Audi S6, why the hate?
Audi S6, why the hate?
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Discussion

BigMonk

Original Poster:

205 posts

203 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
Whilst in the market for a waft mobile, I noticed these Audi S6's to be well priced and well equipped. Unfortunately almost every review I have read about them says they are rubbish, I can't understand how Audi could have got it so wrong.

Chris Harris says the engine is torqueless (a 5.2 litre engine torqueless?) and Jeremy Clarkson said its got the worst suspension of any car he's ever driven, theres also a mention of how rubbish the gearbox is around town.

Are there any owners on here that can put these claims at bay? I quite fancy one, but not if its going to be a compromised drive.



Exactly what I want http://pistonheads.com/sales/2563306.htm

On the other hand, the Audi S8 doesnt get any bad reviews, would have to sell the noble mind http://pistonheads.com/sales/2422318.htm

before anyone says m5 or e55 amg, i really dont want a BMW or a Merc, no hate, just not my thing.

Edited by BigMonk on Sunday 20th March 19:02

edo

16,699 posts

294 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
I heard one the other day and it sounded fab (not sure if stock or aftermarket).

I like the idea of one - very low key and pretty rapid. They are getting cheaper, but I fear still a lot of depreciating to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhNHAottlmM

BigMonk

Original Poster:

205 posts

203 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
edo said:
I heard one the other day and it sounded fab (not sure if stock or aftermarket).

I like the idea of one - very low key and pretty rapid. They are getting cheaper, but I fear still a lot of depreciating to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhNHAottlmM
Awesome! I want a sublte, comfortable, QUICK car with no drawbacks, just a good all rounder. I assume servicing costs will be high though, with the "S" badge - anyone got any figures?

edo

16,699 posts

294 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
The only caveat for me would be Audi warranty. i.e. it would need to have some.

Baryonyx

18,281 posts

188 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
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If they're getting a lot of bad press, maybe they're just not that good!

Phil Dicky

7,194 posts

292 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
BigMonk said:
On the other hand, the Audi S8 doesnt get any bad reviews, would have to sell the noble mind http://pistonheads.com/sales/2422318.htm
S8 would get my vote smile

Jacobyte

4,768 posts

271 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
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My neighbour has one, and is very pleased with it. It's understated and a very good allround car with a subtle V10 burble. Don't go with Clarkson's car reports, as they're useless, but he's a good read for entertainment value.

Give one a test drive and see what you think - what one person doesn't like might be soneone else's nirvana.

Classic Grad 98

26,498 posts

189 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
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The suspension really is terrible. They're so bloody wallowy.

Deva Link

26,934 posts

274 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
BigMonk said:
I quite fancy one.....
The snag is that if everybody else thinks they're rubbish then you're going to have a lot of problems (and/or lose lots of money) getting shut of it when you come to sell.

BigMonk

Original Poster:

205 posts

203 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
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Mr Dave

3,233 posts

224 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
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You can get a Quattroporte for similar money to that S8 though...

Havent driven an S6 but a family friend test drove one and went on about it for weeks.

He bought a Jag XJR.

edo

16,699 posts

294 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
Nice spec one with A year of main dealer warranty for £25k doesnt seem a bad deal to me.

2006 Audi S6 5204 cc 5.2 V10 quattro
Trade Seller: Peterborough Audi

4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 29,600 miles, Sprint Blue Pearl Effect, Anti-Lock Brakes,Quattro Permanent Four Wheel Drive,Satellite Navigation,Electronic Stability Programme,Cruise Control,19In Alloy Wheels,Front/Rear Head Air Bags,Climate Control,Power-Assisted Steering,Driver Information System,Multi Function Steering Wheel,TV Reception Analog & Digital,Driver/Passenger Heated Seats,Front/Rear Electric Windows,Front/Rear Armrest,Grey Leather / Alcantara Upholstery,Electronically Adjustable And Heated Door Mirrors,Front Fog Lights,Gears Steering Wheel Mounted Controls,DAB Digital Radio Reception,Body Coloured Bumpers,Rake/Reach Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel,Electric Driver/Passenger Seat Height Adjustment,Three Seats - Front & Rear Seat - ISOFIX Anchorage Point,Leather interior 4WD. £25,995 Non VAT Qualifying


calibrax

4,788 posts

240 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
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Will cost about £500 a month in depreciation, as it'll be worth about £8k in three years time.

