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Comments
After riding in it, I can see why he chose it. The car is absolutely silent. Compared to the A6 or other German cars, there is almost no road noise. Only the slightest hint that the road surface underneath is rough.
Curiously enough, the LS430 is oriented more towards the REAR seat passengers than the front. One of the optional packages includes stereo, environmental, and seat massage/tilt controls in the armrest of the rear seat, plus a refrigerator.
On the down side, it sure is ugly, and the interior, though of the highest quality, doesn't have the masculine elegance of the A6.
Good luck with your purchase. I'll wait til the new model change (2002?) to see if Audi has addressed the A6's few deficiencies. I just can't get myself to like the current sedan's exterior styling, and can't see paying over $50K to get good acceleration without a turbo.
Shaun
It's even better when you're on the phone talking to someone and they say "Hey, come join us for dinner at Chez Buffalo Butt" and you don't know where it is. While you're on the phone, you can dial in the destination and your Audi Nav WILL TELL YOU WHAT TIME YOU'LL ARRIVE!
I frequently use the NAV, just to get an estimate of my arrival time or in case there will be a traffic jam. Hit traffic? Hit the jam button, pick an alternate route (based on extra distance) and bingo... "Hey guys, got caught in traffic, I'll be there in about 12 minutes."
Sometimes the NAV even finds you ways to get to your own house that you didn't know about.
The NAV voice in French sounds downright sexy, BTW.
Oh, and have you ever been traveling and really needed to find a gas station, a restaurant or just wanted to take a break and find a tourist spot to visit? You can dial in LOCAL to get a list of gas stations, restaurants, etc., listed by the distance they are from where you are. Example: find the nearest 76 station.
You can also program a stopover. Say, you're headed to the restaurant and have to stop at the cleaners first. When you arrive at your stopover, the NAV will re-plot your primary course and be ready to roll when you get back into the car.
I also love that, if you pass your exit and make a mistake, it just recalculates and gives you the next set of instructions. If there's a detour, take the detour. If someone won't let you merge, just keep going. You no longer care as much as if someone has given you firm, written directions.
Finally, when you're getting ready to make a turn or take some action, the NAV *does* show you a distance bar that shrinks as you get closer. It also tells you three times when you need to take an action. Example: Prepare to turn left, Turn left in one quarter mile, Turn next left. These are speed adjusted, so if you're creeping along, you'll get warned a few hundred feet before. If you're flying, you'll get the prepare message as much as 1 mile out.
I just can't tell you how practical and useful this is. It's NOT a toy. I no longer get frustrated trying to work my away around the Bay area (I'm relatively new here). I fearlessly just go, while my friends are calling for directions. The only problem is when the Nav CD is out-of-date; they update it once per year.
Anyone who is considering a new Audi, should, after reading the past several posts on the subject, be sold on Nav (and since it comes with the park assist (on the A6), which is also pretty cool, too -- well I would say it is approaching a "no brainer").
And the factory phone with the center dash readout and the buttons on the steering wheel -- fantastic!
Now, let's lobby for tire pressure readout and auto tire-pressure regulation. Or, how about an active suspension based on the allroad technology, automatic cruise control and brake lights that get brighter the harder the brake pedal is pressed? High and lowbeam Xenons would be great, too. What about the new 6spd tiptronic and 18" wheels on an A6 etc, etc, etc.
Somebody stop me.
I love technology.
oil change. I get a coupon from my dealer
Laurel Audi in westmont IL. The cost for my
service is $39.95. thats with Castrol Gtx oil.
While I was there they also changed my wiper
blades. This they did on there own. I never said a word.
Also they washed my car. While I was waiting I went into the showroom and checked out the new
S8. Man what a great looking Car.
So for 45 Bucks (including tax) I recieved and oil change, new wiper blades, and a car wash.
Also, everytime some one walked by they asked if
they could help.
I don't Know if this is exactly lexus standards
but I left Smiling.
Take care.
Joe W.
Wiperblades, washed and vacuumed, tires dressed, fluid levels topped off, pick up and delivery service if I ask, free carwashes for life (every Saturday). Cook outs at the dealership -- special orders of Audi accessories and clothing from the Audi Boutique, pick up of my plates (and they put them on -- not just the first time when you go from temp tag to permanent, every time).
Follow up calls -- "how was the service?"
A tin of cookies whenever you buy a car.
Christmas presents (one year a set of Audi Coasters, next year a walnut shift nob for my wife's car, pen and pencil sets, key fobs, etc.).
All the sales staff appear interested in you even if you are not their customer.
The service manager is a jewel -- my wife's power seat broke in one of her Audi A4's -- ON A SUNDAY -- and the seat was too far back for her to drive the car -- the Service Manager, Bill, came to our house (even had his son with him, a little little boy) and reconnected the Power Seat and put a retainer on the plug so that the problem would not happen again -- ON A SUNDAY!!!!).
The finance guy is great too -- I traded in a 2000 A6 4.2 on a 2001 A6 4.2 and I got the Audi loyalty "deal" even though they (the dealer) had leased the 2000 A6 from a local bank -- which technically is outside the parameter of the Audi Loyalty deal.
The list goes on and on.
I know, cause I have read the postings, that this may not be typical -- but here in Cincinnati, when you want an Audi, you go to Northland Audi (I have never heard anything bad about the other Cincinnati Audi dealer -- Beechmont -- so this is NOT meant to dis them -- in fact, I would have to assume that they are quite good, also. We have had such good experiences with Northland, we don't even shop around.)
How is Lexus, generally speaking, by comparison?
PS, I assume that there was a charge for the oil change because it was an EXTRA oil change or that the owner wanted special oil -- if I want Mobil 1 there is a charge, if I want an oil change "inbetween" I am charged for EVERY OTHER oil change and the other remaining changes are free. At least this could explain the reason for the charge.
This is my first German car. I have always owned
big American Boats. I always kept the cars for 10 years plus. I always religiously changed the oil
at 3,000 miles and the one thing I always think of is when I drove these cars to the junk yard, no matter how bad the car was falling apart the motor
ran great. I Quess old habits are hard to break.
I am sure 6 Months or 8,000 miles is fine but
I figure if I have to dish out 40 Buck a year
so my Turbo Motor has fresh oil it is very
cheap Insurance.
P.S I have no intention of driving this car to the
junk yard. I will trade it in for a new S6 in about 5 years. (If I can Part with it)
2. I wish they would put Parktronic on the front bumper too. Don't EVER scrape the front of your car on concrete. If you do, don't back up while in the car. Make it as light as possible and push the car backward in neutral or you might rip the front skirt off.
3. You *can* get 18" wheels for the A6, dealer option for the 4.2.
4. I'm VERY impressed by your dealer. Anderson-Behel has proven impressive for sales (Geordie was my sales person...Joseph was my exceptionally knowledgable finance guy). I've been in for a quick steering wheel reprogramming and service was very good. I'm only at 2100 dreamy miles so far.
Wish they'd give me cookies, but then, I wouldn't eat them in the car...oh well...
5. Changing the break-in oil too quickly is *not* a good idea unless you ensure that AFTER 2000 miles, you run the car somewhat hard to seat the rings, BEFORE the first oil change.
Parktronic front and rear are available on Audi A6's in other countries -- and in the US on the A8 and S8.
PS-If there is anyone that knows a lot about 98 A6's, e-mail me at stalknace@cs.com.
Thanks
Renee Blei
2000 2.8 A6Q
stelrsgal@aol.com
The rear wheels and axle provides some protection, sure -- but they are in no way substitutes for the extra protection that the airbags and sideguard airbags (ceiling) provide.
The airbags are meant to be used with the lap/shoulder belt combination -- not without. So if you are napping and wearing your seatbelt and the airbag detonates, it will probably save you from broken body parts -- a good thing.
