I'm thinking of doing some major driving, from coast to coast and perhaps up to canada. Basically, wherever I wanna go for an open ended period of time. A road trip for my mid life crisis, if you like.

So what auto ... the rs6 is so tempting.

Ok its a 2003 model and dealers are trying to shift em? great - it looks like I can pick from a bunch of black ones, a silver one, or a blue one (there may be other stock around in tri-state - not sure if I should look harder).

*** Random questions ***

Prices are MSRP less 10% at one dealer. Perhaps that should be 14% less than MSRP? yes?

Unfortunately, NY state address, means plus 8% sales tax.

I have no need for four doors or four seats. On the other hand, the Q-car aspect of the RS6 is really a plus. I don't feel comfortable blowing through middle america in a porsche (or even M3 or M5 or merc). Plus, I've owned older 911s, and cannot believe that amazing as they are they would not wear you out when using them for LONG trips.

So what would you do, with this plan, and with 90k to invest in a fast depreciating supercar? Stay at home :) ? Is the RS6 the only choice? the obvious choice? what would be your second choice? I keep looking at slightly used SL55 AMGs :)

And on color - I don't fancy black with black. It is summer. Right? Given the choice of avus silver or blue, which is clearly the best? Should I look harder for grey or red?

Last - Navigation computer. Would avoiding that option and going for an aftermarket dvd based system be the ticket? the pioneers just have super screens and features compared to factory.

Carbon fiber? sound enhancement? couldn't care less or should care? what about summer pack? why am i not seeing cars with the summer pack, is that dealer installed or something?

Theft protection? is this car a magnet for thieves, should I be installing trip switches and satellite anti-theft? or is it really safe in that regard because it doesn't scream "steal me I'm a ferrari"?

Ok these are my random questions.. any help would be great.

Smart money would tell you to stay home or go road tripping in someting cheaper. Ahh but car buying is done more on emotion than logic so here we go.

However cars such as the RS6 don't come around all that oftern.

If you are an Audi person the RS6 is the only choice. Sure you can get an AMG, but like an M5 they are a dime a dozen ( or at least in the SF Bay Area they are)

I would have originally said no to Avus silver, but after seeing one in person I'd say it's ok. The car really looks best in darker colors. (I like my Daytona Gray/Silver)

If you want to do the DVD mod go ahead, I actually like the nav system, even though it isn't fancy. It works for me. Being CD based means you have to change out discs as you travel region to region, but such is life.

Carbon Fiber is one of those I'd be on the fence on. It is tastefully done and I certainly wouldn't turn it down.

I love my sound enhancing exhaust. Supposedly gets you some extra HP. The warm weather package, you probably wouldn't see much of there in the NE.

The car comes with OnStar so you can let onstar find the car for you.

The RS6 is just subtle enough where only true car nuts know what it actually is.

cruising around in an RS6 is damn nice.
I like Audi's nav system alot even though I chose not to include it on my RS6 in hopes the shark fin antenna would be deleted.

I really like the carbon fiber trim. It's very well done and gives the car the look it deserves.

I prefer the Daytona Grey like Randy. The color really changes depending on available light.

You're going to encounter winter conditions in NY and AWD will make the difference between a year-round car and a non-starter in the AMG.

I'd jump at the chance to own an RS6 all over again.

thanks for the help. I'll try a test drive in the blue one, see if it does it for me.

I just found this "wow" video of S4 dash at night as someone goes from 0 to infinity:

http://analogue.net/carpron/RS6-COM-S4-V8-0-100.wmv

(good transfer speed from that site)

Performance for rs6 is a little quicker than S4, right? Like a second better for 0-100mph? But the sound and fury is basically as per that S4 video? although, track performance on dry tighter circuits would place an M3 (or S4?) slightly ahead, yes?

Just trying to get a feel for where the rs6 fits here .. a number of british reviews tend to mention that on tighter turns and direction changes the weight of the rs6 becomes obvious (to put things politely)!

I think going for a few months away from home with a 911 is impractical (insufficient luggage space). European delivery on an M3 (sounds nice doesn't it?) is not so hot with the 3 month wait and the lack of any discount.

And as you say, AMGs are ten a penny. In fact, around new york, silver amgs are pimpmobiles :(

I just keep coming back to thinking a 50-60k M3 would just just as much fun to drive as the RS6, and the 20k saved would go a long way to papering over any regrets such as never experiencing uber AWD.

I hate choices. Pick one, kiss all others good bye for basically ever.

