Not finding love with my RS6
Discussion
Should state I don't want to spend any more than I'd get for the RS6 as I'm looking to save for a house move (or a holiday home purchase!)
Did the land rover experience at Goodwood this year and went into the car thinking I didn't really see the point in big 4x4's on the road I came out with huge respect for it and what a lovely place to sit it was too! Sadly even the TDV6 is out of my price range!
Did the land rover experience at Goodwood this year and went into the car thinking I didn't really see the point in big 4x4's on the road I came out with huge respect for it and what a lovely place to sit it was too! Sadly even the TDV6 is out of my price range!
OP my advice would be to use the lowly "spare" 147 for your commute, revelling in all its 44mpg glory, whilst reserving the RS6 for journeys in which its engine oil will actually warm up. Also disengage accountant's brain whilst using it - you can't possibly rationalise RS6 ownership on any sort of economic grounds.
I suppose difference is what makes the world go around, but very different perspective from me.
I purchased mine (early 2009 RS6 avant) in June this year, and having done 4k in it, including an amazing blat around west Wales on the way for the family holiday, I couldn't be any more in love with mine (I've even named it - Brullen) which I've never done with any other car. It has personality, it's own foibles and to those in the know, you do get the wave or a thumbs up. To others or when your out on client visits for work, it looks like a 2.0tdi family wagon as well, so not "pretentious" or giving out the wrong image.
It doesn't have the very finest of driving dynamics, but it's bloody good at everything else and most corners it feels as though it's pummelling over, rather than floating through you just have to accept that.
I've come to the conclusion (after having 12 plus fast estate cars) that just by their nature, family cars are not going to be a sports car, but it's getting the right tool for the job. I test drove the E61 M5 - that was an occasion, but anything other than bone dry conditions and the back end was wanting to go perpendicular, not great when the kids and dog are in the back or the depths of winter. The other great car that didn't compromise was the Subaru Forester STI, handling and power in that was spot on, the real hidden gem in the Subaru range and one I still would love to have back.
I do hope you find the right car, but suspect it's not going to be an easy one. I use my lack of the perfect one as the excuse to change cars regularly, but I think with the C6 RS6, I've nailed it.
I purchased mine (early 2009 RS6 avant) in June this year, and having done 4k in it, including an amazing blat around west Wales on the way for the family holiday, I couldn't be any more in love with mine (I've even named it - Brullen) which I've never done with any other car. It has personality, it's own foibles and to those in the know, you do get the wave or a thumbs up. To others or when your out on client visits for work, it looks like a 2.0tdi family wagon as well, so not "pretentious" or giving out the wrong image.
It doesn't have the very finest of driving dynamics, but it's bloody good at everything else and most corners it feels as though it's pummelling over, rather than floating through you just have to accept that.
I've come to the conclusion (after having 12 plus fast estate cars) that just by their nature, family cars are not going to be a sports car, but it's getting the right tool for the job. I test drove the E61 M5 - that was an occasion, but anything other than bone dry conditions and the back end was wanting to go perpendicular, not great when the kids and dog are in the back or the depths of winter. The other great car that didn't compromise was the Subaru Forester STI, handling and power in that was spot on, the real hidden gem in the Subaru range and one I still would love to have back.
I do hope you find the right car, but suspect it's not going to be an easy one. I use my lack of the perfect one as the excuse to change cars regularly, but I think with the C6 RS6, I've nailed it.
theboss said:
OP my advice would be to use the lowly "spare" 147 for your commute, revelling in all its 44mpg glory, whilst reserving the RS6 for journeys in which its engine oil will actually warm up. Also disengage accountant's brain whilst using it - you can't possibly rationalise RS6 ownership on any sort of economic grounds.
Yup, that man has wise words.Have seriously considered the 147 for this week, see how I get on and I really DO try to turn accountant brain off. It's a great thing that has afforded me nice cars but it's also the destroyer of enjoyment in said cars!
Think a couple of PH stickers over the trip computer and fuel gauge will cure the problem
I've given up hope buying fast saloons / super fast "sports cars".
Even though i just bought a Tesla P85D which is technically very fast, it isn't a "sports" car, so i just have a play now and then. But it doesn't beg you to rev it if you know what i mean (well because you can't and it makes no noise
). I fell in love with the tesla, which i won't go into now.
Previous cars, most recently a jaguar XFR. Again, silly quick. There was a time i'd get into an F-Type, v6 model and say, this feels slow, i must have the v8.
These days, if i'm going to buy a sports car i'd buy the v6 f-type for example. i'd buy the boxster not the 911 turbo.
Very fast cars are very hard to drive on the public roads. There is always a nagging doubt that you have to push it further to get the most out of it. Then you have the family days outs where your past experience tells you if i push it and have just tiny bit of fun, the kids could throw up and b its actually a bit of a stupid thing to do with family in the car. So those fast saloons don't work for me. I've grown to think they don't really hit the spot for me.
