Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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In the days following, I noticed several things suggesting that maybe the door panels had not been remounted correctly. First, the door lock "nub" is now further down in the door on the passenger side, in both locked and unlocked positions. Second, the "sill" portion of the panel, just at the bottom of the window, appears higher on the passenger side, which is most obvious next to the B pillar trim. Third, the low speaker in the passenger door, or perhaps the speaker grill or the panel itself, buzzes with music having significant bass, which it never did before. Fourth, the gap between the door panel and the upper dash, around and above the wood strip, is nearly a quarter inch wide on the passenger side and quite nearly touching on the driver side.
In a subsequent service visit, I requested that the alignment of the door panels be checked. When I picked up the car, I was told that there was no alignment adjustment for the door panels, and that their screw mounting holes were fixed in alignment.
The door panels are definitely not the way they were. Does anyone else have knowledge of door panel alignment for this model? How do the alignment cues I have noted appear on your like vehicle? Thank you for any assistance.
I thought it might have been from putting the car in gear before the headlights had leveled, but I can sit in park and watch them do their thing against the garage wall. Have also on rare occasions had them both start off fine, only to drop while I was driving. When that happens, I can only see about 20' in front of the car. Not a good thing!
Right now it is more of an anouyance than a dire need. I will be going in next month for my 5k/6month maintenance and will get it looked at.
Knowing my luck, the mechanic will not be able to get them to do it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
2. I've read numerous reports of cock-eyed Xenon's. As Mark says, there's a problem with the self-leveling system, or the electronics that control them. I've never had the problem. (Knock-on-wood.) The only electrical anomaly I've experienced is to have the stereo display blank monetarily, and go back on. This would happen infrequently for the first few months, but hasn't occurred in about 6 months.
I know some of you read everything that is printed or posted on Audi. Does anyone know if Audi will bring the S6 sedan to the states??
I have read with interest your love for cars, particularly Audis, and your obviously profound knowlege about them. I am seriously considering a new A4 3.0 and would rather wait to get a feel for the CVT in the spring. I would welcome your thoughts on the new 2002 A4 3.0, assuming that by now you have had a chance to see, examine and drive the car. Particular reference to the previous A4 2.8 and the A6 2.8 as well as the BMW 3 series would be welcomed; understandably, the CVT has not yet reached our shores. I know that you are always generous with your time in commenting, but I hope this is not too great an imposition. Many thanks for whatever you wish to say.
I would not consider a non-quattro Audi of any flavor however. At this point the CVT is only available in FWD Audi's.
The test report of the CVT in Car and Driver is favorable with a "this is NOT the future of transmissions, opinion." After reading the preliminary reviews of the 6spd Tiptronic, I would assume that the 6spd Tip will be the transmission that will be broadly applied to the performace models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, etc.
The manual transmission is perhaps an endangered species in these sport-sedans like Audi's (although hopefully less endangered in A4's).
For the small (relatively) additional premimium that quattro commands, I would ONLY consider either the 6spd manual A4 3.0 or the 5spd Tip at this time (and I would get the sport supension option, too).
I do plan to drive a CVT because of my love and curiosity of cars in general and Audis in particular, but at this point I have not driven any FWD 2002 A4's; only the 2.5TD, 1.8T and 3.0 quattro versions (and only with manual transmissions thus far).
Happy Thanksgiving.
Just a brief update on my wife's 2002 A6 Avant 3.0. This replaced her 1999 2.8, and is in addition to a 2.7T.
The vehicle was just in for a snow tire change over (Michelin Arctic Alpins); I had the first oil change done (2,500 miles). I simply cannot get used to the reccomended 10,000 miles. Call me paranoid. I will probably continue at 7,500 mile intervals.
As far as mechanicals are concerned, the car has been trouble free; a nice improvement. A front tire needed to be rebalanced; that is the extent of the "warranty" concerns.
The new 3.0 six continues to impress. While of somewhat lesser performance than the 2.7T, and significantly less than the 4.2, it is a viable option. It is especially impressive in the A4.