Dann, no edit here?

wrong link, this is the one I meant:

http://analogue.net/carpron/RS6-COM-S4-V8-0-270.wmv

The RS6 isn't it, but then neither is a SL55 AMG.

The RS6 is a smidge quicker. The S4 is more compact and hey does come with a 6 speed. But the new S4 is also going through some teething pains as some members of this forum has gone through.

It still boils down to figuring out exactly what you are looking for in a car.

I love my RS6, but cruising across country? I'd opt for an A8 with air conditioned seats. If you opt for the RS6, get the following:

Performance exhaust
NAV (this system was obviously programmed by a UNIX hack) (no offense to you UNIX hacks out there.)
XM Radio (or Sirius)

About 6500 of those miles were for a trip from Michigan to California & back last summer, plus another 1500 from Michigan to Florida in November.

The RS6 is a superb touring machine, especially when you get to pass someone! E55 AMG might be too, but no AWD and others here say it's seen more often. M3 is cheaper but I would test drive it per reviews claiming stiff ride before taking it as a tourer.

Mine is mugello blue and although I like the darker gray too (Daytona?), my 31 yo girlfriend with good taste (obviously, since she's with me!) saw them together at Sebring -- plus a silver one -- and deemed mine best looking.

Any dark color will generate more interior heat in summer, no doubt. That's why I got the solar pkg; sunroof-powered venting seems to help, and the rear & side shades are great for privacy. Add tint and it should be even cooler -- in both meanings of the word!

S4 is a better track car; Brits were right in their reviews.

Carbon fibre if you lean towards modern, wood if you prefer traditional.

I have standard exhaust & it sounds terrific. Sales manager at my selling dealer said, after hearing it, that the enhanced exhaust "isn't worth it." Maybe he was just trying to make me feel good, but I like the standard's quiet when cruising...then turning nasty-sounding with pedal to the metal. Just right for me.

Hope I haven't offended anyone, just trying to help.

actually crosses several zip codes. :-)

Actually the RS6 feels snug after sitting in the A8

Cool!
Speaking of cool: do you know if the summer pack is dealer installed or something? with the remaining stock situation, you don't get to pick your own options.. you pick the best color left, and are stuck with "whatever options" it comes with :(

And how is the aircon? set a temp and forget? can cope with blistering heat ok?

thanks.

At this point you would get what dealers have in stock...

...a dual climate control system is standard, and there are small vents at the rear of the console for rear seat passengers. Sometimes it's a little slow to respond to changes in the setting, tho, and on hot days I've noticed my RS6 loses some of its zip. But the AC has been adequate, working fine for example @ 100 degrees F in Stockton, CA last summer. Water temp always stops at mid-guage, so as much heat as the RS6 generates -- and it generates a lot -- overheating has not been an issue. Oil guage usually stops at mid-point (175) too, but sometimes creeps to 190 or so after spirited driving. That's when it is important to let the car idle & cool down a bit before shutting engine off, or so I've been told.

I love my RS6, fun to drive, comfortable, plenty of room for people and luggage, great on highway and side roads.

Price - high, but considering many people own several cars, i.e. a pickup and a Honda, for example, or an SUV and a Toyota, the price ain't that bad in comparison!

I agree about M5, great car, but very common, but keep in mind that fact can be a comfort, More M5s more dealer experience caring for them, more parts, etc.

One concern expressed by many here is the issue of availability of spare parts, dealer service experience with problems in the car....

So for extended cross country drive you may want to consider something with a longer track record on reliablity! Just putting things in perspective here...

Mike

Thats not a mid life crisis. That was SOP for weekends away from london when i was 20 something..

Yes, the RS 6 is a 2003 model, so when the new A6 comes out it will begin to look dated, inevitably. Not a great problem really IMHO, the C5 isn't to everyone's taste, but in RS 6 guise I think it's a great looking car, and it isn't far enough out to look really old fashioned like older Ferraris and the like so obviously do.

I've got Mugello blue, see the link in the bottom of my sig for pictures taken last March. I think it's a great colour for the sedan, but I do like Daytona as well (would have been my 2nd choice).

You may not need 5 seats (it's a better 4 seater that 5 seater anyway), but the trunk space in the RS 6 will be better than an M3, and yes it's far less obvious than some low-slung 2 seater.

I once had a go with a Nav system, and although I'm not a huge fan, they are OK for simple guidance, and given the straightforward nature of most of America's roads I don't think it would be a big problem, and it is neater than aftermarket. It's a real shame you don't get Nav+ as the 5" screen really makes it much clearer where there's more than one possible way out of a junction that sort of matches the spoken commands.

