Used RS4, Used RS6, or New RS6

[Kent Border Kenny]

I’m getting rid of a few of my cars (R8, P100D, Abarth 595) and replacing them with a fast estate or big saloon for family use.

I had a B7 RS4 from new, which I regret selling, so am thinking of another RS. We’ve a Smart ForFour for around town and going to the shops, and I’ve just got a new SL63 for when I want the roof down, so although the new car has to cover a lot of bases, it doesn’t have to do everything.

I’d not realised until I started looking that there’s currently an RS4 Avant in production, but they do look pretty nice, with a lot more toys and tech than a used RS6, and I do quite like the fact that they are a little bit more compact.

I then, though, look at what I’d set out for, which is a low mileage RS6, probably a Performance version, and although it looks more dated, it would fit more in, not feel as cramped with two baby seats, and is very fast.

If I’m going to spend £50-60k, though, it is worth paying the extra and getting the brand new RS6? Looks even more modern than the RS4, it has properly ludicrous performance, and as with the RS4, all of the modern toys.

Has anyone driven all three to be able to offer some sensible input?

It’ll be used for motorway journeys, any trips that head outside London, and likely down to the South of France for the summer.

Edited by Kent Border Kenny on Wednesday 8th January 19:59

[Nickbrapp]

£50-60k won’t get you a new RS6, they start at 88k

I would go for a RS6 or RS7 in a classy colour with a pan roof and light leather

[Kent Border Kenny]

Nickbrapp said:

£50-60k won’t get you a new RS6, they start at 88k

I would go for a RS6 or RS7 in a classy colour with a pan roof and light leather

Yes, sorry, that was badly written, I’ve edited it now, I meant should I pay the extra and get a brand new one.

[ZX10R NIN]

Only a test drive will answer that question for you.

[ninepoint2]

Used RS6 is your best bet, brand new RS6 will have eye watering depreciation, better to have let someone else take that hit I would suggest.

[T5R+]

If able to afford and justify - new car everytime. The RS6 will undoubtedly give you a little more space for trips away and soak up the long journeys better than the RS4. Also latest gadgets/tech in the new car,

As a curve ball - have you considered an E63S given you have been moving towards MB.

[nobrakes]

There’s no replacement for displacement. That goes for boot space as well!

Consider a used RS6?

[Kent Border Kenny]

T5R+ said:

If able to afford and justify - new car everytime. The RS6 will undoubtedly give you a little more space for trips away and soak up the long journeys better than the RS4. Also latest gadgets/tech in the new car,

As a curve ball - have you considered an E63S given you have been moving towards MB.

Yes, that’s worth a look, too, I’ll see if I can find someone nearby with a demonstrator.

My B7 RS4 was bought brand new, and because I kept it for five years I didn’t feel too badly stung by the depreciation (£5k per year), but given that I seem to be changing my mind far more often nowadays I’m a bit wary of paying £100k for a new car and chopping it in £40k down nine months later.

[anonymous-user]

I think I'd be looking at a circa 12M old RS6, depreciated a little (to a lot), with 2 years remaining warranty and should allow you to chop it in if required without the same hit a new one.

[Pvapour]

How good is the rs6 at soaking up the bumps compared to something like an S class, S8, 7er, XJ etc?

[Riggadig]

If it was my choice I would take this over the RS6. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or this one, used a year older 21.6k miles but £20k cheaper. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Kent Border Kenny]

Riggadig said:

If it was my choice I would take this over the RS6. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or this one, used a year older 21.6k miles but £20k cheaper. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

They’re nice, and I think I’ll try to organise a test drive, but I just bought a brand new SL63 in December and fancy a bit of variety. Definitely worth a try though.

[Kent Border Kenny]

Anyone have an opinion on how the CLS63 shooting brake compares to the E63 estate? Same car, in different clothes, or totally different?