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And yes, the reason I did buy it was because I wanted a luxury car. Hell, if I wanted a hotrod I would have hung onto my SHO (aka Old Nickel And Dimer).
The 2.8 goes fast enough (particularly at freeway speeds) to get me a ticket in just about any state in the nation. And, based upon all the 2.7T problems I read about on Audiworld, I'm pretty smug SO FAR with only a coolant temp sensor that's failed. And still no squeaks or rattles to complain about.
Indeed, it's a luxury car first. And it fills that role very well. I am, however, dispappointed to read elsewhere that the 2.7T and 4.2 have caused the 2.8 to depreciate abnormally. Good thing I plan to keep it - or at least until the extended warranty runs out in seven years. By that time I'll hopefully be long retired; and, even if it becomes pricey to maintain, it will still be cheaper than a new car.
I keep track (unoffically) of the number of A6's that appear at my company. Because I'm trying to gauge how well the car is selling. Our company has done well over the last two years, so many people are treating themselves to a fancy car.
There were no A6's in Oct '99 when I ordered my A6 (not a factory order), there was one 2.8 when I received my car in late Nov '99. Now, 9 months later, there are 3 new 2.8's. Up until this week, I had seen no new 2.7T's. Finally, I saw one this week.
So even though the 2.7T may get the press and bring people into the dealer, it appears the 2.8 is still selling very well. Perhaps your resale isn't dashed as badly as you thought?
On the other hand, I went to LA (West Hollywood) a couple weeks ago, and 2.7T's were EVERYWHERE. You could barely find a place where you couldn't see at least one.
We are going for the Ming Blue with the Melange Interior.
Merwan.
Ask your dealer to try to arrange a dealer-to-dealer transfer of a car matching your description. Auto brokers do this and make a living at it, surely your dealer can do it. (Note I am not recommending you use an auto broker) When I bought my car, my dealer pulled out his order sheet (cars he had already ordered and their scheduled delivery dates), and other nearby dealer's order sheets/stock lists. If he found my car on another dealers order sheet, he would have traded a car to them to get it. As it happened, I bought my car off my dealer's order sheet. I paid close to $3K over invoice.
-Windshield - Slight Distortions (I'm waiting for my third replacement)
-Fuel Gauge - Replaced with new system re: recall. Filled tank the other day and Gas Icon came up and said I was out of fuel, though tank was full
- Radio - drifting radio station and bass. Any news on when problematic radios are being updated with new ones
I am also a big fan of the A6, even the 2.8 FWD version! That's our '99 model we bought 13 months ago, but we're selling it (or trading it in) due to the unexpected needs of our growing family. The car has been extremely reliable for us. My only gripe is that we averaged only about 21mpg. I'm advertising it below $30K, with leather, CD changer, and convenience package. I'm specifically mentioning it is only 13 months old. But I can't get anyone to take a look at it to see how great it is!! I know the story would be completely different if it was a BMW.
Happy Motoring. ;-)
Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Roving Host
I am tempted to look at the 2.7T but I'm not very happy with the reports on its gas mileage. I have always been wary of Turbos, because you do have to pay through the nose if anything goes wrong. I think the power is OK with the straight laced 2.8, more than we see with our current Mazda 929S (190 ponies)!
Thanks again for everthing. I will keep you all posted as to how I am doing.
Merwan Irani
Just use a little common sense - let the turbos warm up before getting on it, and drive mildly for the last mile or so before stopping to let them cool down. Turbos spin at 100,000 rpm or more - give 'em a break, and they will last as long as the rest of the car. Meanwhile they provide almost a free, huge power increase.
I also did contact Ernst at Diablo Audi in Concorde. You were right - they do have a 2.8 with almost all my wants but it is a Quattro. I realise it is a great option to have but I don't think I really need it in So. Cal. I understand it is a little slower than the FWD 2.8. Of course the price is higher and Ernst wants 2K over invoice! I'm tempted. I think I will drive a Quattro this week end and see the difference.
Thanks again for all the help.
Merwan Irani
My only questions are, what problems have arisen in the first few years of ownership? Also, how can you tell if it has ESP (button?)? Finally, would you suggest getting this for about $34,000 or getting the 3.2TL, I30t, or IS300? E-mail me at Mango15DP@aol.com. Thanks.
For another $2000-3000 (over the $34000 for the 1998) you can get a brand new 2001.
Quattro typically is very good for resale values, about 80% here in Chicago (yes it snows) are sold with Quattro.
Also, Quattro is much safer in the rain, if that is a factor.
$2K over invoice is a little steep, though.
1. Go well prepared. Don't be shy about using notes, a laptop, or whatever to help you keep track of MSRP and invoice figures while you're negotiating. Don't let 'em rush you.
2. Check out the dealers inventory before you get to the serious negotiations. Know what he has available and how its priced.