If you have limited options on what's available, I wouldn't worry too much about carbon fiber, but IMHO it looks great with black leather, although for hot conditions you may prefer the silver leather anyway. Be careful of colour transfer from dark fabrics (dark blue denim for example) with the silver though.

Yes, the S4 is a much better track tool than the RS 6 - better balanced, no turbo lag (the RS 6 doesn't suffer badly with lag, but there is some whatever anybody tells you) and it seems to be very free revving (it's a different 4.2 V8 engine than the RS 6 engine is based on), but that does mean you need to keep the revs up quite high to get the best from it. Driven even fairly hard, the fuel consumption of the S4 is as high or higher than the RS 6 because the RS 6 can laze along on it's huge torque where the S4 encourages you to grab it by the scruff of the neck and giving a good hiding.

For touring, I'd pick an RS 6 over an S4 just for the extra space and the relaxed crusing.

The A8 would make an exceptionallly good long-distance tourer. It's longer, but it's also much roomier inside (like going first instead of business), and the DVD Nav system is a treat - fast and so easy to use. The A8 will also give you better long distance ability due to it's larger tank and lower revs at a given speed in top gear - even 100mph is some relaxed 2800rpm or so in 6th on the 4.2 V8. The A8 uses the same V8 as the S4 and doesn't weigh much more (compared to how much bigger it is) and the air suspension enables some impressive cornering for it's size.

Of course, the 4.2 is slower than both the S4 and RS 6 by some margin, can you wait for the 6.0 W12 to arrive? It's going to be almost as fast as the RS 6, but with better comfort and crusing ability. I'd seriously consider a 6.0 A8 to replace the RS 6 (especially now UK have announced the SWB will come here), but there's the £72k starting price tag to consider. It is very well specified though, with a lot of stuff that's optional on the rest of the A8 range, and it is 'future-proofed' with the new grille.

Personally, given that Brits consider 200+ miles a long journey, I'd go for an A8 6.0 if I could, or failing that a 4.2 (because you don't get the 4.0D in the US) if I was considering a cross-US & Canada trip. It's not the fastest thing out there, but I know for a fact it can pull 160mph (restrictors and things aside) easily, and 100mph cruising feels like 60mph. If you want to retain the car as a general plaything after the trip, an RS 6 might provide the best of both worlds.

Good luck with the descision!

Chris.

I drove the new S4...it's tame...and quick, but nothing like the twin turbos on the RS6... head snapping pant wetting acceleration and sheer joy. If a sport car is too small...but you want something of that caliber in performance.. there are only 2 cars that come to mind.. the RS6.... and the older M5... MY VOTE FOR RS6 IS IN!!!

I was one of the big complainers about not being able to get a part, i.e. main engine crank pulley. Was ordered from Germany, didn't come despite 4 weeks of waiting, then turned out it was a communication problem: Audi in Germany didn't tell AOA that the part is same as in the 2.7T, meaning plenty were in the US already but AOA didn't know it! They do now, tho, thanks to a clarifying memo sent to dealers by AOA.

Also, I had numerous posts complaining about subpar performance blamed on "bad gas." No doubt I did have a bad tankful, but the surging & hesitation went on for over 1500 miles after that tankful. Later got advice from tuner (APR) suggesting I accelerate harder when I could & keep revs up, and problem went away -- due to "adaptive" feature.

So -- parts availability was NOT a problem in my case, tho I know it has been for some others.

preference, but of course that's very personnal are (in order of preference):

Daytona Grey with silver interior
Daytona Grey with black interior
Ebony Black with silver interior
Avus Silver with black interior
Ebony black with black interior
Mugello blue with either black or silver interior
Red with black interior

This car is Amazing! It's as comfortable as
it is fast. The only super sedan available
with AWD (for now).

Is that they put the battery on the floor, taking up cargo space... :-<

Too bad the US didn't get the euro config or they had figured out how to place the battery like they did in the A8..

I barely got our three suitcases in a couple of weeks ago to run out to the airport, that battery box would have meant taking one case on the rear seat.

you would love me then...I take two pairs of shoes....my husband has size 13..he is allowed the ones he is wearing..ha (and his driving shoes) I have a theory that you can travel for three days or three weeks with the same amount of clothes...just have to stop at a hotel with a washer and dryer on the premises. Works for me. And we travel a lot.

thanks for the info.

the trip is for two reasons, one, to "see america", and the other is to get this car lust well and truly out of my blood before i return to australia where a freaking RS6 is 220k AUD (160k USD!) and ALL other interesting cars are just as inflated in price.

