Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I went through a period of indecision that felt similar to what you have been describing here. One key variable in my equation of indecision was that frequently mentioned (in reviews by both owners and automotive journalists) hesitation of the 3.2 engine. I test drove the 3.2 several times and the 4.2 once. I also had the thought (and, oddly, also felt I was being some form of “silly,” as you put it) that a car like this should just go, with no hesitation, in its “regular” D mode. The salesman had me take the second or third test drive in S mode and I felt the difference clearly, but the sense of something being wrong with that stuck with me and played a part in my deciding to buy an Infiniti M35. In retrospect, I believe I put that piece of the puzzle together the wrong way. The Audi really is offering you two ways to link up the engine and transmission and it’s a very clever choice that not only provides some variety and fun in driving, but also provides an 20+ mpg possibility that, I believe, is simply beyond the M35 no matter how you drive it.
Also, for whatever this sort of subjective musing is worth, one thing you cannot shift around is the interior of the car and Audi gets that “more right” than either BMW or Infiniti.
Of course, around town, the mileage drops to a number beginning with a 2 and sometimes goes below 24. But, now at almost 20K miles, the 3.2 is a "sipper."
What I came to think, after some more experiences with different cars, and reflecting on all the different voices here and among reviewers, I found myself thinking you were on to something very important for people who tune into these forums in a state of indecision. If you like driving at all, it will matter what happens to your body as you drive a specific car. How you feel the car's contact with the road come through your hands, how you feel the engine and transmission work through your foot (and hands, if you're using a tip-tronic), and how you feel your body being held by the car as the machine moves you through space and time. So, thanks for the impassioned diatribe.
The Honda 160 through the Salt River Canyon, the MGB on Cape Breton (Nova Scotia), the 240Z through the Fraser Canyon (BC), the Miata on the PCH in CA and even the Kenworth pulling the Grapevine, working the lanes around slower vehicles while not blocking others. Each of these experiences (plus thousands of others) brought me closer to the vehicle I was driving at the time -- smooth shifts, good cornering, fine acceleration, good smells blowing in the window, chamber of commerce views through the windshield, pleasant listening to the audio, that sort of thing.
I love driving, then I love the vehicle -- one that allows me to do lots of driving with the least pain will become a favourite. I've had several, and developed a strong attachment over the years for a few.
The notion of a throwaway (leased) vehicle isn't one I've come to yet. That said, I appreciate the viewpoints of those who want the "latest & greatest" & are willing to pay for it.
Watching the sun come up while driving an excellent vehicle on an empty road with twists and turns is what makes life worth living, in my world.
Others in Edmunds look at their vehicles more as a fashion accessories. I don't understand it, but at least it represents passion.
Consumers Reports (& most normal people) don't understand any of this, but influence much of what goes on in automobile discussions.
we are the sons of our own deeds."
---- Miguel de Cervantes
I find your posts poetic and ennobling contributions, as you find your driving.
I will try to remember all the options that I think will be of value to your question: Audi Navigation, Voice Recognition, Blue Tooth, Wooden Steering Wheel with Wooden Gear Shifter, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Airbags, Side Window Shades, Sirrus, BBS Wheel Package (that was quite expensive), Tint, Interior and Exterior Protection Package, Atlas Grey, Air Suspension System, Sports Seats (not the standard - same as on the S-Line), Keyless Entry and Keyless Ignition, Automatic Lift Gate, and I think that does it in terms of additional things. Of course, he has the standard Audi luxury features that you would expect from an Audi such as sunroof, CD Changer, etc. This was before taxes, etc. The BBS Wheel Package adds around $4000.00 to the overall price.
If it's not too late you might consider StonGard. I had it installed on my Atlas Gray before I took delivery and most of the time you cannot see the seam. For $700 it is worth knowing that when someone reduces your following room, they will not chip your paint with a stray pebble. The kit also covers the leading edges of the mirrors, the door edges and the inside of the door handles where rings and nails scratch the finish when people open the doors.
Congrats on a fine car.
This is NOT the norm, but it is an indication of the potential improvements offered by FSI and it makes me wonder what could happen if we could go from Fuel Straight Injection to pure Fuel Stratified Injection (which is supposedly the goal, once our fuel here in the US is cleaner)?
