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As has been noted in previous postings, every dealer is different. A friend of mine bought his car here in Ohio and has since moved to Texas -- he feels he is getting good service at his "adopted" dealership and will probably buy his next Audi there.
Conversely, one of my co workers bought his Audi at the exact same place I bought mine and is unhappy with the dealer's service dept. The same people give me great service and he claims that his service, while friendly, has been fraught with taking the car back time and again for the same issues. I have had to return once or twice for services that were incorrectly performed -- but I have found the overall experience meets and sometimes exceeds my expectations.
Funny, the guy that has issues with the local dealership (on his 1998 A6 2.8q) had a Buick LeSabre previously -- and he claimed that American Car dealerships are "rip offs." Maybe it is personal.
In any case, you can see that the experiences even within the same dealership can vary. I would not think that dealer B would treat you less professionally because you bought your car from dealer A -- most dealers, in my experience, want to "win you over."
How are other 2.7T's doing oil wise?
Thanks....
A friend had a '97 A8 and other than some problems with warping rotors, the car was pretty trouble free. All of the 4.2 A6's are using the same engine, so Audi must have felt that it was worth keeping.
My '00 A8 has been a gem. I am getting ready to get rid of my A6 next week, and while I'll miss it's cleaner, newer look, you can't beat the performance of the A8. I also needed a little more room as I'm usually taking clients out with me. An A6 4.2 had less space in the rear (lack of bench seat), so it made my choices limited, as I was definitely sticking with Audi.
Having said that, I would be a little concerned with mileage, as these cars, while wonderful to drive, can be expensive to maintain, but not out of line with any competition (MB,BMW). These are not Lexus and Acura's, they do require attention and service, but,IMHO, reward their owners with superior handling and performance.
Good luck
Yet and however, I would still contend that this kind of service (#1) and product (#2) "issues" are #1 dealer specific and #2 stastistically rare (although any experience like this should be unique, but sadly probably is not -- and is certainly not limited to Audi or "European" brands).
You have several choices -- no matter what you should contact Audi Owner Loyalty here in the United States:
Ms. Carol Glynn
Audi Brand Loyalty Manager
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
My suggestion is to tone down the delivery but not the content of your message -- Ms. Glynn has been with Audi for many years and this is -- however difficult -- part of her responsibility.
She has been very gracious and instrumental in facilitating "resolution" of issues with the Product.
My other suggestion is to "vote with your dollars."
Finally, my editorial opinion:
Audi has had such a remarkable "comeback" from the near dead (i.e., Unitended Acceleration) that -- while hardly a justification -- dealer quality has become spotty. Unlike Lexus -- which established a dealer network from the ground up -- Audi supported many of its dealers through the dark days after the 60 minutes piece on the Audi 5000. Some of these dealers, IMO, would never pass muster if they were "applying for a NEW franchise."
I will not repeat, at this time, my overall outstanding dealer experiences since 1978 -- but I assure you there ARE professional Audi dealers in the US.
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Sedans.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
Love the car. (Volcano black/melange.) I hope the window is not a forebearer of things to come. First real problem (15K miles.)
Anyone heard this?
Ported
If you are so disenfranchised that that is not an option, you of course will vote with your dollars the next time you don't buy an Audi product. But, if you like the Audi brand enough, you will communicate with Audi of America's Carol Glynn who's mission is to help retain Audi owners and "make" them loyal. She is your advocate and will help those who communicate clearly and without a mean spirit.
Audi makes mechanical devices and they aren't perfect -- yet they do want to have "delighted" customers.
This has been my experience over the course of some 24 Audis since 1978.
I was all set to push the "add to shopping cart" button for four new SP9000's when I began using the "comparison" shopping feature of www.tirerack.com -- I ended up ordering four Yokohama AVS db (Ultra High Performance All Season 255 x 40 x 17"). They will be installed on Thursday along with brand new brake rotors courtesy of Audi.
As you may recall, I also had a 2000 A6 4.2 (17" wheels, no sport) -- which in 23,000 miles went through three sets of rotors -- warpage.
Although I readily admit to fast driving on the freeways, I rarely have to "challenge" the brakes. These brakes, thy name is vibrate.
OK, so it was a bad year for brake rotors --- 2000 -- I get my new 2001 A6 4.2 w/sport and right away the brakes are better. Then, at 5,000 miles, a hint of vibration, especially in the rain. Now, at 8,000 miles, between the tire roar and the brake shudder -- well, here we go again.
I do not fault Audi AG for the Pirelli Tires -- luck of the draw, I say. Although I would like to be able to specify the tires on a car that I have to wait a minimum of four months to get after placing the order -- but that is another story.
I do not fault Audi AG for having a "warp prone" rotor -- for the first year of production. So, I wrote the dealer a letter informing him that I plan to purchase a new set of brakes from APR (www.goapr.com) after reading in the 2001 Autoweek Buying guide that their 2001 A6 4.2 also had "warped rotors." I determine that if my two A6 4.2's and their A6 4.2 all seem to have the same problems with the brakes that it is not entirely "driver induced" -- if at all.
Indeed, when I speak to the service manager of my Audi Dealer, he says if I purchase the brand new non-Audi rotors (cross drilled), that he will credit me the Audi cost against the aftermarket cost. But, he added, my car was actually produced in late September 2000 (even though it did not get to the US until December) and that since then the rotor part number has changed -- "unofficially" in response to driveability (NOT safety) issues caused by the old [warp prone, my words] rotors.
So, this Thursday, I will have four new Yokohama AVS db tires, and new brakes -- the latter courtesy of Audi.
I will report to this board, the difference in performance, handling and noise of the new shoes and the stopping and shuddering quailities of the new stoppers.
Once again, Audi has done two things: created a problem, crummy tires and less than stellar brakes; and, created a solution, new brakes and new tires (although the tires are "on me" as there is not really any problem with the "old tires" other than the fact that the noisiest snow tires I have ever had would be quieter than the Pirelli P6000's).
I am looking forward to an improvement in performance.
In all fairness to Audi, I also have read several postings lamenting the variety of experiences with tires (and to a certain extent, brakes) of other venerable German brands, such as BMW and Mercedes and, of course VW.
Wish me luck!
13,000 miles, they begin to squeal as the vehicle begins to roll to a stop from its last few mph of momentum. The pedal seems to travel farther down than most other cars I have driven. Other than that, the brakes do work. Anyone have similar experiences?
From the posts I have read, and what I hear in the street, there may be an issue with a lot of 2.7T's out there, oil burning, etc. I have seen a far number of used ones for sale locally, relatively low mileage, at sharp discounts.
I have heard the windows story, too. In particular, the worst case if from a colleague who resides in the Netherlands. He bought one of the first new generation A6's in '98. Told me that he had a constant electrical problem, in which both rear windows would suddenly open when the car reached cruising speeds. The windows could be closed only by a quick trip to the dealer. Quite annoying in rain storms with beige leather. Multiple attempts, but the Dutch dealer could never fix the problem with finality. Finally, my friend gave up and returned the car half way through his lease.
See my post re -- A6 4.2 rotor warpage. New part number to the rescue!
[7500 miles on my 2.7T; zero problems, just comfort and fun.]
Is the A6 reliable? Is there any other car you recommend?????
I would like to get it soon. If you have any advice or warning, Please write!!!
I love quattro's, but starting out with 50,000 miles on a 1998 A6 -- unless you get an extended warranty (and a really good one) -- would scare me, and I am fearless (and I am a BIG Audi fan).
Unless you need all wheel drive, I would seriously consider the Passat -- at this lease price point. Of course there may be some good deals on A4's too (but the Passat is closer to the A6 in rear seat leg room).
Just a thought.
in fact this might work to go to the article directly directly:
http://www.quattroclubusa.org/news/2001/newa6/index2.shtml
There are changes for the 2002 -- and you CAN order a 2002 A6 2.7t NOW. But it will take a few months for it to come in.
Nothing here is meant to disparage the 2001 A6 2.7t. But, if you can wait, I would go for the 2002 based on the write up at the above URL.
The press has been quite kind to the NEW Passat -- at least the 3 articles I have read.
I would, as I said, have some concern$ about a used '98 Audi A6 running bare (without any protection package -- the Audi Advantage is gone as of 50k miles).
Audi worries me more(reliability) although I heard also many issues with 3 series Beemers.
I am looking for fun to drive, but something that I might want to keep for longer than warranty period. Space is at some consideration, but not as much.
Also, what is a decent lease payment on a 2.7T(loaded, no sport package) currently with no $s down and 10k/yr?
