Audi A6

timcar · December 2001

http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/108682.phtml

audidriver1 · December 2001

I purchased an automatic Audi A6 2.7T this summer without the sports package. In general I love the car, but I now think the suspension isn't sporting enough. It doesn't inspire confidence in the turns. I have Continental tires. Can anyone recommend a cost effective way to put the sport back into this sedan?

By the way I experienced that same vibration driving over a very low curb a couple of days ago with the brake on. I assumed it was the ABS kicking in. I hope that's all it was.

timcar · December 2001

I too have a non-sport 2.7T, and would have preferred the sport suspension if it could have been had without sport seats.

Those who've done it suggest the following steps in this order:

1. Grippier tires, or grippier tires and 17" wheels.
2. Sport rear anti-sway bar.
3. Sport springs.
4. Sport shocks.

Number 1 can be had from Tire Rack (and many other places.) Number 2 from your Audi dealer. Number three from your Audi dealer and other sources. I'm not sure if your Audi dealer can offer number 4, but there are several manufacturers who make sport shocks for the car.

Each of these steps evidently yields incremental benefits in handling. Depending on the combination they will also change the ride. Depending on your preference, you might find it either harsher or just better controlled. If you follow the steps in this order it allows you to see if each step suffices or more is required. This lets you minimize expense. It also allows you to add to what you've already done if you choose to allocate more money to this objective.

markcincinnati · December 2001

I had a 1997 A8 -- same issues with the suspension -- not enough sport.

I ordered, from Joe Hoppen morotsports, an Audi S8 suspension kit (the car already had 17" wheels and 225 x 55 tires). I replaced the stock tires with Pirelli PZero's size 245 x 45 x 17" had the dealer install the complete S8 suspension and perform 2 all-wheel alignments 1,000 miles apart. Then I added a "sport" air cleaner -- the car "hunkered down" handled and rode better and made sweet sounds from under the hood when pressed.

Total cost of all the above about $3,000 (suspension, labor, tires, more labor, air cleaner) -- this car had the 5spd non-tiptronic auto, and the tip upgrade was an additional $2750 -- I did not do this mod however.

What I did, perhaps cost between $500 and $1000 more than it could have had I chosen to go with non-Audi parts. The suspension kit came in an Audi box with German writing on it -- other companies make "after-market" upgrades that are reputedly very good. Joe Hoppen -- who sold both -- advocated factory parts. My Audi dealer did all the work and I never had any issues, other than improved ride, handling and performance. And, I had the comfort seats that came with the car -- not the sport seats that timcar doesn't care for.

cubanaudi · December 2001

Thanks for your insight. My 2.7T also has the same problem. My car sounds like I have a nail in one of the front tires, but I have checked them, and they don't have any. It also vibrates at speed from 65 to 75 miles per hour. I was waiting to take my car in for service. Now I know what to tell them to look for. Thanks so much.

mariobgoode · December 2001

Guys, I am grateful for your input about my request for info/feedback about my intended purchase. Couldn't help it, but went with the silver with the sport package. Morphie, the wax didn't work, and the rope slid off from the mast. IOW, just can't wait 90 days for a new one. Life is too short. Will get it on Thursday, the 27th. Delay caused by insurance paperwork and registration stuff. The feedback about the lease also is very timely, Morphie and Timcar. I'll keep an eye out for the fine print. BTW, does anybody know how I can add DRL (daytime running lights) to the U.S.-spec Audi? It is required by law in Canada, but not here. I imagine there's an add-on that's plugged in by a Canadian Audi dealer before it is delivered to a Canadian buyer. I have seen an aftermarket thingie, but I'm wary of non-factory parts. Would appreciate sound advice. Thanks again, guys. I'm very grateful to you all. Bye. :>)

kjana · December 2001

peteri1 · December 2001

Kjana, I'm taking the wife to test drive the Q45,LS430 and A64.2 this Saturday. Winter is finally here. This will distort some of the findings as none would be equipped with snow tires (I'll put snows on whatever choice I make).

I have a feeling my wife will think the Q is too ponderous, despite her love of gadgetry. She'll find the LS elegant, and it is, but at $58K, not nearly equipped as the Audi. The Q and LS have better color options and higher rated stereos. As of today, I'd rate the Audi and Lexus as a toss up.

