I Bought The Cheapest Audi RS6 In The Country

I bought a cheap early noughties Audi RS6. This beast packs a 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8... but also a nasty front-end smash.
In this video I'm going to rebuild this crash damaged C5 RS6 - maybe not to professional standards - but as close as I can get for a self-taught mechanic working outside and laying on the floor 😅
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Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. This really helps me as a content creator and means I can continue to provide content into the future.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Help support the channel by picking up some merch: www.noteconomicallyviable.com 😃

[@visvaldasbausa2575]

Have no idea how to support channel? Before it was ok now?

[@chriscollis9315]

You have now entered the world of Audi RS tax and will never escape.I wish you good luck with this project.😊

[@simondarrie666]

Amen to that, I crashed my rs3 2018 plate and I only needed 1 headlight bumper and paint , £5500 !!!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

I'm going to file this comment in the 'Gonna Pretend I Didn't Just Read That' section 😅

[@maikelblok8505]

I had a accident with my "RS6" with the same parts broken and it ended up in 7500£

[@gentlejesus]

Air suspension £4K ….

[@trading-university.]

@@gentlejesus Coilover conversion much cheaper

[@nickbee5508]

02:55 Me: "Ah he needs a piece of 2x4 to prop it up" *Nino grabs an engine crane* 🤣

[@mar13keta]

Exactly my thoughts!😅

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Oh is that what it's called? I thought it was a multi-tool 😅

[@suli2310]

i thought about a wooden stick

[@fizmo100]

As a previous owner of one of these I can tell you two things: 1) You will be a very lucky man to get it finished for under the £10k mark and 2) Don't worry about that, it will be worth it! I started watching this with my heart in my mouth for you, but as the video progressed it got better and better - the DRC has been replaced - score! The brakes are recent - absolute win! All the engine work is superb and the fact it has had a gearbox service is really encouraging. the biggest weakspot after the DRC suspension is the gearbox, so at least you have some indication it has been looked after. You are still at the whim of the gods of Neckarsulm as to how long it lasts, but a previous oil change is a good sign! Will be watching this one with great interest. when you started it up it took me right back. They are absolutely incredible feats of engineering, and I don't think these cars will ever cease being super-cool. Good luck with the repairs, looking forward to seeing how you get on with it!

[@doca8792]

Couldn’t agree more. I paid $6k for a running, straight RS6 that had a leak everywhere you could think of, spent $18k on it with the engine, suspension, transmission out for months at the shop. One of the main concerns was the torque converter, so make sure that’s rebuilt and reinforced if you pull the motor ever. Puts a smile on my face every time.

[@JustSendMeLocation]

@@doca8792I bought an rs5 2019 at the start of 2023 and by 2 months I noticed it had major mechanical issues, I was stressing because selling it was a struggle; I was in a que of traffic when a car drove right into me, luckily I was fine and had gap insurance so I got paid the value of the car even though the engine was pretty much about to blow 😂

[@Cameron2874]

Just a simple tip. Vice grips on gas strut to temporarily hold up. Bit easier than engine hoist. Hope that helps

[@kennywallace1]

I had one of these for 4 years. Loved it. 5 years later still regret selling it. Few owners and low mileage are musts if buying as is solid history. There is no such thing as a cheap RS6, you either pay for it up front or pay for it in maintenance. DRC usually gets replaced with coilovers for about £2k, as it’s so unreliable. I had Bilstein PSS9’s set close to original ride height and rebound on 6 clicks. Make sure gearbox has been serviced, even rebuilt, as that’s a £7k bill when it goes pop, and it will go pop at some point as the clutch pack will wear out. Cam cover gaskets sweat oil, which drips on the manifolds and causes an intermittent burning smell. Discs and pads are £2k when they need done. Tyres lasted me about 8000 miles on Pirelli’s or Continental. Averaging 20mpg is about right, which equates to about 300-350 miles from it’s 80 litre tank. A heavy right foot will drop the mpg to 5. Find a reliable independent Audi specialist familiar with working on these, you will become very good friends. I spent about £25k on maintenance over the 4 years I had it. I did 40k miles in it, which equated to £5k in fuel over 4 years when it was about £1.10 a litre for 98 octane. It should only be run on high octane fuel as it prevents engine knock, which can be a challenge to find in remote areas. Insurance was about £400 annually and emissions tax was £260. And I’d bought an unmodified 50k mile one owner car with immaculate history that added up to £30k+. These are getting close to 20 years old now, so things will go wrong and the bill typically has 4 figures. You’re not buying a £10k-£15k car, you’re buying a £60k supercar for £10k-£15k. Budget accordingly.

