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Comments
I drove an STS for a while (Avis gave me a brand new rental with 14 miles on it...upgrade from a Geo Metro!). It was so quiet that the road noise and wind noise drove me nuts. A little bit of NVH (noise and vibration) can be a good thing.
Best thing to do is check that all your seals are intact (around the windows) and put on very low background music.
The A6's I test drove have about 50K miles on them. I intend to keep this car for a long time and I put on 8o miles a day travelling to work and back. I have heard that Audi's are expensive to maintain - just curious to find out what this group thinks about that and also how well does it hold up with over 100K miles ?
Thanks
I've read of new trannys for an A6 running toward $10K. That's not an expense I'd like to absorb. So, I'd investigate the price for buying a good long term maintenance warranty from a third party prior to deciding on the car.
IMHO, the A6 is in a different class from either the I30 or TL. It's a lot more car. They're compared because of price points.
I had a '92 Legend, and have an '01 A6 2.7T. I also had a Lexus ES300. As good as the Legend was, the A6 is SO much more enjoyable to drive than either Japanese car. You didn't mention if you'd test driven an A6. IMO, the first step is to test drive EACH of the three A6 versions, 2.8, 2.7T & 4.2, and see if they give you a special feeling. (Keep in mind for '02, the 2.8 will become the 3.0 with about 10% more hp.) If so, which feels best? Because if they don't make you not want to stop driving, you might just want another Japanese car. Though of course, NO car will be better in the snow than an Audi with Quattro and ESP. IMO, A6's are reliable. But statistically, no makes surpass Lexus, Infinity and Acura for reliability. So unless you get something special from the A6, there are good model choices within each of those Japanese brands. If you do get a special feeling, I think you will find the trade-off between almost perfect reliability and driving pleasure to be well worth the sacrifice.
I have not done any sliding with the A6 yet. But, I feel it is better to have ESP than not have it. You can always turn it off.
minutes (almost forgot the cold package... I live in South Central Indiana). He sounds
like a great guy, and I'm excited to get an early production date. Thanks for all your posts. I've
spent days reading almost all the posts on this topic!
My last Audi was an '84 5000 which I kept two years and sold prior to the bruhaha of 60 minutes. It and the Jag XJ6 sedan were two of the best handling cars I've ever owned, besides the 911s (I'm too old and lazy for that anymore!). I drove a 2.8 A4 that belongs to a kid who was working for me six weeks ago, and just couldn't get it out of my mind!!
...Know anyone who would like an excellent '97 40th anniversary Land Cruiser??
jim
A6 2.7T 2002 -- color, interior, transmission, sport package, wheels, etc etc etc???
Any clue on price or Audi Financial information??
Inquiring minds -- NEED to know.
Couldn't go wrong with the end of the year financing on 2001's. The lease for this model is $499/mo and they waived the deposit and acquisition fees. I had to pay a bit more because I wanted 15,000/yr, so with that and the options, my lease is $580/mo. After comparing all the models above I found that with Audi's service/warranty plan, I will pretty much just be putting gas in the car for the next 39 months -everything else is covered!
After coming out of a Honda Accord V6 Coupe, I now see what all the fuss is about with German cars!
After only a few visits to the dealership, I am already seeing the truth to all the comments about great customer service as well.
I did consider buying your 4.2, but the price was still high, I'm not crazy about green, I like the zip of the 2.7, and aluminum fenders make me nervous. Plus I wanted to be sure to get the newer, bigger brakes, ESP, and the other new things on the 01's and 02's.
I really appreciate your candor.
jim
The finance wasn't even discussed, but Blue Grass offered 2.9% for 36 months. I've always used credit unions before, but if I get a lower rate than CU's at Audi, I'll take it. Their money factor was .00077 on 7/4, so, my guess is they think most people lease, but I like the flexibility of owning. Of course the 2.9% was offset by the low trade-in allowance and nothing off the sticker price except maybe a $595 factory to dealer discount. NO deal.
I struggled thru the German site to see the color, and it's very hard to visualize the color, but I'll take what I can get. Took French 40 years ago and it's proved worthless!!
jk
My primary concern about an Audi is reliability (I drive a Honda Accord) even though it's covered under warranty the whole time under lease. The other concern I had was that it didn't seem very zippy for a V-6.
Any comments on the lease deal, the reliability, or the power?
