2001 S8

I currently have a really bad itch to get a 2003 RS6. My current DD is a 2012 A8L with the 4.2. The A8 has 54k miles on it and is basically loaded. (see signature for options list)

This is the fourth time in the past two years that I have searched out and identified an RS6 that fits my list of requirements. The RS6 would be my DD. Before my A8L, I DD a 2001 S8, from 2013 until 2019. Over the 6.5-year ownership of the S8, I drove it 60k miles, and paid $15k in maintenance/repairs/upkeep. So I've dealt with maintaining an older Audi.

I know I'm going backward in technology a long way and ride comfort, but there is something about owning, maintaining and driving a legendary car. I felt the same about my S8. Is this a horrible idea?

Maybe the 2012 A8 4.2 will be one of those Audi cars that people talk about and hunt for because it is the last of the A8's with an NA V8 engine and I should just keep what I have and admire the RS6 digitally.

hahnmgh63

The RS6 is definitely more of a performance car than the A8L (less power, heavier, longer wheelbase, does have a better transmission though). Wife had a '10 A8L for 6yrs, I've had a RS6 for almost 20yrs as well as a few other cars. RS6 tranny stock is a weak 5sp ZF 5HP. They tried to upgrade it for more power but it still wasn't enough. They just plain slip and/or fail too easily. Just a simple software flash will easily give you over 50~75bhp more, remove the pre-Cats (+20bhp), keep the main cats and it will still pass emissions, and the engines, if well taken car of are very reliable. DRC suspension wasn't the most reliable, Audi completely replaced it in most cars with a supposedly upgraded version 10yrs ago but it was still junk, stripped mine out and went with KWV3 coilovers, problem solved. Interiors aren't as modern but they are nice. I upgraed mine with a RNS-E which came in later Euro C5 RS6's and added Bluetooth in place of the no longer active Onstar. Oh, forgot to mention, I had my transmission rebuilt at 50k miles, still seemed to be a slushbox so I did a manual 6spd conversion, now all of the power gets to the wheels. I'm at about 75k miles on mine and I run it hard occasionally but I also maintain it at much lower intervals than Audi's stupid long ones. Need to find a lower miles car that has been well taken care of.

Grisho

Get it man! You know what you are getting into and it is an awesome machine! I regret selling my first one in 2013 and I'll never sell my current one.
My opinion on the DRC: it is an amazing super simple system, yet very effective. By now there are shops that rebuild the shocks or you can just buy new genuine ones on eBay for less than $100 each (old stock, but they do not have an expiration date it seems like (I'll know in the next few months when I install them on mine and replace the not so great Airlift performance that it came with)).

Most importantly: if you have the itch, scratch it, otherwise it will continue itching and bothering you (if you are like me ).

Actually a good idea might be to rent one for 2-3 days/a week and daily drive it if available in your area from the person to person car rental aps. I think this is the best relatively cheap way to see if you will like the car.

2001 S8

Thanks for the reply and excellent input hahnmgh63. Yeah, the 5sp ZF transmission was in my D2 S8, and I had to rebuild it at 100k miles. How's your cabin for rattles? My S8 was pretty much rattle-free at 153k, but those dang soft touch/sticky buttons were annoying.

I'm a "low-hanging fruit" DIY'er. (oil changes, fluids, PCV, HVAC blower motor, etc.) I leave the major stuff (suspension, brakes, transmission, electrical, etc.) to the professionals, but enjoy working and cleaning my car. Do you do any maintenance yourself on your RS6?

hahnmgh63

I have a full Miltek exhaust with Catless Downpipes. It's a little louder at idle and when you really push it but cruising on the Highway it's pretty quiet. Car is sqeak free. The C5's do go through the rubber bushings in the front control arms every 50k or so like most Audi's do, at least they are pretty cheap parts prices and some improved parts out there now.