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Audi A6 Wagons
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By the way, what color interior/exterior? Options? Sorry if I sound nosy, I'm actually just envious and jealous. Someday...
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
You can use Edmunds' Maintenance Guide to check for TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) and Recalls on your 2000 A6 Avant. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your purchase.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
99 A6 Avant Quattro
black exterior/gray leather
24,000 miles and supposedly in great condition
cold weather package
convenience package
third row seat
Tires need replaced later this year
few small nicks in hood and scratch on rear bumper
Price is $20,425
Thoughts?
I would suggest 2 things though first:
1. Post your question in the "Real world trade in value" thread in the Smart Shopper section. Give all of the information listed above with your location and rroyce will answer your post with a very knowledgeable and timely answer.
2. Run a carfax on the car to find out about the provious owner and history on the car. I'm assuming it's a repo if you got the tip from a banking friend. If it's your friends car that's a different story, but it still may be money well spent to run a vehicle history on it.
Good luck and let us know what happens. Otherwise, give my number to your banker friend.
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Thoughts?
The drives thru Europe that you mentioned were the reason I purchased my A6 Avant a year ago. I was extremely impressed with the performance and ride of a friends S6 Avant and couldn't get into one fast enough. The S6 Avant @ 340bhp and 0-60 in 5.7 seconds plus Quattro will definitely be worth the wait here in the US. I agree with your opinion on the lack of any really exciting power with the A6 Avant 2.8 engine they offer. Spoke with an Audi rep while in Germany last week and he said that Audi IS bringing the S6 Avant to the US this Fall (2001). This is also mentioned on the 'audiworld.com' & 's-cars.org' websites. (News archive Jan 2001 and Main page respectively. Both are great sites and have quite a bit of info.)
Spoke with my local Audi sales manager in Texas though and he says that it is most likely going to be next fall (2002), as they have not heard anything or received any literature or training from AUDI US. So there you are...keep your fingers crossed and let's hope for next fall!
PS For an S6 video clip check www.rs4.org under 'movies' for a Tiff Needell test drive done for Top Gear that is pretty amazing.
Hope this helps,
Michael
Thanks.
I'm looking for a wagon, too. I'd like a 528i, or an A6. The 528i I've found has 67km on it, leather, cd, moonroof, but I don't think it has sport pkg. The rear qrt panel had fender bender and BMW fixed it. The guy has had it for a month and really wants to move it. He wants 33,900 (Canadian).
There is also a '99 A6 wagon tiptronic, 2.8. I think the km are about the same, for $25. I'm concerned with both about costs. I can get 528 CPO for 36,900. Do you think either of these wagons are worth it, or is it better to go and pay the extra for the CPO car? I'd like a wagon, but don't want to end up paying lots on repairs because they're out of warranty. Have the Audis improved so that they are a liability the minute they're out of warranty? For 38 I couldn get a new A4...I'm stuck on which way to go. For that matter for 36 I could get a loaded Subaru Legacy special edition...
I'd value some feedback
cdndriver
Thanks.
Any owners have problems/quirks with this model I should be on the watch for? Thanks
Good luck, and please keep us posted on your ownership experience. ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
1. Model Year & Total miles to date.
2. MPG & Driving habits. Any differences in mpg since you first purchase?
3. Any additional accessories & mods?
4. Maintenance issues to date.
5. Any interesting trips or cargo experiences?
6. Overall impressions pro/cons of your vehicle since you first purchased....
Share as much (or as little) information as you'd like. I'm sure other A6 owners/shoppers passing through here, would find the information quite interesting, if not helpful. Who's game?
Also, you can report back every 3-5k to update again. Thanks for your participation! ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Engine – front main oil seal leak in first month
Transmission – torque converter hunts in and out between 25 and 35 mph making rush hour commuting interesting.
Headlights – replaced entire left head light assembly to solve wobble and bob
Power Steering – had to replace entire power steering pump at 6 months
Front brake rotors – replaced at 7 months along with new front brakes
Ignition System – replaced 1 set of coils. Audi would not replace remaining 5 until I had second failure. Two months later second set failed so Audi finally replaced remaining 5.
Catalytic Converter – check engine light goes on – code says catalytic converter is contaminated. Audi says don’t change it until light goes on a 2nd time. Two months later light goes on, Audi agrees to replace right side converter.
Air Conditioning System – condenses on front windshield
Bose C/D System – has jammed twice. Had to remove fuse to reset system each time.
Windshield wipers – replaced due to screeching noise.
Engine, transmission, power steering, brakes, ignition, exhaust, A/C – is there any system left to work on and I’ve only had the car for 1 year. Audi feels this car can still be fixed. The question is what’s left and how frequently do I have to stop back.
The car rides like a dream. Much better than the Chrysler 300M I used to drive. The transmission shifts are seamless and virtually unnoticeable. The manumatic or Tiptronic, whatever its called, works much better than the Chrysler Autostick.
So far, I'm averaging 20.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. It is slowly creeping up but I was hoping to get closer to the 24 or so that I thought it could get. Anyone with this model have any ideas on how to get better mpg? Anyone use the manual shift mode in the car? Does it help with the mpg?
Since the car was on the dealer lot for awhile, I was tempted to change the oil myself and use Mobil 1 synthetic oil with a Fram graphite filter. Anyone have any comments? Is it easy/hard to change the oil on this car? Yes, I know that the car has the free maintenence for the first 4 yrs/50K but they don't put synthetic oil in the car.
I just came from the dealer, who replaced the rear brakes. All of which were covered under warranty. I assume that the braking problem arose out of the fact that the car sat idly on the dealer lot from unuse.
The only item I'm not too happy with is the radio. I was used to the in-dash multi CD changer in my Chrysler. I know that current A6s have a 6-disc in-dash changer but does anyone know if you can put one in an '01 model? The dealer says you can't, which I don't believe. Or are there aftermarket alternatives to the stock Audi radio that will work with the model? I don't want the rear mounted changer since it works off an FM modulator.
Thanks
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
the brakes on audis are legendary maintenance problems...you'll get used to replacing rotors.
the mpg you report is pretty standard. you may get a bit better on a long highway trip, youll get worse with the ac running in the summer.
the 6 disc changer in the rear is annoying but works well.
the last issue is tires...quattro and that much weight is hellacious on tires....rotate every 5K and expect to get 20K on premium high performance rubber...i have found the yokahama db 2 to be the best balance of performance, rainy weather traction ,quiet ride and value ....$500 per set.
good luck!
mark
Having read the information on the ignition coil problem, I had asked the service advisor to check and repair for TSBs or recalls. He indicated there were none. I took him at his word that there aren't any. Was I wrong to assume such?
I'm betwix and between leasing an allroad and an avant (A6). Does anyone out there have a reccomendation? When I do the numbers, the allroad is such a better lease deal it's hard to pass up. I've read enough post to understand that there is something 'off'' with the allroad. Can anyone out there clarify the difference between the two?
JB
Yes, I know about shifting in manual mode but its not as smooth as if the computer/transmission did it by itself. I am quite impressed (and pleased) with the smoothness of its operation!
The wind buffetting is especially pronounced in the Audis due to their roof contour/ roof window location. Open a rear window a crack until you get above 40 mph and then you should be fine with the windows closed. I find that turning on the fresh air ventilation ( the "economy" button on the climate controls) minimizes this problem in traffic, where you're slowing and accelerating above and below 40 mph.
mark
Did I get a good deal? I've seen considerably nastier looking 1996-98 A6Q wagons recently in my area from private parties go for $8500-17K, so I think I might have done all right. I'm hoping to keep this one for a year or 18 months, then turn over for a newer model.
Having done a huge amount of reading here and elsewhere on Audi fan sites, I think I did okay, though my husband is concerned about high miles. Haven't ever purchased a car with this high mileage, so I'm crossing my fingers. Overall, the suspension seemed tight, pick-up good [he's going to have the compression checked] for the engine, and handling/braking acceptably firm/luxurious.
But I'm wondering if I should have held out for an SUV? Two other buyers were headed over to see this car, and the day before, a guy showed up while I was looking at another of the same model/year but I passed due to the extreme abuse obvious. Yet this other guy ponied up the full asking price for that one!
Revka
Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Car went to a state inspection station [these are licensed and regulated by the State and few are willing to do shoddy inspections due to the liability and stiff laws/fines].
The seller agreed to pay to fix anything that needed to pass inspection. The seller is a lawyer.
The inspection is intended to locate all safety and driveability problems, so typically the engine and cooling systems aren't looked at - so we paid a bit more to have that done too. My husband, who knows FAR more than the average consumer [he's an engineer and very mechanically inclined] was present and witnessed the inspection, and was asked to observe the findings to confirm them.