Thanks For Your Help
To my dismay, I received another recall notice for the same issue for the A6. Its funny, through the lemon law proceeding Audi kept saying that the problem was fixed after their last recall. In fact it wasn't. Audi has finally come to terms and admit that they have a current problem. Its too late for me and the A6 was dumped. I am happy I did.
With the lemon law proceeds bought an MDX and I'm happy with it so far. Japanese make a more reliable cars than the Euro's do. Audi needs to get its act together or customers will be dropping out like flys. Like me. Audi is like Ford. Don't you think so.
This is not meant to disparage either vehicle -- if you live where there is very little weather, or your only concern is dry pavement and autobahn perfect roads go BMW. If you live where there is weather or low coefficient of friction from time to time, quattro has merit.
Having myself had both BMW's and Audis, I became convinced of the Audi route one November day here in southern Ohio -- when all the roads became imassable due to a snow/ice storm. The BMW was helpless and hapless -- I switched that very weekend to quattro and haven't looked back since -- even tho I still test drive BMW's every time I buy a new car.
Apple or Orange -- you choose.
your temperature moves up significantly and oil
stays put then it's the temp sender.
give my rational:
Do you often have 2 or 3 passengers - A6
Do you have snow/ice - A6
Do you enjoy taking corners at high speeds - BMW
I have not driven the 330i but I suspect it has
better off-the-line acceleration - ?
1 & 2 makes it the A6-2.7T for me.
Some high lights:
Front suspension is aluminum (35% lighter)
Stiffened chassis
Thicker front door windows (reduced air noise)
If you're interested in handling, then the 2002.
The 2.7T -- especially with the 6spd -- is fractionally quicker, if I read my "mfg data" correctly. But that too is not a reason to choose one vs the other -- they are close.
It seems to me that the A6 for 2002 and the 5 series for 2002 are body and dimensions more in the same class than the comparison you suggest. The 3 series BMW and the [new] A4 are perhaps more appropriate for comparison. My co worker just test drove a new 530 and a new 2.7T -- he said the Audi was quicker, quieter and (with the sport package on the Audi) handled "no differently."
The BMW, perhaps closer to the limit, probably does handle better due to the fact that it is rear wheel drive and has more neutral weight bias -- the Audi is a little nose heavy. Many people never drive near the limit and probably most people (espeically in urban areas) can't drive near the limit due to traffic congestion. Even in our relatively small city of Cincinnati, it is difficult to drive, shall we say, aggessively -- the exception being that it is possible to drive 10 - 25 miles an hour above the speed limit on the interstate highways that circle and cut through the city.
The BMW / Audi comparison is further complicated by the cost factor. A BMW 530 compared to an Audi 2.7T -- based solely on lease payments or "money" -- finds the Audi several hundred dollars a month less. Indeed it is more money comparable to compare an Audi 4.2 to a BMW 530.
Perhaps you are comparing an Audi A6 body size to a BMW 3 series due to the fact that a 330 can be had for close to the same money as the A6 2.7T, even tho it would appear that Audi markets the A6 to prospective 5 series customers, and vice versa.
Both of the cars you are looking at are good cars -- probably for most of us in this town hall, though, the Audi A6 2.7T is very hard to beat.
The warped rotors have been replaced by a New Part Number, hopefully indicating a more resiliant rotor compound. If these warp, I will go to www.goapr.com and buy a set of cross drilled rotors etc. -- probably front AND rear.
Will give a full report on the tires and brakes -- or more than one report as performance and drivability changes merit.
I too had a 1997 A8 -- didn't have tiptronic. Didn't have too many problems -- power steering column had to be replaced twice (free). Seals on all four wheels replaced, free (smelled awful).
I put an S8 suspension on it, kept it 48,000 miles -- loved the car -- could go all day real fast and make you feel good doing it.
Wish I had an S8 from time to time -- hoping for an S6 (2003 possibly AOA?).
Have a blast.
I stopped by the dealer today and talked to the GM about what he could do for me on the economics. He said he has already had 3 other similar inquiries today from other recent buyers.
He said he would have to check with Audi's home office to see if they would make any adjustments to my lease. Does anyone else have the same issue? How do you suggest proceeding? Write to the Audi Brand Loyalty Manager, etc.?
I asked the owner if he liked it. He said it was great to drive and disappointing to own.
Previously, the ABS warning light went on and it took the dealer 8 days of trial and error part replacements to fix it (with no loaner car and he's only get 10K miles now). And when he got it back the dashboard rattled. And that was the second time in the shop.
That was enough to stop my interest in it.