Audi A6 - S6 or 3.0T?
Discussion
Hi all,
After going around the houses of options for a larger car than my current E91 for family and commuting duties, and having considered everything from an E-class to a Discovery, I'm settling around on A6 Avant quattro and wanted to dip into the pool of wisdom on here to help me choose the model.
I'm likely looking at the C6 generation, either the S6 or the 3.0T, as I want something that is a bit different and can keep a smile on my face over the years (do I don't yearn for something more fun in 12 month's time).
To me, pros of the S6 are the V10 noise, the performance and the sense that it's just a little bit "special" and won't be an option in a few years time as cars like this simply won't be made in the future. Cons are the shocking fuel economy and the fact they're so rare it's hard to find one that is decent condition - having looked at quite a few, many seem to have fallen into the hands of people that can afford the heavily depreciated price but not the running costs, and so have let the condition slide alarmingly.
Pros of the 3.0T are theoretically better economy, good if not barnstorming performance (though tuning potential seems massive) and generally a newer car. Cons are a nagging feeling that it might not feel special enough to keep me interested.
So if there are any owners or others with experience of either car on here, I'd love to hear your experiences - what do you enjoy, what's the realistic fuel economy of the 3.0T (I know the S6 is high teens at best), has anyone had the 3.0T mapped and are there any "watch outs" to be aware of in either case (Dr G and Tame Technician, your inputs would be especially welcome!!)?
And finally, is it worth considering stretching to an extra few £k to get into the newer C7 245hp 3.0Tdi?!
All and any help welcome
After going around the houses of options for a larger car than my current E91 for family and commuting duties, and having considered everything from an E-class to a Discovery, I'm settling around on A6 Avant quattro and wanted to dip into the pool of wisdom on here to help me choose the model.
I'm likely looking at the C6 generation, either the S6 or the 3.0T, as I want something that is a bit different and can keep a smile on my face over the years (do I don't yearn for something more fun in 12 month's time).
To me, pros of the S6 are the V10 noise, the performance and the sense that it's just a little bit "special" and won't be an option in a few years time as cars like this simply won't be made in the future. Cons are the shocking fuel economy and the fact they're so rare it's hard to find one that is decent condition - having looked at quite a few, many seem to have fallen into the hands of people that can afford the heavily depreciated price but not the running costs, and so have let the condition slide alarmingly.
Pros of the 3.0T are theoretically better economy, good if not barnstorming performance (though tuning potential seems massive) and generally a newer car. Cons are a nagging feeling that it might not feel special enough to keep me interested.
So if there are any owners or others with experience of either car on here, I'd love to hear your experiences - what do you enjoy, what's the realistic fuel economy of the 3.0T (I know the S6 is high teens at best), has anyone had the 3.0T mapped and are there any "watch outs" to be aware of in either case (Dr G and Tame Technician, your inputs would be especially welcome!!)?
And finally, is it worth considering stretching to an extra few £k to get into the newer C7 245hp 3.0Tdi?!
All and any help welcome
Both the S6 and the 3.0T are pretty tough engines.
3.0T has had a recall to replace the early plastic water pumps with metal. V10 can suffer manifold issues but this fault is rare when compared to the same on the V6 and V8.
Neither sound particularly exciting straight out of the box as the factory exhausts err very much on the side of sensible. Tuning the V10 (other than making it louder) is an expensive game with minimal gains. V6 you can go nuts with if the mood takes you.
Both are engines you'll want to get onto annual servicing rather than longlife if you intend to stretch their legs.
Usual reasonably minor A6 faults:
Rear screen wash jet blocking/leaking
Front ARB links
Keyless locking working (where fitted)
3.0T has had a recall to replace the early plastic water pumps with metal. V10 can suffer manifold issues but this fault is rare when compared to the same on the V6 and V8.
Neither sound particularly exciting straight out of the box as the factory exhausts err very much on the side of sensible. Tuning the V10 (other than making it louder) is an expensive game with minimal gains. V6 you can go nuts with if the mood takes you.
Both are engines you'll want to get onto annual servicing rather than longlife if you intend to stretch their legs.
Usual reasonably minor A6 faults:
Rear screen wash jet blocking/leaking
Front ARB links
Keyless locking working (where fitted)
I am a big fan of the 3.0T engine. MPG wise expect early to mid 20's. Better of course when cruising. I had a C6 Saloon, put 40,000 miles on it and loved it.
Not sure about modifications, however out of the box it is quite impressive. If you are concerned about fuel economy, I would take the S6 off the list!
Not sure about modifications, however out of the box it is quite impressive. If you are concerned about fuel economy, I would take the S6 off the list!
Thanks GioG - not desperately concerned about fuel economy but if the 3.0T averaged, say, 22 and the S6 19 I wouldn't be able to justify not getting the S6 :-) Having owned a supercharged v6 in the past (in an SLK32 AMG) I am wary of just how thirsty supercharged forced induction engines can be!
Sounds like the difference in the real world between the v10 and 3.0 tfsi is fairly material, though - thanks for the feedback!
Sounds like the difference in the real world between the v10 and 3.0 tfsi is fairly material, though - thanks for the feedback!