I know the Audi includes maintenance but I've had no probems in my 31 months with my GS400 and 43,000 miles. I keep going back and forth. It's my decision, but maybe my wife's non-automotive opinion may make me think of something I've missed.

I had the 540i in the mix but they just raised the price and I can't get over the gas guzzler penalty. My wife has never been in an Audi before. I drove an '01 4.2 about a month ago. I'd appreciate any words of wisdom. I'm on specification overload.

kjana · December 2001

peteri 1:

I've gone through the same exercises with mostly the same cars(no interest in the Q, though).

The A6 4.2 is presently at the top of my list, but I am disappointed with the lack of an integated phone and the crummy stereo. I'm thinking either Ming or Silver but neither thrills me. I plan to lease my car for three years so the bad resale value and the reliability issue are not concerns.

I nixed the E320 4matic due to upcoming style change, no in-dash cd, and lousy seats. I liked the vault-like feel and the ride, and the special edition gives you a lot of goodies, if you like black or silver.

The BMW 5 series is fun to drive but it's a bit too small for me, plus I want to avoid putting snows on if I can. Lease rates are attractive though. Interior is so-so.

I was a bit disappointed in the LS 430. I previously owned an LS 400, so I am familiar with the car. The Mark Levinson stereo is phenominal. Best I've ever heard, but the standard wheels look cheap to me, as do the console and controls. The touch screen Nav looks like a $35 video game, but is very easy to use. Otherwise, the interior, fit, finish and ride are superb.

Bottom line for me: all great cars; can't go wrong with any of them; but none of them thrill me the way some of my previous cars have. And I'm bummed about that.

Good luck. Let us know.

grogsuz · December 2001

Having had my 4.2 for over a month now,I have absolutely no regrets making the decision to get out of previous GS400.As a matter of fact the Audi has far exceeded my expectations.

peteri1 · December 2001

All great cars--no gotchas. When I got my 99GS400 it was a WOW. The AUDI only had the 2.8 then, the old Q was floundering, the BMW was still small and the LS400 too expensive.

Now, I want something different. I can swing the LS430, but I'm bugged that a $58K vehicle is still $10,000 shy of being loaded. On Christmas Eve, I'm leaning to the 4.2. They want $1700, before negotiating, to paint it in S6 Atlas Gray.

We'll see what shakes out this weekend.

carnaught · December 2001

...are great ones and you probably can't go wrong. What do you mean by "loaded" and what's the Lexus lacking? The Audis disadvantages include its lovely but getting dated, interior and exterior. I believe it's due for a freshening in the next year or two. Also, mechanically Audis don't quite measure up to the Lexus (I've had three Audis and on my fifth Lexus). The Lexus' fit and finish can't be beat and its recently updated with the 2001 and identical 2002; however, the LS430's styling isn't universally loved. The Q and Audis suffer from relatively low resale values. The Audi is perhaps the most fun to drive, along with the 5-series BMW which is due soon for its redo. Ahhh...yours is quite a dilemma!

mariobgoode · December 2001

First of all, you have to sort your priorities and figure out what you want the car to do for you: guarantee your driving pleasure, assure you of its high resale or trade-in value in the long run, provide you with comfort in its ease or economy of maintenance or operation, satisfy your need for utmost reliability, make you proud of its advanced technology, unique style and/or functional utility which no one else has, simply supply you with convenient transportation for short trips, etc. IOW, whatever makes you happy.

When you have set your primary goals, check out the cars and see if anyone works to your satisfaction, according to your criteria. Decision should be relatively simple. Good luck. BTW, it won't be necessarily easy, but mine was: Audi 2.7T 6M. Drive safely, and enjoy yourself. Mario

peteri1 · December 2001

Not REAL issues. I'd be an idiot not to think any of the cars are great. Here's how they stack up:
Q45--Pros: Not a lot on the road. Most features for the price. Everything conceivable for $60K MSRP. Largest interior--stereo on par with MLevinson. 18" wheels--out of the mold interior design.
Cons--exterior styling unusual. Trunk disproportionately small. Needs to be in sport mode all the time. Identity crisis.
LS430-Pros: Fit/finish/exterior color choices/size/trunk/reliability/Levinson package/image.
Cons--at $59K, only options are MLEVINSON pckg and 17inch wheels. At this price, I'm still not getting ten grand in options. Lexus in Illinois not willing to deal liberally. OK exterior styling.Ugly wheels.
A6 4.2
Pros--most car, fully loaded for $57000 (including special color). Quattro/driveability/maintenance included
Cons--reliability? conservative interior styling/modest sound system

