Used Audi RS6 review

Exterior

• Many owners of the C7 Audi RS6 have reported issues with the fuel flap refusing to unlock or lock properly, which can be a frustrating problem for a performance vehicle.
• Additionally, there have been occasional complaints about exterior electronic issues, such as malfunctioning lights, door locks, central locking failures, and parking sensors that do not always detect obstacles as they should. However, based on feedback from owners’ groups and forums, it appears that these electronic gremlins are less common in the RS6 compared to the standard Audi A6.
• The RS6’s 21-inch wheels are a popular choice due to their aggressive appearance, but they are more prone to damage than the smaller 20-inch options. Furthermore, OEM 21-inch wheels are notably expensive, and the lower-profile tires required for these rims also negatively impact ride comfort. This is something to keep in mind if ride quality is a priority.
• Brake issues have also been reported, particularly in early models. Some drivers have experienced brake vibrations, often due to misuse—such as getting the brakes excessively hot and then sitting stationary with the pedal pressed, which can damage the discs.
• Early models have also seen small cracks develop in the discs after hard use. OEM brake disc replacements are notoriously expensive, but aftermarket alternatives are available, though you must do your research to ensure quality.
• For those tempted by the RS6 models fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes, be aware that replacing them can cost upwards of $15,000, a considerable expense.
• Additionally, given the RS6’s performance-focused design, the car is known to be heavy on consumables such as tires, brakes, and suspension components, especially when driven hard. It’s crucial for prospective buyers to be prepared for these ongoing maintenance costs.
• Parts for the RS6 can also be expensive. As an example, one owner reported that a stone damaged a headlight, and the cost to replace and calibrate it exceeded $10,000. Proper insurance coverage is essential for such potential issues.
• Another concern common in Volkswagen Group cars is water ingress due to blocked drainage channels. If previous owners have not cleared these regularly, water can accumulate and cause damage, including seeping into footwells or other cavities, often traveling through electronics and leading to expensive repairs.
• A particular area of concern is the panoramic roof. Some owners have reported leaking sunroof cassettes, which can be costly to repair, with some having to pay thousands of dollars to fix the issue. If not addressed, this can cause a range of other problems. Given that many RS6s have been enthusiast-owned, there’s hope that such issues have been properly attended to, but it’s critical to verify the car’s history before purchasing.

Interior

• Inside the C7 RS6, there are fewer reports of electronic glitches compared to the standard A6, though this could be due to the lower production numbers of the RS6.
• Nonetheless, when inspecting a used RS6, it’s important to test every button and function. While they will likely work, if something doesn’t, it could point to a more serious issue, potentially related to water ingress.
• One problem that a few RS6 owners have reported, which is shared with the A6, involves the HVAC system. Issues include the system not blowing air at the correct temperature, fan malfunctions, and in some cases, components failing entirely, causing the HVAC system to stop working. While not particularly common, these problems have occurred. Some fixes are simple and affordable, while others have required the dashboard to be removed, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs.
• Despite being a practical wagon, the RS6’s flagship status means it comes with soft, premium leather upholstery. While luxurious, some owners have noted that the leather isn’t very durable. You might find used models where the leather has become loose or gathered in places, and it can mark or wear easily.

Mechanically

• Overall, the C7 Audi RS6 is considered to be a fairly reliable vehicle, but like any high-performance car, it does have its share of mechanical issues that potential buyers should be aware of.
• One common problem is with the coil packs and spark plugs, which can occasionally cause misfires.
• Another concern is the “Hot V” engine design, where the exhaust and turbos are located on top of the engine block, in the valley of the V8. Over time, this can lead to heat-related issues, as the design traps heat within the engine bay, potentially accelerating wear on surrounding components.
• One critical issue to be aware of is the turbo oil screen. The RS6’s turbos have a pre-filter that can become clogged, leading to turbo failure. This screen is located deep in the engine bay under the turbos, making it difficult to access. There have been recalls related to this issue, and some owners choose to install kits to relocate the strainer for easier servicing. Others opt to remove the screen entirely, which can also be a viable solution to prevent future turbo failures.
• Air-oil separator and engine breather system complications can also arise, leading to vacuum and boost leaks and causing the air-fuel ratio (AFR) to become lean. This system is complex, and even minor repairs can take many hours due to its intricate layout.
• Coolant leaks are becoming increasingly common, especially from the thermostat housing and water pump. Fixing these leaks is labor-intensive, often taking 4 to 5 hours because access to these components is challenging. Active engine mounts can also fail, and their replacement is notoriously expensive.
• Oil leaks are another issue, typical of European cars. These leaks can originate from the timing cover, oil filter housing, or the valley cover, and while they may seem minor at first, they can lead to more significant problems if not addressed.
• While injector failure isn’t particularly common, when it does happen, it requires removing the engine, which is a costly and time-consuming repair, often requiring more than 20 hours of labor.
• There are also rare cases of high-pressure fuel pump leaks, although this isn’t something that occurs frequently.
• The RS6’s timing chains are generally reliable, but there are four separate chains in the engine, each with its own set of guides, tensioners, and gears. If these have been neglected or the car has high mileage, they can fail, which could lead to catastrophic engine damage. Fortunately, timing chain issues usually present a warning in the form of rattling noises—if you hear this, it’s essential to act quickly.
• The timing chains are located at the rear of the engine, which is common in many European cars. Unfortunately, this means the entire front sub-frame, engine, and transmission must be removed to access and fix the chains, making it a very expensive job. One of the timing chains also drives essential components like the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump, further complicating repairs.
• These V8 engines are among the most complex in the market, designed to fit a lot of components into a relatively small space. While this compact packaging is great for performance, it makes the engine extremely difficult and expensive to work on.

Transmission

• The RS6 uses a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, which is shared with many other manufacturers. Some automakers claim these transmissions are “filled for life,” but Audi recommends servicing them every 60,000 km, which is good practice. However, if the car is regularly launched, tracked, or tuned, it’s advisable to service the transmission every 20,000 km, and it’s best to use genuine ZF transmission fluid for optimal performance.
• The rest of the driveline, including the front and rear differentials, is also costly to maintain or replace.
• Maintaining the driveline components is essential, as they are subject to significant stress in a high-performance vehicle like the RS6. The tailshaft can also suffer from broken bolts and center bearing issues if the car is frequently launched or not properly cared for.

Suspension

• The RS6’s air suspension system is known to be problematic. Owners have reported issues with ride height sensors, leaking air struts, and malfunctioning compressors. These components are extremely expensive to repair or replace. While the air ride system provides an exceptional blend of comfort and performance when functioning correctly, its long-term reliability can be a concern, especially in older or higher-mileage vehicles.