So for me, i'm very happy with a nice daily that just does a very good job at being nice and i have a purpose built lightweight toy for the weekend as nice is not always what you are after and i'm still a petrolhead and enjoy the quickness of a sports car, the headaches and the huge rewards.. I can imagine the RS6 is simply everything i mentioned above, personified.
Even though i just bought a Tesla P85D which is technically very fast, it isn't a "sports" car, so i just have a play now and then. But it doesn't beg you to rev it if you know what i mean (well because you can't and it makes no noise
). I fell in love with the tesla, which i won't go into now. Previous cars, most recently a jaguar XFR. Again, silly quick. There was a time i'd get into an F-Type, v6 model and say, this feels slow, i must have the v8.
These days, if i'm going to buy a sports car i'd buy the v6 f-type for example. i'd buy the boxster not the 911 turbo.
Very fast cars are very hard to drive on the public roads. There is always a nagging doubt that you have to push it further to get the most out of it. Then you have the family days outs where your past experience tells you if i push it and have just tiny bit of fun, the kids could throw up and b its actually a bit of a stupid thing to do with family in the car. So those fast saloons don't work for me. I've grown to think they don't really hit the spot for me.
So for me, i'm very happy with a nice daily that just does a very good job at being nice and i have a purpose built lightweight toy for the weekend as nice is not always what you are after and i'm still a petrolhead and enjoy the quickness of a sports car, the headaches and the huge rewards.. I can imagine the RS6 is simply everything i mentioned above, personified.
Edited by bp1000 on Sunday 13th September 19:56
Great thread. I do apologise for banging on along the same lines, but I've been down this path before with a 300C SRT8 Touring, which whilst not as fast as an RS6 does have similar qualities - namely that it's heavy, inert and therefore lacking in agility. On UK roads, cars like these are difficult to love. So, I got one of these....
Most people, even PHers don't even know they exist, and they are mega rare - maybe 10 total in the UK. What you get is the legendary Evo IX chassis and drivetrain with the practicality of an estate. The result is a shockingly rapid A/B road estate.... manual gearbox of course. Mine is now tuned to a smidge over 530bhp and is pretty wild. I'm sure the RS6 ticks the boxes for some, but if it is involvement and agility you're after, they are hamstrung by their lardiness. Have a watch of these vid (parts 1 and 2) as it may confirm what you're feeling....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX7pN0s2akU
Most people, even PHers don't even know they exist, and they are mega rare - maybe 10 total in the UK. What you get is the legendary Evo IX chassis and drivetrain with the practicality of an estate. The result is a shockingly rapid A/B road estate.... manual gearbox of course. Mine is now tuned to a smidge over 530bhp and is pretty wild. I'm sure the RS6 ticks the boxes for some, but if it is involvement and agility you're after, they are hamstrung by their lardiness. Have a watch of these vid (parts 1 and 2) as it may confirm what you're feeling....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX7pN0s2akU
Evo estate certainly is an unusual looking thing, I like it but prob not enough to buy one as a one and all car.
As other posters have said, getting 'sporty' out of a chugging great estate (2.1 tonnes!) is never going to happen so I may end up getting a car that's a 'nice' place to be and going back to a weekend toy - which is a shame as I've just converted the garage to a gym....
As other posters have said, getting 'sporty' out of a chugging great estate (2.1 tonnes!) is never going to happen so I may end up getting a car that's a 'nice' place to be and going back to a weekend toy - which is a shame as I've just converted the garage to a gym....
jonah35 said:
It's just too fast and refined and is like throwing money out the window.
They are just not fun at legal speeds.
An e60 m5 may help as still quick, could put a sports exhaust on it and only spend pocket change and may even see it appreciate. Still too quick for the roads though.
Considered an e61 m5 as I was already in an e61 530d but the reliability of the m5 seems quite a bit lower than the RS6. I prefer the interior of the audi too.They are just not fun at legal speeds.
An e60 m5 may help as still quick, could put a sports exhaust on it and only spend pocket change and may even see it appreciate. Still too quick for the roads though.
I think both are too fast for our roads to have fun in.
I understand this, on paper it should be an awesome ownership experience - but however good a car is on paper; how it makes you feel as a petrolhead is much more important.
I have run some more expensive and much faster cars than I do at present, but my current combination of a £131 a month (no deposit) Fiesta and a 1981 Mercedes SEL 500 give me the most satisfaction of any.
The Fiesta fulfils a need and fits all 4 of us when needed (best of shorter journeys) my wife has a V8 X5 too and then the Merc is my toy, it isn't particularly fast - although it can hustle along at a fair pace when required - it is a cruiser with massive road presence - it gets so much positive attention and I have had more comments about it than any previous car.
I have some bonnet flags on it too which probably help with the road presence :-) the total cost of this motoring enjoyment was about 2 weeks salary to buy.
Cost does not equal enjoyment - well not always anyway.
