken wire grilles, that sound and ohhhhh the power. I will take the RS6....thank you very much. I could care less about what drives the guy down the street to buy his KIA.

LOL

[RSoverAll]

Being a new RS6 owner figured I'd weigh in too.

As mentioned in previous posts I think it boils down to 2 things: your wallet or your mechanical competence. I decided to pick up an RS6 knowing it might be a challenge to repair and that it costs more in parts than many other cars I've owned. Even still I decided to forgo the extended warranty as I feel pretty confident I can tackle any repair the car may need.

All cars have their issues regardless of make.

Be good to the car and maintain it responsibly and you shouldn't have much problem.

[mrdave]

As long as someone does their research and know what they're getting into, what's the big deal?? It's not like this is some one-of-a-kind hand made limited edition Pagani or Ferrari... it's a C5 Audi with some unique bolt-ons. All of the parts are reasonably available and replaceable by anyone who's mechanically inclined. Is it more expensive to own than normal cars? Sure. But not ridiculously so, especially if you turn your own wrenches.

[Dmb408]

I think RSoverAll hit it, or said it more simply than others, you have to have one or the other: $$$ or high mechanical capability. Otherwise, for those without, it shouldn't land on their utility curve shall we say. Although, there is always ramen...

[Cmnair]

I think RSoverAll hit it, or said it more simply than others, you have to have one or the other: $$$ or high mechanical capability. Otherwise, for those without, it shouldn't land on their utility curve shall we say. Although, there is always ramen...

or a warranty ....:)

[marklar182]

Absolutely, That is why I didn't get another one after mine was put down. Without a good warranty is too big of a risk.

[DNB01A64.2]

What if you buy one from a guy on here and already has the needed replacements, manual transmission, all the works? Would it be biting off too much still?

[marklar182]

I guess it really depends, so many variables.

[RSoverAll]

What if you buy one from a guy on here and already has the needed replacements, manual transmission, all the works? Would it be biting off too much still?

Well if you have the parts and bits, do you have the tools, time, resources to install the parts and put in the wrench time, that would be my next question... If yes, I'd say you're set... for the most part.

I'm sure the more veteran RS6 guys can give more insight on the wrench time and parts etc.

[lswing]

^Basically what he said. You need a skilled independent mechanic if you can't do all tasks or there's a chance of getting cleaned out. I just had a repair bill that was $4k instead of $2k, hours/parts; but quality work at least. Either get it under warranty or have an extra $5k, per year sometimes, or be a skilled home mechanic. There are ~20 things that could come up and cost good money, and if you drive lots of miles extra maintenance costs. Hard driving and 75hp and 125torque more than stock puts some wear on also...but damn it's fun!

[Turbowned]

I didn't feel that I was when I purchased the car just over 14 months ago. It was fully serviced with just 67k miles and I got it at a fair price and a very low APR. I had a six figure income and the ability to do my own work, or worst case, hand it off to my close friend who is a Porsche/Audi master tech. Then I took a huge pay cut and I no longer feel comfortable owning a car that could potentially become an expensive garage ornament if something breaks and I don't have much of an "oh-$#!t" fund to cover it. I intend to correct the pay cut as soon as possible so that I can relieve my stress levels. In the meantime, at least I have a second car to drive if mechanical failure rears its ugly head.

if things don't get better financially, well, expect to see a FS listing and I'll be replacing it with an A4 of similar vintage. Gotta have my four rings!

[JayB]

Yeah... I'd be interested to see the % of current owners who are not mechanically inclined and do not have a second (or more) vehicle. My guess is the amount of current owners who do not meet that criteria is rather small (less than 10%).

[RSoverAll]

Yeah... I'd be interested to see the % of current owners who are not mechanically inclined and do not have a second (or more) vehicle. My guess is the amount of current owners who do not meet that criteria is rather small (less than 10%).

Should we start a poll for this too :)

[DHall1]

Not a good car for a primary driver without backup....with or w/o mechanical ability. Esp if miles over 130k

Heck, even I'm not that crazy. But my backup is the other RS6. Lol

But the last few years of daily driving a well sorted and gently modded RS6 have been a dream.


Yeah... I'd be interested to see the % of current owners who are not mechanically inclined and do not have a second (or more) vehicle. My guess is the amount of current owners who do not meet that criteria is rather small (less than 10%).

[lswing]

But the last few years of daily driving a well sorted and gently modded RS6 have been a dream.

Damned straight!

Never hurts to have an extra car. Got a truck now, and a few times had to rent a Carrola from Hertz for $500 a month.

[papadoc]

Give me those flared wheel arches, chicken wire grilles, that sound and ohhhhh the power. I will take the RS6....thank you very much. I could care less about what drives the guy down the street to buy his KIA.