[@foxmeister06]

Can affirm this 👆 currently own one, but they are massive amounts of fun also

[@seanmoore4653]

What a waste of money.. nice looking car its like the e39 m5 except for audi but shit reliability and shit to work on... Dont buy unless you have unlimited money simple as that.

[@bircov]

Did you have those 19" 5-spoke rims? If yes, do they have bolt caps as a standard or the bolts are exposed?

[@vanderlinde4you]

For those still counting in Km's > 300 miles = 483 KM on a 81liters tank. Quite incredible that Audi had to increase the fuel tank size in order to provide the same milage it's younger sister the RS4 B5 had. I owned a RS4 B5 for 3 years, still looking for a RS6 these days.

[@kennywallace1]

@@seanmoore4653 Wasn't your time, money or car, so no need for you to concern yourself with it. For me it was worth every penny.

[@ssb8344]

I got a set of front discs online from a website in Germany, for £340 for the pair Zimmerman branded, huge huge units. Amazing car and the best I’ve ever owned, sold it for £6000 at the start of lockdown. It had over £20,000 of receipts for service and repair work. Everything mechanical is ridiculously expensive. Good luck with the rebuild

[@TBendez]

An RS6 AND a very honourable mention of Layer Cake, one of the best narco-movies ever? Damn son.

[@jackgray1402]

Oooh. What a nice project. I'm excited! Honestly, as far as body work, this looks to be very simple. Unless it has had previous work. But front end damage is fairly easy to repair. I've done a couple vehicles myself. That interior is beautiful as well.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Glad you're looking forward to it. Hopefully it won't be too bad. Famous last words lol

[@mar13keta]

This is going to be super interesting! Can't wait to watch the process of this car hopefully becoming your new daily driver. Yay!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

I just have to get the ~19mpg past the missus 😅

[@revivify5967]

All of the required fixes are extremely doable. Plastic weld the headlight brackets, did it recently and it worked a treat. Repair the front plastic support rather than replace it. Thatll be a lovely RS6 when its brought back to its former glory!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Looks like I'm going to be watching multiple plastic welding tutorials this weekend!

[@carolotsful]

Brilliant again 😊 looking forward to seeing the transformation 🙏👍👍

[@D.S.T.K]

This gonna be expensive. But then you know everything in the car is absolutely fine. And we got good content. Can't wait for the next episode 🎉

[@duowazas11]

Me to 😅

[@audi_C-5s]

What a great attitude! Love the Audi A6. Please keep it going.

[@juvenitto]

Good luck mate with that beast! Rs6 c5 is great car and hope you will bring her back on road! Looking forward for videos!

[@Aelaryn]

This is gonna be an awesome series!

[@Trickydicky99]

I got recommended your channel and they were spot on😊 Like you I didn't know much about cars but had a love for all things automotive. We have a few things in common to. I love classics, currently have two 60s Triumphs and early BMW mini. I just sold my B7 RS4 which I loved but always worried when it would empty my wallet. Epic performance and hugely capable. Also like yourself I work on all my cars outside rain or shine. Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next update.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Ahh that's great to hear, Richard. Glad you're along for the ride 👍🏻

[@Hockeyharen]

Very exited to follow this. Keep it up, mate!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Cheers bud

[@marcust123]

Cant wait for this series love the rs6 one of my fav cars of all time good luck brother

[@cohones_grande]

I’ve just stumbled across this channel and I’m busy going through the back catalogue to catch up. It’s addictive to watch and thoroughly entertaining too. I love the rs6 and I’m sure you’ll make a great success out of it like you have the others. Keep up the good work fella.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Mark 👍🏻

[@darrenjbartlett]

Really looking forward to this one! But I’m sorry to say this and you can speak to any c5 rs6 owner on earth, it’s cheaper to start your own space program. Good luck!

[@flippingcars101]

Great video bro 😎 love the car 🚙 and looking forward to seeing the progress on the car 🚙

[@AndrewAkaHrun]

Amazing project! Best of luck, mate!

[@driven_obsession]

I have one of these and all I can do is wish you lots of luck. Just like most Audis, when they work, they're wonderful. BUT WHEN they break, you cry real tears.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

😅

[@menorthedge]

Cant wait see it finished fella looks amazing motor

[@DanScribla]

Great video, informative and very enjoyable. Love your style. Subbed.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@marksneade8215]

I'm really enjoying your vids Nino. Keep up the great work buddy!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks for the kind comment, Mark. You can get some Merch here: www.noteconomicallyviable.com 😀

[@marksneade8215]

I had just written about the merch and then you spoke about it! SMH!! I have therefore ordered a mug and hat... can I ask what the tax charge is for??

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks for the support! Thanks for pointing out the tax issue. You made the very first order on the website - you're the guinea pig! I basically set the store up incorrectly to collect VAT. I'm going to refund you the tax charge 👍🏻

[@marksneade8215]

@Not Economically Viable Lol! That's fine... it's strange as testing software is my job! Lol I also spotted the order number and did wonder! Don't worry about the refund, but please do correct it for others. One of the reasons I watched your channel was because of the P6. I've always loved the design of them. What is your plan for it? Not that I want it!! Just wondering....

[@mildmanneredthinkingman9323]

Layer Cake is a fantastic movie btw. Good reference. Been enjoying your videos. They are getting better as you film!

[@4RingsRetro]

Another great video mate! As an Audi nut myself I am loving this new car. Would be good to do something with Claudia, even if it's just a maintenance video. But this RS6 project is going to be awesome!👍🏻

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks, mate. Will try and get her back on the channel 👍🏻

[@boostandflow4603]

Just found your channel binge watching. Amazing good luck will be following along

[@joshmerrick4716]

That engine hoist was a fantastic investment 😂

[@a-z1181]

Hi, very interested to see it back on the road.Funny thing is - I have viewed that car myself with intention to buy it, but just bailed out at the last minute. Good luck!!

[@georgfranko]

Gonna be waiting for the next episode . Love Audi RS cars

[@doca8792]

Best of luck mate. I thought I had the “deal of the century” when I paid $6k for a clean RS6 here across the pond. $18k later, and it’s almost perfect, almost.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Hahaha that made me laugh out loud. My missus didn't laugh 😬

[@RATADATUAVELHA]

i'm excited to see that finished 💪

[@kunibertster]

Please be more careful with spilling fluids, couple of cardboard sheets or old rugs help. But love your absolute gem of a channel, you're an inspiration and I wish you lots of success with all your projects

[@martinnicholls1871]

Great new project Mate, will be watching with interest !!!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Cheers, Martin

[@Chrisbreakscars]

I LOVE RS6’s. I remember being in my friends one as we accelerated onto a ‘Mexican’ motorway at 150mph+. Looking forward to seeing this build!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

I've got a Mexican motorway quite near here, so I might have to try that out 😁

[@harryfitchett6004]

I looked at potentially buying this car! I believe it was also listed on Facebook. Excellent to be able to watch it be rebuilt!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Great to have you on board. Hopefully I can do it justice!

[@SilverlineToolsTV]

Brilliant! We can't wait to see how this one goes Nino!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks guys 🙌🏻

[@balazsolah3990]

Hey pal! Don't worry about the 10k mark, i bet it will better than u get one for 10k and u have to fight with the lack of maintanance than. That ABS cube looks simular what i had in my e39 BMW back then. Worth the time to pull it apart. I had repaired mine. The hot interior under the bonnet can damage the solder joints and earth cable inside it. If u manage to repair it has good chance to come to life again.

[@jmathijsk]

Ah, this is content where I am for on YT. Have fun rebuilding! I would certainly restore the side panel instead of replacing. More original parts will do better!

[@Hlubiiradebe]

You've just gained a subscriber. Love from South Africa man 👍🏼

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Great to have you on board, Sazi 🇿🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@andrewtraudes2425]

Good to see there's another fan of Layer Cake out there! A great movie no one's seem to heard of. And yeah, I always drool over the RS6 he has. Living the dream, man!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Great film!

[@JR-ii4lq]

Reseal the intercoolers while the front is off. The ic leak is common so I wouldn't go second hand, get a set of Wagner's if you want new replacements. JB weld has been an effective method, mine have been fixed this way and still hold boost.

[@realmusicreallife]

Just woke up today and came across your chanell. Thankyou for the video and ive subscribed looking foward to more videos on this.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Great to have you on board 👍🏻

[@trimportersvanconversions6973]

Great car for the channel! Looking forward to this one!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks mate

[@aslandama]

These engines sound just awesome.

[@tobiaskruse8262]

your videos are very entertaining! keep going greetings from germany

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you, Tobias

[@strategicthinker8899]

Almost 0 damage. All the plastic parts you want to replace for hundreds of Pounds can be plastic welded with a simple soldering iron INCLUDING the front grill. You can roll the cooler core and it'll stop leaking, the headlight tabs can be (again) simply plastic welded with a soldering iron. All the internals are intact and needs merely some light pulling and some panel straightening (the bonnet) or replacement and some bondo and paint.

[@TheManmoths]

Subbed and looking forward for the next update! As a multiple RS4 owner I feel your pain 😅

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Glad someone else understands!

[@betterlookingthanyouravera9619]

I've just bought. Same car avus silver with gearbox fault. Loads of history and tuned in Holland 550bhp I'll know soon if its the gearbox /torque converter or gearbox ecu good luck mate 👍🏻 😉 layer cake rs6 c5 avant 4.2 v8 twin turbo quattro

[@jacksidebottom2227]

Just found the channel, lovely stuff! Not my words...Shaking Stevens 👍

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Great to have you on board, Jack

[@paultaylor9652]

Nice to you back again, not sure about this car though. Parts are hard to find and expensive, I wish you luck, sadly I think you'll need a lot of it.

[@TomSimonss]

Love the video mate!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks, Tom

[@markmarot9026]

You are an absolute maniac to buy this! Love it! I would definetely try to fix the headlight, surely you have companys in the uk who do plastic welding. Regarding oil cooler pipes, ac pipes, again, sure you can get the made, instead of buying new original ones. We have companys who make new pipes like that, surely cheaper than orig new. If you dont find any, give me a shout, maybe I can help!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks for the advice, Márk. I didn't realise you can get them made - I learn something new every day 👍🏻

[@howellroberts3613]

The abs pump will be OK it's the electronic bit that fails and you simply unbolt it and send it away for repair

[@williamwhite9767]

Use vice grip pliers on the hood strut to keep the hood up.

[@christianrivero2750]

Mate, what a video... just want to get an RS6 now. Saludos from London.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you, Christian 👍🏻

[@miguelm4801]

This RS6 project will be your ticket to success on KZbin, congratulations

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Appreciate that 👍🏻

[@mrmilner1096]

Going to be good looking forward to this

[@simons4474]

Love this version of the rs6. It’s the right colour too and layer cake made them a cult classic.Fix it and keep it forever , they,l go up in value soon.

[@yvindpetterson8598]

Guess you need this more than ever! Have a beer on me while looking for parts. Oh, great car by the way. One of my absolute favorites!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you so much, Øyvind! You've been very generous these last few videos

[@yvindpetterson8598]

@@flippingcarsrepairs One more is on it’s way 😁

[@GoWstingray]

Nino you're back! Dropped off my radar for a while there, cool car, looking forward to the rebuild.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks, Iain. Glad to see you're back too 👍🏻

[@GoWstingray]

@@NotEconomicallyViable Nino I'm not sure what happened, i thought you had maybe stopped making content. KZbin certainly stopped recommending and haven't seen anything since, I only clicked on this video thumbnail as I saw your face lol, I must of missed your channel rename video or something. But wow mate your killing it, 13k subs now made up for you! Well done hope it keeps on growing.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you bud 🙏🏻

[@muhazsaid]

Ohh man lastly you're back 😮😮😮

[@velopartizani]

cant wait for part 2

[@Bombastic_Spastic]

13:54 Tyson fury undoing a headlight

[@1hd3szfgrdm13]

What a great channel and project, immediate sub. Other car youtubers would've edited out the oil incident 😂

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Ha thanks 😅

[@waynebaldycanning]

This is going to be a brilliant series. Love your videos. Have you moved house? What’s happening with the Merc? Fantastic content mate look forward to the next one

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Cheers, Wayne. You've been a big support since the early days. Yeah moved house so that I have enough space for cars! My next video on the channel should be the Merc if all goes to plan 👍🏻

[@waynebaldycanning]

@@NotEconomicallyViable can’t wait mate. Yes been watching you from the beginning and one of my fav channels. Always makes me laugh watching your unique way of fixing cars. Keep doing what your doing. Great content 👍

[@danielwasswa]

Your really went to town with this one , The channel is going to grow . Try and look for anyone repairing an Rs6 c5 on you tube !!!! Not many , other than Total Tecknick but his focus has always been “how to “ I have one of these as my garage queen

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks, Daniel. In an ideal world this becomes my daily driver, but the world is far from ideal lol

[@saulmc8920]

Sounds awesome 👌

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

🤙🏼

[@nickcockerill239]

Hi. At least you have a list of the problems you face. Looking forward to the coming content.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Yeah, bit of a godsend that list actually

[@bazasulli4975]

Big man has gone mad. GG bro.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

😈

[@MarkoMarkovina]

Ofcourse it doesn't have rust cause front end is all aluminum :) This is my dream car actually but unfortunately it's abit to expensive to mantain so I had to settle down with S6... It's my every day car and I love it, and it's also manual 😊.Nice video mate, cheers

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

Seriously cool car

[@miggs2964]

Lovely looking car and worth repairing all day

[@lee-kp2gy]

Where have u been long time no see..good to see u back

[@jamesardrey1069]

this is quickly becoming my favourite UK car based channel and now theres a C5 rs6? score

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Very high praise, James. Thanks!

[@Ahooonyyyyyahonny]

Just so you know the headlights are different from a normal a6. The a6 v8/s6/rs6 share same lights. They are a longer

[@HiiSoDoriftar]

i had s6 c5, bought restored blacked out xenon headlight set for normal one, tried to make it fit till i googled :D

[@wayniexagt]

what a car mate ... would love one ... tammy is gonna be a blast

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks mate

[@HemiSRT8]

My dream rs6 c5 also 300c srt 8, i love this Car 😍😍😍😍

[@djgeefunk4090]

Lovely car very powerful dyno figures RS6 is a beast 4.2 V8 awesome engines i owned a S3 18T was inlove with Audi since Sarel vd Merwe raced them and those Group B Audi were wicked best 4wd system around

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Cheers - I'm looking forward to driving it!

[@hse5.0]

Nice exhaust

[@pwack8690]

Waiting for the next vid with interest ,i have just taken the engine out of my c5 rs6 to do all the major maintenece jobs ,from what i have seen so far i think you may aswell get the engine out and check it out properly and then you have full access to the front end for the repair,you allready have the front clip off ,your nearly half way there ,i bought the video from total technik which takes you through the entire process for the engine removal step by step.if you need any info or advice let me know.

[@kleemanjad]

The cat forces itself to the intro. RS6 rock series

[@mcplindgren]

Blimey, you really don't do things by half measures 😂 i always look forward to your videos and you didnt disappoint me with the Layer Cake references 😅 fully expected you to pour a kettle of boiling water on the car with Ordinary World in the background and making a run for it after seeing that report 😂 keep it up Nino 🙂👍🏻

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Hahahaha. I'm keeping the kettle in reserve for when the car gets me really mad!

[@mcplindgren]

@@NotEconomicallyViable at that stage in anger and dispair, a damn good thrashing with a branch may be required 😂😂

[@VSTV1993]

Old school BEAST!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

The old school is the best school

[@TheBaxterKID]

Would love to see the final costs you spend on your cars for parts etc, plus the price paid. The compared to the market value of the finished car.

[@bigmatt2896]

New subscriber here, just stumbled across your channel and being as i love V8 i thought it best to give it a watch, love these Rs6 motors. i currently daily drive a supercharged 5.0 v8 jag xfr...............for us petrol heads the future is bleak so we need to enjoy these kind of cars before greta gets her way :(

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Haha I'll be flooring it constantly with Greta in mind 😉

[@Cripinub1]

I have one of these, done the exact same job for it regards to rad etc

[@Joe-ze4vg]

HAHA love that scene when he drives off to she sells sanctuary. Ohhhh Tammy😍

[@borrowby13]

Ill be watching I've owned one of these for 12 years now. I dont think youll struggle to get the parts but they are surprisingly expensive.

[@velopartizani]

Please part 2 asap !!!

[@alleywatson]

Subscribed !!

[@JR-ii4lq]

Check the air filters, if they're aftermarket "performance" filters, bin them and go genuine or OEM. Aftermarket ones kill the maf sensors.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks for all the tips 👍🏻

[@GasketGaz]

Watching a video on KZbin make us all qualified to do any job 😂😂😂 loving the content as always

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Haha KZbin University for the win

[@jimtaylor431]

A dream car for me. I hope you manage to get it back on the road without complete bankruptcy :-)

[@tonyq4358]

I dunno if it's been mentioned but sometimes, at least in the states, the insurance company will get an appraisal and you'll be left with a report that gives a list of many of the things "wrong" with it, well beyond what is actually wrong with the car, just so it can be written off.

[@frankjaeger3268]

I’ll do a quiet prayer for you tonight! Something along the lines of: ‘I pray the gearbox, brakes, intercooler, turbo, suspension are in check!’ 🤐💯

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Haha thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Definitely gonna need them

[@MWXYT]

10:18 RS has aluminium front wings. They don't rust :)

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Ahh that makes sense now. Thank goodness, because the steel ones are horrendous