If you don't love it then it isn't for you, move it on and get something that you do love.
I have run some more expensive and much faster cars than I do at present, but my current combination of a £131 a month (no deposit) Fiesta and a 1981 Mercedes SEL 500 give me the most satisfaction of any.
The Fiesta fulfils a need and fits all 4 of us when needed (best of shorter journeys) my wife has a V8 X5 too and then the Merc is my toy, it isn't particularly fast - although it can hustle along at a fair pace when required - it is a cruiser with massive road presence - it gets so much positive attention and I have had more comments about it than any previous car.
I have some bonnet flags on it too which probably help with the road presence :-) the total cost of this motoring enjoyment was about 2 weeks salary to buy.
Cost does not equal enjoyment - well not always anyway.
If you don't love it then it isn't for you, move it on and get something that you do love.
R6VED said:
I understand this, on paper it should be an awesome ownership experience - but however good a car is on paper; how it makes you feel as a petrolhead is much more important.
I have run some more expensive and much faster cars than I do at present, but my current combination of a £131 a month (no deposit) Fiesta and a 1981 Mercedes SEL 500 give me the most satisfaction of any.
The Fiesta fulfils a need and fits all 4 of us when needed (best of shorter journeys) my wife has a V8 X5 too and then the Merc is my toy, it isn't particularly fast - although it can hustle along at a fair pace when required - it is a cruiser with massive road presence - it gets so much positive attention and I have had more comments about it than any previous car.
I have some bonnet flags on it too which probably help with the road presence :-) the total cost of this motoring enjoyment was about 2 weeks salary to buy.
Cost does not equal enjoyment - well not always anyway.
If you don't love it then it isn't for you, move it on and get something that you do love.
Bang on the money.I have run some more expensive and much faster cars than I do at present, but my current combination of a £131 a month (no deposit) Fiesta and a 1981 Mercedes SEL 500 give me the most satisfaction of any.
The Fiesta fulfils a need and fits all 4 of us when needed (best of shorter journeys) my wife has a V8 X5 too and then the Merc is my toy, it isn't particularly fast - although it can hustle along at a fair pace when required - it is a cruiser with massive road presence - it gets so much positive attention and I have had more comments about it than any previous car.
I have some bonnet flags on it too which probably help with the road presence :-) the total cost of this motoring enjoyment was about 2 weeks salary to buy.
Cost does not equal enjoyment - well not always anyway.
If you don't love it then it isn't for you, move it on and get something that you do love.
Trouble is I'm 35 and this is car number 40! I've been trying for a long time to find a car that'll stick with me for a while. URquattro came close but for the 6 years I owned it I covered only 5,000 miles, most of those in the first two years as it spent the rest of the time in the garage absorbing my money!
Happy to keep looking and trying other cars but buying and selling cars has become a bit of a drag (albeit fairly efficient given my practice!)
I bought the wife an MTM avant to do the 4.1 mile school run. Although she does also use it for shopping etc too 
We are looking at getting an EV (Zoe or Leaf) to take over the school run duties, the saving in fuel will pay for the lease, insurance and everything else related to the EV, and then some.
The RS will be saved for longer journeys and for me to enjoy when I'm in the country.
I see your point with the jail-attracting foot mash, but heartily disagree with the soullessness. Maybe an A6 or A4 that you see a lot of in the countryside here, but the RS is special and she makes me grin like a fat kid in a chippy.
We are looking at getting an EV (Zoe or Leaf) to take over the school run duties, the saving in fuel will pay for the lease, insurance and everything else related to the EV, and then some.
The RS will be saved for longer journeys and for me to enjoy when I'm in the country.
I see your point with the jail-attracting foot mash, but heartily disagree with the soullessness. Maybe an A6 or A4 that you see a lot of in the countryside here, but the RS is special and she makes me grin like a fat kid in a chippy.
QuattroDave said:
Would gladly cycle to new work (only been there 5 months) save for two problems, 1. no shower & 2. nowhere at all to lock a bike up. I've got the landlord to sort the first and am meeting him again tomorrow as it happens to sort the second
Get a Brompton. Loverly bits of engineering, very easy to fold, no need to lock up and completely safe from theft. Personally I would just cycle a little slower for 3.5 miles so as to not need a shower, but it all depends on what hills you have.As for the car, I get what your saying. I had an SLK for a while. My wife loved it. Well built, fast, could cover miles in a very comfortable fashion, but the whole time I wanted my MX5 back. It rattles, is noisy over 60, hard suspension which can make you feel seasick if you get a bumpy bit of motorway and whilst fast enough, not really fast fast. But it brings me joy. It makes me grin on a B road, I can get the rear end out when I want without fear of it biting, I KNOW how fast I am going, no looking down at the speedo and thinking "Oh god, if any of those cars is an unmarked car I'm in s
t", because I can hear and feel it and it has never put a foot wrong, and costs bugger all to run.Edited by SteveSteveson on Monday 14th September 09:28
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