Audi RS6 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 181 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4172cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4172cc23 years old181 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4172cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.

86% of MOT tests on Audi RS6s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 181 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,951 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models44th of 429(top 11%)

Rank among Audi models846th of 1,066(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+14%(72% avg)

vs Audi average-4%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,951

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Audi RS6 had 118,951 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 86%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Audi RS6 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	100%	33	40,061 mi
2016	96%	49	59,971 mi
2015	96%	49	58,586 mi
2014	92%	420	77,846 mi
2013	92%	238	76,510 mi
2010	97%	38	84,258 mi
2009	92%	186	97,001 mi
2008	92%	369	98,694 mi
2004	87%	106	99,318 mi
2003	86%	181	118,951 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

-4%

Porsche 911

2005 · 3824cc Petrol

£3,003/year

90%

+4%

Land Rover Range Rover

2003 · 3950cc Petrol

£3,303/year

77%

-9%

Rover 75

2004 · 4601cc Petrol

£3,503/year

69%

-17%

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About the 2003 Audi RS6

The 2003 Audi RS6 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4172cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 181 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 118,951 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi RS6 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Audi RS6 Fuel Costs

The 4172cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Audi RS6?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Audi RS6 Reliability Trend

Newer Audi RS6s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Audi RS6

At 23 years old, the Audi RS6 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 119k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2003 Audi RS6 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Audi RS6(2003)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Porsche 911(2005)	90%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150
Land Rover Range Rover(2003)	77%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Rover 75(2004)	69%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,503+£350

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Audi RS6

Is the 2003 Audi RS6 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2003 Audi RS6s ended in a pass, from 181 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Audi RS6 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Audi RS6?

86% of 181 MOT tests on the 2003 Audi RS6 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 44th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 11%).

Which year Audi RS6 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Audi RS6 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2003 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Audi RS6?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Audi RS6 is 118,951 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.