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Personally, I'd go for a cheap 05 rather than a new 06...
Lease price (not MSRP) is often lower on new car than old car due to higher residual of new car.
Cap cost often lower on current year car and if they are trying to move them there may also be some other forms of sub venting of the leases.
Although this discussion, thus far, assumes you are NOT paying a lump sum in cash -- regardless of your mode of acquisition, the things that effect the price of a car over time are the same if you pay in cash, finance or lease (unless you can get a 0% finance deal, then THAT would be a consideration since it is an artificial way to use someone else's money over time "for free.")
The differences in the car are slight. The Sline color change may be the biggest one -- unless Tire Pressure Monitoring has been a deal breaker or maker for you.
I'd get the one that had the best deal, personally.
One other thing, there is a NEW DVD map that is supposed to be quite an improvement -- one would think the newest Audi would have the newer map.
I'm going to beg for one later this month and see if I can split the cost or something with my dealer.
As a newbie, they look very similiar and was wondering if I did get a VW with 4wd, how would that compare to Audi's Quatrro.
Just wondering
I sure hope that nav DVD makes magic with the program.
Edmunds actually has the 2006 information up and available if you go in and look at the "price with options" on a 2006 Audi. And it looks quite accurate for the most part. The base price has increased but there are some former options now standard on the 3.2 (such as TPMS, 17" wheels and the wood trim.) Audi has also simplified the option packages along the lines of some other makers. For example similar to the Infiniti M the 2006 A6 now has a technology package with all the electronic goodies in it (nav, adv key, parktronic, surround Bose, etc.) When I compared my fully loaded 2005 sample and compared to the 2006 equivalent it looked like the price had increased about $1000+ on a 3.2.
There are also a few new options such as the adaptive air suspension from the A8, the S Line pkg on the V6 and a wood/leather steering wheel with paddle shifters.
My choice to order was based on my desire for the sport seats. My 6'4" frame appreciated the additional leg support. The dealers at least in Florida did not order many cars with the sport seats and for 2006 they are a "sold order" option only. Anyway hope this helps...check out the Edmunds data. It will help you compare.
The BMW dealer buyer said, "virtually no manual transmissions or sport packages are ordered for inventory." Basically the man was saying that these are difficult to move and although they should have more dealer profit in them, they often don't because they are the last to be sold.
"Customers want comfort -- the base level of sport and performance are assumed to be more than adequate in these cars." What sells is more lux stuff, apparently.
Even certain color combinations are not "regularly" stocked according to my Audi dealer. Further almost no sport packages are purchased for inventory -- at least for A6's.
My wife and I are so out of the loop -- we can't figure out why you can't buy a sofa without ordering it ($3,000 to $5,000). But people routinely buy $50,000 - $80,000 cars and expect the car to be in stock.
With virtually no exceptions we have ordered all 28 Audis and one of the two BMW's we have had in the last 30 years.
I must live in the bizzaro world.
The BMW dealer all but said they order a very narrow range of cars for inventory -- because experience has taught them to not stray far from formula: auto trans, premium package, often the upgraded audio systems and increasingly sat nav and sat radio.
If you really want to configure your car your way, the joy of ordering a new car cannot be overlooked.
Just a thought.
I had negotiated hard and was adament that I wasnot going over 50k! I told the dealers I don't care if you find me one with 5k on it, im not paying over that mark!
The dealer called me two days before the end of the month and told me I could have a new one, so long as it was limited to about 6 on the lot. They all were sunroof, "Premium" levels but none sport! This was about the majority and he wanted to move some inventory. THe lone e320 "sport" was long on the lot and did not move.
For me I wanted the Sweet V8 rather than the sport add ons found on the 6cyl!
The last Audi ad I saw showed a typica stock car with premium on it!
If you want what you want, you pay, if not, then take what they got. Im ok with that actually. does one want the deal or what they want?
My 6spd allroad was on the lot and I got a hell of a deal. I like to find oddball configurations and see if I can get a deal!
But wait -- the period wherein this can happen for free will be ONE year, not two.
Oil changes are still free for 50K miles.
They've dumbed down the deal -- if you want more than one additional free sets of wiper blades, you will pay (you get one with the car and one replacement set for free, then you pay.)
You could get one all wheel alignment for free, but that is it and I think it has to be within one year.
There is chatter all over the Internet about this -- I figure it is better than nothing and no longer as good as BMW's.
Mercedes now allows you to "purchase" this coverage. I dunno, but I suspect Audi will too. That is pay above and beyond the price of the car for the extras that we used to take for granted.