And that is why I am about to hop back aboard the crazy train. New brakes, Level 10 transmission, Koni DRC replacement, timing belt in last 1k miles, new tires, new water pump, EGT sensors, aux fan...and that V8 growl when half the cars in my area are Teslas. For less than the price of a Civic!

[MaxRS6]

Spare vehicle should have been an standard option. My RS6 has been in rehab for extended stays. The neighbors thought Crazy had been sold several times due to its' ghosting- just to see/hear it show back up....;0

Edit: LOL- Shop called a few minutes ago and said Crazy is ready to come home again

[Bigglezworth]

Rodney Dangerfield always said, "I just bought the perfect second vehicle - a tow truck!"

[lswing]

And that is why I am about to hop back aboard the crazy train. New brakes, Level 10 transmission, Koni DRC replacement, timing belt in last 1k miles, new tires, new water pump, EGT sensors, aux fan...and that V8 growl when half the cars in my area are Teslas. For less than the price of a Civic!

Great find, glad to hear it!

Yep, the flatbed tow truck always brings my neighbors out, "Audi huh?". I make sure to explain it's a high performance luxury car and this is standard. Free tow for 60 miles from GEICO! At least I get to use my insurance...

[SteveKen]

If you want to play you have to pay.

That about sums it up.

[lswing]

Rodney Dangerfield always said, "I just bought the perfect second vehicle - a tow truck!"

Wait, he had an RS6? Ha! Kidding, it's all maintenance, just spendy sometimes, but great luxury bang for the buck!

[Turbowned]

I'm very used to having a backup vehicle after several years of owning late 80's/early90's Japanese crapcans. Back then it was called "mom's car", though ;)

[s8prtotype]

Got the B7 S4 or the B5 S4 for backup here!

[kruat]

Well I agree with all the points made. I've seen a few guys in my area pick up RS6s, only to off load them a short time later once the repair bill came.

Myself, I've owned a B5 S4 for 10 years, and have always had a back up vehicle. Have a 2013 TDI jetta now, and a 2005 F350 6.0 ps, as back ups. But my wife drives the RS, which is not a whole lot as she is a retired stay at home mom now. I'm also a Audi certified tech, with access to Audi special tools and ability to pull from Audis resources should a problem arrive.
Honestly, what sold me on buying a RS, was once relized that they had timing belts instead of timing chains. Front of the motor timing belts are a breeze compared to rear of the motor timing chain replacement. I always loved the look and performance of them and once I found the perfect one, I was sold.

[ScottW]

I'm one of those new owners.

I'm well aware of the costs of Audi ownership...this is my 9th. I have been dealing with the same Audi/Porsche master mechanic for almost 20 years...not cheap, but nowhere near as expensive as the dealership.

Having said that...I have to make a post about where to source some parts for my mechanic. Had the car delivered to him last week to get items from my PPI addressed.

See you guys around here, now! :)

[tightgroup]

As one who is about to take the plunge into "new" ownership. The cost factor is on my mind. But having played with English cars/suvs (land rovers, Mgs, Rangies) I can surely state the following.

One, driving habits tend to make a difference, also aftermarket mods (some work great while others add stress not foreseen by engineering) . But I believe the biggest factor is proper maintenance.. Following recommended intervals is a good starting point, regular oil changes is also a good insurance. Its mechanical, it is designed and will work within specs, as for the design flaws those can be rectified and once corrected will work as intended. What worries me are after market modes stressing that marginal tranny.. and the fact that (please correct me if I am wrong on this) this tranny does not need any servicing (yikes) .

The issue I believe is that this car is difficult to work on, due to lack of space and perhaps gets neglected because it is too difficult to do...circular, but logical

[lswing]

As one who is about to take the plunge into "new" ownership. The cost factor is on my mind. But having played with English cars/suvs (land rovers, Mgs, Rangies) I can surely state the following.

One, driving habits tend to make a difference, also aftermarket mods (some work great while others add stress not foreseen by engineering) . But I believe the biggest factor is proper maintenance.. Following recommended intervals is a good starting point, regular oil changes is also a good insurance. Its mechanical, it is designed and will work within specs, as for the design flaws those can be rectified and once corrected will work as intended. What worries me are after market modes stressing that marginal tranny.. and the fact that (please correct me if I am wrong on this) this tranny does not need any servicing (yikes) .

The issue I believe is that this car is difficult to work on, due to lack of space and perhaps gets neglected because it is too difficult to do...circular, but logical

Yep...pretty much spot on I would say. Also cost of maintenance items can be prohibitive. Plenty of transmissions on non-tuned cars have made it to 100k without the fluid changed or being opened up, so I don't think that's too much of a worry. It's a fairly straightforward change if you have access to a lift, or just a few hours and few hundred of fluid to have a shop do it. More owners these days tend to change every 40k it seems, why not if you can. Buy a non-tuned car that hasn't had the piss driven out of it...with complete records...