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http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/NewsID/2040408.001/audi/1.h- tml
LIY
Here's the meat of this article.
"Are you tempted to buy a high octane gasoline for your car because you want to improve its performance? If so, take note: the recommended gasoline for most cars is regular octane. In fact, in most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner. Your best bet: listen to your owner's manual.
The only time you might need to switch to a higher octane level is if your car engine knocks when you use the recommended fuel. This happens to a small percentage of cars.
Unless your engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of money, too. Premium gas costs 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than regular. That can add up to $100 or more a year in extra costs. Studies indicate that altogether, drivers may be spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year for higher octane gas than they need".
Also read this to understand why the 3.2 is not really the true engine it should be.
http://autonet.ca/DriverSource/Stories.cfm?StoryID=12346
Here's the meat of this article.
"The V6 has only four valves per cylinder, which may seem like a backward step until you know why -- the third inlet valve had to be tossed in order to make room for a fuel injector. The 3.2 FSI, to give its full title, has gasoline direct injection (GDI). Fuel is directed straight into the combustion chamber, not into the intake manifold. The only other engine sold on Planet North America with this technology is the V12 in the BMW 760Li.
Like the BMW, however, the 3.2 FSI is not a lean-burn unit; that fuel-saving technology, widely used on many other GDI engines, is not compatible with our still high-sulphur fuels. Still, GDI offers other advantages which -- working in concert with variable cam timing, super-high 12.5:1 compression ratio, and a variable-length intake manifold -- enable the 3.2 to achieve an impressive blend of power (255 hp), torque (243 lb. ft.) and fuel efficiency".
So in conclusion I am assuming Audi designed this engine to run on regular unleaded gas that's high in sulfur.
The next obvious question is what happens to this engine when lower sulfur gas becomes available in the future. Will they need to recalibrate things to make it run with this new fuel, or will it just run stronger and more fuel efficient?
However, the Audi A6 does not offer any kind of system like Onstar or MB's tele- aid. The Acura has Onstar. Does this bother anyone? Can't understand why Audi didn't offer this on the 2005 A6.
Thanks,
Lynnminny
The fact that it has redundant power and phone systems is also of some comfort.
I do understand the reasoning behind dropping On*star as a "brand" -- it is entirely analog, a lot of folks think it is unnecessary, bla bla bla -- but On*star or tele-aide or whatever, is inexpensive insurance and the VA is a great feature "get my traffic, get my weather, read my email, etc."
I was wondering, if 1) the financing should be available even with the below invoice pricing, and 2) is this pricing good for this time of year, or should I try and do better. I live just outside of Philly, and we have about 20 Audi dealers with in 80 miles of here.
Ride and handling with 17'' tires was exemplary -with true "go where you point it" aplomb. Took it around and through several twisty roads with no tire squeal, roll, or other problem - also no rattles, squeaks or other annoyances.
Had never considered the keyless start, etc., but must say its pretty darn neat.
The car in question was "oyster gray". I would much have preferred the A4's "dolphin gray". Not sure that I can deal with that purple (plum) tint - but we'll see.
I like this car a lot, and believe that I'm going to go with it, rather than the '05 Acura RL, which I had been seriously considering.
LIY
Engine sound under full throttle was the sound I love to hear -- one of the sweetest sounds around. I know some would think it is loud or not subdued enough in this class of car. I do not agree, but then again, I love the sound -- under less than full throttle, the sound is virtually nil from under the hood.
This was "almost an A8" IMHO.
I can't wait to test the 3.2 version.
What most impressed me was the interior. I really like it. More comfortable each time I drive it. The sound system (Bose) is as expected, great.
I don't feel it too rough on the road as some others have asked about; but I'm not coming from another luxury car (this is my 1st Audi) so I can't compare. To me, it's responsive and you still feel the road but don't cringe over every pothole (of course I've already bought the car so what else would you expect me to say).
Its a bluish gray. Looks dark gray in the light and has a dark, purple hue at night. Nothing loud or tacky about it. I like the different tones depending on the different light...kind of like having 2 cars (well not really...). Anyway, I think you'll like it. I went by the Audi dealership today to drop off my old car papers and several customers came over to look at my car (despite the 5 other C6's there of different colors).