Since I'm leasing, residual value means something. BMW is subsidizing big time--THESE three are not. Styling will hold. LS is in 2nd model year, Infiniti in year 1 and Audi has 2-3 years left in the cycle.

yousjunior · December 2001

Thinking about a 2002 2.7t with 6-speed manual. My one concern is gas mileage - I won't buy it if its lousy. Can anybody give me an idea of how the 2.7 performs in this aspect under gentle driving conditions? I'd appreciate it!

markcincinnati · December 2001

My 2001 4.2 now with 20,000 miles on it, returned 25mpg between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati yesterday (average speed 66 mph).

I filled the tank, reset all the computer modes and took off. About 4 hours later with speeds as high at 90mph -- the computer said 25.4 mpg and 66 mph. Used half a tank (the 4.2 has a bigger tank than a 2.7T -- at least in 2001 model).

While I hardly consider these Audis "economy cars" -- I also believe you can get good milage from them if you drive "steady as she goes." But the heck of it is, they are so much fun to push, you can really suck the gas.

If you can control your urge to surge -- I think you will not find the A6 2.7 or 4.2 is a gas hog!

Slurp slurp.

timcar · December 2001

Most 2.7T's don't get great gas mileage. My 2.7T gets around 18mpg around town and 22-24 on the highway, per the trip computer. Average around 20mpg. Those who've done the arithmetic using the odometer and gas pump refill amount, say the trip computer may be a little optimistic. With all due respect, even if the difference between the best and worst mileage of cars you're considering is 5mpg, what's the additional annual cost? How does that compare to the total cost of ownership?

kirby2010 · December 2001

Timcar is right on the money (again). On a recent trip to Atlantic City (2.7T, w/6-speed) I averaged 22.2 mpg. This included the trip down in occasional heavy rain, a few local miles in and around AC, and the trip back. Also included the usual stops and lots of toll booths! Average highway speed was 70+.

I bought the car in February and have averaged 20.3 mpg over almost 11,000 miles. This includes a mix of highway travel and frequent trips of about 20 miles over New England two lane roads - average speed in the 30s. Numbers are based on recorded miles and gas purchases from my notebook.

markcincinnati · December 2001

The readings from the in-car computer are as I reported them, and there were only two people and two shelties (small dogs, that is) in the car. We did NOT stop even once in four hours and there was very little wind on the Interstates we took (I70 W and I71 S.)

The car, even at highway speeds is capable of such milage, was my point.

I assure you all that my "normal" milage is -- depending on two things: #1 how much in town driving and #2 how much "urge" I ask for from the car -- between 17 and 22 mpg. Typical mpg is generally around 20+ -- and I consider that good for a relatively heavy car with a 300HP 4.2L V8.

The 1.8T engine is, IMO, very miserly -- but is not available in an A6 -- I have no clue as to the milage of the 3.0 V6.

mariobgoode · December 2001

I usually trust the EPA estimates, because of a few things: I assume they know what they are doing and there's really no other "objective yardstick" around, and their disclaimer that your consumption may be higher or lower, depending on your driving habits, the weather, road condition, etc. etc. That IMHO tell you that the numbers are the product of wishful thinking, at best, with some reasonable basis. Do I care about those statistics? Nope, not one bit. I just like to drive and as long as the car gives a reasonable mileage, I'm OK. I'm having too much fun to care. Enjoy the ride - life's too short to worry about the small things.

peteri1 · December 2001

today was a mixed bag.
1) i called 3 Lexus dealers (Very Competitive Chicago market). I asked about an extended test drive--without a sales guy breathing down my throat. i've got a license and, I probably know more about their merchandise than they do. They ALL said no!! They'd make a sales associate available for about an hour! My long-term driving won't involve a sales associate.

2) I tried the same with Audi. This was with 2 dealers where I had established a dialogue. One hasn't returned my two calls (six hours) and the other said his 4.2 hadn't been PDI'd yet. Isn't that done at the port nowadays?

