Hi all,

I am about to purchase an RS6 to commute to work and back. Given the high maintenence issues can this car still be reliable for a daily commute of 70 miles? I do not plan on modding, or running it hard.

BILL

Run it hard - they need to have the systems brought up to temp so they don't get sluggish.

Other than a rear shock issue (twice) and a leaky p/s rack, the car's been very reliable (and I tend to drive my hard). Both were covered under warranty.

I've also followed the recommended maintanence schedule and any time the computer tells me that it needs to be serviced, I've done it.

Timing belt is required every 30K and that can be a bit pricey, but overall, the car's not been outrageous to keep happy and healthy. Then again, I replaced a 928GTS with the RS6 and the 928's maintanence put the mechanic's kids through college, so what I have to pay for maintanence now is small, relatively.

I've read a couple threads about brakes being a bit on the pricey side for replacment (rotors & pads), but if you're half way mechanical, they are very easy to replace.
Ah - I still have my receipt for my last brake redo - 34,170 miles on the car
Front rotors: $435.57 ea
Brake lining: $363.05

One other thing, that Audi doesn't necessarilly mention, is the hvac air filter replacement. If you start smelling funky, musty odors, the filter needs to be changed out. It's under the hood, over on the right side of the car (left as looking under the hood). Pull the rubber strip that seals against the hood, pull up the plastic cover that's, more or less, under the wipers and you'll see the filter. Takes about 5 minutes. List price on the filter is $35.90

Wipers last a lot longer than any other wiper (oem or aftermarket) than any I've ever experienced. Wonderful pieces. Two different part numbers (L & R) - list price $20.00 each.

If you have a lead foot (I do), plan on changing tires every 10 to 15K. Loose the Dunflops that come stock on the car - they suck. They suck very badly. Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positions have been my favorites thus far.

Oh - pay attention to the required oil. Audi stresses (to the point of if you don't use it, they'll not cover warranty issues) that you only use a particular Castrol brand. Sorry, I don't have a bottle handy to give you the specific type and weight.

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An R8 & an RS6 in one garage: It doesn't get much better!

Thank you for the great post. When does warranty coverage expire on the vechcle? It is based solely on mileage or the standard age/mileage whever comes first? I am fearful of encountering a DRC issue since it seems that few dealers have the tools to recharge the system properly, save to mention the cost of the repair itself.

No problem, hope my reply helped.

Warranty is five years or 30K, I believe. I know I got my timing belt in just under the deadline. - and they warrantied the second leaky shock, as the first one had an extended two year warranty on it. I guess that means the new one has about a year left on it. Hopefully, I don't need to take advantage of it again.

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An R8 & an RS6 in one garage: It doesn't get much better!