S6 pros & cons

Author
Discussion

NP100

Original Poster:

542 posts

206 months

Friday 8th February 2008
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Hi guys

Just tried running a search,but to no avail, so

What are the pros and cons to owning an S6. Are there any particular problems to look out for.

The other half is looking at RS6's however with all the talk of failing DRC's etc, just wondering which in the long run would make the best buy.

Are they easily tuneable like the B5 S4/RS4 ??

Cheers

NP100

phlap

563 posts

252 months

Friday 8th February 2008
quotequote all
I bought a 2003 Avant last year so can give an opinion on how it drives if not on long term reliability for what its worth based on only 4 months of ownership.

Good stuff biggrin:
1. Space - There is sooo much more room than in an S4.
2. Spec - Standard spec is lavish and many are well optioned.
3. Gearbox - I was not an auto fan but 95% of the time the 5 speeder is perfect. Sport mode is fun and the later cars have full paddles rather than buttons for manual gear selection as well as the normal tiptronic shifter in the centre console.
4. Price - Much cheaper than an RS although the RS is starting to drop now. Also usefully cheaper than an S4 of similar age and mileage.
5. Handling - Confidence inspiring and much less barge-like than expected.
6. Refinement - This is good but also bad as the engine is MUCH quieter than an RS6. Milltek pipes planned.
7. No DRC to go wrong.

Bad stuff irked
1. Economy - The S6 is no more frugal than an RS6 so no savings there.
2. Grunt - theres no getting away from it, it lacks the insane shove of the RS. However the V8 revs sweetly to 7000 and is otherwise a lovely unit.
3. Scarcity. Try and find one with sensible mileage. I waited for months.
4. Ride. Its not great, better than the RS and strangely the S4s I have tried but still fairly jarring on poor surfaces.

Overall, Ive been delighted with mine. Its very discreet and is a superb all rounder. Theres no doubt I would have had an RS6 if funds had allowed but the plain old S is still a very good car IMHO. thumbup

drybeer

957 posts

225 months

Friday 8th February 2008
quotequote all
Tunability is limited, with very little real horsepower gains to be made...

The B5 S4 and RS4 having turbocharging made amazing performance only a re-map away!

Having said that it's a great car that fits the tiptronic transmission (only one available) vey well.

Refined, quick if not fast, and very understated in the right colour!

NP100

Original Poster:

542 posts

206 months

Monday 11th February 2008
quotequote all
Thanks to both of you for your advice. As we both love Audi's were in 2 minds as to what to get. Ive currently got a B5 S4 in which i have no plans to sell anytime soon.

So looking at all the options,it's between S4 V8 , RS4 Avant B5 (which is looking more and more likely) as we love them,or the S6.

Why does it have to be so difficult. Thanks guys,much appreciated and we will keep all options open.

Many Thanks

NP100

golfather

22 posts

211 months

Monday 11th February 2008
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I have an S6 right now, after selling my RS6.
The late S6's are essentially the same as the RS6 in terms of space, spec and looks.
THey perform really well.
Yes they dont have the potential of 500bhp, but for everyday use, 360bhp is more than enough, with a respectable 0-60 of 5.8s
Its got a great kick and clean power delivery all the way to the red line, and no waiting for the turbos to kick in like the RS.
Theres less to go wrong, and the components are not as much stressed, eg Gearbox.

My main reason for selling was the RS was a nightmare to run and so much went wrong with it.
And I hardly used its full potential as I valued my license too much wink

I wouldnt bother with an B6 S4, theyre far too small
In fact as a family car, and vfm, the S6 fits the bill perfectly.

Whatever you buy, try to get one with Audi warranty for peace of mind.


Edited by golfather on Monday 11th February 13:55

crusty

752 posts

220 months

Monday 11th February 2008
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Just a quickie, did they ever make a manual s6 for the euro market?

drybeer

957 posts

225 months

Monday 11th February 2008
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Not sure...

I've never seen one on my trips abroad...

We have the B5 S4 Avant, and it's plenty big enough...

TBH it's better for space than our older B5 S4 Avant by some margin, so don't write it off as too small (in my opinion).

Reeso

1,199 posts

251 months

Tuesday 12th February 2008
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The wife is expecting our first in July and as we did not have a practical car we went looking. 3 weeks ago, we bought a 9mth old S6. Perfect in every way. Space, looks, power, handling, braking, quality etc etc. I am over the moon with it and to be honest, IMO, I could not see the point in getting an RS6 in its place. ave the difference in money and have a weekend toy!