Discuss: B6/B7 S4 and C5 S6 (and other S-RS's).

[re2500]

Its not really decided 100% but it is possible that in the next 18months or so i will have a change up (after owning my coupe for about 7 years). Basically i just want some advice and opinions really, as we’re a polite (some of the time) knowledgeable (most of the time) bunch on here!

So grab yer and get yer hats on!

I would want something a little more practical than the coupe, the other two cars in the household are small hatches, and just generally fancy something with pretty bomb proof reliability and good practicality and comfort whilst still fast, with Quattro and reasonably good handling. I dont do a lot of miles but generally end up spending more time under the coupe than driving it (sometimes because i cant help tinkering with it) and parts are getting more difficult to come by now. So based on this brief i decided on what i want specification wise:

N/A 4.2 V8 - my thinking is behind this that most more modern fast audis are bi-turbo and that just sounds expensive to me, so i want to go for displacement instead. And i love the noise!!!

Manual - Cant bring myself to buy a slushbox

Avant - not sure why just fancy one.

Longitudinal engine – i want proper quattro so transverse/haldex is out.

Recaros - don’t want to have to mess with much to make it how i want it and ive always wanted some!

Creature comforts (cruise, climate, armrest etc) all those things we would really want on out B4’s

Good sounds (BOSE?)

I would hope for a 50-80k miler example. (Lower and its short journeys and not used or suspicious, higher and things will be wearing out)

Decent suspension/coilovers and milltek or such like exhaust would be a bonus as it would save me fitting them later, but i expect to do this myself.

I suppose budget is key but it really depends how long i save and resist buying.... i guess between 6k and 10k?

So the above spec really leaves me with B6/B7 S4 or possibly C5 S6. I would love a B7 RS4 but i don’t think budget will stretch. If only a B6 RS4 existed

If i waver some of the spec i suppose B5 S4/RS4 and c5 RS6 are options?? I could even consider 2.0T Quattro Audi models, but im worried the performance would disappoint even with remapping.

So a few questions....

1. Why shouldn’t I? I know thats pretty open but some of you may have had experiences with these cars. Will i be disappointed??

2. Is a c5 S6 available in the UK with a manual box? I now some countries are, but i havent seen any for sale as manuals. But these cars are very reasonably priced and have the RS6 wide body , my worry is that the c5 is a heavy barge of a thing and that i wont enjoy the handling so much.

3. A c5 would be around 2000 model so reasonable road tax, what is the difference of a 03/04 b6 and 05/06 b7 in term of tax?

4. Should i be considering B5 S4/RS4, C5 RS6 or anything else for that matter??

5. Anything i should look out for (problems) with a 4.2?

6. Lastly, should i stop being silly, save my money for more upgrades, and just stick with the coupe??

All opinions greatfully recieved!!

[Rocco]

are jap cars allowed?

[Rusty]

War and Peace there bud!

Cars are funny really, the most unreliable car can sometimes be the simplest and best looked after, it's often just a matter of luck...

The weak point on the B5 S4s is the turbos. It's expensive to change them but then many will be available with an RS4 upgrade for very little more. They're very capable cars but unless you can afford an RS4, don't expect the last word in driving involvement but that said, not much on the road will keep up.

As for the 4.2, they sound good for sure but the performance isn't quite what you'd expect, as they're short on mid-range torques. The V8 RS4 is a very desireable car but then the prices reflect that.

I think for my money, I'd look for a high powered S line diesel and keep the coupe.

[re2500]

War and Peace there bud!

Cars are funny really, the most unreliable car can sometimes be the simplest and best looked after, it's often just a matter of luck...

The weak point on the B5 S4s is the turbos. It's expensive to change them but then many will be available with an RS4 upgrade for very little more. They're very capable cars but unless you can afford an RS4, don't expect the last word in driving involvement but that said, not much on the road will keep up.

As for the 4.2, they sound good for sure but the performance isn't quite what you'd expect, as they're short on mid-range torques. The V8 RS4 is a very desireable car but then the prices reflect that.

I think for my money, I'd look for a high powered S line diesel and keep the coupe.

Good points well presented! Cheers Andy!
Although more cars isnt an option, any car would have to be a replacement for 1 or more cars.
Its a dilema for sure....

[Rusty]

What about a Mondeo ST TDCI or ST220 with LPG?

Even more I found that the most recent Mondy was fitted with the 2.5 20v Forcus ST motor! Could be an interesting proposition.

[hermanio]

Just bought myself a 2000 s6 avant with manual transmission coming for an urs4 manual. The s6 is a really well build car and very comfortable, also lot of space in the car also for the passengers in the back. The engine is just a beast, with lots of torque from idle. Roundabouts in 3th or 4th gear are no problem, just smooth. You dont have the turbo push like the s2/urs4, so its a totally different animal. But i think it really suits as a daily because you dont have to rev more than 1500rpm.

[re2500]

What about a Mondeo ST TDCI or ST220 with LPG?

Even more I found that the most recent Mondy was fitted with the 2.5 20v Forcus ST motor! Could be an interesting proposition.

Wash your mouth out with soap young man!

I would definately be tempted by LPG. (LPG v8 s4??)
Although my dad is currently selling his owned from new Toledo 2.3 V5 LPG. I was offered it for free, but the performance is a little drab to me. Got all the toys though!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEAT-TOLED...-/121051443116

That reminds me i'll stick a link in the for sale section.

[Rocco]

Mate,with your budget and your " wanted" performance there's no better car than an Evo... They has recaros,awd,4door and much better suspensión,handling than any of those Audis.

Try one and you'll be happy

[Avantus]

Having driven a few S and RS's the one that still remains most impressive was a manual D2 S8 facelift. Picked that up for a friend in the south of france near the Spanish border and it was great.
It also went on till 270.000km op LPG without any serious problems.

C5 S6, B6/B7 S4 are all fine cars but don't have the same driving experience. Also they need to be manual, with an autobox they become a lot less interesting.

Having driven a few thousand km's in a 525hp C5 RS6 Avant however... if I could pay the maintenance that would be my first choice no doubt, what a car.

[Costash]

I think b5 Rs4 it is the best choice for you if you want a family and toy car in one package, and good value for the money. My 2 penny

[re2500]

Ooooh, lots of varied opinions! keep them coming.

[hermanio]

Also remember that the first b6 s4 suffer from failing chain tensioners, its a expensive and engine out job. Because the timing chain in on the back of the engine. But if you can fix alot yourself that wont be a problem.

[Thecrispynoodle]

I owned a C5 A6 2.8 30v, it was an uninvolving drive and the C5 platform has a lot of issues particularly around electrical systems and water ingress. I would avoid a C5 platform car. D2 S8 is a real bargain providing you don't mind maintaining a more complicated chassis.

[dm80]

B6 3.0 30v?

[fourringsrus]

B6 3.0 30v?

I had the b6 30 valve 3.0 v6 quattro, tiptronic 5 speed auto and yes, fine car, but way too juicey for 22o bhp and the box while smooth was quite irritating in that it would only change gear at pre=determined speeds, so if you were in a 40 mph zone for example , you could not get her into top, so juicey again.
I suspect with your budget and requirements a b5 RS4 ticks all the boxes and will hold its' value due to exclusivity.