AUDI RS6 (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 181 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4172cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4172cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 23 years old, 86% of AUDI RS6s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 181 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,951 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
118,951
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 AUDI RS6 has 118,951 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 86%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
AUDI RS6 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2003 AUDI RS6
The 2003 AUDI RS6 is a premium performance with a 4172cc petrol engine. 181 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 118,951 miles at 23 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 AUDI RS6?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2003 AUDI RS6's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI RS6(2003) | 86% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| PORSCHE 911(2005) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2003) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| ROVER 75(2004) | 69% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2597-£160 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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