If you stay on top of the rpms, the 2.8 will surprise you. I've driven an A4 2.8 and it was a blast to drive. The lease deal sounds good, 'cause for less than 16k you can live the Audi experience for three years, not having to worry about paying for anything, and those drivers who had no problems most likely didn't or won't post.
I had an Audi in '84 and the warranty work was exceptional. I think better than the folks at Porsche. Audi even replaces windshield wiper blades free! I've had a Honda Accord Special Edition, and while reliable, it did break. While you should go into any deal with your eyes wide open, get what you want.
jim
I did notice that "staying on top of the RPMs" made a difference. Also, I had 4 adult passengers in the car on my test drive.
I didn't get into the warranty details but is it correct that Audi does all maintenance free while under warranty?
I really like the car and think I'll enjoy it more than the other Japanese models I was looking at.
Jude
Of course, if you get ball point pen ink on the vanilla leather, they won't fix it free, but they do replace wiper blades, etc., which other manufacturers would say were wear items (you gotta buy your own tires, tho!!).
jk
It was supposed to be my "weekend" car. Now, I can't imagine why I'd want to drive anything else...weekend, weekday, holiday, whatever. I make excuses to take the long way home.
All I can say to ANYONE who hasn't owned an A6 is "this is a MUST experience."
When I first got the car, I thought it was nothing too special, just an upscale weekend/special event car.
Now, I feel like I'm in the penalty box when I drive my other car, or one of my friends drives me around in their cars (some of which are WAY upscale). Take the long way home? I thought they were kidding, but YES! Raining outside? OH, #$%! I need to go for a DRIVE! Sunny outside? Aw man, I need to go for a DRIVE! Night time? I love to see that red glow...need to go for a #$&% DRIVE!
Have you ever seen an A6 glow and shimmer in the noon day sun? Or pulled into the gas station to hear someone say "Nice carrrrrrrrrr!" Or, double-tip-downshifted and blasted past an imaginary obstacle, exhilarated at the effortless power in your hands? Or taken a corner at an insane speed with just a chirp of the tires? Or felt relief from the Audi Lady guiding you to that distant appointment on time? Or been content to be stuck in traffic?
It's so hard to drive another car. Wud ain't wood. Don't forget you don't have Quattro or you might throw yourself off a hill. Don't count on Parktronic or you'll back into somebody. How primitive! Having to reach over to change the radio volume or CD track instead of using the steering wheel. The angle of the sun just changed...need to play with the A/C controls. Knowing that a lone airbag is there to protect you. Plus, Audi drivers look at you like you're crazy when you follow them around in a non-Audi.
Folks, it's not just a car; it's an experience. A Lexus is a really great car, but it doesn't have a "soul", if I can be so bold. The A6 impresses you with its personality in very unexpected ways. If the market were doing better, I'd have a TT roadster and an S8 parked out front.
For ANYONE who's on the fence about buying one of these things, do it. I can't speak well enough about the 4.2.
BTW -- all the evidence I have been able to uncover (including a call to Ralph) -- says that you do not have a choice on the wheels -- they are 17" ers. Ralph verified this when I brought it to his attention. Apparently, he did not have his detail fly sheet on the 2002 2.7T at the time he was talking with you.
Oh yes -- with all those goodies, I "might" have been tempted to go with the 6spd. manual transmission (and since I don't know what the differences are in the Bose, I might even have gone for that too). My 2001 4.2 has the tip and now after 10,000 miles on the odometer, I do like the tip a little better -- but they "loaned" me an A4 today with a 5spd manual (while my A6 is in for the 10,000 mile svc) and I do like the fun factor of the manual even at my "advanced" age (50). I can't wait for the 2003's to come out -- my wife is now 13 months into her 30 month lease and I am 8 months into my 30 month lease. She will be ordering a 2003 TT about this time next year. These Audis just keep getting better and better all the time.
I have had very few "issues" with my car (now at 10,000+ miles since December 2000):
#1 I hated the Pirelli P6000 tires that came with it, so much that about 3,000 miles ago I replaced them with Yokohama AVS db's in the same size as OE (255x40x17") -- this I would say is a personal preference but the car IMMEDIATELY became virtually road-noise free and I graduated from a summer only tire to an all-season Ultra High Performance tire, which in Cincinnati makes more sense (we have moderate winters, mostly sleet and some snow). Again, I would not fault Audi for this choice -- but I do think that when ordering a $56,000 car you should have the choice of tires (perhaps 4 or 5 choices would be sufficient).