Inspection FAILED due to:
1) Right outer tie-rods bad.
2) Rear tires worn to the inner belts on the INSIDE of the wheels - this is clearly visible to the naked eye when car on the lift.
3) Alignment bad - after replacing 2 tires, realign all FOUR wheels and balance
4) All brake lines are very bad - dangerously bad in fact, and must be replaced.
5) Calipers on brakes are rusty and need to be replaced
6) Replace 3 brake lights - bulbs out
7) Serpentine belt NOT new and has visible age cracks and must be replaced.
In addition to that important stuff, two VERY big problems are present and would need immediate attention:
1) Main seals on engine leaking - as many know, this would involve dropping the transmission and other parts, then replacing the seals. Currently oil is dripping on the differential and can be easily observed when car on the lift. Commented that there must be oil in their driveway or in the garage, something the Seller either knows or should have known.
2) Fluid leaking from transmission and car has a slip from 1st gear to 2nd gear. Possible repairs difficult to include "minor" service and replacing trans pan/gasket OR more major service.
I phoned the Seller, who became irate and assailed the inspector's character, saying that the inspector wants to sell him two new tires. I suggested he take the car to the inspection station and ask to have car put on the lift, so he can observe his own tires and their wear problem. I didn't get a chance to go through the list, as he was foaming at the mouth and wants to take it to "his" dealer [same dealer who missed all the above!].
I'm going to walk away and get my $ back. I already dropped $80.00 on the inspection, and I'm sure the inspector wasn't lying or fabricating these problems. The dealer in question has a long history of being sued and having the MD State Attorney General's office filing suits against them for fraud. My guess is, the Seller is not car savvy, was cheap and wants to believe that all expensive cars are bullet-proof, not requiring more than routine maintenance. He did tell me he only did oil changes every 7K, which to me is an indication of his being cheap, meaning he also skimped on other stuff.
I still need to get my check back and hopefully my $80.00 for the inspection, which I'll fax to the Seller and the "dealer" whom he thinks is so great. As a legal professional, he then won't be able to sell the car to someone else and claim he didn't know of the safety issues and other serious problems. My guess is, he'll end up keeping it, driving it until it breaks down completely and then he'll be one of these jerks who blames someone - usually a mechanic - for the "problems" he knew nothing about at all. ha!
Oh well, I'm going to consider a used Suburban or Tahoe instead and maybe let my dream of an Audi bite the dust. I'm not willing to buy someone's problem child car for any amount of money. Also, the fact that the price was $1K lower than the same car from a different seller in my area indicates that this Seller knew something was up with the car, but maybe was playing dumb.
Sheesh.
For what it is worth, for 5K less than the above figure you can pick up a Volvo Certified 2001 XC with a warranty out to 100K. Hello?
The A6 may cause you more heartache than you care for
Make sure the dealership has a reputable service dept
very important. This is our first and last Audi...even there customer service (Audi USA) is a joke, a pure disgrace for what you pay for the vehicle. We had are A6 in the shop 12 times in the first year...the transmission even went YES the transmission. Ok we were unlucky perhaps but as far as I am concerned I have nothing good to say about Audi. Look at the Volvo XC with the warranty.
The wheels were of concern as when I had the usual 5K rotation service performed at Goodyear. The tech stated that the rear two tires had worn to the point where it had to be replaced. I questioned the fact that there was uneven wear to the point where, at 50K, on the original tires, they had to be replaced and within the last 5K! He stated that it may be because of bad brakes, alignment and/or wheel (tire, rim) issues. I bought 4 new tires, had a road force test done, rebalanced the tires twice, had a four wheel alignment done and determined that there isn't a problem with the tires, rims or suspension components. Audi replaced the front brakes, even though the source of the road noise was from the rear.
Now, Costco, the place where I purchased the tires, said I should give the tires a chance to 'break-in.' I'd think 1100 miles is enough! And there is that annoying groan that is pronounced between 50-60mph. After 60 mph, the sound blends in with the other normal noises that isn't singularly discernible, but adds to the noise in the car.