Seriously, it is probably my fault -- I used to get at least two sets of wiper blades per year on the Audi Advantage.
I think they're $80! One has to make up one's own mind how many sets of wiper blades you plan to go through. There are, after all, lifetime wiper blades that are sold -- I can't imagine they really would be good for multiple seasons back to back -- so I may be popping the $80 after year one.
Boo Hissssss!
However, wearable items such as break pads and wiper blades are only covered for the first 12 months.
My 2003 quattro did not need brakes at 46,000 miles -- the brakes on that car were never bad, they were just never up to the level of quality of the rest of the car. The brakes on the allroad were reliable and durable but just felt "weak."
Not so the brakes on the new 2005 A6 3.2 -- wow!
But warped rotors are NOT ALL THAT UNCOMMON -- and if you only get rotors ONCE and within 12 months as part of the Audi Advantage, you are correct, I would not expect this car to need them.
Yet, with the 2003 allroad as an example, if you can go practically 50,000 miles on the original rotors and pads, that does not seem like much of an issue.
There are probably many more people than I -- on this board -- who know the subtleties of the new and unimproved Audi Advantage.
If you asked me, they made a bonehead play -- sure the new A6 is a quantum leap from the C5. But, but, but, it has yet to be proven to be as good in the long haul (in the clinch) as it is after a couple of thousand miles.
Audi is apparently now obsessed with quality -- and I agree that it shows on this A6. But, perhaps they should've waited another year before "eroding" the Audi Advantage to Silver from Gold and apparently eventually down to Bronze. Meanwhile BMW is making marketing hay about thinking about "wipers, rotors and oil changes would be so un-BMW-like."
I get lots and lots and lots of surveys from Audi (the ones with the $1 and $5 bills in them) -- never, ever, do they ask questions like: "what would your opinion be of Audi if we 'de-contented' the Audi Advantage" (or words that while not as direct would lead them to understand how the Audi Advantage has been a big deal for the faithful for all these years (since 1988 in fact -- the "three year test drive.")
This is the beginning of the potential for the nickel and dime stuff that often is, in the larger scheme a nit, but it is the little hairs that get down my back when I get a haircut that I remember for a couple of hours while I am scratching my neck and back -- not the great haircut.
Grrrrr. To repeat, what a bonehead play -- they are doing the right thing from their point of view and too early from the customer's point of view. These LPS cars are getting better and better all the time and they get more alike all the time -- the Audi Advantage was, past tense, a differentiator that is apparently being allowed to wither.
Now that AWD is pretty much offered by a lot of Audi A6 competitors, keeping the Audi Advantage and even strengthening it would be my approach were I Audi's top management.
But, I'm not. :confuse:
Were you not "you," you'd be driving an Infiniti today. But you are, and you're not. They gave you a one-off deal to (moderately) offset the press they were getting.
Point being, Audi lease deals weren't competitive & now they're into the nickel & dime zone. Might make sense if they'd had five years to prove that they can compete in the reliability discussion, but. . .
It appears to me they've had five minutes, with sales numbers to match.
Gotta love it when the car guys with passion are trumped by the ones who count (both ways). Well, not really, but it sure happens a lot. I'm driving a monument to it.
Glad you're enjoying your Audi. I'm staying tuned. It's been four years since I was introduced to the brand, in Europe, and watching the parade has certainly been interesting.
Might look better than the excellent Sedan! As most know, in europe, 60% of A6 sales are Avents!
I built mine, and was actually able to keep the lease payments under $900 per month on the payement estimater! I know I could do better, but I thought it was funny as heck!
Please audi, give me a Stick!
I'm looking at a 2000 A6 4.2 with 55k on the odo. Are there any more "problem" areas you can tell me about? I notice that the front end falls apart around 40k on the 2.7T. I am looking to see if the "unique" aluminum suspension used on the 4.2 has had better longevity. I know the price for enjoyment on this car is going to be on the high side, but the car is just awesome to drive. Any info you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated.
Josh
I thought it was only a matter of time before the "everything" Audi warranty became a "limited" package w/ optional extras.
---driver's window operation
---driving "vibrations" due to wheel alignment/balancing/steering rack issues
---front tie rod end wear
---braking shimmy due to warped rotors
---proper turn signal operation
---check auto alarm during remote key fob locking/unlocking
---airbag light on in dash
---heated seat operation
---check for synthetic oil use
---hydraulic power steering leaks
---check for tiptronic tranny smooth shifting
---transmission fluid change(should be done at 50,000)
What are you talking about, BTW? The A6 2.7T's front ends fall apart at 40K miles? Never heard that one.