AndytS6

18 posts

186 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
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How can I not comment! The s6 has torque like you would not believe,it sounds great and the noise from the V10 is addictive.I have a sporst exhaust on mine and it's wort every penny! i get 25mpg on long motorway runs and have done 300 mile plus runs in comfort and with 0-60 in 5 seconds in a car that i can park anywhere without worry, nobody looks twice at it, unless they really know their cars, I am impressed.
As regards the Clarkson reports, it's probably not the best suspension around a track but I drive on the roads with pot holes ridges and rough surfaces and it copes very well, it ain't a sports car but husstles well for a 2 ton car and I can carry the wife and kids in comfort. Everyone, and I mean everyone, who has been in it has been blown away, especially with the amount of grip it finds off the line even in the wet. People sit in it and comment on how good the seats are and I agree.
I would not buy this car if you only drive around town or in traffic, it needs room to boot it and enjoy it and would be a waste as a town car. It is a little tricky to get used to it to drive smoothly at very slow speeds but with so much power and torque, a small touch on the throttle equals all that some cars have got but you get used to it. Ilove it and would highly recommend one.

As for values, they have depreciated a way and the rising cost of fuel will hurt anything with a 5.2 V10 but they will hold well as they are relatively rare. service costs will be high, you need 10 spark plugs for starters and they are about £12 each, I have just done brake pads and the fronts are £220 plus vat but they are massive so you get what you are paying for.
If you want inconspicuous subtle high performance but a useable family car then it's hard to find a better car, if you want hard core performance and a harder ride go for an M5 BMW!

john_r

8,354 posts

300 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
edo said:
Trade Seller: Peterborough Audi
I got my RS6 from Peterborough Audi.

On the basis I don't want to break the 'name and shame' rules on PH, I'd be happy to exchange PM's with anyone who wants some input about them...?

edo

16,699 posts

294 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
john_r said:
edo said:
Trade Seller: Peterborough Audi
I got my RS6 from Peterborough Audi.

On the basis I don't want to break the 'name and shame' rules on PH, I'd be happy to exchange PM's with anyone who wants some input about them...?
GLOL, that doesn't sound good (hypothetically!)

BigMonk

Original Poster:

205 posts

203 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
AndytS6 said:
How can I not comment! The s6 has torque like you would not believe,it sounds great and the noise from the V10 is addictive.I have a sporst exhaust on mine and it's wort every penny! i get 25mpg on long motorway runs and have done 300 mile plus runs in comfort and with 0-60 in 5 seconds in a car that i can park anywhere without worry, nobody looks twice at it, unless they really know their cars, I am impressed.
As regards the Clarkson reports, it's probably not the best suspension around a track but I drive on the roads with pot holes ridges and rough surfaces and it copes very well, it ain't a sports car but husstles well for a 2 ton car and I can carry the wife and kids in comfort. Everyone, and I mean everyone, who has been in it has been blown away, especially with the amount of grip it finds off the line even in the wet. People sit in it and comment on how good the seats are and I agree.
I would not buy this car if you only drive around town or in traffic, it needs room to boot it and enjoy it and would be a waste as a town car. It is a little tricky to get used to it to drive smoothly at very slow speeds but with so much power and torque, a small touch on the throttle equals all that some cars have got but you get used to it. Ilove it and would highly recommend one.

As for values, they have depreciated a way and the rising cost of fuel will hurt anything with a 5.2 V10 but they will hold well as they are relatively rare. service costs will be high, you need 10 spark plugs for starters and they are about £12 each, I have just done brake pads and the fronts are £220 plus vat but they are massive so you get what you are paying for.
If you want inconspicuous subtle high performance but a useable family car then it's hard to find a better car, if you want hard core performance and a harder ride go for an M5 BMW!
Awesome thanks. Any pictures, and any further examples of running costs?

The comments about the suspension refer to how hard it is, apparently there is no give at all, making it great on track but bad on the road.

AndytS6

18 posts

186 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
Suspension is firm but not harsh, it rides most bumps in our rubbish roads pretty well without crashing, the Jason Plato clip maxing it on the autobahn gives a good view of comfort, the wife and kids haven't complained about the ride quality, and believe me the wife would!
Take a look at this ( or rather a listen!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUNUcmbhUxg

thegoose

8,077 posts

239 months

Sunday 20th March 2011
quotequote all
I've had an S6 and also an S8. They were both good cars but at the same time as the S8 I also had an A8 W12, which has the same power output (444bhp I think). However, the S8 felt very much lacking in torque compared to the W12 so I can understand that criticism of the V10 engined cars. Around town it felt quite inadequate as it didn't pull anywhere nearly as well at low revs but was obviously much more sporty when pressing on around twisty roads.

Best to test drive one yourself and see what you think.

BigMonk

Original Poster:

205 posts

203 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
thegoose said:
I've had an S6 and also an S8. They were both good cars but at the same time as the S8 I also had an A8 W12, which has the same power output (444bhp I think). However, the S8 felt very much lacking in torque compared to the W12 so I can understand that criticism of the V10 engined cars. Around town it felt quite inadequate as it didn't pull anywhere nearly as well at low revs but was obviously much more sporty when pressing on around twisty roads.

Best to test drive one yourself and see what you think.
thanks! any comments on ride quality or gearbox? did any of them (w12 included) need any work doing?