The only minor annoyance: apparently, due to enhancements to the transmission/torque converter, some remapping of the electronics and, I would imagine, the increased performance, accelerating from a stop or "off idle" is a bit abrupt. Not unpleasant, merely noticeable.
Happy Holidays.
I am seriously considering either the 2.7T5A. This may seem like a silly question, but when I drive I frequently rest my elbow on the ledge of the driver's window. The window ledge on the A.6 seems too high for me to rest my elbow comfortably. I am an average size guy. Has anyone noticed this? Is it something you can get used to over time? TIA.
I have not noticed this problem. Then again, I probably do not rest my elbow on the "ledge". Have you tried raising the seat height? When combined with the adjustable steering column, you may be able to find a comfortable position.
Whenever we purchase a new vehicle, especially one we have not owned previously, I request the loan of an identical model for at least a few hours. This permits one to experience the idiosyncrasies that all vehicles possess, as well as utilize the car on familiar roads.
Thanks for any input.
Of course, souring economic conditions or the demand for specialty models (e.g. "S" types), will alter this generalization.
A good deal at this time might be anywhere from $1500 to $2500 over dealer invoice depending on model, inventory levels, the dealer, etc. You can get dealer invoice pricing here at Edmunds, add about $2K to that, and that's about what you should have to pay. Monthly payments will vary by financing source, and credit worthiness. Negotiate the price first.
Stopped looking at the Bimmer.
The people who seriously test drive these cars, generally do not find them appealing to the same "needs" or tastes.
In this respect, I'll quote my friend, "the BMW was great, I loved it, I would like to have it -- I cannot afford two cars, so I'll take the Audi, which I also loved -- but for different reasons. The two cars just don't do the same things. Would you ask someone to compare an apple to a fish? The are both food items, to be sure; they are both, to my tastes, good -- but they should not be compared. Now comparing an apple to a pear is possible."
In my opinion, you can compare an Audi A4 quattro to a BMW 3 series AWD or you can compare an A6 quattro to an AWD Volvo or Jaguar or you can compare an A6 quattro to a Mercedes E class with 4Matic, or perhaps even a VW Passat w/4Motion. . .etc.
I agree with my friend, a 5 series BMW is a very good car -- but it is not comparable directly to an A6 quattro equipped car. Apples and fish.
Styling of the A6 is starting to grow on me. Would appreciate hearing from some A6 4.2 owners.
Thanks.
I believe BMW may be subsidizing since the model is in its last year of the cycle. The CNN comments apply to the 98 A6 which was the 2.8 derivative, prior to the release of the 2.7T and the 4.2 and, subsequently, the 3.0.
All cars have seen much more aggressive depreciation since many leasing companies went belly up by fabricating high residuals in 1996-1999.
Financing arms and institutions have been burned and as noted have changed the depreciation numbers to reflect reality more closely.
Cars depreciate -- and depreciation rates (real rates) are known after the fact (kind of like the recession "leading and trailing" indicators). BMW 7 series have (historically/generally, but not every single model year) depreciated very rapidly. From time to time, Porches retain their value, but watch out, the Boxster has had its good and bad years, too. Corvettes, etc.
Cars, for most of us, are RAPIDLY depreciating assets -- sometimes they depreciate so quickly they appear to be more like just plain old expenses. Buy/lease the car that you enjoy -- trying to determine which is "the car for you" (based on depreciation) is like trying to time the stock market -- good luck.
I still love my A6 4.2 -- but then again I am leasing. I am not worried about trade in value. I know these things (cars) lose value [rapidly]. They, so far, have remained great performers, safe and fun. Jay Leno invests in cars -- I wish I could.
Hope this helps someone decide one way or the other. ;-)
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1) If the lights are on (running/headlights) the BMW's windshield washing system automatically gushes the headlights, your hood, and bumper with windshield fluid. What happens when you just want to clean your windshield only at night? You can't unless you turn off the lights completely. When the headlight washer system is activated it sprays windshield washer fluid all over the front of the car, it really makes a mess.