Also, is it a do-it-yourself job? Underside looks so nice and clean. Where is the drain plug? Oil filter? What size wrench?
Absolutely a great car. I imaging it will get picked more this summer than the XJ6 (though the Jag has the appearance factor - in my opinion)
You all offer great info. Thanks for your help.
I own a 2000 A6 2.8 quattro. Before ordering this car, I did the usual research, took the test drives, and (I'm a little ashamed to say) played more than one round of "stroke the salesman". I came away with absolutely no question that the A6 (in any configuration) offers the best combination of luxury, sport, performance, styling, and German quality one can buy. Factor in price and it becomes even more of a no-brainer.
- Exterior styling is stunning. It's not only beautiful, but it looks like nothing else on the road. Contrast this with any BMW; how many other cars do you now see with the same roofline, especially the "dogleg" c-pillar?
- No car manufacturer comes close to equalling Audi when it comes to interiors. They're the most beautiful of any production auto, in my opinion. Not only that, but Audi gives you many interior choices, with no fewer than 6 different interior colors/combos, 2 different woods, 3 seating materials, 3 leather textures, 2 seat stitch patterns, and 3 shades of metal trim. Add to that the car's incredible comfort, FULL instrumentation, available heated F+R seats, standard in-dash CD player, power lumbar support, available L+R memory front seats, standard genuine wood trim, "puddle lights", dual zone climate controls, tilt/telescope wheel, and the list goes on.
- This car is an absolute delight to drive. I don't know how much of it has to do with quattro, but my A6 provides the best driving experience I've ever had, PERIOD. It wins against BMWs, Mercedes, Volvos (I've owned 2 and still have a 940 Turbo), Saabs, you name it. I feel a connection with this car that I have difficulty articulating.
- Finally (and this is a touchy one), there's the image thing. Where I live and work (California), the image of the "typical" BMW driver is one that I absolutely would not want to be associated with. This isn't any type of bigotry or false stereotyping, either. While there are obviously many exceptions, I've just seen way too many BMW drivers who are among the rudest and most in-your-face drivers out there; I guess what I'm trying to say is that these drivers have completely turned me off to the brand.
Good luck with your decision!
The only thing the 528 did better was handling. The A6 has more lean when pushed in corners(I did not have a sport package option).
Everything else the A6 does much better. The car is very well "blended" between power/sport & luxury. The 528 had more pull from the line, but I don't drive like that anymore so it wasn't a concern. The A6 does have very good passing power, which is what I was looking for.
I really like the exterior styling of both cars, but the 528 interior looks like a mid 80's car compared to the A6. The price advantage of the A6 (plus quattro) really made the deal for me.
I would not have been unhappy with the 528, but when there is better for less it is really hard to turn it down.
Sorry could not resist. As per you oil change comment. I own a 2000
A6 2.7.I currently have 11,000 miles. I love the car more every time i drive it. I also am from the old school of 3 to 4 Thousand mile oil changes. But my first oil change was at 7500 miles per the dealers advice. Special break in oil i was told. As you probably know my car is covered under the audi service plan , Oil and service every 8,000 or 6 months. I take this one step further. Every 3-Months I get a coupon from my dealer for a $39.95 Oil change and filter. Normal charge is only $48.00 So every three months or 3500 miles my car is serviced by the Dealer. Not only do they change the oil they look the car over too. Last visit they threw on a new set of wipers blades.
so for 42.00 Tax included hey changed my oil and filter and new wiper
blades and washed the car. I dont think you can get a better deal from
an oil change place. I also like the idea that my dealer does all the work.
Where do you live? If you live in a city that has Cincinnati Winters -- you will find that the Summer tires coupled with the quattro/abs/ESP technology will be fine in all but a very few instances of "winter."
If, on the other hand, you live in Mich, or Minn or Maine or parts of Colorado etc. -- you will probably need winter tires -- even over the "all weather tires."