OP, I bought an S6 Avant and pick it up later this week. Didn't consider the 3.0T even though the performance after tuning seems to be pretty mega. It's the V10, rarity and looks that did it for me - I'm not that bothered about 1/4 mile times and prefer to keep my cars standard but each to their own. I wouldn't say the S6 is exactly lacking in the performance department either.
Do you intend take out an extended warranty? I am in two minds so it would be good to hear more feedback, which might help you make a decision.
I will of course update you with real world MPG and my driving experience of the S6 once I've had a good play this weekend
Do you intend take out an extended warranty? I am in two minds so it would be good to hear more feedback, which might help you make a decision.
I will of course update you with real world MPG and my driving experience of the S6 once I've had a good play this weekend
Thanks everyone for their thoughts!
Stiglet - if I could find a car that qualified for the comprehensive Audi extended warranty I'd seriously consider that (certainly for the S6), but it seems very few cars outside the dealer network are eligible for that cover. I'm sceptical of the value of many 3rd party warranties once the terms around exclusions, consequent failures, diagnosis cost and the limited list of (usually cheap) approved repairers are taken into account, especially for such a complex car. I'd rather hold the cash in reserve and know that if something failed I would have free reign over where (and to what standard) I got it repaired. What approach are you taking?
Congratulations on the purchase and enjoy the S6 :-)
Dr G and S4tronic - sounds like I shouldn't really think of the 3.0T as an "economical" option, but that it will be 25-40% better than the S6!
Great food for thought everyone, much appreciated!
Stiglet - if I could find a car that qualified for the comprehensive Audi extended warranty I'd seriously consider that (certainly for the S6), but it seems very few cars outside the dealer network are eligible for that cover. I'm sceptical of the value of many 3rd party warranties once the terms around exclusions, consequent failures, diagnosis cost and the limited list of (usually cheap) approved repairers are taken into account, especially for such a complex car. I'd rather hold the cash in reserve and know that if something failed I would have free reign over where (and to what standard) I got it repaired. What approach are you taking?
Congratulations on the purchase and enjoy the S6 :-)
Dr G and S4tronic - sounds like I shouldn't really think of the 3.0T as an "economical" option, but that it will be 25-40% better than the S6!
Great food for thought everyone, much appreciated!
GreenMan said:
Stiglet - if I could find a car that qualified for the comprehensive Audi extended warranty I'd seriously consider that (certainly for the S6), but it seems very few cars outside the dealer network are eligible for that cover. I'm sceptical of the value of many 3rd party warranties once the terms around exclusions, consequent failures, diagnosis cost and the limited list of (usually cheap) approved repairers are taken into account, especially for such a complex car. I'd rather hold the cash in reserve and know that if something failed I would have free reign over where (and to what standard) I got it repaired. What approach are you taking?
Congratulations on the purchase and enjoy the S6 :-)
Thanks GreenMan Congratulations on the purchase and enjoy the S6 :-)
Well I was lucky in that my car is from outside the dealer network but bought from an independent. It's a one owner example, FASH and the guy lived round the corner. I had a free health check done by Audi and everything is tip-top. At 67,000 miles it's eligible for the extended warranty so I've got 8,000 miles until my next service to decide if it's worth spending £1,200-£1,600 per annum for the pleasure. At the moment, I'm not sure what to do. It's a lot of money for 6,000 miles a year but I can see how a bill could get out of hand rather quickly. But everyone says they are so reliable, don't they?!
Edited by The Stiglet on Tuesday 25th February 14:33
The Stiglet said:
Well I was lucky in that my car is from outside the dealer network but bought from an independent. It's a one owner example, FASH and the guy lived round the corner.
It wasn't, perhchance, from the Tonbridge Wells area was it? If so, gosh darn it, I had my eye on that one!The C7 has the DSG gearbox wich is amazing im running an A5 3.0 TDI Quattro S-tronic and its amazing 6sec 0-62 idk about the A6 C7 i think its the same and i love the C6 generation more. The V10 is amazing but like you said drinks fule so... the A6 C7 has 245hp 500nm or so wich is a lot i pulled a Merc (C-class previous generation 2004) up a small hill whit it no problem but you should try the V10 435hp engine sounds great, but if youre more for the fule economy take the C7 it doesnt lack speed at all 250km/h limited reaches it Np and if you ask me sounds nice it revs to 5000rpm!!!!!.
Maxem888 said:
The C7 has the DSG gearbox wich is amazing im running an A5 3.0 TDI Quattro S-tronic and its amazing 6sec 0-62 idk about the A6 C7 i think its the same and i love the C6 generation more. The V10 is amazing but like you said drinks fule so... the A6 C7 has 245hp 500nm or so wich is a lot i pulled a Merc (C-class previous generation 2004) up a small hill whit it no problem but you should try the V10 435hp engine sounds great, but if youre more for the fule economy take the C7 it doesnt lack speed at all 250km/h limited reaches it Np and if you ask me sounds nice it revs to 5000rpm!!!!!.
I was inquiring about the C6 3.0 TFSI (supercharged petrol).The B8 S4 cars are running well above 400bhp so I assume the C6 cars can be too?
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff