Audi

Audi Rs6 (2003)

255 real MOT outcomes analysed • 79.9% first-time pass rate

2003 Audi Rs6

CarHunch analysed 255 real MOT records for the 2003 Audi Rs6. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2003 Audi RS6 matches the UK average with a 79.9% first-time pass rate, but nearly one-third of these cars have shown dangerous defects during their MOT history—a significant concern that warrants a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist. This is a high-performance machine, and the numbers reflect it: owners face an average of 3.6 failures and 19 advisories per test, suggesting these cars demand serious maintenance commitment.

At around 80,000 miles median mileage for a 21-year-old car, these RS6s have been driven moderately hard but not excessively, yet the sheer volume of defects and advisories indicates age and performance engineering are catching up. Before buying, get a full diagnostic check on the engine, turbocharger, suspension, and brakes—the advisory rate alone tells you small problems are stacking up fast.

We have limited data for the 2003 Audi Rs6 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
79.9%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
33.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.6
Over 16.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
80k
Middle half: 64k–97k
For context

These stats describe 255 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 255 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 61.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 40.9%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · …
Brake wear 32.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 23.1%
Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 255 Audi Rs6 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2003 Audi Rs6

Based on MOT data from 255 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 33.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 252 80% 3.57

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,100 Audi Rs6 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 29.1%
320
Blue 25.6%
282
Black 23.7%
261
Silver 12.7%
140
Red 4.9%
54
White 2.5%
27
Green 0.9%
10
Purple 0.5%
6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2003 Audi Rs6 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

79,998
typical
64,334
low mileage
96,654
high mileage

Half of all 2003 Audi Rs6 vehicles fall between 64,334 and 96,654 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 64,334 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
64,334–96,654 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2003 Audi Rs6s sit.
Over 130,482 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2003 Audi Rs6 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 40% of 2003 Audi Rs6s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 74 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (40% of peak).

184 74 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

16.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.6
Avg failures per vehicle
19
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Audi Rs6: All Rs6 years → Which year to buy? →
2004 2008 2009 2014

Or browse all models: Audi →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2003 Audi Rs6 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing