Audi A6

jmedina · April 2002

First the things I love about my A6 black with beige interior, 2.7T. Beautiful to look at. Great tactile quality to all interior pieces. Beautiful looking interior. I wish every car interior had the same visual appeal. Very spacious passenger area and trunk. Great warranty (more on that later). FAST!! My car has all the options except for the rear sun screen and rear air bags. A relative bargain as configured compared to a BMW 530i at $54,000 or a Mercedes E320 at $58,000 as configured like my A6 or not as fully configured.

I have had my car less than 2 weeks, but have driven about 600 miles. The sticker price on my car was $48,275. At that price, I expect things to be darn near perfect. This car could not be further from it!! QUALITY! RELIABILITY! NOT!!!!! I drove mine home from the dealer at 1 a.m. (last customer). I parked in my drive way. When I went to leave for work just 7 hours later, the car started, then died 5 seconds later. It took 3 more tries before there were even any electrical components working. Then spent the whole day turning off the turn signals with the remote key control because the lights kept flashing every 20 minutes or so. Took it back to dealer that night (less than 24 hours after picking it up) to see what all this was about. Turned out there was a "loose relay" or cable in the engine compartment. The driver side dial for the seat heater won't budge yet the seat is being heated. The first button on the radio used for station pre-sets as well as other functions (like working the CD player) is extremely difficult to push in and will probably break very shortly. There is an annoying vibration and sound that comes from the gas pedal when you have turned the car on and put the vehicle into gear and start to move. I had this checked out 9 days after picking up the car. Turns out after driving another 2.7T with only 16 miles on the odometer, that they all have this!!! Squeaks and odd sounds abound. The brake pedal makes a squishy sound every time it is depressed. The doors squeak every time they are opened or closed (they do close with a nice solid sound however and feel substantial). The engine is no where as smooth at idle as a Lexus, you feel the vehicle vibrate at idle. The sports suspension transmits every pebble into the cabin. The sport seats which come with the sport suspension are very narrow and hurt your hind end very quickly (they do hold you in place very nicely during sporty driving however). The navigation system while accurate is ridiculous especially at over $1,300. No full size spare with the sport package. The dealer I leased the car from also sold BMW's. I REALLY, REALLY, now wish I had gotten the 530i like my friend who accompanied me was trying to convince me to do!! Thank GOD for the all inclusive Audi warranty!! I can see I will be making very good use of it. I am extremely disappointed in the car and in Audi.

morphie · April 2002

I have been very critical of Audi problems; however, your difficulties sound somewhat extreme. I know a number of Audi owners, and have a friend who is a service manager, and cannot recall this level of alleged uniformity of problems.

It should be noted that every vehicle, from BMW's to Chevy's, goes through dealer prep. It is obvious that your dealer does not believe in that stage of the delivery process.

Jay: if you have no objection to telling us: what is the name of your dealer?

JBaumgart · April 2002

I agree that the problems you have had with your A6 are inexcusable for a $48,000 vehicle, or any new vehicle for that matter. I would insist on all of the defects being fixed to your satisfaction. I must say however that some of the things you mention are preferences (likes and dislikes) as opposed to defects, and should have been taken into account before you made the decision to buy the car. The sport suspension is indeed stiff, and the sports seats are narrower than the standard seats. Many people like them this way! And you obviously had the choice to spend the $1,300 on the navigation system, or go without it (I use a less expensive portable model, with mapping capability, myself). And the lack of a full-sized spare (if it was really important to you) should have been taken into account before you bought the car. It appears to me that all of the manufacturing defects - which all hopefully can be corrected to factory specs - have so completely soured you on your ownership experience to the point where these other things seem worse than they really are. From your comments you probably should have passed on the sports pkg and navigation system - others would not consider buying the car without them. This is also true with BMW buyers - they have similar choices to make, and some of them have been disappointed with various things going wrong right after taking delivery.

Best of luck in resolving the other issues - these would have me just as upset as you are.

P.S. For the ride quality consider asking the dealer to swap out your performance tires for some all seasons, or consider lowering your air pressures just a bit.

jmedina · April 2002

I would prefer not to mention the name of the dealer for several reasons. One being I don't want to be sued. Another reason being they are working with me to resolve the issues. While the dealer probably should have discovered these issues on Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI), shouldnt Audi have resolved these PRIOR to the car leaving GERMANY?? Have you seen the latest J.D. Power survey on the A6 2.7T? I didnt think to look myself until after taking delivery and encountering these problems. The survey paints a rather sad picture.

Due to an unfortunate event, I had to move quickly on acquiring a vehicle. The dealer performed a search over the course of 2 days for a vehicle configured as I wanted (which didn't include the Nav system) but could not find one anywhere, or so I was told. The vehicle I acquired was on their lot, and had all the options I wanted and more (the Nav system). I did want the Sport package from the get go after reading about the car over the past 3 years. All indications were that the A6 deserved a tighter suspension and better tires to better complement the engine and chassis. My complaint about feeling every pebble may be due to the car I had before, a 1994 Infiniti J30, felt very isolated in contrast. I realize that it will take me some time to adjust to the different driving/handling dynamics of the A6 vs. my old J30. I admit I am knit-picking about the lack of a full size spare. With the 24 hour road-side assistance, it is somewhat of a mute point.

nyccarguy · April 2002

So finally after my Mom has owned her '02 A6 3.0Q, I got my hands on it. Here's what I think of how it drives: The 3.0 L engine is liquid smooth. The transmission seems to hunt for gears while going very slow and up a hill. The steering is way over boosted. I felt like I was driving a Lincoln Navigator (steering wise) The car is rock solid on the highway (super quiet too) and has plenty of passing power. I didn't get the chance to check out Audi's world renowned Quattro All Wheel Drive system (yet). I love the interior details as well as fit & finish. The Ming Blue/Black Leather combo is gorgeous! We've yet to see another Ming Blue/Black A6 on the road. The Dual Exhaust pipes sticking out of the back along with the new turn signals and 5 spoke wheels (standard) really give the car an aggressive look.

My Mom's complaints so far are that thing with the transmission which I mentioned above, the steering, & she thinks the suspension is too soft. I told her originally she should have gotten a 2.7T with SP, but hey, what do I know?

morphie · April 2002

I think that Bradd's comments (especially his Mom's), are quite intriguing.

We have a 2000 2.7t and a 2002 A6 3.0. The suspension of the 3.0 is noticeable firmer than the 1999 A6 2.8 which preceded it. However, I find it acceptable, especially on rough New England roads. While the steering may be over boosted to some, it is less so than the 1999, and comparable to our 2.7t.

As for the hunting transmission: once again my impression is formed by the 1999: that was worse, in this regard, because the tiptronic was constantly trying to keep the engine in its power band. Without question, there is less hunting with the 2002 3.0; the 2.7t is better yet.

May I suggest that you experiment with the "Sport" mode. It upshifts at higher rpm, and also holds a gear for a longer period of time, absent light throttle, that is.

Regarding the problem child 2.7t we have been discussing. I concur, unequivocally, that defects of any significance should have been dealt with by Audi, prior to importation.

nyccarguy · April 2002

disclose that my Mom has been driving MB's (1990 300E & then a 1998 CLK 320) for the past 12 years. Her A6 is much bigger than the CLK it replaces and even bigger than her old 300E (One amazing car BTW). I think anything short of another MB or BMW with Sport Suspension will have a soft ride for her.

markcincinnati · April 2002

troubling, no doubt and there is no excuse for the issues and problems with this car -- not ok at 600 or 6000 miles -- and, frankly, the price just doesn't enter into the equation or at least it shouldn't. A $28K car should be of good quality as should a $48K car etc. Price should buy content and performance -- quantitative things (maybe even some reputation -- maybe). Qualitative attributes should be there at any price point.

But the things Jay mentions that are beyond personal preferences must be remedied -- indeed as far as he knew they should never have been an issue period.

On to the "it doesn't make it right or any less unacceptable, but such problems are not limited to Audi's" comment. It is an unfortunate fact that every car manufacturer brings a lemon to the marketplace from time to time. Some of the reports from posters who quote CR and JD Powers etc. would lead you to believe that Audi's are crap (or perhaps that the conclusions one may reach when reading such surveys include that Audi's are unreliable).

It has been said so many times before by many of us that we wish our Audi's (and our dishwashers, TV's etc) were more reliable. That still stands.

Jay's horror story (perhaps a bit dramatic) is unfortunate and unacceptable -- but his dealer is apparently striving to fix the problems. None of this is meant to let Audi or his dealer have a pass -- yet in perspective it still appears that the large majority of posters here on this town hall actually are pleased with their cars.

And that is the point -- Jay deserves to be "made whole" (on the problem areas not the suspension and spare tire and seats) -- but overall we need to remember that we (on this town hall) basically like our Audis -- some are even passionate in their "joy" in owning and driving these machines.

marleybarr · April 2002

In reference to Morphie's posting #2657, how do you compare the '00 2.7T (which I own) to the '02 3.0 A6? I'm assuming that most things- fit,finish,brakes,etc., are similar.I'm most interested to know your opinion of acceleration and suspension (cornering) abilities of both cars?

Thanks-Max

timcar · April 2002

Jim, I join others here who've expressed their disappointment concerning all the problems you've encountered with your new 2.7T. I hope your dealer quickly resolves them all.

One item you've described surprised me in particular. I have an '01 2.7T, and have driven a 2000 and a couple of other '01's, as well as an '02 3.0. I've not encountered the gas pedal vibration and noise you describe in any of them. It is incorrect for your dealer to describe this as normal, and incredible they actually found another car that exhibits this. After spending TOO much time both here and on Audi World, I don't think I've every heard anyone describe this particular problem before. Very sorry.

I'm also sorry the sport seats aren't to your liking. I don't fit them, so I can't offer a direct comparison. I can say though that having read many posts, after a few months, they evidently do grow softer and more accommodating. I certainly hope you find that to be true.

morphie · April 2002

This is an important comparison, which has had far too little discussion. We all seem to get wrapped up in the 4.2 and 2.7t; that is understandable, as they represent the current pinnacle of A6 performance.

The 3.0, as compared to it predecessor, the 2.8, is a revelation: much better torque, top end power, etc. The seat of the pants feel is even more remarkable: this engine, if marketed against the BMW in line 6's of a few years ago, would have compared more than favorably. However, your question relates to the 2.7t.

The 2.7t still has the edge in torque, especially below 3000 rpm. On the other hand, the difference is not dramatic. This would be even more valid if manual transmissions were utilized in each car; I would choose the non turbo 3.0, in that case. My expectation is that Audi is well aware that the turbo requires a greater measure of performance to justify its price and, to some extent, the lesser fuel economy. Accordingly, we all expect the next incarnation of the turbo to be at least 10% up scale as regards both horsepower and torque. The bottom line: the 3.0 is underrated by many; it has the added advantage of forcing Audi to increase performance of both the turbo and 4.2.

As to your suspension inquiry: this is very subjective. While I have been to a few driving schools, I have never driven an Audi any place other than the street. Few of us have had Mark's experience on the track. Further, suspension evaluations are a function of both how and where you drive. In my case, the latter is New England. Consequently, how a vehicle handles mediocre roads is important to yours truly. That being said, my opinion is:

The 2002 3.0 is much closer to the suspension of the 2.7t than was its predecessor ( in our case a 1999). However, one must factor in the single biggest change that can be made to a car's ride and handling: tires. Stock, the 3.0 came with 55 series profile (16"), as opposed to the 45's (17") that are on the 2.7t. While still a capable handler, the 3.0, so equipped, was less responsive than the 2.7t. In order to compare apples to apples (love those fruity comparisons), I switched wheels and tires to 45 series Michelin Pilots. Since I am not Mario Andretti (I am taller), I literally cannot discern a difference in the handling capabilities of the two cars.

In the past, I have experimented, with brands other than Audi, with shorter springs and higher performance shocks. I have found that the advantage gained was not equal to the detriment to ride and handling on poor roads. While others on this board seem to have had a degree of success with such alterations, I would caution anyone to proceed with caution; make one change at a time, starting with tires. If it is of any interest, a Porsche factory rep told me that the suggested handling upgrade for the non turbo 911's was a switch to 18 inch wheels and tires; customers who went the full route (springs, shocks, etc) were largely dissatisfied. A larger percentage actually switched back, at a significant cost. The prime complaint: lousy ride, even for a sports car, and poor handling around bumpy curves.

In any event (sorry to digress), I contend that the 3.0 is a genuine alternative for the A6 buyer. It has good acceleration and fuel economy, reasonable weight, and, while a capable handler in its stock configuration, is easily upgraded via the wheel and tire route.

One last thing and, arguably, the most important: my wife really likes it.

marleybarr · April 2002

Morphie... Thanks for the comparison opinions between the 2 models. My impression is that they are close cousins in most categories. It sounds like the cost of the cars, ( I paid 42,500 for the '002.7T) could also be about the same. Thanks again for your thoughts-Max

dl7265 · April 2002

Mark: have you checked out the VW Touareg on vwvortex ?

in Germany a v10 bi-turbo diesel with 313 HP and 551 lbs ft torque from 1800 rpm!!! yowzza ...

Even though i dont care for the honda crv look , i think its quite nicer than the Porsche Cayenne. How come we never get the good stuff ??

DL

markcincinnati · April 2002

For those of you hoping for an A6 Avant -- not allroad, not S6 -- with a 2.7T engine -- ta da:

"inside information" has it that the 2003 A6 Avant will be "available" with a 2.7T engine. I do not know if this means it will ONLY be available with this engine. And although I got this information from a reliable source, it remains unofficial.

Assuming for one instant that this IS true -- this would appear to be evidence that the 2.7T lives on (at least for another year). In these days of more HP, more torque, more more more -- I wonder if the "unknowing" public will be impressed by a smallish engine with "only" 250 HP (although I know they will be if they drive one!)

What's really got me wondering -- what's coming in 2004 model year?

marleybarr · April 2002

Does any one know if driving in "tip" in , say, 5th gear on a freeway trip, is any more fuel efficient than leaving the shift selector in "D"?

JBaumgart · April 2002

Assuming you are going at a steady speed there would be no difference whatsoever - they would both be in 5th gear and stay there.

cncarlson · May 2002

I have not driven the 2.7T but I own the '02 3.0 with the CVT transmission. I turned in my 99 A4 1.8T Q for the A6 and while there is a difference without the quattro the CVT transmission is absolutely amazing. Shifts are imperceptible and it as fast if not faster than a manual (they have done extensive testing in Europe that validates this). If you do not need Quattro or can wait untill next year(when quattro's get the CVT) I would highly recommend this car. THis is the first time in 15 years I have not had at least one manual car in the family and with this transmission I do not miss it. If you put it in the tiptronic mode it will take each gear to the redline and hold it in the gear you are in. Absolutely fantastic. This is the future of transmissions!!

marleybarr · May 2002

It sounds like cncarlson is positive about the "multitronic" tranny. Have you noticed any initial "hesitation" when you step on the gas w/ the CVT?

cncarlson · May 2002

I only notice hesitation first thing in the morning when I make the first turn at the end of the street, after that it doesn't happen, since the transmission has no "permenant" gears, the computer wants to know how you want to drive that day, I think that explains the initial hesitation. Of course if you slide the lever over to tiptronic, no hesitation ever.

dfwhall · May 2002

Currently replacing 99Exploder Limited (JUNK) w/some german iron. Have '91 MB300E, have owned 2 BMW'S. Looking at a leftover 01 A62.7T (only 145Miles) vs. a new '02 A6 3.0 CVT. Like both cars. Lots of room, good handling, excellent interior fit and finish. Can anyone offer insight as to pros and cons of one vs. the other. Looks like pricing will be about the same. I'm am more than willing to give Audi a try as my overall german ownership has been positive. Dont want to do the domestic shuffle again. THOUGHTS?

marleybarr · May 2002

After 30,000 miles on a '00 2.7T w/tip, I can tell you that I would buy another one in the future. I haven't had any major problems at all, basically just "adjustments", i.e.-fixing driver's power window switch, fuel sender (recall on all Audis), replacing wiper blades, and just general service for oil changes. The most serious problem would have been fixing the climate control,last summer the air wasn't cold enough for my wife's satisfaction, the dealer made an adjustment and it worked fine.
The vehicle has lots of get up and go, cruises nice at 100+mph, and the quattro system has worked well,especially here in MN. winters. Spacious trunk area, it is amazing what can be hauled in this car! The downsides are fairly poor gas mileage, 17-19 (in town), 21-23(highway), mandatory use of premium fuel and a slight restriction on the driver's right legroom. The space is fairly narrow, but it does make you feel like you are in a "cockpit". The driver's seating /legroom area does have a nice, secure,tight, "sports car" feel to driving the vehicle. No long dash or "peering" over the bonnet of a car like the Chrysler 300 for example.
I haven't driven the '02A63.0 so I can't compare to the 2.7T, but if finances are an issue, I believe the 2.7T is $5,000 more. In '00, I paid $42,500 including most options except Nav, 6-disc (in trunk), warm weather pkg. I feel the Xenon lights and Bose option were important enough to pay extra for.I absolutely hate driving a car w/standard halogens after driving the Audi!
If a fully equipped 3.0 is actually $5,000 less than a comparable 2.7T, I personally would lean towards the 3.0. They sound like very similar cars! I only bought the 2.7T in '00 because the 2.8 standard A6 (at the time) was such an "dog" in the performance area!

timcar · May 2002

I posted a comprehensive comparison a month or two ago, but can't find it. I've got an '01 2.7T and had an '02 3.0 as a loaner. The major differences are that the '01 2.7T still has significantly more power and more powerful (but more problematic) brakes. The '02 3.0 rides firmer and has better steering.

However, we're coming up to the end of the model year. A left over '01 is basically a two-year-old car at this point. IMHO, the only way it would make sense is if it were below dealer invoice. Even then, I'd be very wary of any car that's been on a dealer's lot for two years and has 145 miles on the odo. I have to wonder why. I'd even check to make sure it was never titled.

aggie76 · May 2002

OK, as I've written before I had my A6 3.0 quattro on order for a couple of weeks. Want to check pricing that they came back with .

2002 A6 3.0 quattro in Polar White with Convenience pkg; Premium pkg; Preferred Luxury pkg; Bose Premium Sound System and 16" Wine Glass Cast Alloy Wheels. MSRP is given at $42,375, was given price of $40,345.

Good deal or not???

Need to hear from all you great folks on this since I have to make several thousand dollars of cost over my company provided benefit out of my own pocket in a lump sum when I pick up the car. Also, how many miles should I expect and what discount can I get if car has been used as test driver, I personally drove it a couple times over last two months for 15-20 miles each time.

nyccarguy · May 2002

What is the invoice on the car you've ordered? When you tell us that, then we'll be able to tell you whether or not it is a good deal.

Kirstie_H · May 2002

As we all know, the purchase price isn't all that's involved in the true cost of a vehicle. Check out the article and new tool at Edmunds.com:

True Cost to Own (TCO): Revealing the Hidden Costs of Car Ownership

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/59897/article.html

kirstie_h

Roving Host

Edmunds.com

aggie76 · May 2002

Invoice price is $38,422 and TMV is $40,788 per Edmunds. And I really don't have to worry about "TCO" as it's a company car and the company picks up everything but gasoline for length of use.

nyccarguy · May 2002

I think you can do much better than that. The price you were quoted is still almost $2000 over invoice. I'd be willing to bet if you try hard enough, you can knock off at least another $1000 off the price. A6's (3.0's especially) aren't really in high demand right now.

nyccarguy · May 2002

market conditions in Austin, TX vary greatly from those here in the NYC metro area.

postnobills · May 2002

FWIW, 2.7T's are going for $1000 over invoice in the metro DC area. Don't know if 3.0 prices would be any different, but I doubt they would be any higher since the dealers here have many more 3.0's on their lots than 2.7T's.

aggie76 · May 2002

Thanks for all the information, unfortunately I don't deal directly on this but will push agent as far as possible. Alternative to this will be TL-S if price can't get to down my threshhold.

markcincinnati · May 2002

I finally got the information on the 2003's two days ago -- and boy was I disappointed.

For 2003 -- and I am speaking of the allroad in this case -- more colors become available, but when you order heated seats you only get front seats heated and no steering wheel heat. These may seem to be little things -- and in terms of money they are -- which baffles me and pisses me off. Why not say "rear seat heaters $150 -- and have a package deal that allows you to purchase seat heaters and steering wheel heaters, etc etc."

So, I tried to order a 2002 -- na baby na -- too late. So IF I move forward with a 2003, I have to take less content. And the content was told to me too late to make a decision.

Anyway the 2003's are the only ones able to be ordered. I suspect that as each day passes the window for ordering 02's is closing. But from another point of view, why would you order an 02 when you could get an 03 in the same time frame (approximately)? Even if the '03's MSRP is up a percent or two, the lease price on an 03 will be less than an 02 (residuals, you know).

I am so miffed that Audi seems to be nickle and diming the customer. I mean for pity's sake if you are buying a car (the Audi Family) that generally ranges in price from $30,000 to $80,000 (the allroad would be $51,000) why would you care if the heated steering wheel was $50 more? I understand that. What I don't understand is the reduction in content as we move forward -- but the real crime, the real disservice is the removal of CHOICE! What the heck are they thinking?

It ALMOST makes me want to shop another brand -- I said almost.

Grrrrrr!

PS -- the 2003 TT will have an automatic transmission (180HP version only) available too!

PS2 -- the 2003 A6 Avant will offer a 2.7T for the first time.

timcar · May 2002

Sorry Mark, I can understand why that's disappointing to you. And yes, it is hard to understand why, when in Germany (and elsewhere) you can get Audi's with just about any option, color or material you can fanaticize about. With engine and drivetrains there are legitimate arguments about trying to recoup certification costs, but heated steering wheels?!?! Do you ever get the impression that the AoA division of VWoA is still understaffed?

wbreaux · May 2002

We got an A6 with same specs 6 months ago and paid $41k in Houston. We didn't bargain as hard as possible but I thought it was a decent price, especially compared to competition. Also the '02s were just out and it was hard to compare. The car drives great and we have had no problems.

marleybarr · May 2002

Did you pay $41,000 for the 2.7 T or the standard A63.0? I paid $42,500 in '00 for the 2.7T w/all options except Nav, warm weather pkg.,6-disc in trunk and rear window shade.

cncarlson · May 2002

My .02 on your delimma, My first Audi a 99 1.8T Q 5-speed, was one of those that sat on the lot for a long time, got a great deal on price, but had a number of bizarre issues with it over the life of the car (just traded in for a A6 3.0CVT). I would say bewarry of an "old" new car, for some reason sitting around is not good for Audi's. When trying to investigate why my particular A4 was having all these problems, the most likely reason we (the Audi dealer folks, service and dealer owner) could come up with was that it sat for so long, or was perhaps a show car. Based on my experience I would go for the newer car. If something has sat that long there is usually a reason.

wbreaux · May 2002

$41k was for the 3.0q. We may have looked at the 2.7t but the 2002s were not out at the time.

mariobgoode · May 2002

I think CNCARLSON is right. My second Audi was a "leftover" when I got it, and it had some bizarre problems that the dealer couldn't fix, or figure out how such anomalies came about. Sure, I got it at a very good price, but the experience was not very pleasant, to say the least. Nothing safety related, but just petty recurring annoyances. I hope everyone else had a more pleasurable time with their new cars. Mario

mpyles1 · May 2002

The A6 4.2 that I ordered was due in mid-June, supposedly awaiting the availability of OnStar Telematics. The car arrived today (May 8), and I will pick up on May 18 (going to be out of the country for the intervening week). The car came with OnStar installed and working. However, the Audi phone (a Motorola V60 with a special circuit that links its voice activation into the car's system) is not yet available. With the fat sports package tires (255/40/17), the fender bulges, and the exposed twin pipes coming out the back, it's a rather mean looking car for a sedan.

A few questions: (1) The dealer doesn't know when the phone will be available. Has anyone heard? (2) One of the reasons I picked the beige interior was the light Sycamore wood trim. This car has the dark burled walnut, which looks almost black in low light. This is not what the catalog said it would have, and the dealer says this is the first beige interior he's seen with the walnut. He's investigating swapping the trim. Has anyone had this done? Is it likely to create interior rattles from pulling off door and dash panels to remove the current trim? (3) Most recent sport packages have had the new Dunlop 9000S tires, which are supposed to be particularly good in rain. My car has the earlier ContiContactSports, which Tire Rack user surveys say are noisy, wear quickly, and don't stick in the rain. Anyone have any comparative experience between these two tires? I'm putting SSR semi-solid forged wheels on as summer wheels and would have a good opportunity to switch the tires if it's worth it. (I'd probably go to Bridgestone S-03 Pole Positions . . . Tire Rack's top-rated max performance tire.)

timcar · May 2002

Unfortunately, I don't have the answers to your questions, or first-hand experience with any of these issues. I also prefer the lighter wood in my car. IMHO, I think I'd personally be happier having it swapped out, though I guess you might run the risk of loosening up something that might take a bit to get fitted properly again.

marleybarr · May 2002

(1)The Motorola V60 phone should be available Sept./Oct. '02 I 've heard from my sources.
(2)Changing out the door/dash panels is a nightmare.I had it done on my '89 Audi 100 to facilitate a 12-disc cd player in the trunk. The panels had to be taken out and then re-installed after the CD/speakers/amplifier were wired up.They never fitted properly,I did have rattles and parts of the interior were never aligned correctly.Those panels were not made to come out again,IMO.This is why it is so devastating to have an auto accident where the interior is damaged (on these cars). The Audi Dealer lists 1 or 2 body shops that have enough experience to deal w/complexities of the Audi!
(3)As far as tires, one of the main reasons I went w/2.7T was because of the summer/winter tire changeover on the A64.2. I just didn't want to deal w/storing/changing tires. All I can tell you is that the Conti's on the 2.7T seem to be okay for the "average" driver.I'm sure the tires you are looking at will greatly outperform the Conti's. The Conti's are quiet at all speeds,however.

tubey · May 2002

Interesting. I didn't think the beige interior (formerly called melange) came with any other wood than the sycamore (used to be called Vavona).

I note in the 2002 brochure that Audi seems to have moved away from their Atmospheres shtick that was such a big deal in '98 and '99. Now it's just beige, etc., and sycamore.

morphie · May 2002

I have about 30,000 miles experience with the Continentals; they were not noisy and were quite adequate in the rain. I have not used the Dunlops, so I have no basis for comparison.

I currently use Michelins, exclusively (winter tires, also). The reason is quite pragmatic: I was tired of defective rubber from several manufacturers. I asked the Tire Rack consultants which brand had the lowest defect/warranty rates; the answer was "Michelin", by a wide margin. I realize that his may offend some who are looking for the ultimate in performance; I used to be of that mind set. However, I find the Pilots and Arctic-Alpins fully satisfactory.

Being north of "40", I must be getting old.

mpyles1 · May 2002

I appreciate the answers to my questions. Looks like I'll have a wait for the phone. I think I'll just live with the walnut trim (although I find it a bit insulting that Audi assumes a customer who special orders a fairly expensive car would view things like trim colors with indifference). As for the tires . . . I'll run the Contis until the winter tire changeover and use my experience with them to decide what to do next spring. Hope everyone keeps the chat going here -- this board's usually very helpful and somewhat more user-friendly than the audiworld.com site (although for deep diving into technical issues it can be helpful). Can't wait until the 18th to pick up the car.