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23 is what the EPA Guide shows.
Anyone suggest anything other than a (rather large) error on C+D's part?
- Ray
Wondering if even the 3.2 (3.1?) would accomplish 30 . . .
Someday my salesman, in theory, will remember my number, and give me hope that the cars will actually exist and he can collect his commission.
I live in Dallas. The dealerships here have all received their shipments to the best of my knowledge.
Joshu, yes I ordered the navigation system. It is not included "free" as some have suggested. The navigation system is OK, but like all nav systems, it has limitations. I find it not useful in the city per se as I know better, shorter routes that avoid the busy highways. I think it would be better on road trips to out of the city suburbs, etc... I have already found some limitations on it, such as the entire city of Waco doesn't seem to be listed on it much at all (guess I won't be going to Waco).
Lately, I've been playing with the "sport" mode of the car and really like it. The auto "drive" is supposed to determine how to drive based on your aggressiveness with the accelerator, but I've found there is at times a mild lag when taking off from a stop when it tries to determine whether to start in 1st gear (for the aggressive) or 2nd gear (for the passive, gas saving persons). In sport mode, it stays in 1st and there is no lag. Its very peppy and fun to drive in sport. I suggest any test drivers try the sport mode when in the C6 as it may help you decide the 3.2 is more than adequate.
As to the mileage, my car is not getting even near the 20 mph, but its still very new and needs to break in before optimal mileage occur (or so I've read from various sources).
Gibber, I agree that the Oyster Gray is something you have to see in person. Photos are always confusing due to monitor disparity.
You get the great Audi V8 with 335hp and AWD
and this interior...
Steve
From what I've read it seems more luxury oriented, but I tend to disagree with movie reviews/restaurant reviews/software reviews, so I tend to reserve judgment until I get my hands on it
The deal does seem very attractive...I always keep an eye open for "bargains" since I usually assist others in auto purchases.
LIY
I know I'm not going to hit the $429/month I paid for 39 months/15k on the outgoing lease, but I could live with something in the 5's. Doubt that'll happen, and I'll settle for the A4.
By the way, I hate the MMI. But I love the car.
Color: gorgeous, better than expected. Not as "dull" as the web site, sort of a greenish tint. Interior: very well done...really pretty. The lighter (birch?) wood trim is fabulous in the interior. Sound: Great. Back seat is much larger than old A6's...with heated seats and air for my kids! Trunk is nicely sized. MMI: getting used to it, actually relatively intuitive. Styling: lots of gawkers, including my A4 owner neighbor who called it "gorgeous". Front grill is really great, back end is much improved over old A6. Features and flexibility in MMI are really good, seats are very good.
Highway noise is a bit more than my old 330xi. Ride not quite as stiff as the 330xi (no sport suspension on the 330xi) I have been told that the Audi with sport suspension will be about the same as a BMW without sport. I think that's about right. Ride is firm but not harsh... feels about right to me. I can "feel" the road but not jarred by bad pavement. Much improved cornering (less sway) over old A6. Power is plenty for me. I drove up several mountain passes in Colorado in the past week and can go 80, or 90...makes no difference to the car. Yes, you could get "blistering" speed in a 4.2...and you may want that.
Gas mileage rated 17/23. Think that's about right.
Sport mode shifts at a much higher RPM than regular mode. I probably won't use it much...maybe some around town.
Parking...turning radius is tight and it parks easily.
Could I spend less and get a really good car (G35, Acura TL, STS, Chrysler 300, etc)? Yes...only Chrysler and G35 (I think) have AWD and G35 is much smaller.
This is a spectacular car and one you should drive.
Will be tough to keep my wife away from it and I may end up in the mini van from time to time.
Cost for a lease is higher relative to a few years ago for the same car, I think. The reason is the residual on a 36 month lease, 18,000 miles is 52%. My sense is that leasing companies were getting burned with end value less than residual. My 330 xi was 56% residual on 36 months so, in effect, you are paying for more depreciation in the monthly payment. To prepay miles over 12K/year costs $.15/mile versus $.25/mile at lease end so there is a "benefit" to doing that if you drive lots of miles. I was told cost of money was about 5% but didn't test the calculation.