#2 For all the ballyhoo about the NEW brakes, I still find myself "annoyed" by the apparent lack of durability of the rotors -- they were replaced (warped) about 3,000 miles ago (same time as the tires); now the dealer wants to replace the pads -- the brakes still have a hint of shimmy or shudder at speeds over 70mph. I admit to fast driving (mostly on "rural" interstates) but I deny hard or repeated braking -- I never get brake burning smell. Even Car and Driver and Autoweek caution about the brakes lack of fade resistance and the fact that they are warp prone. This problem is a ditto of my 2000 A6 4.2 (happily all covered by the Audi advantage, but still "annoying" for a car this expensive; and my wife's TT @ 18,000 miles has invulnerable brakes, or so it seems). This factor is not going to keep me from another Audi though -- no way!
#3 A/C - heating motor had to be replaced due to squealing at certain fan speeds -- I also do not consider this an issue, S*** happens and the Audi advantage to the rescue and coincidental with the 10K service, so I still give the car an overall "superior" rating -- no kidding, nothing even comes close to this experience.
Drive a 2.7T and/or a 4.2 -- and, while I do think they are different from each other in many ways, these cars are "cut from the same cloth" -- and a very fine cloth it is.
jk
Also, the tip is my choice. I had manuals on five 911s and I'm 62, plus my bride will be driving it as well, and altho she's comfortable with stick, the tip is an incredibly effective solution to the AT lack of control of engine speed.
I have the world's most erratic schedule and wanted to call Ralph today to be sure he ordered the 6 disc changer. I'm hard of hearing, with two Siemens hearing aids, so, altho I am an audiophile (and Audiphile), the reports about the Bose perhaps not being worth it kept me from it. Ralph said the nav would have OnStar in a few months, so I'll just buy the bride a hand held gps 'til next time around.
jk
Ralph, at Northland Audi in Cincinnati, told me the 2002 A6 2.7T has a great deal of the look of a 2001 A6 4.2 -- flared front fenders, below the grill spoiler/air intake, etc. Now this tells me that it would be possible for the tire size to be 255 x 40 x 17. But, based on past experience with Audi's, they will probably have a somewhat smaller tire -- perhaps a 225, maybe even as big as a 245 with the profile appropriately factored in (perhaps as low as 45, but I cannot imagine higher than 50).
As I said, I (at age 50, if that has any relevance) have always preferred manual transmissions -- my wife's 6spd manual TT is a blast, my 1995 S6 (also manual) was terrific! My 1997 A8 had a non-tip 5spd AT and, beats me why, I never took to it. My 1999, 2000 and 2001 A6's all have had 5spd Tip-AT's and just now I am starting to "not mind" and actually enjoy (a bit) the transmission -- and, having read about the upcoming 6spd tip (not the multitronic) that will be on the A8's (which means "coming soon" to the A6's), well (shhhh don't tell anyone) I can't wait.
I read that the 6spd tip, unlike the multitronic, still has perceptable shift points, weighs 44 pounds less (than the current 5spd tip) and can handle much greater torque (which means, in theory at least, the Audi's will have more powerful engines mated to this transmission). I read, about this transmission, that it will equal the quickness of the manual transmission, but gives up a small amount of economy (which apparently the multitronic does NOT do). The multitronic must have some torque limitations at present which may account for its lack of availability on any of the higher performance Audi's -- in fact, I do not believe it will be available on the US bound quattros at least at first.
Anyway, I completely understand and at least partially agree with you JK, the auto transmissions (esp the tip) are very good indeed. On the other hand, choice is nice too.
I am such an Audi "nut" that I would love to have a 2002, but I am determined to wait for the 2003's, especially since, at 10,000+ miles, I have my A6 4.2 just about the "way I like it."
I expect full reports on your 2002 on this forum.
And, the first 2002's will probably hit dealers within the next 45 days (according to my dealer). Audi has, in the past, delayed their new cars introductions -- my guess is that would be to help dealers clear out the 2001 inventory. Perhaps with sales of the 2001's as brisk as they have been, this will not be as much of a factor this year.
I had to pay $1800 down for my '98 Honda Accord Coupe lease on a $25,000 car!
My salesguy even called me the day after I brought my car home asking if I had any questions.
The Tiptronic is great and the ride is smooth and very quiet. I cannot hear any wind noise whatsoever...whether I'm going 30 or 100, which is a big (and pleasant) change from my Honda Accord!
