No Reserve Rocket: 2003 Audi RS6

While BMW’s M5 has been the benchmark for performance sedans since its inception in 1985, there have been plenty of challengers along the way that have really pushed the limits of sedans to new levels. The Lotus Carlton, for example, completely changed what going fast with 4-doors meant in the early 1990s. With twin turbochargers slapped on an otherwise unassuming inline-6, the bespoilered and wide-wheeled Opel packed 377 horsepower and could hit 180 m.p.h. flat out in 1990.

That meant the next generation of super-sedans would have to up their game, and constant brinkmanship ensued; the 3.8 upgrade to the E34 M5 hit 335 horsepower. The 500E packed 322, and Audi’s C4 S6 Plus matched that amount. They were still short of the Lotus, though, and playing catch up. Moving into the late 90s, power levels started to go crazy.

The C5 S6 launched in 1999, now with 335 horsepower. The same year, Mercedes-Benz entered with the E55 AMG at 349 horsepower. But both paled in comparison to the new E39 M5 with 400 horsepower – the undisputed king of super-sedans at the time. That would change in 2002 when Audi’s quattro GmbH launched its newest creation. With help from Cosworth Technologies, the new RS6 sported two turbos on the 4.2 liter V8 seen in the S6. The result was an impressive 450 horsepower driven through all four wheels. Giant wheels filled massive flares, at the front huge gulping intakes fed the intercoolers, and special exhaust and gills popped up everywhere. It was the new super-hero sedan and the result was…well, fast. The limited nature and performance potential of these RS6s have meant they’ve retained greater value than the normal C5 range, though they’ve been in steady decline. Today, we get to test the market on a well used example – where do these C5s sit today?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2003 Audi RS6 on eBay

Year: 2003
Model: RS6
Engine: 4.2 liter twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 130,650 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

2003 Audi RS6 Quattro….RARE….NO RESERVE!!!

130,650 Miles
Daytona Grey with Black Leather
4.2L V8 Twin Turbo 450 HP
5 Speed Automatic Transmission w Tiptronic
Slotted Rotors
Dual Exhaust
Yokohama 255/45ZR18 (Tires are almost new)
Carbon Fiber Interior Trim…Door, Dash and Console.
Signature Chrome Side Mirrors
Heated Seats
Dual Climate Control
Power Windows, Locks, Mirrors, Seats etc
6 Disk Cd Changer
Bose Surround Sound
HID Lights

This Audi RS6 is a BEAST of a car when it comes to the power and the looks. 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, unreal. The drive is just that amazing. The slotted brakes are great. Shifts smooth. Timing Belt/Water Pump was completed a 1000 miles ago (sticker in the hood)

Exterior as you can see in the picture has some minor flaws. First the paint on the hood and roof is faded (common problem here in the Arizona heat). The front bumper has a crack on the bottom (you can see in the picture below).

Interior is in great ccondition. The only flaw is the driver seat has a small rip. Will make a deal with the customer if it reaches close to what i want.

Overall RARE car selling at NO RESERVE..you can do a quick search and see what these are going for on all the car sites. Good luck with the bidding!

Obvious flaws present themselves in the photos, making this instantly a driver-quality RS6 if the mileage didn’t already. Not that many are collecting these cars yet (or, maybe ever), because already parts availability on the used market is starting to rear its ugly head. These are pricey cars to run and, like the rest of the automatic Audis in the period, have somewhat weak ZF 5-speed automatics. With undisclosed service, prospective buyers should anticipate high potential repairs in the not-too-distant future.

However, the car does have some things going for it. It appears unmodded outside of the window tint, and the recent timing belt service is fairly pricey. The general condition is pretty good overall, too, despite the mileage and paint fade. The dash isn’t even pixalated. But the big draw is the no reserve auction, currently sitting at only $6,300. The market on asks for these RS6s has been all over the map, so this car should give us an indication of what people are willing to pay for a two-generation old expensive-to-run super-sedan.

-Carter