(All this so that australia can build a few holden monaros and export them so that jeremy clarkson can go "whooooaaar" on TV. No sense in australia! anyway that is off topic).

So the A8 would be wonderful, for sure, but in my mind that isn't helping with the "exotic lust" side of the equation.

The problem of a warranty repair somewhere 1000 miles from RS6 parts bothers me a bit. The problem of losing my license in 50 states also bothers me a LOT. Nothing like reading some of the topics here on cops to tip a bucket of cold water on ones ideas of blasting ones RS6 from point to point on the way to san francisco, or something.

Meanwhile, I've gone nuts, and am now tossing up the idea of an low mileage SL600. Perhaps, better resale, perhaps, more comfort, better toys, even MORE power but less urge to use it(?), and roofless when you want it to be. But not pimpy like an AMG. Enough boot space for a suitcase and a half. All for the low low increment of 45k over a new RS6 :) Stupid prices? well, whenever I think that, I go back to the australian delivery prices on any of these cars and suddenly it is like HOLY CRAP THESE TOYS ARE SO CHEAP, IT IS NOW OR NEVER :)

that is a very good point...so why did they do that to us here in the States?? Does it have anything to do with our emissions regs?? adding weight to the engine?? Under the seat was a pain in the butt too....

The Europe Audi's don't run a real spare either??

I guess we just have to live with the placement of the battery..the one good point I did find out the other day....the car phone does work where my regular cell didn't....out in the mountains. What a fun road.....still smiling....

In the S6 the battery is in the engine compartment.

with all the plumbing required for the RS6 they moved it to the back.

A can of fix a flat and an air compressor...

my other two audi's had them under the rear seat

so guess it is either a full flat spare for a trade off with the battery in the trunk.Anyway you look at it...ya gotta have a battery...no matter where they put it!

I knew I wanted my 4.2 from the moment I turned the key at the dealership. I love the RS6 also, but cannot 'properly' afford it right now. So I will be looking for a gently pre-owned one in a couple of years. (So all you guys in the NY/NJ/CT area, take real good care of yours!)

If you got the $$$ and the desire, do it. No one is getting any younger and you can't take much with you so do it!

My 5000S had it under the seat.

But as the rolled the new models out starting with the A4 I think the battery went in it's conventional place in the engine compartment.

I'd be happy with it under the seat again...

The alternative would be run flats like the Vette has/had.

I will never look back, as its the best daily driver car I have owned from Audi.

I swapped my big battery for a Hamster and Wheel setup.....the Hamster cranks the engine for me...saved a lot of trunk space but the friggen Hamster smells bad.....

HERE HERE...real spare....it could fit with minimal modification to the space.....just trim the bolts the pertrude into that space.....oversight by the engineers....dam them.....although love the engine LOLOLOLOL

Would give a ****ty ride if you use the spare, and of course you would no longer have a battery LOL

When my husband use to travel to mainland China to a huge mine there, he was surprised to find them actually hand cranking heavy equipment...guess we just take things for granted here...lol needless to say he did take photo's for the guys back at the office.

that is a great idea.....

that might be true for a lot of women, but recently did the airport pickup for some guys and believe me...they had far more stuff than I ever travel with.

they were VERY manly....believe me....just dressed nice and had way too clothes....and their golf clubs....some men just don't know how to pack.....ha

let the Germans figure how that one....

you are right....we don't golf! How boring?

but most of those who I know who WORK for a living, don't have time to devote to getting any good at it and those who do then have to neglect time with their children and family to go golf.

It's ideal for:
Retired Couple or Empty Nest Couple
Wealthy who don't have to work and don't give a **** about their family (just kidding).
etc....

Working folk with familys don't have that kind of time to spend....

LOL

I saw a white RS6 (with black interior)at my dealer, they are willing to deal on it ($10,000 under MSRP). The white looks really crisp and highlights the muscular line of the car I think.

if I am not mistaken, white on an RS6 is a special order color. And it is very white

we are empty nesters but prefer a faster sport...like auto racing. And the company my husband works for would pay for a membership for him at the local country club...but we said, no thanks! Now if it were a race track would reconsider..ha

If you want to know for sure, do a search or start a thread at rs6.com

The chief moderator there is based on Sweden & they have more European participants.

I hang out there as well...

The europeans get the tire pressure monitoring system.

I realize they get the tire monitoring system. But that wouldn't mean they don't have run-flats, would it? Seems like a monitor would be useful for any tire that has air, and run-flats do have that. In fact I believe I read that the Corvette has both.

My wife's A8L has the tire monitoring system but is on normal tires.

I searched on rs6.com and saw no mention of run flat tires.