Looking to get my first Audi....possibly a 2010 S6.

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

Hello all,

Looking to get my first Audi and the top contenders are a 2010 S6 or lower millage 2012/13 S4.

Pluses for the S4 -
Faster
Better Handling (especially with sports differential)
Fewer Miles (Factory Warranty)
Much better fuel economy
Newer

Minuses for the S4 -
Small size = cramped rear seating
Less luggage space as well

Pluses for the S6 -
V10 (Duh)
V10 sound
More room
Much lower initial cost (Compared to low millage 2012/13 S4’s)

Minuses for the S6 -
Crappy fuel economy
Probable higher maintenance cost (or cost to add warranty)

I can find low millage S4’s (30,000 miles or less) for $39,000 (or less) all day long.

I’ve found 2 S6’s in my area (which isn’t too bad actually). Both are 2010’s

One is a private sale two owner vehicle with just over 48,000 miles. Looks clean inside and out. Asking $31,500.

The other is at a dealer and is CPO’d with 50,000 miles and asking $36,000.

Assume both need to have a good carbon clean. If either has been done that would certainly help sway me towards that vehicle. Thoughts on those two? The private one “looks” nicer overall but that does not necessarily mean anything…hell might just be the photo’s.

I do a fair amount of driving for work…high percentage is highway. I’m not overly concerned with the fuel cost. 30,000 miles + per year would not be a stretch at all.

I do plan to learn as much as I can and handle as much maintenance as I can on my own…but I do not have a ton of experience in this area (but I am a fast learner and mechanically inclined in general…I repair pinball machines for fun) Looking over Paul’s thread on doing the carbon clean yourself and I think I could do that. I know I can do things like brakes and rotors.

Oh…nearest Audi dealer is an hour away from me. I’m in the sticks.

Thanks, Adam

#2

Unless you really need the extra space of an S6 on a regular basis, go with a nice clean one-owner S4 with well-documented service history.

#3

Hi mate,

In my opinion, it’s just about what you want the car to do. It’s hard to compare the two.

The S4 will always be more nimble, more tunable, and more economical. It’s also way more common.

The S6 is a special case. It’s got a presence the S4 can’t match. It’s really solid & stable. Heavyweight. You have more & better luxury options. But everything to do with the S6 will be harder than an S4. If there’s something common to ‘most Audis,’ you can bet the C6 S6 is going to be the one that’s different.

Only pick the S6 if you love the S6. It will never be the best in any one category, but it has something special. You will need to be dedicated to get the most out of it.

-P

#4

My gut is saying go for the S6 now because you can always get the S4 later. :slight_smile:

I will admit that it would be “cool” to own such a rare beast and have that 5.2 V10 even if it’s only for a few years.

Still…when push comes to shove the rational side of me might be the one that pulls the trigger…we shall see I guess.

I have a family of four…the kids are mostly grown (boy 17, daughter 14). That being said traveling in the S6 would be very doable while traveling in the S4…not so much. So there is at least one practical argument to the S6 ;D

Of course our other vehicle is a Dodge Durango which has tons of room for road trips and is equal or better than the S6 on fuel economy (regular gas at that).

My wife actually liked the A7 the best but I don’t think my clients would like to see me pulling up in an A7…I think it’s a little “flashy” for what I do. That’s why I honed in on the S6 & S4…they’re sleepers.

#5

Always go with the rational.

#6

Such a tough decision.

I went through a similar debate with my own mind.

I was looking for a 3.0T C6 A6 Avant which I did find one in the $30k CAD range… that car is the best of both worlds when it comes to the size difference between the B6 S4 I had and the S6 I purchased. That could be another option for you.

The 3.0T has tons of room for tuning, and is a faster, more efficient and typically easier to work on. But is not without it’s own set of problems. (if you end up with a B8 S4 check the TSB/Recalls as there is a recent one for leaking injectors)

I’ve got two buddies with B8 S4s. One with Manual other S-Tronic. Love how both these cars drive, but the rear seat room leaves much to desire.

Why did I end up with an S6? Well I got mine for $21k CAD with 113,000km (70,000ish miles) and so far only an odd oil leak happened and needed a carbon clean.

Driving both cars, I wish my S6 was a manual or DSG… but the car is an amazing cruiser, probably the most comfortable and relaxing way to hit the highway. The exhaust sound (especially with an aftermarket exhaust) creates Christmas in my ears everytime I hit the loud pedal.

If you think it’s a sleeper compared to the A7 to clients, better remove the V10 badges, lol.

My choice was a bit easier as I’m comfortable working on my own car, and have a great group of mechanically inclined friends.

Reliability is a toss up on both cars. Just far less for resources on the V10.

I want to tell you to get the S6 because I still think it’s a bad ass car… but a B8 S4 with dynamic ride, 3G+ MMI and sport diff is just an amazing car that you should snap up.