My issues with these cars have to do with making sure you get EVERY fluid and filter changed no matter what. And use syn oil.
Further if the engine has a rubber band in it, change it sooner rather than later.
The area that I had some troubles with in the 4.2 was the power articulated steering column which costs $1,400 and seems to go out about every 25,000 miles.
The 2000 and 2001 had brake rotor issues -- which are annoying as hell -- and potentially expensive.
Make sure the car is "CPO'd" -- piece of mind.
This may or may not be of interest to you but according to the brochure Audi will be adding not only the Avant for 2006 but also a new "base" level A6. Looks like Audi has decided to bring a FWD 3.2 to the US with the CVT, 16" wheels, etc. Of course the brochure does not have prices and they did not have data yet for this model concerning gas mileage or 0-60 times.
After a thorough comparison of the 2005 and 2006 brochures a minor item I noticed was that if you order the nav system you will now get a color LCD between the gauges instead of the regular "red text" multi-function display. I know that will make you want to spend more on a 2006!!
I think it would have been easier to roll out the updated site before sending the proofs to the printers for the brochures!
Come on Audi!
I would like to see a like-kind response from Audi with a tweak in hp. Possible?
As Jerry Seinfeld would say, "What's up with that?"
VW seems to almost fit the passat between the A4 and the A6, but its base price is only 22-23k! It options sup to 37K. I would never buy a car at the high end that is 50% greater than its base! if you can get a passat for 23k , thats a hell of a deal! And thats the 2.0 turbo engine?
My choice will come down to a 3.2 A4 Avant 6 speed manul which I assume I can fatten up with bigger wheels, maybe a sport version, or a 3.2 A6 and keep it under 50k!
Sport vs. Luxury? I think that is what it would come down to . I still percieve my Allroad to be the perfect compromise, but I doubt I can duplicate another lease for a price of 43k! I'll go higher, but will hold the line at 10% more on my lease payment.
Mark in Cincy you got both of the cars I am considering! Do you miss rowing your own? Happy to use the X3 to get it out of your system?
I miss the manual in the A6, but I would probably be fine with the DSG transmission that WILL, eventually, be made an option.
I use the tip more and more all the time and "S mode" on the auto side is almost entirely lag free.
You really have to option the X3 up to get it to have the appropriate luxury and then, funny thing, it is about $47K MSRP.
My A6 was discounted down to $48K and change (from south of $54K) -- so this may not be THAT relevant. The BMW is a great driving car (it REQUIRES the stick shift, to perform, however.)
The A6 is more lux oriented -- but you will not find the X3 in any way seriously lacking.
We have, IMHO, the best of both worlds.
I'm sure a bump in HP will be on the way for the A6, but it might not happen until the 2007model year.
The 2007 Q7 will have the 3.6 280hp V6 engine.
I have not read the X3 is getting the new engine right away. Nothing confirmed except painted bumpers, maybe some interior upgrade.
Patience!
Allroad needs new shoes! Yeah
Thanks for all your help.
John
The 4.2 is a very nice driving and riding and performing car.
I have had three Audis with this engine. Sweetest sounds in the world come from an Audi V8.
Even steven huh?
You can't lose.
It's a smart idea to get a 4.2 with the 6/100 CPO from Audi. I'd never fly naked with that car and be out of warranty.
Just remember that the gas mileage is going to kill you on that V8 vs your A4, and with premium pushing $3 gallon, it'll cost you at least $100-150 more in gas every month to keep that 4.2 running.
Going from a 1.8T A4 to either a V8 or 2.7T A6 is going to drain your wallet every month @ the pump. But if that's not a concern for you, put your foot down on the gas and have fun.
You'll love the A6, I bet, as I really do.
The 17's give a hint of a better ride, but it's not that big a difference over the 18's. Your sitting on a 40 series profile tire instead of a 45 on the 17 inch wheel. The biggest difference is the sport suspension, and it will make the car have a lot harsher ride if you go that way.
I think the 18 inchers with the regular suspension give the best compromise between looks and ride quality.
Folks used to the "boulevard ride" of some older cars may decry the lack of virtual isolation from the road. This is NOT a criticism either of you or such cars -- to each his/her own.
Having said that, Audis typically ride firm to very firm. Some say "stiff," although that is more appropriate for a description of the chassis. Oddly, the stiffer the chassis, the easier it is for the manufacturer to make a car simultaneously handle better AND ride better.
The A6 is a fine example of this.