3) I walked into an Infiniti dealer cold and they're giving me the car (Q45-premium pck) from Saturday through Monday. This may be a by-product of real slow movement, but they were professional, attentive and polite.

Also--Lexus is booking a 52% residual for 36 months. Infiniti is at 57%. As the lessee, I could care less about who's liberal or conservative--the Infiniti brings in a lower number.

If dealers treat prospective customers with such disinterest, what will they do post-sale, when I need service?

Very discouraging--and surprising.

morphie · December 2001

I concur with Tim, Mark and Kirby on mileage. The 2.7t will return good results with steady state driving, i. e. highway. A significant amount of city driving will put one in the teens. However, Tim's point about incremental differences is quite valid; the impact is almost negligible. More to the point, any Audi will assuage the concerns of the most environmentally green viewpoints, especially when compared to the nauseating economy of the average SUV.

Perhaps a more relevant statistic is "range". With a fuel capacity exceeding eighteen (18) gallons, four hundred (400) miles between stops is quite feasible. However, since I am good for barely three (3) hours, I have not yet tested this theory.

markcincinnati · December 2001

Today, well late today 6:00PM EST, Cincinnati had an ice storm -- and virtually the entire road system was stopped. I cannot recall ever having seen a 6 lane interstate at a complete standstill in both directions.

I took a back road -- much less traffic I thought. I was correct on the traffic -- but did not anticipate that I would just sit there watching four or five cars spinning their wheels, unable to move over the very slightest of inclines. No salt trucks in sight, cars fishtailing and those that could move making U turns to avoid the afforementioned inclines.

Well, my ABS pulsed and my ESP light HAD flashed a couple of times but I had no reason to believe that I could not move even though I knew I had to have long stopping distantces.

So, I pulled left and passed all of them -- the sight was an Audi A6 'walking' briskly up the hill passing four cars with their wheels spinning. And, remember the A6 4.2 w/sport has 255 x 40 x 17" tires (in my case Yoko AVS db's -- but not snow tires).

As I passed them, they were checking out the car as if to say "how is he doing that?"

Quattro to the rescue -- I am now even more impressed with this technology. The icy conditions were the worst I have ever had the "pleasure" to drive upon.

Thank goodness I made it home unscathed.

cubanaudi · December 2001

Your story is probably just another testimonial of why to go with an Audi over the rest. Glad to hear you were able to make it home with no problems and no one broad-siding you. Season's Greetings from a "Cold" (47 degrees - low) South Florida.

timcar · December 2001

As Pete goes through his selection process, I've thought back to my own impressions of the new Q45. I thought the first generation Q was pretty impressive for it's time, had seen the new Q on the road, and wanted to check it out. Cars with 345hp get my interest.

Though I only sat in it, I was underwhelmed. Seven or eight months in my beautiful vanilla/royal 2.7T interior had jaded me. Despite press to the contrary, the materials looked and felt more plasticky and far inferior compared to those in my A6 interior. And I found the interior aesthetic too much like something from a video game. The ergonomics of an A6 interior are very good. Those in the Q were gimmicky and less intuitive. Though I'll take others word for it; the interior of the Q didn't feel any larger than my A6's.

As I said, I didn't drive it, but it's surprising that most road test results show its performance and handling as underachieving. When I first started driving the 2.7T, I was impressed by its solid and substantial feeling compared to the Japanese cars I'd been driving, including a Legend. (And the A6 sure isn't a light-weight.) Having lived with this now for almost a year, I think this difference alone would make going back to Japanese cars somewhat difficult.

The Lexus division of Toyota has fine cars. But to my eye, they're all afflicted with frumpiness, inside and out. This is particularly severe on the new LS430. But that's just my opinion.

Still when you compare the all-weather capability, beauty, value and driving pleasure of the A6 to the other candidates, it is for me no contest. The only areas where Lexus and Infiniti are on average clearly superior are dealer service and residuals. This is because both brands focused on these aspects from the ground up and have maintained them.