This technology is part and parcel of "the little engine that could." Check it out in the 2.0T FSI and just imagine what could be done with the 3.2 with each advance of technology. I'd say high twenties without killing yourself is not beyond the pale.
One that appears to have an ability, among other things, to allow the compression ratio of the engine to be very high indeed.
The benefits of extra high compression ratio are well known and if this is any indication -- foretells of even greater efficiencies.
Conversely, it is possible to have a relatively high compression ratio and use lower octane fuel.
On the other, other hand, even higher compression ratios without impossible to obtain octane ratings, are possible with FSI.
Direct injection in this application can be loosely thought of as the kind of thing that we know of as diesel.
I can look this up by dogpile-ing or google-ing.
Lots of info out there.
*Trip computer / Driver Information Center will be standard on all A6 models
*A6 3.2 CVT will get a new 16” 6 spoke wheel
*Digital speed indicator in driver information center on all A6 models
*New cupholder (similar to A4) in all A6 models
*New flexmetallic trim will surround the instrument cluster on all A6 models
*New satellite radio antennae (smaller) on all A6 models
*New overhead center console (from Q7) on all A6 models
*CD changer will have MP3 playback capability
*Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel was added to Convenience Package on 3.2 models
*Rearview Camera will now be included in the Technology Package
*Headlight washers were added to the Cold Weather Package
*4 spoke multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles is now included with the S line Package
*19” 20-spoke 2-piece BBS-style wheel is now available as an upgrade when S line Package is ordered
*S line Package now available on A6 Avant
*Leather dashboard from quattro GmbH now available as a stand-alone option
*Quartz Gray Metallic exterior paint replaces Atlas Gray Metallic
*Ibis White replaces Arctic White
*Phantom Black Pearl Effect now available (Brilliant Black remains)
*Cardemom Beige replaces Beige interior
*Daytona Gray Pearl Effect is now available with S line
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------
2007 A6 4.2 Sedan Equipment Upgrade Highlights
*New 4.2 engine now with FSI direct injection technology and 350 hp
*Same highlighted equipment changes as 3.2 Sedan / Avant
*Technology Package, S line Package, Cold Weather Package are same as 3.2 Stand-alone options are same as 3.2 except for the solar sunroof that is only available on the 4.2 model. Also leather dashboard is stand alone on the 4.2 not sold order like the 3.2.
There are several white cars with very nice wheels on them -- classic elegance, IMHO. Add Amaretto and "instant tang!"
Excellent combo !
Thanks for the update information sfcharlie.
But....when is the '07 available?
I had the wheels balanced today -- probably will need new tires by end of the year.
The OEM tires, High performance A/S are pretty lame in terms of performance, but they are quiet and, under the circumstances, comfortable.
Audi -- please offer us more tire choices if at all possible.
Computer systems should make this a no brainer.
I really really like my 2005 A6 3.2, really.
My favorite Audi, however, of the 28, was NOT my A8, not even my two A6 4.2's -- nope, my favorite to this day remains my 1995 S6 with all options.
I am certain my 2005 A6 is more refined, cleaner, probably not too much slower than the S6 and certainly safer by a factor of at least 5.
The S6 (and I do believe the S4 and S8 would be the same) is a fantastic car, one that will most likely spoil you for almost any other car.
Check out the review of the BMW, Audi and Mercedes in Automobile's July issue (I think it is July, anyhow.)
First time in history -- the Audi bested the Bimmer.
I read the report and both cried and swelled with pride (figuratively speaking) -- the S6 sounds like the maximum fun you can have.
So, to keep a bit of attention on Audi (the actual sales dark horse, underdog even to Infinity M35, which is often pointed to as the one you won't see everywhere, as you will with BMW 5-series), Automobile Magazine wrote: "We expected the S6 to be notably slower and less involving, with more androgynous handling qualities and less feedback overall. But we were wrong. Despite the near total absence of drama, its set of reflexes is complete. Quattro is a bonus not only in winter or when it rains: it also ties the car down well through dips and brows, makes carving the twisties much more relaxed, and always-always-puts the power down. Instead of bothering you with weight distribution or traction-control issues, the S6 simply goes where you point it. No, power oversteer is not easily induced, but when you whip all three cars through a wet corner, there is one clear winner. And at an estimated $75,000, the Audi is the most affordable supersedan...The fact that the M5 has fallen so far so fast tells you three things: That this is an extremely fast-moving business. That even a well-founded status quo can be eroded by clever evolution. And that the big-engine-in-a-mid-size-car game is more competitive than ever."