The Audi- Push the stalk once to spray the windshield, hold the stalk down longer for the headlights.
Advantage Audi
2) The Audi's stereo system works without the key being inserted in the ignition. After about 1.5 hours the radio automatically shuts off to prevent the battery from going dead. Advantage Audi.
3) Audi's interior lights can be programmed to work independently. If you only want the rear interior lights to go on when you open the doors you can do that. The BMW is everything or nothing.
Advantage Audi.
4) The Audi has a hook that holds the panel up on the spare tire compartment. That makes using the spare a lot easier. The BMW? You have to hold the panel with one hand while you try to remove the spare tire with the other, good luck. Advantage Audi.
5) The BMW's Folding rear seats can only be operated from the trunk. The Audi's from within the cabin. What happens when it's pouring rain outside (like today) and your umbrella is in the trunk. You guessed it. In the BMW you would have to get out of your car, get soaked, and open the trunk. In the Audi you just pull the seat lever (lockable), Fold down the rear seat, reach into the trunk and grab your umbrella, All while remaining dry inside your car. Advantage Audi.
6) Audi's AWD systems have a real lowered sports suspension. BMW's AWD suspension is jacked up even higher than the normal suspension. Giving it that Riding on stilts look. Advantage Audi.
7) Audi's rear power window switches are illuminated. BMW Nope. Advantage Audi
8) Audi has a light on the bottom rear portion of all doors. When the door is open you see the light from a distance. The 5 series has it but the 3 series doesn't.
9) Minor- the Audi's trunk unlocks with the driver's door. I find myself always having to push the trunk release on the BMW a lot because it only unlocks the trunk when all doors are unlocked. Advantage Tie
10) Center rear seatbelt- The Audi's center rear seat seatbelt is a shoulder belt with a retracting roll. The BMW has an airline style non-retracting lap belt in the center rear position. This makes a huge difference in installing a child seat in that position (universally considered the safest position for a child seat). Advantage- Audi
11) Interior lighting fixtures- The Audi has nicely designed interior lighting fixtures while the BMW has what amounts to a bare flashlight bulb in front of a crinkled plastic background. Advantage- Audi
12) Moonroof switch - Glitches aside, the Audi has a clever dial control that enables you to, with one touch, dial up the amount of "open" you want.
13) Real aluminium interior trim
14) Far stronger/better quality door hinges than BMWs high modulous plastic (black piece)
15) Nice chrome plated trunk hooks.
16) Includes free trunk net
17) Includes first aid kit and emerg. triangles headliner handles on driver side and passenger side (missing on BMW coupes) -but BMW's get nice rechargeable flashlight
17) New Symphony indash CD-changer/cassette unit standard
18) Thick sport steering wheel as a factory build option
19) Security alarm standard
20) The Audi has this mini sun visor above the rear view mirror that blocks the sun in the gap between the rear view mirror and the top of the windshield. Sure, it's a little thing, but it really impressed me in terms of how thorough Audi was in designing that car.
I have had an A6 first without the sport package -- a 2000 then with it -- a 2001 (and my 2000 had the 17" wheels). The sport package is worth the wait.
Today, based on what is available in the US, I would acquire a mostly maxed out 2.7T with a 6spd. As much as I love my 4.2, I really miss the manual transmission, in spite of the fact that the 4.2 does feel different than a 2.7 -- for 2002, the 2.7T's chassis has been stiffened, the sound deadening improved, an "improved" sport suspension offered, the cool looking twin tail pipes extended through the lower lip of the rear bumber, the front brakes improved, and a host of other subtle improvements -- and a stir your own transmission.
I can only assume further improvements in the breed will arrive for the 2003 model year (A6) which is probably what I will get, but not before I test drive a new generation S4, if such a puppy is available by then. Having had an A8, I can tell you it is (was) a wonderful car, but I want a bit more involvement when I drive, hence my mild regret at getting another 4.2 (which I am sure you know is auto only). The emphasis is on the word mild, BTW.
