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Audi A6 Wagons
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Comments
George
Regarding the Audi Quattro. This is the most advanceed AWD system available on the market. Audi has repeatedly won GT events and dominates the GT cicuit using the Quattro equiped S4's.
I have not heard of subaru or volvo come out with an equivalent to the Audi Quattro. There is a reason why Audi controlls so much market share in this class of car. If you are concerned with the A4 or A6 being "sluggish," why are you giving the Volvo or subaru as alternatives? These cars are pretty heavy for their size and these are even more sluggish, by your standards, than the A6 and even the A4.
If you want a car that is faster than the A6 you should be thinking BMW M3, Audi S4, or even Acura 3.2L "s" series. Out of all these only Audi offers All wheel Drive.
Regards-
Seth
On the other hand, an A6 sedan can be purchased in the States with three engine choices: the above mentioned V6, a 2.7L biturbo 250hp V6, or a 4.2 L V8 with 300 ponies under the hood !
Having set that straight, the current Passat (B5 platform) wagon available in the States for the last 2 years comes only with one engine option: the same 2.8 L DOHC V6 with 5 valves / cylinder 200 hp. The previous generation Passats (B4 platform) had a VR6 and it is still currently found in the fourth generation Jettas(AKA Boras in Europe) with ~170 hp. The reason the VR6 engine was not used in the current B5 Passat was due to the fact that it was being designed off the same platform as the current A4 (which also has the same 200 hp V6 engine), thus it was easier/more cost effective to use the same engine.
George
Of course, in Europe the A4, A6 and Passat wagons can all be purchased with a variety of engine options including a 1.9L TDI !
Remember that the Avants V6 engine is the same as that found in the 2.8 A4 avants which weigh at least 500 lbs less. Thus the A4's power to weight ratio is more favorable. The A6 sedans 2.7 L biturbo would be better suited for the wagon since it approaches almost 4000#s !!
I'd get the 2.7T if it were available, but given the option, I'm delighted with my choice.
It isn't really necessary, but I want to back up glxwagon4mo in that the A6 has 2.7T, 2.8 and 4.2 in the US (but not the Avant). The Passat doesn't use the VR6 any more either.
In other words, idrivequattro was way off and glxwagon4mo spot on.
Allroad is good, perhaps good enough for me. Quite good offroad, but the air suspension adds significant weight and hinders the 0-60 times and braking distances. Too bad as the air suspension is very desirable. Note the air suspension takes 1 minute to drop from full height to bottom and 2 to go back up. Bummer. No lowrider tricks for this car.
Possibly too good offroad for the market it faces. Tradeoffs similar to the X5 might have been a better idea.
Initial reports are good on it.
Thanks.
I don't know the Chicago area zone manager, but I'd start from the top and work back down. Actually, I'll put in an email to a friend who just gave the Chicago area zone manager a nice gift for the help he got from Audi a couple weeks ago. Maybe he can give me contact info.
Current Passat wagons are available with either the 2.8 V6 (GLS or GLX) or the 1.8T (GLS).
If you want the 4motion, as of today you must get the GLX.
George
Although which imports offer wagons?
Audi
MB
VW
Subaru
BMW
By saying that with the exception of MB, Audi is the only foreign car company to not offer a manual for their wagon, you imply it's somehow an oddity. When actually, 40% of companies don't!
Note also that BMW doesn't offer a stick on the 540i wagon. Odd.
No stick on Passat with 4-motion (wagon or sedan) either.
Could I interest you in a Subaru Outback or an Audi A6 allroad? You can get those with sticks.
P.S. Why does Saab come up on Edmunds spellcheck list of unknown words?
I'll do my hail mary's tomorrow.
Saab does offer 9-5's (even Aeros) with sticks. Good for them. However, considering I've never seen a recent Saab wagon, let along one with a stick, I'm guessing they sell so few that they lose money on them. Not that a consumer should care. Let's hope GM doesn't notice and kill the car, as Honda and Toyota have done recently with their wagons.
At any rate, I ended up choosing the A6 and I have been very happy with it. There have been zero problems or glitches. The interior is luxurious, the seats very comfortable with excellent lumbar support, dashboard controls are well-designed and ergonomic. The standard retractable dog gate is fabulous. My one main criticim is that the avant comes in only one engine option. I would have preferred a bit more power and pickup for those tricky highway traffic maneuverings. Other room for improvement - the cup-holders aren't great. I should have opted for the stereo system upgrade as the default is not super quality. However, these things are minor. Oh yes, the car in stock had xenon headlights although I wouldn't have chosen them. I love them!I would recommend to everyone getting any new car to get the xenons. Everything is so well-lit, although mine needed to be slightly adjusted. I would also recommend the rear cargo mat from Clair Auto parts. I hope this post helps some car shoppers.
I have a 1999 Audi A-6 Avant wagon. I agree with the previous message describing the A-6. It is a supurb long distance traveling car... has great storage space... I am leasing mine and am willing to talk via email with anyone who has questions about the A-6. jim1717@i2k.com
The additives in some gasoline (like Techron, but not necessarily Techron) plus the sulfur in American gas reacts with the metal the fuel level sensors (made by VDO) were made of. This coats the sensors and makes them operate incorrectly.
The replacement units are changed somehow (probably a different metal) to not have the problem.
Solution, at least for Benz cars, is the application of Benz OEM brake pad paste. Works instantly.
Those I know who've driven both say the Audi (and the VW I trust) are much more refined than the Volvo: tighter build quality, better ride & handling. I'm very wary of Volvo auto trans. from what I hear from a friend in the car biz; many of the Volvo trades they get reportedly have trannies on the way out. Maintenance is critical on any of these cars.
A6 Avant:
-Just a tad sluggish in the 0-30 starts
-richer interior!!
-seemed a little more quite at the various speeds (although I have too admit that both are very quite inside!)
-just a little roomier in the back seat -- but again both have considerable leg room in the back compared to the competitors
-few more safety items: available Xenons, rear seat side air bags, (the side air curtain are now avail with the Passat)
-avail OEM nav system
-better BTB warranty 4yr/50K
-prob more likely to encounter good service
Passat:
-despite its lower price tag, it still feels very solid and well built!
-The 0-30, and 0-60 times seem a bit quicker
-have multifunction steering wheel on the '01 and up models
-just a bit more cargo room (with the rear seats up)
For us the $7-10K premium on the Audi was not worth it. But, I know others that wanted some of the other items only available on the A6 and/or the perks that went along with owning a luxury brand.
You should note that the '01.5 redesigned Passat gives it a more upscale appearance (chrome trim now in use) and probably narrows the luxo feel just a bit! Definitely woth checking out especially if you are not being pressed to buy soon!
George
The only negative is:skip the third seat. Its a joke.
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Station Wagons.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
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Revka
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