If you absolutely cannot change wheel/tires for that 2 - 5 months of winter (based on your geography) -- go for the High Perf. or better yet Ultra High Perf. all-season tires (make sure they pass the "quite test" -- scores are at www.tirerack.com). But still go for the 17" wheel/tire combo option on the the sport pkg -- overall handling will be crisper, with virtually no change in ride characteristics (the A6 2.7T with a sport suspension and 17"ers is a joy to drive).
You also didn't mention -- 6spd manual (hopefully) or 5spd tip. Both are very good, the 6spd is a BLAST!
I have the 5spd tip (no manual is avail in US for the 4.2) and I am 97% satisfied -- just wish I could shift when the mood hits me -- the tip doesn't fool anyone -- it is a very, very good Automatic with some manual control -- not a slam, just not as much control and fun.
Anyway go for the 17"'s -- my guess is that the 16" Dealer didn't have a 17" that he could sell you.
I've got a '01 A6 2.7T coming in April, with all the trimmings, but I'm concerned with the latest CR Annual Auto Issue and the following two submissions:
1. Pg. 33 - Audi A6 - Last sentence: "Our recent survey shows reliability has fallen below average, and we can no longer recommend the A6."
2. Pg. 75 - "Used cars to avoid" - Audi A6 '98, Audi 2.7T '00
Does anyone have any idea where this comes from? For a car in the mid 40's, I definitely want it to be reliable, and why was the '00 2.7T specifically selected to be avoided? What's wrong with that model?
This really gives me a queasy, uneasy feeling. On the flip-side, it's a Car and Driver 10-Best. Who's right, is it a great car or should I avoid it like the plague?
Thanks!
If you're not an enthusiast, I suggest you get either the 2.8 (which provides moderate acceleration) or the 4.2 (which is an all-out V8 that's comparable to the 2.7T in performance, but not a pocket-rocket). The 2.7T is absolutely awesome...just like I prefer the 1.8T in an A4 over the 2.8 in the same car. The 4.2 will give you far fewer engine problems over the long haul.
I've had my 4.2 for 3000 miles now, since Jan. 31st. The car literally keeps getting better. Programmatically, the computers allow you more performance as the engines break-in. BTW, don't dog the car out during break-in or make your first change too early.
I pass Harley's and the women stare at the car. I accidentally end up at 100 mph because the car feels more stable at high speed than when it's at 20 mph. The interior of the car makes new Lexus and BMW owners jealous with envy. During rain, bad weather or just plain emergency driving, Quattro shines through.
Check out AudiWorld.com and you'll see that there are several common A6 problems, but few have any serious problems beyond noisy turbo bypass valves and angst over which wax to use.
Nothing mechanical is perfect.
On Audis:
Everything is paid for for 50,000 miles -- and an extended Audi warranty is available to go beyond 50,000 miles, if you are worried. I generally do not keep the cars longer than 30 months, so perhaps I am not a reliable witness, but my wife and I have had 24 Audis, the first a 1978 5000 -- our 1979 Audi Fox GTI used oil like it was gasoline -- now that one was a problem. My 1987 5000 CS turbo quattro went through front brake rotors pretty regularly (all paid for by Audi thankfully) and I blew the rear door tweaters -- other than that, every one of our Audis have had some very minor to minor problems that have always been rectified at no charge (yes, I do grant that there is the issue of inconvenience).
We have also owned a 1988 BMW 325 iX and a VW Quantum (pre-Passat) and a Jetta and an AMC Eagle and a Jeep Grand. The BMW was very expensive to maintain -- new brakes and rotors (not covered by BMW) at less than 40,000 miles, every single oil change for some reason always always cost $100.00, new tires after 11,000 miles, battery (which was in the trunk and not a DIY) didn't make it 30 months, and on and on and on. Everything that went wrong with the BMW was always considered "routine" and hence not covered by any owner protection plan -- the damn thing just constantly needed "tweaking."
All the Audi's, except the 1978 5000 and 1979 Fox GTI have had low maintenance requirements and starting in the late 80's it was always free.