3. Seems that 99% of the A6's imported into the US have big $$ options, then the dealer adds his own; coating, window tinting etc.. If possible, work your deal as a factory order so your buying only what you REALLY want...rather than the closest car on the lot which may have several thousand $$ in options you don't really want. This might mean waiting three months for delivery but it can save you BIG bucks.
4. Know what the other local dealers have available too. Don't fall for "...but this is the last 2.7T in your color in three states". Make sure your salesman knows you have other real options.
5. Wait til the end of the month when the sales quota pressure is on. Better yet, go at the end of the quarter.
I am in the market for an upscale luxury car that is also reliable and sure-footed on the road. I have been looking at several new models, IE Millenia S and VW Passat GLX, but am also considering a late model A6 with low mileage. I was thinking about a '97 or '98 Quattro. Even though they look so completely different from one another, I find both body styles beautiful. Having said that, I would love to find a silver '98! Anyway, I was wondering what experiences you have had with either model, both good or bad! Edmund's kinda slammed the '97 as being underpowered w/ only 172 hp, a problem they corrected w/ the new model. Is it really that bad? Lastly, I can't seem to find any '98 A6's for sale - has anyone bought one recently who can tell me what price is fair ( I live in NYC area)? Thanks for any info you can share! - John
That said, I would check any '98's that you do find over well, particularly the service records. Automobile Magazine did a long term test that yielded considerable electrical gremlins that almost put me off. Fortunately I wrote it off in my mind as first year of a new model, which must have been the truth. My '99 has been 99.5% perfection in every regard. I've had a coolant temp sensor replaced two months ago, but otherwise it's been a trouble-free 12,000 miles and 14 months.
If you find any '98's, it's worth your $20 to invest in 60-day access to Carfax.com. That way you can check out the vehicle history via the VIN. I did it when I was looking and ran across several lemon law buyback vehicles. Ultimately I ended up leasing new near the end of the model year. At the time I was looking though there were a reasonable amount of '98's out there, many of them program cars from AoA. And, of course, the lemons noted above.
I live in the Pacific Northwest and the brand is now starting to reestablish itself strongly in these parts. During Audi's years in the shadowland most folks around here (me included) went Subaru. I always told myself that until the Audi reliability thing turned around I would continue to drive my "Poor Man's Audi", which I still do. But now it shares the garage with my lovely '99 A6Q. If the Audi is even half as troublefree at 52k miles as my Sub' has been, then Audi has indeed got their act together at last.
Sorry to rattle on so long. Good luck in your hunt, but remember: Carfax.com.
I would go for something like the S4 or an A4, but the cost is a bit much for the car (S4) and they are both WAY too small. I am trying for something that says stylish without saying Mr.SNOB. Cause being form the country in GA most of my other clasmates got Bimmers and other high price name plates. Most of which I don't like because I find the styling rather boring, whereas the A6 has very refined lines and curves, not to mention the absolutly engulfing warm interior.
HELP PLEASE.
Take your time, kiddo. You've got, ohh, 70 or so years left.
TAke care.
Joe W.
My financial obligations are not the topic. Now could someone please tell me if the 2.8 is worth 39k loaded. Thank you all for your concern.
If you're really set on it, try to take some stuff off the car. $39K is too much for the car. Not that you are getting ripped off, it just is too loaded there's a bunch of stuff you really don't need.
Try to getting down to $37K either by bargaining or taking stuff off is a great idea.
I have to say though that unless your parents are giving you money, I'd say buying the A6 at that point is a bad idea. You will get a terrible interest rate, because many people your age buy expensive cars and can't afford them and so default or sell the car (and thus buy out the loan early with the money, either way the company gets less money than the full 5 years of interest, and so they plan ahead). You will pay a lot of insurance.
Your financial outlook will improve greatly in the next two years, and so anything which is barely in reach now will be easier then. I'd buy a good used car and keep it for 2-3 years, then buy.
"I tell them -- Yes my spelling is off. But that is not the point. -- and they say 'Yes, it is the point.'"
"I tell them -- The points are price and power. -- and they say, 'Nope. Not this time.'"
"But I know better. I know what I want. And what I want is what I know. It's just too perfect."
A moment while the Audi board emits a loud sigh. Sorry, linux, this time it really isn't about the car but --listen or not -- it's all about you.
Take care. Really.
Joe W.
The bills don't look quite that bad, so I am going to prey the work keeps coming in and all should be fine. And yes. I do have a small catch all savings account just in case money gets tight. Oh ya. I put the money in that account not my mother.
-Chris.
I hope all you of enjoy your Audies, and one day I hope to be here talking about mine.
I've been accessing AudiWorld with no problems, several times yesterday (Saturday) and once this morning already. The problem you're experiencing doesn't seem to be site-related.
Hope all is well!
- Mike
Oil flow does not continue after shutoff.
Anybody have similar experiences?
Thanx!
Anybody have similar experiences?
Thanx!
The problem with the radio is a known problem and quite common. Replacing the radio might reduce the likelihood, but it won't go away.