Got a quote on a 39 month lease but it was almost as much...because residual went downt to 49%. Also, warranty runs out at 3 years/50k miles and you may need to license for another year.
In my view, styling is much better than 530i and E320.
Each dealers here in Northeast was given a 4.2 as a demo several weeks ago (no 3.2 to test drive). The 4.2 was a bit stiff (and maybe a bit too loud) for my taste. BUT- the 3.2 is great - fast enough for me ( just traded '01 A6 2.7T) - the 3.2 is better: no turbo lag and it "hunkers down" and goes.
Mine is Brilliant Black with Beige interior and Aluminium and light Birch trim. Gorgeous; the contrasts are beautiful.
So - if you can get one, buy it - so far, phenominal!
Actually mileage rating is 19/26...I sit corrected. So much for my memory.
The original dealer order included parktronic, advance-key start and nav and I was able to remove them before the car was manufactured. He tried to talk me into them but still was more than happy to take an order for the October delivery in July.
I like the XM but travel a lot on the "backroads" of Colorado and there is virtually no (AM OR FM)radio out there.
Happy travels.
when i stoped by the bmw dealer ( before finding out about the 05 a6's) they thought that i was crazy to ask for some discounts off the msrp price.
the options that i want to include are :
ppx premium package
pcc convenience package
c0u 17ingh 9 spoke alloy
qh2 voice rec
awb wheel locks
which came out to be 46805 msrp and 43279 invoice
I was offered ...I don't remember...maybe a $1,500 or $2,000 discount on a 2004 5 series last summer.
Anyway, from a leasing perspective, the initial residual is in the low 50% range- pretty well below what was expected. This means that while the dealerships are able to get at or around MSRP on these for a little while, any type of lease is going to be prohibitively expensive. I mean, talking north of $800 as we've had posted here.
Now, this is an excellent new car. But....for $800 my money would go elsewhere.
I was also told, however, to wait until the spring if I was thinking of leasing. Audi has apparently whispered that there will be typical Audi lease incentives at or around that time.
So, this for your A6 3.2 Tip?
What is the RPM at cruise? 60 / 70 or 80 mph?
Thanks,
- Ray
Trying to remember if the 3.2 (3.1?) also now has the larger fuel tank . . .
Secondly, interior is not close. Infiniti is a nice, entry level luxury vehicle that is fun to drive. A6 is a full fledged, high-end, luxury car. Night and day inside.
If you could, might be better off waiting for the new M35 AWD from infiniti in a few months, as well as the new A4. M35 will most likely be priced slightly lower than the current A6, and should be more on par inside and out with the A6.
MSRP: 46,970
XM, 17" wheels, cold, prem pkgs.
$4500 down, .00215 MF, 50% residual
42 mo. 10K/year
Mo. Pmt = $616 plus sales tax
They are discounting MSRP by roughly $800.
I've leased several Audi's, and am lucky enough to have a salesman who not only understands the concept of not putting any money down for a lease (they all do, but few are honest enough with you), but actively cautions against it.
That $4500 simply makes the monthly payment look a little nicer. Still paying the same amount of money (and you can stick that $4500 into a bank account and draw off of it to help pay the lease if you'd like), and you are open to a ton of risk if the car is totalled or stolen.
Way too much money down, term too long and milage too low for this kind of payment.
The rates and mo payment and discount off list will happen in a matter of weeks or at most months.
No way would I put that much down, have that long of a term and pay that much.
My 2003 Audi, puchased (leased) Nov 1, 2002, was $49+K MSRP, 36 months 15K per year, NO MONEY DOWN, no sec dep and actually one month of Audi Loyalty money to make my first payment for me -- total Mo Pay $700+ for 35 months.
I know, that was then, this is now -- but with that much money down, your payment and the terms are out of line. Wait about 4 to 6 weeks, the deal will be better!