RS6 auto boxes?

[Toady1]

I've been toying with the idea of getting either an rs6 avant (03+my) or a the v6 rs4 avant as my next car. Currently I've got a vx220 turbo, but will be selling it in a few months after 'some' summer fun. I've had lots of performance stuff and my last car was a 500bhp r33 gtr, so like my quick cars. The main question is...all rs6's come with auto boxes, what are they like from a driver's point of view? do they make it a boring car to drive and are they very slushy like most torque converter boxes? I've seen some with paddle shifters on the wheels, are these slow and basically a gimmick? I've never been out in one, but have driven other cars with autos and can see their merits, but they weren't for me. I've always thought autos are for people that don't like driving properly or for the lazy driver (which has its good points!). Will it disappoint me or not, or should I go for the older model rs4? I want the avant so it can fulfil all my needs in the one car! Something that is quick and fun to drive, yet big enough to allow me to do my hobbies (mountain biking/snowboarding/and soon to be kayaking too!).

[modok]

go try an RS6 then you will see why everybody raves about them.
1 week to go before I get mine!!!

[Toady1]

I would love to try on but don't like going to somewhere thats selling one pretending to be interested just to drive their car. Is there any PH rs6 owners in Oxfordshire that could take me for a ride?

[istoo]

hobbywise pretty similar... The A6 chassis will swallow a DH bike with ease, the A4 not a hope in hell, needs front wheel and seat off.
But in reality i have ended up using a rack for both cars, ditto with collegues with both generations of RS4 and C5 RS6. Do buy a loadliner right at the start, will keep the skank from the boot!

Its been said before but the A4 is pretty cramped in the back, the A6 is roomy even for big adults.

RS chaps, do either cars have ski hatches? neither my A4 nor A6 avant did but my 90 quattro does.

[Toady1]

Cheers for the reply, Ive seen some listed as having the ski hatch. The only problem with the RS6 and I'm guessing the 4 is they can't have a towbar fitted (for towing anyway). I wonder if they just can't be fitted or if its just not for towing? as there are lots of good bike racks for tow bar fitment.

[istoo]

I wouldn't worry about a roof rack, pal has some spirited driving with bikes on the roof. A good choice of rack will be every bit as strong as the factory bars. Pendle tow bars racks are easier though. Sunroofed cars are hard to find, for watching bikes/boards etc!

If you plan on carting stuff in the car, the 6 is much more practical. Had a run in both cars and performance is exceptional on both.

Autoboxes, cant help you there, ask the owners.
I did go from a manual to an auto recently and pretty happy with it, slightly slow on some changes but its not bad, suits the crusy nature of the car, But thats a *cough* BMW unit. Maybe an age thing too

edit.. never knew there was a towbar issue, would have imagined it would be a popular towcar choice for those with track weapons. Whats the reason for that?

Edited by istoo on Wednesday 15th April 15:31

[Toady1]

rear end isn't structually strong enough apparently. But as I said thats for towing! for a few bikes it might be but I'm not sure?

[grizz]

It's nothing to do with the strength of the rear end...... It's so do with the torque loading on the drive train..

I've got 2 customers who tow large caravans with them..

[Toady1]

oh right thats good to know then, ta.