Classified of the week: Audi RS6 Avant C5

Want a big-booted Audi RS6 but don’t fancy forking out around £90,000 for the brand-new, Darth Vader-inspired example? Not to worry, we've got you covered.

What you see above is the RS6 Avant ‘C5’ – the first of to wear the RS6 badge and just the third ever RS car made by Audi. This one’s currently for sale via Cheshire Performance.

The silver/grey paint and wheel combo means it’s pretty understated, but under the bonnet is a twin-turbo 4.2-litre V8 that was originally developed in connection with Cosworth. When it was new, that meant a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph (although the ‘Plus’ could do a more Autobahn-friendly 174mph).

This isn’t your standard C5, though. The 2004 example you see above has just been remapped to produce 524bhp and 603lb ft of torque. Crikey. It’s also running a stainless-steel exhaust system with a rear silencer delete – we’ve already started searching ‘ear plugs for dogs’ online.

Elsewhere, there’s the standard five-speed automatic gearbox and Dynamic Ride Control hydraulic suspension, as well as that all-important Quattro AWD with Torsen diff. Lovely stuff.

This is a remarkably clean car inside, too. Considering it’s an uber-family wagon that’s done over 84,000 miles, there isn’t even a hint of child spew in the back. Mum and dad must have been extra careful with the throttle.

So, almost £100k on a new RS6, or this C5 for just £12,490? Thoughts please, Internet…