So, as usual, it's a matter of priorities and personal preference

markcincinnati · December 2001

As we both really enjoy our A6's -- I guess this is like talking to the converted, but here goes:

As much as I love Audi's, I think they are indeed very vulnerable -- or at least potentially so. Here is my "concern" -- when I read about all the cars that are shopped and discussed on this board, I remain generally confused. For example, I find it impossible to compare a BMW 5 series OF ANY pedigree to any (theoretically comparable) A6 quattro. The key differentiator, IMO, is quattro. If you want to look at a BMW 5xx car, I do not have any problems -- but I just can't get how an Audi 2.7T with a sport package and a couple of option packages can be compared to the 530 (where the A6 resides in price). I have driven these cars, virtually back to back -- and the ONLY conditions where the BMW brings a smile to my face is on a bright, sunny and DRY pavement day. And, even then, the 2.7T is a "more spirited" performer. Comparing a 530 to an A6 3.0 quattro might be "more fair" but that darn price thing gets in the way and the 530 just seems soooo expensive (when compared to the A6 3.0 quattro).

OK, enough background.

The concern comes in when you think -- "what if BMW would offer AWD on the 5 series?" There is, I admit it, a certain "cache" to a BMW that currently Audi does not enjoy (in the US, at least). If the BMW could equal the performance of the Audi quattro (which it currently cannot) wouldn't BMW begin to nibble at Audi's lunch (in the US, that is)? I know several people who have gone into an Audi dealer "kicking and screaming" for a test drive -- i.e., they were certain the BMW would be better -- only to drive away in a new Audi.

So, you see, if Audi's competitors start making cars that would truly compete, Audi might be in trouble, IMO.

That is my issue.

P.S. Comparing the A6 quattro to the AWD Jaguar, Volvo and Mercedes -- now that makes sense. But, what Toyota or Lexus or, Infinity or Acura is a reasonable comparison vehicle, if one ever drives in a spirited fashion on not absolutely perfect pavement?

nosho · December 2001

I have a 2000 2.7T manual with 33K miles. I do mostly highway driving (70% highway / 30% city) and have a "lifetime" average of 24.9MPG. Highway is typically 29MPG. "Exuberant" driving is generally limited to the highway entrance ramps.

peteri1 · December 2001

All is set for the drive off. Tomorrow (for an overnighter, it's the A6 4.2. It will probbaly be an 01 vintage--I know the updates and they shouldn't impact the drive. Saturday, I have a run of the mill test drive in the LS430 and then pick up the Q through Monday AM. By Monday,I should be relatively comfortable picking a new ride.

markcincinnati · December 2001

I am confident that the A6 4.2 will be your new car if you are comparing it to an LS430 and a Q45 (based on "all around performance.") But my question is, why not compare these two (the LS and the Q) to a Mercedes or a BMW or even -- egad -- a Seville STS?. Jaguar would also offer a competitive car, IMO, too.

I appear to be a chorus of 1 (or perhaps 2, including Tim) but I can't even conceive that the quattro feature alone will not convey enough:

1. benefits over the LS and Q,
2. reasons to believe the benefits are real, and
3. product differentiation -- the A6 4.2 is so different, that is,

to render the comparison "fair" other than financially speaking. In other words you are, IMO, comparing a fine wine to a fine Scotch whiskey. They are both beverages to be sure, but they are not, generally speaking, comparable. Why not compare the LS and Q to a Mercedes (either E and/or S class) with a 4.3 engine or compare the LS and Q to a BMW 7 series.

Again, from a performance standpoint -- perhaps not sheer luxury -- the A6 4.2 is incomparable (to the LS and Q). Note that I didn't say I thought the Audi was superior (for you). I just say that the Audi will "run rings around" the cars you have chosen to compare it to.

peteri1 · December 2001

I did look at 430-4 Matic. Outside of an extremely ugly exterior and stark interior, MB exponentially gouges you on packages. I'd be at $64K plus appples to apples. I also looked at the 540i--too small, gas guzzler tax, but a high,high residual, therefore a good lease rate. But it's in its final style year. The 7 series, being brand new will be at $70K and no deals. It would probably take three years to learn to operate it anyway. STS? No.

My final three will all lease between $825-$850/mo for 36/39 with taxes paid up front(horrible tax penalty in Illinois). They're all v8's which touch or exceed 300HP. My last two cars were the Q(95) and GS400(99) and both were dependable. The Q was a winter pig, but I didn't put snows on them. The GS with Blizzak WS50's has been a capable winter performer.

