E64 650 cab or C5 RS6 saloon

[Andy665]

Really torn between a choice of 2 cars after the sale of my Westfield

First is a 77k mile, 2 owner, full history 650 cab with valve stem seals done and has some decent options such as the head up display, nappa leather etc

Second is a mint 2003 RS6 saloon, 120k with full history, bare metal repaint 9 months ago purely because the owner wanted it perfect, stage 1 remap, full Milltek, Bilstein coilovers to replace the DRC, massive folder of invoices

Both appeal but in different ways - edging slightly towards the 650 because its slightly more up to date in terms of technology, cheaper, giving me more money to carry out a couple of tweaks / upgrades whilst the RS6 is a completed project with little room for further work other than maintenance

This will be very much a second car to be used at the weekends so 3-4k per year tops, insurance costs are identical

[ZX10R NIN]

Sensible head says 650i but I would buy the RS-6 but on the caveat of proof that the gearbox has been rebuilt if it hasn't I'd want some money off.

[Andy665]

ZX10R NIN said:

Sensible head says 650i but I would buy the RS-6 but on the caveat of proof that the gearbox has been rebuilt if it hasn't I'd want some money off.

Gearbox has not been rebuilt but has had oil changes every year for the past 8 years

[ZX10R NIN]

With 120k on the clock I'd expect to have to have it done at some point during my ownership, it's around £2500 if you could negotiate half the cost off of the price then I'd go for the RS6.

[stevekoz]

ZX10R NIN said:

Sensible head says 650i but I would buy the RS-6 but on the caveat of proof that the gearbox has been rebuilt if it hasn't I'd want some money off.

Got to agree. Sensible is the 650i. Prices aren't likely to drop much lower. They are a good weekend cruiser with a bit of brute behind them. Nice looking car. Yet very different to the rs6.

The 650i will be nowhere near the theatre of getting into the rs6 every time. That said. I'd say the 650i is likely to have less large bills down the road than perhaps the rs6. Being modified i would be looking at any history concerning turbo's and as above gearbox. You will likely need to put a sizeable amount into the RS6 at some point in your ownership i would have thought.

There are plenty of threads on the rs6 available. I'd go in eyes wide open.

http://audisrs.com/search.php?search_id=newposts

http://forum.rs246.com/

This was from a thread posted a long time ago about the weak spots -

Suspension: DRC already replaced - Thumbs up.
MAF/airflow meters wear out easily and often. Remapping won't help with that unless they've been mapped out?
Suspension bushes, particularly top arms take a battering due to weight and power.
Track rods have a tendency to go solid and sieze.
brakes i think are around the £1k mark to get done with a decent set up.
Cam-belt - 5yrs/60k. £1200 independent job and you'd be wise to get a thermostat.
Gearbox - Change the oil twice as regularly as you think you should but likely to go pop whenver it feels like it.
Lambdas -should really be an engine out job as when they fail.
Intercoolers - leaks are common and the hoses poor. With the car being remapped check all the hoses for cracks/wear see if they've been replaced with anything improved.

Overally it will eat tyres, petrol, money and i'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[Andy665]

For once I took the sensible route. Turbos still original in RS6, plus checking routine parts prices made it just too much of a potential moneypit.

Went to look at a 650 convertible at a small BMW specialist yesterday, car was stunning, attention to detail on the prep was beyond anything I have ever experienced and price was right - to the extent that I did not even feel the urge to chip him down

Edited by Andy665 on Sunday 30th September 16:52

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted OP.

[stevekoz]

I have to admit i'm very tempted by the 650. Such a lovely looking car in my opinion and just a lovely GT car.

I just wish the rear had room enough for two young kids. Else i'd have got one prior to my last 1 series or the type R. Just can't justify it though when i need to ferry kids about on occassion.

Good choice though. It looks very nice!

[ZX10R NIN]

stevekoz said:

I have to admit i'm very tempted by the 650. Such a lovely looking car in my opinion and just a lovely GT car.

I just wish the rear had room enough for two young kids. Else i'd have got one prior to my last 1 series or the type R. Just can't justify it though when i need to ferry kids about on occassion.

Good choice though. It looks very nice!

If you want a good GT that has space for the kids then get yourself a Mercedes CL500:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...