Same can be said, in varying degrees, about still-underrated entire A6 line -- even when compared to BMW 5-series, I believe.
Please tell us more about buying experience and expected arrival date.
Has anyone ordered a 4.2 S-Line? Anyone driving a 2005 or 2006 4.2 S-Line? Havne't heard much about that, but saw one in newspaper being sold with only 5K.
Anyway, the buying experience has been as the article states "absent of any drama." I have a very strong relationship with my Audi dealer and my brand associate, so the buying experience is always top notch. It is very easy to specifiy a S6. You have the Technology Package: (voice, parking system with rear-view camera, DVD Nav, Sirius); Warm Weather Package : (Solar Sunroof, Power Rear and Side Window Sunshades): Rear Airbags, Adaptive Cruise, Heated Rear Seats, Leather Driver Side Dashboard, and the tire package of 19" rims. You can choose either black or silver headliners with either an ebony or silver interior (0nly two choices in the US). The colors available are Brilliant Black, Light Silver Metallic, Brillant Red, Quartz Gray Metallic, Ibis White, Phantom Black Pearl Effect, or Sprint Blue Pearl Effect.
The S6 is due to arrive by late October or November. All my Audis are pretty much special ordered, and I always seem to get them faster than the specified date given me usually by a month. But my dealer has quite a bit of orders already on hand ahead of me for the S6 as well as the S8.
I narrowed the list to the A6 and M45 and frankly thought both were great cars. My final decision was based more on personal taste factors than anything - I preferred the A6 interior and exterior design, it was a little quieter than the M45 and just seemed a little more refined to me. Of course the response and handling of the A6 s-line sealed the deal and put a smile on my face every time I test drove it!
Incidently, this will be my first Audi. Nearly every LPS where I live is a BMW or Mercedes, so it will be nice to drive something different. My fingers are crossed regarding the long term reliability!
There was also one other factor: from my review of the various forums/chat sites (e.g. Audiworld), I sensed that Audi owners have a great passion for their cars. I'm not saying that the others didn't, however it was much more apparent with the Audi owners and this is something I'm looking forward to being part of.
Perhaps the positive momentum is builing: "July 1, 2006
Audi of America June Sales Highest in 2006
Source: Audi of America
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Audi of America, Inc., today reported 8,039 vehicle sales for the month of June, an 11.3 percent increase over year ago sales. This is the fourteenth monthly sales increase over the past 17 months, and a positive indication that Audi will meet its goal of record sales in 2006.
Sales in June were up or on par across the Audi line up. The all-new Q7 performance SUV tallied 1,310 sales in June, the first official month of sales for that vehicle. Sales of the A3 and A6 models were up significantly again, 17.9 percent and 10.5 percent, respectively. The Audi A3 recorded 665 sales in the U.S. , with most sales coming from the all-important Southern California market."
The Q7 might bring a new segment of the marketplace into Audi showrooms.
When you order a car (if you intend to lease it) do you then find out the lease rate money factor and residual numbers when your unit arrives?
Having the Audi wheel and tire concession sometimes seems like it would be a license to print money.
Audi gear of all kinds is always popular.
Local Audi dealers literally fight for the right to have regional shows from corporate take place in their facilities.
This kind of passion seems, around here, to be reserved for Audi, BMW and Porsche. The Infiniti and Lexus dealers are wonderful facilities, like the lobbies of four and five star hotels complete with concierge service -- but the passion for driving the cars, impossible to hide at the Audi or BMW or Porsche store is almost impossible to find at the high end Japanese dealerships.
Get this, there are multiple Volvo dealerships in our big town (small city?) of Cincinnati, the newest one seems to have figured out (somewhat) the passion formula, similar to the Audi, BMW and Porsche guys. Heck, even one of our Saab dealers has a good passion rep, too.