I kept a 1988 80 quattro to 100,000 miles and it needed a new battery, brake pads (not rotors)(several sets of tires, of course) and a new master cylinder and ABS electronics which was paid for by an Audi extended warranty which I purchased @ 40,000 miles for some reason (thankfully). Oh yes, the clutch on my wife's 1986 4000CS quattro died and it was replaced for free.
My dealer virtually always loans us a car while ours is in the shop, always washes it when it is in for service, etc.
In sum:
Audis are incredible to drive, safe and fun
Audis are "bargains" compared to BMW's and Mercs
Audis with quattro are virtually in a class by themselves (although this IS changing)
Audis break (all cars break, i.e.)
Audis are virtually always maintained and fixed for free for a long long time
Audis are NOT Toyata Camrys or Honda Accords or any other cars with the "reputation" that they virtually never break and require little maintenance
My money goes with the folks at Car and Driver, not Consumers Reports at least as far as the Reliability Issue is concerned. If they are indeed less reliable then, they are still "worth it!"
If you will visit Audiworld.com you will find quite a few people who agree that the 2000 2.7T's had too many problems, but the folks with 2001's have had next to none. As for the '98's, I know that Automobile Magazine had some very nasty electrical problems on their year-long test car. And the fuel sending units have been a problem right along, but not for everyone. Mine have always functioned fine, but the dealer replaced them last month anyway because of a recall.
Mark is right. No car is perfect. I just spent $911 for 60k maintenance on a '96 Subaru Outback. Because the oil pump was leaking, they replaced it under warranty (which expires in two weeks). While they had the oil pump off they asked if I wanted to replace the timing belt (which otherwise would not be replaced until 105k)and I told them to go ahead. It will add to the resale value of the car.
I've had many Hondas and one Acura and none of them were perfect. Reliable? Yes, usually. I must say, however, that for the mileage that I've driven it (17,000 so far) my '99 A6 is far and away the most troublefree new car I've ever owned.
Go ahead. Take the plunge. The positives far outweigh the negatives. And if you're still feeling squeamish, invest in an extended warranty. There are some good ones out there, and not all that unreasonably priced either.
My sincere thanks to anyone who cares to respond.
Mark
I have found that the "cleaner" (I don't think I would wax it, though) the car -- inside and out -- the less likely you are to be "dinged" by the inspector. Of course, I agree that if the dirt can actually hide a scratch or a dent (which I think would be unlikely) and that this scratch or dent is considered "above expectations for normal wear and tear" you might not be charged.
My experience is that some "rule book" somewhere has designated that certain scratches, dents, paint chips, etc. ARE normal wear and tear.
I would clean the car -- inside and out -- put your best foot forward.
My experience with Audi owners is that their cars are usually so clean you could eat off the floormats -- I know people (Audi owners) that keep those tacky plastic sheets over the top of the factory carpeted floor mats in their Audi's.
Even for me that is too extreme, I just have a "spare set" of factory floor mats (ordered them from audiusa.com) -- and when I have the car cleaned, inside and out, I have the floor mats, not the carpet, shampooed and put the wet ones in the trunk and replace them with the spare set, and so on. At the end of 30 months, my cars' interiors generally look virtually new and the exteriors "appear" to have less than "normal wear and tear" by virtue of the fact that my Dealer has a service called "Shiny Toys" (exterior detailing) that I use once or twice a year ($80/a crack).
Clean cars perform better -- I read that somewhere -- probably psychological, if true.
Problems:
'99 kept for 15,000 miles = ZERO PROBLEMS after intial couple of hundred miles when the exhaust manifold had to be tightened.
'00 kept for 23,000 miles = two sets of front Rotors (one within one week of pick up of the car), new tires @ 20,000 miles (17"Dunlop SP 9000's) and one dealer caused problem (they nicked an ignition wire) other than that ZERO PROBLEMS
'01 has 4,000 miles = two flat tires (I can't really blame Audi or Pirelli, there was a screw in the tire) so ZERO PROBLEMS
My wife has a 2001 225HP TT Coupe -- 15,000 miles, new set of tires (paid for by Audi) at less than 12,000 miles (GREAT CAR, ZERO PROBLEMS).
I have no experience with 1998 A6's, although my wife did have a 1998 A4 2.8 q/sport, kept it 47,000 miles -- one new set of tires, ZERO PROBLEMS.
When I say ZERO I mean other than taking the car to the dealer about every 5,000 miles for service.
====
Hope this sets your mind a little more at ease.
Although I have never owned an A6 I do still have an A4 2.8Q w/sport that has had ZERO problems after 32,000 miles. Also just purchased a new allroad, but with just 650 miles it's way too early to form any judgements about its reliabilty, although I sure do love the vehicle in all other respects so far.
What are your impressions of the allroad -- how is yours equipped?
Inquiring minds.
from the same MfG, from a dealer you have done business with in the previous leases, then
they can override the inspector... they will cover the mileage and minor digs and scratches,
if you are walking away from the MfG totally different story... as far a detailing the car
not worth the money...
Here is what I recently posted in one of the discussions in the Station Wagon forum - hope this helps:
* No "issues" of any kind to report - build quality is excellent as expected, and the dealer did a very nice job in preparing the car for delivery. Everything works as advertised and so far there's no need to adjust a thing.
* The car is so much quicker than our '98.5 2.8Q that it actually startled me at first. My test drive a couple months ago was during a heavy snowstorm (good test for its
winter traction characteristics - very important here in Minnesota!) but I couldn't take full advantage of the car's performance capability. I'm still breaking the car in,
and haven't yet really stepped on it, but the acceleration even from relatively low
RPM's is smooth and very powerful. It may sound a little corny but I'm awestruck
by how nice this car is, and the performance of the engine is a big part of it.
* Similarly the TIP is much improved over the '98 2.8. Shifts are much smoother
and, just as importantly, it shifts a lot quicker with less hesitation. Still haven't
adjusted to the steering wheel controls - even find them a little awkward especially
around corners and turns, where your hands are shifting on the wheel. Very fun to
play with though in a relatively straight line.
* The seat heaters are also "turbocharged" - they take a lot less time to heat up
and what's a "3" on the 2.8 is about a "1" on the allroad - not much of a need to
ever go beyond "1".
* The switches for the radio/CD player seem a liitle stiff. I'd prefer a softer, smoother
feel when changing tracks, stations, etc.
* Love the brightness of the Xenon's - it would be very difficult to ever go back to
regular headlamps.
* In snow and especially on ice the Pirelli's are "OK" but not nearly as surefooted
as the winter tires (Blizzaks) on our A4. The stock allroad tires are a good
all-season compromise, but I intend to buy real winter tires (not Blizzaks, however)
next fall.
I'll have more to say later, but just wanted to report what things have made the
biggest impression on me right away. I knew in advance from all my car shopping
time that the interior was beautifully done, and I continue to really appreciate this
every time I step into the vehicle. Is it just me or does the interior seem nicer that
even the "standard" A6? That and all the extra features you get - not to mention the
adjustible suspension's rough road capabilties - make the relatively modest extra
premium that you pay well worth it IMO.
Sorry for the long post, but my enthusiasm is way up there.
'01 Atlas Gray w/Tip/Prem/Conv/Bose/SR
'98.5 Aluminum Silver A4 2.8Q w/Tip, Sport & all options except Trip Computer
Otherwise the Convenience Pkg. gets you the audio controls on the steering wheel, heated seats front & rear, a homelink door opener (3 settings) in the sun visor, and a leather steering wheel that's heated at start-up (gradually goes to room temperature after a few minutes).
The Premium Pkg. includes power outside mirrors with the passenger side automatically tilting down when backing up, memory seats (both driver and passenger side) with 3 settings and including memory for the outside mirrors, xenon lights, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror (outside mirrors also automatically reduce nighttime glare).
Not sure which of these options are/are not included with the A6 which the allroad is based on.