jscatena · May 2002

I picked up my new S6 on Saturday at the brand new showroom of My Import Center in Muskegon, Michigan. Very state-of-the-art and teriffic staff. Ask for Debra Racey. They have Toyota, Suburu, Nissan, Volkswagen and Audi. Awesome showroom and fabulous service department. If you live anywhere in Michigan, Chicagoland, Northwestern Ohio or Northern Indiana, you owe it to yourself to give them a try.

gsilverstein · May 2002

I have a question... I live in North Carolina (not much snow) and am considering purchasing (or leasing) an A6. The Audi dealer has shown me both a A6 3.0 CVT and a A6 3.0 Quattro. The list on the CVT is $37845 and they have given me a price of $35,000... The Quattro list is $40,225 and they have give me a price of 38,450. What do you all think of the prices and which car should I consider? There is a lease deal right now where they will give me $2000 for my 1988 300E and I would pay $415 a month for 48 months on the CVT and $429 a month on the Quattro.

Help...

andys3 · May 2002

Word on the street (here in Denver) is that the RS6 (an A6 with a twin-turbocharged V8 making 450 HP) will be available in the US as a 2003 model. Anyone have any details re price or dates?

timcar · May 2002

Andy, I don't know if you also visit AudiWorld where there was quite a bit of discussion in the last couple of months about the RS6. Best guess on price is around $80K. It will be a very limited production run. If I recall there are less than 1,000 cars coming to the USA in two increments. Suggest you visit the A6 board at AudiWorld and do a search for posts using RS6. One particularly knowledgeable poster with normally good information is April. I'd tend to accept the accuracy of her statements unless proven otherwise.

markcincinnati · May 2002

I have no problem with anyone who wants to accumulate 6 figures worth of miles on their cars. Since I drive less than 20,000 miles per year (which means it would take me almost 6 years to get to 100,000+ miles), however, I think I would want the newest, latest, greatest (?) technology, engine, features, doo-dads, suspension upgrades, stereo and nav system options, brake technologies, tire wheel combinations, electronic assists and safety features, etc. and I don't want to wait that long.

So, I do indeed want a very reliable car and I would like the "peace of mind" that knowing the car will go 150,000 without a major overhaul -- but, for now, I want a new car every other model year (or two at most).

My buddy's Honda or Acura (fraternal twin car) is a 1995 or 1996 with six figures of miles on it. It seems to run ok, but that is its only redeeming quality. It does not ride well, is not particularly a good performer, the stereo sucks, the tires roar and the transmission (auto) shifts so hard it causes whiplash. But the car is to the nines reliable -- I'll grant it that.

I would be bored to tears with it. I'd pay to get rid of it.

My wife has a button (the kind you may wear on your lapel) it says "life is too short to drink boring beer" (or words to that effect). Life is too short to drive boring cars -- I don't care how long they last. If they bore, I've wasted more than money, I've wasted my life.

BTW, my friend with the 8 year old Acura, thinks cars are necessary evils, cost too much and wishes, I am certain, that we had public transportation exclusively. He thinks I am nuts to get rid of a 33K 2001 Audi A6 4.2 for a 2003 allroad.

Takes all kinds. . . which is my way of saying, MY way is right for ME, maybe, maybe not for you.

P.S. I drove a 2002 A4 2.5 turbo diesel quattro with all the toys and a 6spd manual -- I don't know if it would get into the MB bragging rights hall of fame class for longentivity -- BUT, it would be a great car, and I'd get one if they were imported to our side of the pond.

marleybarr · May 2002

In N. Carolina I would probably pick the CVT. Better gas economy and a little less price per month. Here in St. Paul,MN., nobody buys the front-trak models, for obvious reasons.
I would make sure I'm happy w/ the "quirks" of the CVT, (I haven't driven one), I've heard there is a "sluggishness or lag" off the line.
Just for kicks, before signing I would check out the lease on the 2.7T. Much more get up and go!!

nyccarguy · May 2002

I mentioned a while ago that while driving my mother's A6 3.0Q, I felt the steering was way overboosted. My Dad's Infiniti QX4 seems to have a better on center feel. Is there a way to correct this problem? Or is this "just the way they all are?"

Audi A6

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