# Audi RS6 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Audi RS6 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/audi-rs6

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: RS 6 Avant Performance
- **Target mileage**: 35,000
–45,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £65,000

## Why this model

The Audi RS6 is an absolute beast of a car, blending supercar performance with the practicality of an estate. It's got a mighty V8 engine, Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel drive for incredible grip, and a luxurious, high-tech interior. It's a fantastic choice if you want a car that can do the school run during the week and tear up a track on the weekend, all while looking incredibly stylish. It holds its value reasonably well for a performance car, especially compared to its new price.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data (February 2026), a 2021 Audi RS6 Avant Performance with around 30,000-50,000 miles typically sells for around £65,000. This is a significant saving from its new price of over £100,000, representing excellent value for money. Prices can vary by a few thousand pounds depending on specific mileage, condition, and optional extras, but £65,000 is a solid target for a well-maintained example.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Performance' trim is the sweet spot for the RS6. It boosts the horsepower from 600bhp to 630bhp, often comes with a sportier exhaust, and frequently includes desirable upgrades like dynamic steering and carbon fibre interior accents. For a relatively small premium on the used market compared to the standard RS6 Avant, you get a noticeable bump in power and a more aggressive specification, making it the best value for true enthusiasts.

## What to check before you buy

- Air suspension leaks or compressor failure
- Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) leaks (less common on C8)
- MMI system glitches
- Rapid brake wear (especially with spirited driving)
- Carbon build-up (less prevalent on newer models but worth checking)

## Running costs

Running an RS6 isn't cheap, but you probably know that! Fuel costs will be high; at around 20 mpg and current petrol prices of ~£1.50/litre, you're looking at roughly £0.34 per mile. Road tax (VED) for a 2021 model will be £580 per year (standard rate plus the premium car supplement). Insurance is in the highest group (50), so expect premiums to be in the range of £1,500-£3,000+ annually, depending on your personal circumstances. Servicing and maintenance, especially for performance components like brakes and tyres, will also be significantly more expensive than a regular car.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 600-630 bhp
- **Mpg**: 18-25 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good, but high running costs
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (based on A6)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RS 6 Avant | £95,000 | £60,000 | 600bhp V8 engine; Quattro all-wheel drive; MMI Navigation Plus with touch response |
| RS 6 Avant Performance | £105,000 | £65,000 | 630bhp V8 engine; RS sport exhaust system; Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension (optional/standard on some) |
| RS 6 Avant Vorsprung | £115,000 | £72,000 | All Performance features; Panoramic glass sunroof; Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £65,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £58,000 | 89.2% |
| 2028 | £51,500 | 79.2% |
| 2029 | £46,000 | 70.8% |
| 2030 | £41,000 | 63.1% |

Buying a 2021 RS6 in 2026 means you're letting the first owner take the biggest hit of depreciation. The car has already lost a significant chunk of its value, and while it will continue to depreciate, the curve flattens out. This makes it a 'sweet spot' for buyers looking to get into a high-performance car without suffering the initial rapid value loss.

Total value lost since new: 36.9%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate
- BMW M5 Competition
- [Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/porsche-panamera-sport-turismo.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.