Three weeks and 1100 miles later, I could not start the car and had the car towed back. To make a long story short, they had to replace the alternator and, now, the starter! Fortunately, or unfortunately, my extended (Easy Care) warranty covered the starter and all but $500 of the alternator. As for the alternator, the warranty company won't pay for a pulley that had to be removed to get at the alternator because it was not a failed part.
As far as the road noise, the last time I went to Goodyear to get the four wheel alignment (and the final factor being supposedly eliminated), the tech stated that it may be a wheel bearing problem.
As of this writing, the car is at the dealer (5th day) awaiting the diagnosis of this problem.
I went back and forth with the dealer to state that they did not properly diagnose the battery and road noise problem but the advisor states they ran diagnostics after the battery install. My question is to the board and any knowledgeable folks out there is how is it all these components would fail just after the 50K service! I don't know if its worth calling Audi Customer Service as the car is out of the normal warranty.
- Prop Shaft seal
- Crankshaft seal
- Front CV Boots
- New Front Rotors
- New Tires all around
- Broken Cup Holder(s)
- Broken Side Mirror Control
- New Rear Brake Pads
- Broken Hazard Sign Storage Bin clip
Most of this was handled under the Extended Warranty I bought from the dealer, not a bad deal buying the one the dealer offered- that way the dealer can fight with their Warranty Company, not mine.
I paid about $2400 for the warranty, and they paid out over $3000 in repairs.
I am NOT looking forward to the Timing Belt change, which is coming up soon- I figure will be financing the Dealer's Service Manager's child's college tuition this trip...
Do I like this car? I have a love/hate relationship with my car. I LOVE this car, I just HATE taking it in for repairs. As soon as my warranty runs out, I am trading it in- probably for another used A6 Avant...
Fortunately, my extended warranty paid for the service and 4 wheel alignment. My car runs like a charm now. It is very quiet and I am finally enjoying the smooth ride that my recently purchased tires can provide.
As far as the Audi dealership misdiagnosing the problem during the 50K service is a mystery. I'm beginning to lose faith in this particular dealership based on my experiences of late. Not sure if I have any recourse with Audi about recouping the $500 repair costs now. Any comments from readers/members?
i also had the misfortune of dealing with Hoffman Audi. i just purchased a brand new a4 from hoffman. when i picked up the car, i noticed a dent on the sunroof, of course, the sales guy said that it could be removed using the paintless removal process. needless to say, it was not and they had to do bodywork on it. so now, i have a brand new 32k car that has bondo in it and the paint job they did on it is horrible. in addition, i found many scratches and another dent on the car. they refuse to remove the windshields and paint the roof properly (would cost them too much money) and they will not take the car back and give me a full refund. can i ask what the outcome of your case was? and what attorney did you use. any help from you would be great. this is a horrible dealership.
helen
We just purchased a used 2000 A6 Wagon (baby #2 on the way...perfect car!).
Very happy with the car, but unfortunately it came with only one key and no user manual.
Does anyone have any recommendations to get a new programmed key and a user manual?
Thanks!
EJ...
As far as a duplicate key, you will probably have to go to the dealer or some other Audi specialist, who can laser cut the key. It is expensive. I think the quote I received was either $100 or $200 for the key, so I just have the additional FOB and the valet keys.
Another manual? Have you tried contacting Audi USA?
I just bought a 2004 A6 wagon with 12,000 miles. Now have 15,000. MPG (mostly Atlanta I-285) is about 20.5. Question; at 70 mph, the engine rpm is 2700. I asked the Audi service rep what it should be and he said "2000 to 2200 rpm". He said he would have to check the torque converter activation while driving at 70 mph to see if there is a problem. Has anybody encountered this? What should the rpm be at 70 mph?
Don
1) Is the A6 running on timing belt or chains?
2) Where can I replace the transmission fluid?
3) I brought an uncut key from E-bay, where to get the key duplicated?
4) my RPM read 3500rpm at 65MPH, is it normal?
Thanks!!!
Navigation
Heated seats/leather interior
Parktronic
Xenons
Cd changer/Bose stereo
Sunroof
Rear 3rd seat
Front/side airbags
Exterior has a couple minor scratches, interior is in very nice condition.
Has 52K miles
Lightly used (single owner, not family car), mix of city and longer road trips
Oregon car.
Thoughts??
Thanks!
(I've ordered another car already from a dealer out of the area) :confuse:
Edmunds TMV Used Car Appraiser
That should give you a good idea of what the vehicle is selling for in your area.
Thanks