Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
The reason why i didn't say that I love it is because of the gas mileage. I've owned two BMW's in the past, a 1994 525I and a 2000 323CI. Both were fun as hell to drive, and I got lots of stares from them. But, I had a lot of maintenance issues with them. I spent over $10,000 to maintain the 525I for the 4 years I owned it and $3,000 on the 323CI for the 3 years I owned it, even though I had 3-year free schedule maintenance on it. I had too many problems with the cars and the dealership. I'm 30 years old, but I look like I'm 21, so sometimes the people at the dealership treated me like a boy. Many times I had to bring the cars in for the same problems. They said they fixed it, but when I bring it home, there would be the same problems the next day.
So, I switched to an Audi A6. Why? I had heard that Audis were bad cars because of poor quality, poor resale value, and high maintenance cost. I talked to several Audi owners, and here is what I found out: 1) the quality has gotten much better since the 80's 2) they still have a poor resale value, but that doesn't really matter to me since I plan on keeping it--as long as I don't have many issues with it 3) there is a free 4-year or 50,000 miles free scheduled maintenance with the 2003 models 4) several of the owners tell me that they would not switch to any other German cars since owning an Audi.
I've always liked they way German cars looked and drove, but I was afraid of getting another bad one. I looked at all the Japanese brands, but none of them made my heart sing like the german cars--at least in the $40,000 range. In my opinion, Mercedes are too expensive, BMW lost my business for those reasons above, Japanese looks too bland, and never mind an American car.
I've had mine for two months, with 5000 miles on it already. I hope that it will last at least 5-6 years with no problems. If it does, Audi will earn my business for a long time. As always, drive safely.
Why on earth would you want to have the TV screen on at speeds above 3 or 4 mph?
I am fearless and the very thought scares me?!
I'm shocked at the cost of repair for your two BMW's. I owned an '87 325e and a '91 535i. I put at least 60k miles on the 3 (120k at trade in)and 30k on the 5 (75k at trade in) and with the exception of exhaust, tires, brakes, and tune-ups/oil changes (believe it or not, the 3 still had it's original clutch at trade in), I didn't sink a penny into either of them. Even the routine maint wasn't excessive. Great cars! Too bad you had bad dealer experiences; the two I used were great, honest, and thorough.
I have since owned a new '98 A4 2.8q and currently an '01 A6 4.2. Both had slight "opening night jitters", but were resolved by the dealer immediately and permanently. In almost five years of combined ownership, I have only paid for fuel and tire rotations/balancing. Of course they both were/are under the Audi Advantage plan. Scheduled maint notwithstanding, I have only made three unexpected dealer visits over the course of ownership for both Audis. Long story short, the normally aspirated Audi engines seem to be very durable and if you get a good one, it should be fairly resistant to problems. If at all possible, get your hands on an "Audi Assured" car with an extended warrantee. It's good insurance against catastrophic repairs. Good luck.
So, while I hardly think I am stuck with a 2.7T -- the thing is a screamer -- my dealer service manager told me that I should have 50,000 - 60,000 trouble free miles. Now I am not keeping the thing, at least I assume I will not be -- my wife told me so -- after the lease is up so I will never see 50,000+ miles.
I have read about the "early" turbo engines and I have had several Audi turbos since 1987 -- and they have all been (engine wise) trouble free. The most trouble I seem to have with Audis always has been brake rotors that warp and brakes that in general seem about 92% what they should be even when they are perfect. My 1995 S6 had great brakes and this ar seems good too. The 2002 S6 I test drove had the best brakes of any car period.
I would pay, if the option was available, for the S6 brakes on my next (or even current) Audi. Alas, from the factory, this just isn't an option.
So, whats the problem with the current Audi turbo engines? Or was this a turbos are more complicated and therefore. . .kind of statement?
Does anyone have strong opinions either way?
Thanks, Jay
My 03 allroad is nearly perfect @ under 8K miles, that is.
By this time on my 01 A6 4.2, I was on my third set of brake rotors, as I recall.
The CVT transmission is, in my opinion, the best automatic I have ever experienced. Nothing else compares to the response, smoothness, and acceleration. I believe fuel economy is also better than with a normal automatic - I get a touch under 30 at interstate speeds and 25.5 with long-term everyday driving. I cannot make a direct comparison, but that seems quite good for this car. The "manual" mode has six identified ratios and in this mode it shifts quickly and solidly - more than the auto-stick units I have experienced. This is not far from a real manual in that regard.
A Quatro with the CVT would be the best, but, like I said before, I would choose the CVT over 4WD if the choice must be made.
Some of the deasl are indeed, posted on the usa website -- check it out.
Also, my dealer claims that many dealers have a bit too much inventory, so if you can buy off the lot, you may find a bit of a sharper pencil.
Good Luck!
One note - the MAF sensor would light on cold morning and not other-wise.
Sorry not to be of more help....
So, the reason to get a new A6 today is your call.
There will be a new sherrif in town in a few months. The good news is that may make the 2003's plummit in price as the 04 day dawns. Or, Audi will do what it has done before -- it will hold the new cars in port until a threshhold minimum of 03's remain in dealer inventory.
If you want the latest and greatest, wait. If you get an 03 A6 of any flavor, you will have a very nice car, indeed.
What is the value, in dollars and time, of instant gratification?, that, perhaps, is the main quesiton you must answer.
M
I got another question here. I've been thinking for months about which one I should get, an 03' A4 3.0 with all options or 03' A6 3.0 w premium and cold weather package (both quattro), and I still cant make up my mind. I'm not sure which one is better for me, since both cars looks cool (dunno which ones better for my age, under 25). And obviously I dont wanna spend the rest of the time going through all the car's problems. If anyone can help plz gimme a reply or send it to m4d_cow@hotmail.com. Thanx
The A4's design is also a little fresher, while the A6 has been around for 5-6 years now and is due for a major facelift. If I was in the market looking at these two choices, I'd also consider an Audi Assured A6 2.7T or 4.2, very lightly used but with full warranty.
I got my 2003 A6 quattro automatic with premium, Bose sounds, and cold weather package on Feb. 1. Since then I've put about 5,500 miles on the car, and I'm still in love with mine. It drives great for a "sedan-size" car. My wife and I love the heated seat in cold weather. The upgraded Bose sounds great.
I've heard many Audi owners complain about the many a problems they've had in theirs, but so far, mine drives great with no issues (knock on wood). I've own many cars since I got my driver's license, but none has made me as happy as this car--so far. These are the vehicles I've had since I was 16 (in order when i got them): Nissan 240SX, Nissan Maxima, Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, BMW 525i, BMW 323Ci, and BMW 328Ci. Except for the two Nissans, I've had problems with all my other vehicles. The Jeep had to get a new transmission. The 525i had to get a new engine. The 323Ci had to replace the amplifier, passenger speaker, cracked wood,and new cd player. The 328Ci got some trimming replaced--twice, a new radiator thermostat, cracked wood, and a new VANOS intake system.
I will never buy another BMW again. The service man told me that BMW is not a luxury car. It's a world class sprinter with a luxury price. If you want a car that last longer than 50,000 miles get a Japanese, because BMW cars will usually have a problem with them by the time you get to 35,000-40,000 miles. He even went as far to tell me that unless you have money to burn or plan on trading it in every time it runs out of warranty, don't get one.
The reasons I got an Audi are because, it's roomy (I carry people often), huge trunk, strong engine, beautiful style, all-wheel drive safety, free 4 year/50,000 maintenance, I got a great trade-in value on my 323Ci, and paid $500 over invoice on it.
I don't know if you can get such a great deal on yours, but here is how I got mine. I waited until near the end of the month--a time when dealers are trying to close the month with as many car sales as possible, usually to meet or exceed quotas. Managers usually get bonuses on the numbers of vehicles sold, so they are willing to do a lot to get a car sold.
By the way, I'm 30 if that helps you any. Oh, I also drove the A4, but wasn't that impress with it. It's tight in the back seat. I didn't like the plastic lower body panels. The dealer wanted $1,500 over invoice. Get one now, Audi is offering 1.9% financing for 60 months. Good luck! Always drive safely.
He will identify himself in due course.
The amusing thing is that he makes the same statement about. . .Audis.
Go figure.
--'rocco
I will continue to rent (and enjoy) Audis.
It'll be awhile before one is parked at my home.
I have a chance to buy a 97 A6 wagon with low miles (65k) and in excellent shape for around 11,000. The consumer reports site did not have data avaialble for this model year, and I wanted to get any feedback from any of you that might know a lot about this model. Please, please tell me questions I should specifically ask about this car in case there are any notorious things I should be watching out for or any bits of information I should ask about. How are the maintenance costs? I do not know if it is a quattro or not yet. The edmunds.com editorial review says they are very slow - is this an accurate assessment? Is it noticeable when trying to accelerate on the highway - is it a major issue? What about the long-lasting mechanical quality - can i expect this to last another 100,000 miles with usual maintenance, assuming that the car has been maticulously maintained to this point? Please let me know - thanks for any help you can offer - I sincerely appreciate it!!!
Good luck!
Audis are expensive to repair. If the car is a quattro and is in good shape, I would think you would enjoy the car other than the low power from a dead stop.
The price is right.
Please understand that most of us on this board have had at least one Audi -- or so it seems as this is an Audi enthusiasts town hall. Also know that "eyepopping" expenses out of warranty for maintenance AND repair are fairly routine.
Also know that there are certainly plenty of folks who have had a good long term experience with their cars (Audis in this case).
This is a buyer beware situation, as was already noted.
Good luck. Is there any aftermarket warranty available -- and at this milage do you know when the timing chain was changed last, if ever?
Still very happy with the choice I made. 31K miles so far. Finally a warranty repair (not excited about it - just making the announcement) and a couple recalls. Dealership is excellent to deal with.
There is one additional consideration that I don't think has been raised which could reverse the way the argument is going. With certain car lines, one can buy a certified used car and get a longer warranty than the new car. I think that a BMW Certified car has a warranty out to 100,000 miles. So, the best of all worlds would be to couple this longer warranty with 30% off MSRP price. Here's how: let the original buyer take the hit on the first year depreciation and then you, the certified buyer, pay a lot less for the car and get a longer warranty! This would work really well on a car model or line that has a weak resale value(e. g., a BMW 7 series or Saab, any Saab). In that case a certified buyer could save some serious money.
Since depreciation is the biggest expense in new car ownership , this strategy would give the car buyer the lowest cost of ownership yet still allow him to drive a (almost) new car with a longer than new warranty.
Incidentally, when we talk about resale values I wonder what we mean? Everyone "knows" that the resale is high on a Mercedes and BMW. Everyone "knows" it is low on a Saab or a Chevy Tahoe. But, this might be an overstatement of the case. Most Mercedes and BMWs are sold close to or at the MSRP. Lots of other car lines are heavily discounted. No one, repeat no one, pays list for a Saab. But if we compute resale base not on the fractional value a used car retains from list price but from actual purchase price, maybe the German cars aren't that high in resale value and the American cars aren't that bad? The problem with this apples to apples comparison is the difficulty in collecting the actual purchase price data. Measuring resale as a percent of the Moroney is easy. But misleading.
M
The price seems a bit high and here's why. They buyout on my 2001 A6 4.2 was $29,000 -- if the dealer marked it up $4,000 (?) there would be the $33K again and the 100,000 mile warranty plus the balance of the new car warranty would still apply.
I think the 16K miles is the big draw here, so if the car is as nice as it should/could be, I would let my gut be my guide. Offer them $31,500 and if the car is awesome (in your opinion) take the deal for anything less than $33K.
But, perhaps a look see for an A6 4.2 would be prudent too (2001 model).
The character of any of the Audi models that are available with a 2.7T engine is VERY different between the tip and the 6spd manual. I have, currently a 2003 allroad with the 6spd. As you may know, I had had two A6 4.2's in a row (tip only).
With the 6spd, I feel I have given up virtually nothing -- I test drove allroads with tips and A6's and S4's with both transmissions.
Almost a night and day difference IMHO.
So, I would not be too quick to dis the newer 2.7T's with tips -- especially if you are used to the 2.7T with a stick.
Now, I realize that the complaint, so to speak, seemed to be one about the sport suspension and I agree that this complaint may have merit. However, I actually felt that the sport suspension post 2001 was MORE compliant than in previous years, and that the car was quieter. Of course, if lower profile tires, plus a lower and firmer suspension are attributes that your backside is able to detect readily, well then that could be an issue.
I just wonder, too, if there could be some comparison between the stiffness of a new car to an older car, just as much as the sport suspension issue.
M
I have no clue as to the Chicagoland price for a relatively low milage 01 A6 4.2 -- I just happen to know that the one I left behind was available with the 100K add on warranty for a drive it off the lot price of $30,300 -- but that at that time the dealer said "na baby na" for the reasons I cited (low interest, deals, etc make a non cash transaction "cheaper" for new, i.e.) Perhaps they were mistaken, it could happen. Again I merely advocate "to shop."
This would translate to a 2001 A6 4.2 with all options for $30,300.
As I said, the lure of the 2.7T was the low milage.
I do not know what the buyout was for the 2000 A6 since I had a 27 month lease and traded it in @ about 20 months on the 01 A6 4.2 w/sport pkg.
To repeat, I am in no way suggesting anything other than to "shop." I think the 2.7T mentioned at any price less than $33K would be just dandy, money wise.
uwscarguy,
That V8 is just a smaller version of the one in the A8 already. In the A8 it a 3.7L.
M
M
PC
PC
Both the 4.2 and allroad specifically say, depending on how you build it -- multi-function steering wheel. I couldn't make a 2.7T have one.
Now this is strange and I'll bet it comes with one if you order On*star and the "factory" phone.
This kinda makes sense -- but the multi-function wheel does do other things than On*star and phone control -- I wonder why, for I have certainly seen A6 2.7T's on the showroom floor at my dealer with the multi function wheel, but I admit, I haven't seen an '03 thusly equipped other than a 4.2.
What are they thinking?
Or does it really come when you order On*star, etc.
My allroad has the premium package, On*star, factory phone and sat nav and Bose -- and it does have the multi function, but NOT HEATED ?!? wheel.
One year you can have it, the next you can't -- for money, you'd think they'd let you buy whatever you want -- but nooooooooooo!!!!
I did notice a week or two ago, while at my dealer, how the 3.0 cars all had them and the 2.7T's did not. At the time I thought that rather strange given it is a slightly more expensive car. I didn't see them having sport steering wheels either - just a non-control version of the same wheel in my car.
Odd, huh?