Anyway, even the S6, if it is only an automatic, would probably not get my attention, unless the automatic is that new and reportedly marvelous 6 spd tip (which I hear will be the transmission in the next generation -- to make it stateside -- A8, A8L and S8).
So, my itch to switch (my own gears) is, at this moment in time, my prime motivator, assuming that the car has plenty of "grunt" -- which I am sure you know, the 2.7T has -- especially when equipped with the 6spd manual.
I am a believer in following the dictates of your heart when it comes to emotional purchases. Accordingly, if you want crystal blue, wait for it. As regards silver: I am biased and, therefore, not a reliable source of opinion: we recently took delivery of our first silver A6.
Of course, we could consult Homer; that, however, would require a seance.
Good luck with your purchase; we should all be so fortunate to be faced with such a dilemma.
When the "check engine" light on my other car came on I took the car to the dealer. Turns out the lanyard that held the gas cap was caught between the cap and the filler - preventing a tight seal of the gas cap. Since I had just had the Audi filled (full service only in NJ) I suspected the same problem. I pulled off at the next service area and sure enough the cap was loose. The "check engine" light didn't go out right away but I was comfortable continuing on. We stopped for lunch a while later and after lunch the light was out and remained out.
As far as the ride is concerned I set the cruise at about 75 when traffic was light and still got passed by a few folks. Seems like the craziest drivers out there are in small Chevy pickups and Ford Tauruses. If you're still on the fence regarding which car to buy a road trip will sell you on the Audi - comfortable, powerful, and a pleasure to drive in the inclement weather which dogged us on the trip south.
If you live in the northeast and don't have EZ Pass you should get it. For those of you who don't have tolls - EZ Pass is electronic toll collecting that has been adopted by most states in the northeast. A plastic encased device fastens with velcro on the windshield behind the rear view mirror. Lanes at the toll areas are reserved for EZ Pass holders and you can drive through at about 15 mph. The same transponder is compatible with MA, NY, and NJ tolls.
One of the decision factors is the the end of lease experience, and they are wondering if anyone can tell us their Audi experience. We've heard horror stories about dealers, such as Nissan and even VW, gouging fee and penalties costing thousands of dollars. The only lease experiences they have had were Mercedes, and MB are wonderful in that respect in which they don't charge any penalties for damages on the car that can be covered by a credit card.
Thanks
Fortunately, you do not have to read the actual statutes, merely review summaries of the leasing experience on web sites such as "Edmunds".
Suffice to say that any lease must disclose both up front and end of lease obligations. I am familiar with Mercedes Credit terms and conditions; I can assure you that they are no more favorable than Audi (VW Credit or a major bank). Since the termination obligations are explicit, it is fair to say that most who encounter lease end problems are charged for excess wear and tear. If one is diligent with maintenance, both mechanical and cosmetic, there should be no financial surprises.
One final caveat: there is no substitute for an informed consumer; the terms and conditions of the lease must be read and, if there are any questions, clarified prior to signing.
Many lessors use third-party companies to inspect end-of-lease autos. So there is some individual subjectivity. If any party were to try to stick me with something for which I'm not legally responsible, I wouldn't pay. Conversely, if I am, I am!
I've got 2 complaints about the A6 after the trip; the hard steering wheel and narrow trunk. I went to put my golf clubs in for the trip (the A6 is for my wife) and they wouldn't fit! There is 5 to 6 inches on each side of the trunk which is not usable for some reason. I had to take my woods out of the bag, put the bag in, and then maneuver my woods in diaganolly. A major pain that I never would have expected; I've never had a car that clubs wouldn't fit in, not a 300ZX / Saturn etc. I noticed the hardness of the steering wheel for much of the time I drove. I really missed my nice soft E320 steering wheel.
That's funny though, my dad drove the A8 and he said his clubs wouldn't fit either and was a main reason why he didn't go with it. The Audi salesman says that was the first time anyone actually tried to do that!