I would have considered the A6 in 99, but it only had the 2.8 at the time. There are more similarities between the LS and Q. From a "sporting" perspective, I've eliminated all but the 4.2.. From a saloon ride, I've eliminated all but the LS. As a compromise candidate, the Q rounds out the group. I'll get snow tires with my choice, even if it's the 4.2.

ffb13 · December 2001

i own a saab aero and have been looking into the new audi s4-----------
what has reliability been like with the v8 audis' ?
anyone out there with any experience with the a8 or s8 ?

kjana · December 2001

According to my dealer, the Onstar/integrated cellular phone option will be available for cars produced in March of 2002. The phone will be a Motorola V66 digital. No information on the cost of the package. My guess is around $1200.

cdnpinhead · December 2001

only because it has AWD probably makes sense in certain climates and/or locations in the world, but not many. Certainly not mine.

In the guru's own words, he's only recently (and rarely, in terms of miles driven, IMHO) been shown in spades the real value of quattro. Most of the rest of the time, it's a "peace of mind" issue -- well, you've got it if/when you need it. Okay.

The reality is that many people looking for a performance sedan care more about 50/50 front/rear weight distribution than they do about four-wheel propulsion when one or more of the drive wheels lacks traction. If you're willing and/or able to drift a car around a corner, that front-to-rear weigh/traction thing is a pretty big deal, even if only two wheels are driving. Granted, the number of Audi drivers who routinely (or ever) perform a four-wheel drift could probably hold a meeting in a phone booth, but reality rarely intrudes into these discussions. In a perfect world, we could buy a vehicle with 50/50 (more-or-less) weight distribution AND AWD. Audi doesn't do it, nor does BMW.

Until that's available (with reliability that makes outliving the warranty something less that a horror show), I'll stick with 51/49 weight distribution and cheer on those who would produce the perfect performance sedan.

Stay tuned.

markcincinnati · December 2001

After a couple of dozen Audi's in our garage (since 1978), all but four of them AWD and after 4 trips to the Audi Driving School in Seefeld Austria, I can state that the value of the quattro system is not at all limited to slick driving surfaces. It is clearly noticable under "low coefficient of friction" conditions, but the daily, routine-type driving is often when I appreciate quattro the most.

At the Audi driving school (and I repeat, I know they receive their paychecks from Audi), the instructors (who have not exclusively driven and raced Audi quattros -- indeed most of the instructors who are or were "win place or show" competition drivers at LeMans, Grand Prix, Pike's Peak, Motorcross, Cross Country, etc etc) claim they "used" to be fans of RWD vehicles because they can be induced into a "power slide" -- i.e., they can be put into an oversteer attitude. They claim (and wish that it were available) that an AWD vehicle with balanced F&R weight distribution would be ideal. However, in both the "classroom" portion of the course and on the "track" the instructors proclaim the superiority of AWD (and of course are quick to say "quattro" AWD).

In January 2001, Walter Rohr (sp?) was our "guest star" instructor. Over the years he has been affiliated with Porsche and Audi (and I believe other mfgs.) He took a quattro up Pike's Peak and set a record. He raced quattros (and AWD Porches) and often won -- or at least finished in the top three, often being bested by other AWD Audi's or Porche's. AWD (Audi) was "banned" for a time from competing because the cars often bested their RWD competitors. While originally not forbidden, quattros were said to have an unfair advantage in such competitions.

As they say, race on Sunday, sell on Monday -- Audi cars are not SUV's or merely utilitarian -- in spite of my personal glee at successfully scaling an ice covered hill, passing other FWD and RWD and even a Toyota SUV (the allroad may be the exception as it is marketed as an SUV "alternative.") The quattro system is a real world system, that may -- in the best driver's hands be bettered by an equal weight balanced RWD car. Most of us are good drivers. We drive in the real world. Dry, wet, snowy or icy -- quattro has an edge.

And, when the best "race" or professional drivers "race" quattros (or AWD Porches) they often win, too.

So, while I do think a balanced AWD (quattro or similar system) car would be "ideal" -- the Audi, today at least, still offers the best "overall performance" on the freeways, highways and roads that most of us in North America and Europe drive on regularly.

trejos28 · December 2001

About a month ago the "check" light came on while driving ('01 2.8). So i took it over to the dealer and they told me nothing was wrong and reset the light. In fact, according to them, the light had already turned off when they turned the car on to take it into the service bay.

anyway, it's now again. did i read in the manual that you can reset the light? and does anyone have any idea why this happened again? signal of something worse? I'm getting an "OK" signal on the display.

besides that..five months in and wow..first audi..won't be my last.

Thanks and Happy New Year.

mariobgoode · December 2001

Hey, guys, FYI. Check out the NY Times website in the Automobiles section. The Audi Allroad is one of their 10 best for 2001. Here's what they said:
"AUDI ALLROAD My test car's sticker was an eye-rolling $47,850, but many luxury utilities cost that much without delivering a fraction of the driving enjoyment. This sort-of S.U.V., based on the A6 wagon, is what I'd want to drive in Aspen."

Of course, they also said this: "Great cars, of course, need not be expensive. The comfort and manners of a $13,000 Ford Focus compare favorably with those of some cars that cost twice as much. It is hard to beat the driving satisfaction of the BMW 3-Series, which starts at $25,000. I can't think of a better all- around car  at any price  than the BMW 5-Series, at $33,000 and up."

Enjoy the rest of the holiday season. Cheers! Mario

kirby2010 · December 2001

I reported a similar problem a few messages ago (Road Trip #2144). My check engine light came on somewhere on the Garden State Parkway (NJ) at about 75 mph. I had just had the gas tank filled at a self serve station (all NJ stations are self serve) and the attendant had not tightened the gas cap - in fact it was barely screwed in at all. I had this problem on my SUV a few months ago and did take the car to the dealer. In that instance the cord that held the cap was caught between the cap and the filler neck preventing a proper seal. The dealer reset the light. On the Audi I pulled over and tightened the gas cap and drove on. It took a while for the light to go out - actually after a stop for lunch it was out and remained out. No trouble since. If you haven't filled your tank since this occurred I recommend you fill it up and tighten the gas cap until it "clicks" a couple times.

peteri1 · December 2001

Three finalists put through their paces in the last 24 hours.
Infiniti Q45-- a dazzling technology lab on wheels. Sumptuous interior. As we pulled up to light, my wife said, "look,there's a Q45 in burgundy." It was a Hyundai Sonata. I really didn't like the exterior looks. I also thought the trunk was woefully inadequate. The right seemed relatively precise for a large car--but it always felt like a large car. We have eliminated the Q.

Lexus LS430--elegant, tight, impeccable fit and finish. Seemed to provide a tighter ride than the Q. MLevinson sound system was good--but I don't see the need for excitement. My life loved the Black Cherry Pearl color. Dealership is close, long service hours, free loaners, car washes, etc.. Lexus reliability--I drive one now. The Lexus is in the hunt.

A6 4.2--I drove an 01 model. I thought my 99GS400 was fun to drive. This care blows it completely away. It's a 540i without the bone crushing bumps. It makes those beautiful gutteral sounds. The A6 is still alive. We'll see what the $$ look like. It will be a fully loaded A6 vs a modestly equipped LS430. The only faults I found with the Audi--if you can call them faults were: 1) It seemed like I dropped way down to enter the vehicle (I thought my butt was at ground level) and 2) No remote fuel door-at least on the 01 I drove--and the gas cap was tethered and just hung there.

kjana · December 2001

How much would the custom paint job on the A6 4.2 cost and how long would the special order take?

peteri1 · December 2001

The dealer indicated that special paint color--exterior only--would be part of the normal order cycle--4 months.

The Atlas Gray paint would retail around $13-1500, although I think I could get it priced on a par with Pearlescent White Pearl. No other mods-- I can't get the S6 silver interior or the grey burled walnut. My order would the Atlas/Platinum/Dk Walnut.

mjordanszd · December 2001

if it helps you decide to get the a6, i'd like to point out that the gas cap has notches in it that allow you to clip it on to the open fuel door so it doesn't just hang there.

a6 versus ls430 is a very difficult, yet fortunate, dilemma to have to resolve. good luck in your continued search.

nosho · December 2001

At least on the 2000 2.7T, the fuel door is locked when all the doors are locked and unlocks with the doors. As mentioned previously, the cap is not on a cord on the 2.7T, but can be clipped onto the fuel door while filling.

You might want to check the 2002 model to see how its cap is designed.

gooddesign · December 2001

I'm only asking because I know that my dealer doesn't do anything like that and I want one more reason to feel sorry for myself!! ;-)

Happy New Year to all!

markcincinnati · December 2001

Yep, I received a nice loyalty present from Audi -- a gift certificate from Neiman Marcus.

peteri1 · December 2001

It was close....lease prices a wash, but I felt the Audi had enough luxury to offset the Lexus image and the Audi is infinitely more fun to drive. The inclusion of maintenance and quattro performance simply cemented the decision.

I place the order this weekend and look to a May delivery. I gave the edge to Lexus on reliability, leg room, cargo capacity, comfort and image. I gave Audi the edge in interior layout, drive system, exterior design,fun to drive, and inclusion of maintenance.

trejos28 · December 2001

Hey you were right. Anyway, I turned the cap until I heard two clicks and the light went off the two trips later. I could have sworn I had closed it last time I fueled up.

Thanks again and Happy new Year everyone.

marcnyc · December 2001

Hi. I'm deciding between the A6 3.0 and BMW 530i. I haven't test-driven either yet, but could really use your insights into how/why the A6 "bests" the 530i. BMW fans usually focus on its handling--is it hype and can its ride be tiring after a long trip? Any other comparisons appreciated. Happy New Year!

peteri1 · December 2001

Which A6? I just chose the 4.2 over the 540i.
Reasons:
1--Exterior style
2--Dash layout
3--5 series is in last year of current design
4--Audi still rides "German" but less bone-jarring than the BMW
5--Don't know where you live, but if bad weather is an issue, quattro can't be discounted.
6--If you line up the A6 3.0 v 530i, you probably get more for your money with the A6
7--Both include maintenance.

markcincinnati · January 2002

Pick a single attribute that pertains to driving a car and one that is important to you. Indeed if you have an attribute in mind that you would consider a "must have" or a deal breaker, etc. identify this attribute and then shop (i.e., test drive, evaluate, check "value" equation, etc.).

For a lot of folks that participate in the edmunds town hall, well I would guess that we would qualify as enthusiasts -- and we probably (!) have very strong opinions -- you may too. Here is my take on the spirit of what is often said about Audis by folks on this forum and by the editors of magazines like Car and Driver, Car, and European Car -- but not Consumer Reports:

1. The BMW probably is or has "the best" in (pick one, based on the model you are looking into) acceleration, handling, braking, transmission, stereo system.

2. The Audi is often discussed as a whole -- and the conclusions are often that the BMW does "X" better but the Audi (in the real world) is the car that would be chosen due to the fact that it does virtually everything competently. When you put all the pieces together, the Audi inspires confidence that it will outperform the BMW -- even though the BMW may "out accelerate" or "out corner" or have a better seat warmer (or whatever the writer or editor is focused on at that moment).

After so many Audis in our garage, our "deal breaker," must have feature (the one that provides the most benefit and enjoyment) is quattro -- even the BMW's all wheel drive system (currently not on the 5 series) would be an improvement IMO over the current set up offered on a 5.

Now, to hopefully not be "beaten up" verbally, I qualify this by saying "perhaps" if the roads were always clear and dry and the weather was a constant 70F and traffic was never heavier than moderate -- perhaps -- the lack of quattro in the BMW would make it a contender.

The BMW is fun to drive, I have never NOT enjoyed my extended test drives in one -- and my wife owned a 1988 325ix for almost 3 years (but then again it had AWD) -- but day in day out, the performance, confidence (and safety) and value of an A6 2.7T vs a 530 or an A6 4.2 vs a 540 makes the choice for me. From a price point, it would seem that you should compare the A6 2.7T and the BMW 530 -- not the A6 3.0 to the 530. The A6 3.0 is less expensive and would be, IMO, not a proper comparison vehicle (because of the $ diff.)

One editor said something like the following, ". . .while not a clear winner in any category, the Audi is greater than the sum of its parts [sic]." That pretty well sums it up for a lot of us participants on this forum.

At this very moment, Pete can probably regail you with his process and how he arrived at the Audi A6 4.2 buy decision.

markcincinnati · January 2002

Anyone know where ON*STAR is and when it is coming?

Audi A6

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