I love the comfort of the seats (the lumbar is great!) and the stereo and heating/cooling is in a convenient location and easy to access.
There is plenty of leg room in the back, and the trunk is surprisingly large.
I am very happy with this car and love it more every time it get into it!
I do have a question for some of you...what do you suggest to use to clean and maintain the leather? How often should I clean it? This is also my first car with leather, so I want to make sure I take care of it from the start.
Thanks for all the great information on this board - it is so helpful to get "real life" experiences as opposed to just reading a review from some writer who has driven the car once.
Thanks for your help!
Lisa
Another thing which is just common sense is to try and avoid parking your car in the hot summer sun as much as possible - this will cause fading and premature aging of any car's interior.
I've ordered items including Lexol from autosupermart with good success - here's a link to there interior section if you want to check them out:
autosupermart.com
Joel (in Mpls. too)
I'm not a street racer and like the "wolf -in-sheeps-clothing" aspect of the 2.7. Like the blend of perfomance and luxury especially. (But sure wish I'd gotten the sport seats-- lateral support stinks). Had been considering a Mustang, but this car blew me away.
Anybody want to give me their two cents on how lower profile tires and 17" wheels would affect the ride? Worth the cost?
not sure if that's a worthwhile comparison --the bimmer definitely handles a bit better but that's more the car than the tires i think. actually, i think the audi's performance on the std tires is another good example of wolf in sheeps clothing character -- seems soft at first, but when you really push it around corners it never misses a beat.
http://www.zainobros.com/
At 18,000+ miles, the treadwear indicators started poking through -- at that exact moment in time no GSD tire (which other than the miles, I liked) was available.) New A8's started coming in with Goodyear LS tires (same size); they were about $100/each -- so I bought four of them. Mistake -- like riding on oatmeal. A couple of months later, I bought 4 Pirelli PZero Asymetrico's size 245 x 50 x 17" ($250 ea) -- the ride, road noise and handling IMPROVED.
Then I ordered an A6 4.2 with 17" wheels -- it came with 255 x 40 x 17" tires, I thought the car would be rough riding. Not so, again an improvement in ride, road noise and peroformance (this with Dunlop Sp 9000's.) Seventeen months later ordered another A6 4.2, this time with sport package (therefore it automatically came with the 255 x 40 x 17's). Car came in with Pirelli P6000's -- car had much more road noise and a stiffer ride (the sport suspension, perhaps?). At 8,000 miles the road noise, two flat tires (screws in the sidewall from a construction site) and tread wear indicators now "visible," I started my research for new tires. Ended up with Yokohama AVS db (decible) @ 255 x 40 x 17" ultra high performance all - season tires. Better ride, virtually no road noise and no degradation in performance.
The "mix" of suspension, tires, wheels (perhaps), even the seats is the key, IMO. The tires alone are significant but are NOT THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT factor -- I would go with the "big wheels & tires" -- on Audi's at least. And, I would stop growing my wheel size (say from 17 to 18's) if the tread width did not increase. For example, the plus size for my A6 4.2 is 255 x 35 x 18" -- I would not spend any money on this, as I would think that the lower profile tire with no increase in width would be just that much more likely to be a pot hole magnent -- and I use my car on everyday roads and highways, so what little benefit I would get from the lower profile would be offset by the increased risk and with no accompanying increase in foot print.
I found out that the '02 2.7T sport package has 235x45x17" tires. I drove over to meet Ralph
and saw the Amulet Red, which is OK, but a little darker than I like (but I'll try to suffer thru it!!).
I added the rear sunshade, but just didn't think I would appreciate the NAV in its' current configuration. Another thing I learned was that the rear parktronic which I would like to have is now in the premium package, separate from NAV. Heated seats are a separate option, and include rear as well as front.
I just hope the tires are a good choice, as I hate to drive something for several thousand miles while waiting for a 'good' one to come along.
I've never tried the Zaino's that timcar suggests, but what I read makes me believe their products are quite good.
jk
What will change with wider tires, is the shape of the footprint. The wider the tire, the wider (and therefore shorter) the oval. A shorter oval means less bending of the sides of the tire, less contact time (ie. less heat gets generated) and more contact-free time (ie. more time to cool down).
Do you think it is safe to park an Audi A6 on a downtown parkinglot (Pike & 3rd) during the day?