Here is the impression I get:
You walk into the Audi or BMW store and you are greeted by someone who "knows your name" and who offers you homemade cookies, coffee, or a drink from the selection of fresh juices and designer bottled water -- while you're here use our Internet terminals with broadband connection, browse our selection of local and national newspapers and/or watch one of our plasma TV screens. Three salespeople, only ONE of them who gets commission from your biz, stop to chat about cars, your vacation, her vacation and family.
Then, they call you and invite you to test drive a car even though they know you are two years from the end of your lease -- just for the fun of it.
Upon entering the wood covered inner sanctum of the Japanese Lux dealership, you are greeted by a host or hostess and called sir or madam and the associates all seem to be in suits and they're wearing the jackets. At the German dealer, the dress code tends more to dressy casual rather than business attire.
The entire aura at the upper crust Japanese dealerships is big 4 CPA or Law firm proper. Back slapping, so to speak, just wouldn't do.
Now, don't get me wrong, the Japanese dealerships around here are NOT stuffy and/or stand-offish as my description might suggest -- they seem to be much like the experience you may have had at a fine hotel with the concierge.
It strikes me as odd, somewhat, that the folks tend to talk about the high zoot stereo systems, attention to detail in the seats on the dash, etc. Performance is only discussed if you broach the subject.
Both the German lux and Japanese lux experiences are top notch -- heck, the last time I visited the Infiniti dealership they had a person standing behind a spread of fresh shrimp on ice, cheese cubes and seedless grapes offering small glasses of "just so" Pinot Grigio and quite willing to chat about the music-video DVD that is playing on both the front and rear DVD screens of the M35X with premium package (I think it was an Eagles concert).
Now of course, I am most familiar with these Cincinnati Ohio dealerships -- the experience in Chicago or Miami or Dallas (although I did visit the Dallas Audi/Porsche "dual" and was treated to a similar German experience -- that is, a lot more emphasis on "performance" and talk about driving the S4 or Boxster, etc.)
I wonder if the dealer training these various companies seem to have been imbued with is the way the manufacturer wants it? Or if this is market specific or just a coincidence here in the German city of Cincinnati?
The dealer experience I prefer, here in our fair city, is exemplified by both the Bimmer and Audi stores (and almost the same from the Volvo guys and one of the VW dealers too -- with an honorable mention to the Saab dealer.)
Just wondering how the experience at the dealerships you shopped struck you? :shades: ">
I wear my Audi T-shirt frequently when bumming around. You will not be disappointed with the quality and drive of the car.
Congrats.
Having owned 2 BMWs amd a MB, I was just so impacted by the difference between Japanese and German engineering. Being in a Lexus LS430 for years had literally dulled my senses to point that driving characteristics did not matter anymore....that is..until I drove an A6...it all came back to me. I am ranting. but I am excited about being in the Audi family. I can see an S6 Avant in my future...let me break in slowly. Thanks BW
-Paul
I struggled with this question of worrying about (and then reassuring myself about) Audi reliability. I ended up getting an M35, but not without some regret every time I see the A6, which I loved looking at and driving.
On the other hand, Automobile Magazine's new August issue reports their long term (25K) test of the A6 and they had to bring their's to the dealer 8 times in one year for warranty repairs.
Quoted from a S6 German press release earlier this year:
The Audi S6 is equipped with 19-inch cast aluminum wheels of a 5-arm wing design. The wide tires are of size 265/35 R19. An 18-inch brake system assures supreme braking performance and is resistant to fading even under high loads. Its four large discs are ventilated, the discs on the front wheels measuring 385 mm (approx. 15.1-in.) in diameter and those at the rear measuring 335 mm (approx. 13.1-in.). The brake calipers are painted black, and are adorned with an exclusive S6 badge at the front.
I would much prefer they survey 100 or 1000 A6 owners for reliability data. This would be much more useful.
For what its worth, I've had to take my car into the dealer 3 times other than service in the last 18 months (but again, this is anecdotal ).
I think Audi is currently the most exciting, satisfying line of cars available and it's a shame that a magazine which, in comparative reviews, really liked Audi, ends up with a unit on which it will report to thousands of readers.
That's what Consumer Reports and JD Powers do and the usefulness and relevance of their survey data has recently been hotly contested (especially with regard to Audi) on the Luxury Performance Sedan forum.
-Paul