Good luck with your choice, both are excellent.

#7

Welcome to AudiRevolution!

I have owned a ton of used cars in my lifetime. The ones that frustrated me the most, were not the ones that cost the most in maintenance and unplanned repairs. The ones I eventually disliked the most (old Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Echo) were the ones that I ended up having to put money into, but the cars themselves were nothing special. It annoyed me every time I had to put money into a car I didnt really love.

So, I would recommend getting the car that you really feel a strong attachment to. Have you done an extended test drive in each? Around the town/city and on the highway? If you haven’t, then that would be the first step. They are quite different cars.

Next, do you have a great Indy mechanic who specializes in Audi’s close by? Or, are you willing to travel to one to have the car repaired? This is even more important with the S6, in my opinion. Out of warranty, I would not personally want to have my S6 repaired by the Dealership. I have heard too many dealership horror stories, and if you don’t have any great Indy options, I have a feeling the dealership will take advantage of the situation.

One of the great pluses of the v10 S6, is that you can get some models that have dropped to close to max depreciation. And throughout the model years, there is very little that differentiates them. I personally, would never pay over $30k for an S6, or even $20k. I’d much rather pick up an older one for $15-18k, and save the other $15-20k plus taxes, for repairs and mods. But, you need time and a good indy to go this route.

Let us know how the test drives go. Take your time and go for some nice long ones, if you can. Once you figure out what model is right for you, then we can give you better advice in which specific car to purchase.

#8

I just purchased my s6. I couldn’t be happier. I love the car concept that it inspires. My friends see that V10 badge then I pop the hood and I see the Look in their eyes. I passed an s4 on my way to Columbus and he speed up pointed at the v10 badge and gave be a thumbs up with a huge grin on his face. I have owned it going on 3 weeks tomorrow and I think everyone sees potential in these cars. Now I am waiting to see where V8a6 ends up with his build.

#9

With an S6, you would definitely become a member of an exclusive club. Most people have never even seen one on the road. I ordered my S6 last October, and have been keeping a watch out for other ones on the road ever since. In those 6 months, I still have never seen another one in the sacramento area. Not one. TONS of A6’s, S4’s, even a handleful of newer S5’s and S7’s. No S6’s to be seen, let alone one from the V10 era. You will not get attention from anyone except European car enthusiasts. It’s not an attention grabber. But When someone finally catches a glance at the V10 emblem, it’s always funny to watch them do a double-take and tap their buddy on the shoulder and point it out to them.
Of course, this car is torquey as hell and sounds like an F1 car with a decent exhaust, but you have to realize it’s really not a “fast” car. You’ll be faster than most other cars on the road for sure, but if a kid pulls up in his dad’s Subaru STI, there’s a decent chance they’ll win. If that’s not important to you (and it’s not important to me), the S6 is a VERY fun car, and loaded with luxury features. It was never meant to be a racecar. It was only meant to be a better A6.

#10

Buy mine :slight_smile: Red 2007 S6 $35,000 50,000 miles

#11

Pat why you selling? Thought you loved your car

OP thats a tough choice. I dont own either, i own a B7 S4. With that said am i wrong to state the the size difference in backseat legroom isnt that far off between the V10 S6 and the newer S4? I know with my B7 it is but im pretty sure the B8 got a little bigger and has a little more leg room.

#12

That’s not always the most “fun” though…got to have some fun along the way.

Already thought of that…yes I will mostly likely remove them if I get an S6.

No…but there are some good (and very honest) mechanics around here. One I’ve been working with for a very long time. He’s certainly no expert on Audi’s because there are no Audi’s in my town…none. He’s smart though.

Hmmm…I saw an 08 with not that many more miles on it (57,500) for $25,000. But that is an older car. I see what you are saying but I would think a newer model will hold value a little better and have some updates/upgrades…no?

Being able to beat the guy next to me is not important. Being able to “zoom” past a line of slow cars on a two way road is VERY important to me. I do this day in and day out and it’s one of the reasons I’m not willing to take a step back (performance wise) from my current vehicle - 07 Dodge Charger R/T with the performance package. “Power” has saved me as often (if not more so) than braking. At least with the way I drive :slight_smile:

#13

A low mileage audi CPO car with a 100k warranty would be most ideal.

The S6 does offer something beyond the S4. From space to comfort the S6 has it.

As you said the cool factor is hard to ignore with the S6. The S4 is a nice car and it’s got lots of potential. The S6 is a great car and has lots of excitement growing for it. While I don’t own either I would consider them both.

To me there is just not much cooler then driving in a car with a v10. Smooth and so awesome. It’s definitely a limited addition car

#14
#15

Took me a while to find that in there :slight_smile: Where are you located?

#16

Lansing, Mi.

#17

Well did you buy it?

#18

I second what c.scott says…