The suspension and chassis of the A6 have conspired to produce a car that handles well (especially for its size and comfort.) The differences in the ride between the 17 and 18 inch wheels are minimal. The 18" wheels and A/S tires (this is a legitmate option from Audi) will give you good: handling/performance, looks and ride/comfort. The 16" wheels, if you can find one in country so equipped will be under-tired and the ride differences are not that much different. These tires/wheels no longer are an option anyway (I wonder why????)
If you are really into a sofa-like ride, perhaps of the cars that we discuss here at Edmunds (over on the LPS board), the Lexus might lean more in that direction.
To each his/her own, but, my ONLY regret at this point is NOT getting the sport suspension -- but I like less body roll/lean perhaps than you.
Bottom line, this A6 is the most comfortable one yet to prance out of Ingolstadt, go for the 18" wheel/tires you will not regret it. :shades:
a while back I had asked for and gotten a wealth of info on the outgoing allroad.
Mark provided a lot of really good insight on this car.
Last weekend I bought a 2005 Atlas Grey 2.7T Tip( I know not a 6 speed...had my reasons) and I have to say this is one FUN wagon to drive. Yes the tip lag is there in "D" but in "S" I do not notice it at ALL. I also found that if I depress the gas pedal before I start the car all the way that the lag is almost gone in "D" as well. I was able to get the car at a little below invoice and the buying experience was top notch from Sunsetimports here in Portland, Oregon.
I have ordered a set of H-sports which should be here Wed and installed Thursday.
I think I will stop the mods at the sway bars so as not to mess with the warranty!
I got it loaded except for the Nav+ which for $1800 didn't seem worth it to me. I drive about 10-12K/year in a city I have lived in for 16 years. I know where I am going 99.9% of the time. If I used the car for work I would have opted for it,but 2K will buy ALOT of premium gas and lift tickets to the mountain this winter!!!
Thanks again, Mark...I am looking forward to many years of Audi ownership FYI, I did not lease...I paid cash and plan on driving the car 6 years
That's exactly what I'm in the process of doing with my current vehicle. If the Audi long-term reliability reputation were better, I might be doing it today in a 2.7 A6, or if they'd bring the diesels to the U.S. . . However, I'm only a bit over five years into my current vehicle and expect/hope to get 2-3 more years out of it.
Point being. . .keep us posted. If you drive less than 15K miles/year, you have the ability to be covered by a warranty the whole time. I generally blow through the mileage limits, so actually require a vehicle that doesn't break.
Love Audis. Hate trips to the dealer, even if they're "under warranty." My time is worth something -- quite a bit more as I age.
And, glad to have helped.
And, to each his/her own on the auto vs stick.
You must know by now that I also have a tiptronic in my new A6.
My allroad is missed, you will certainly enjoy yours.
Someday, someone will explain why paying cash for something that depreciates as rapidly as a car will make sense.
Congratulations.
If you have a boat load of cash and can't be bothered with those "pesky" payments, then it makes sense!
Too much "opportunity cost" associated with paying cash for me.
Anybody remember the 5000 S? That was a CAR. And thanks to 60 Minutes reports was available used for a song.
Test drove the Audi, BMW 530 and Infiniti M. The Bimmer had the best ride, I think. The Infiniti had the best navigation pkg. So I bought the A6.
Tires differ greatly from brand to brand, and one all season tire may ride better than the other. I've seen Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental tires on the new 05 A6.
The sport suspension with the 18 inch rims is going to give you the hardest ride setup on the new A6. I think the best combination of ride and looks is going with the 18's and regular suspension. The 17 inch wheels don't look good on the A6, and the 18's make a huge differnce in stying and really set the car off.
But for those of you who live in the land of potholes, you may have to make a different choice.
Minus sizing will have to be determined, by you, to be of merit. Perhaps simply going with grand touring tires of the same size will be sufficient to improve the ride.
Of course, the sport suspension package is a "system" -- and this system does rely on the tires, wheels, springs, sway bars and struts working in cooperation with each other. The springs on the sport package model are less soft than the non sport and the car is slightly lower, the swaybars are probably about 20% thicker which controls body lean at the expense of some ride softness.
I would certainly ask someone who has NO interest in selling you a set of tires, for instance, what their advice on this matter would be.
BTW, minus zero sizing would probably allow you to go from a 40 series tire to a 45 series tire (which may also have some winter benefits due to the fact that it should be more narrow, too.)
I went with the 18" tires and "no season" tires -- thus far, however, I have pretty much enjoyed all aspects of the A6 3.2, but I have not pushed it handling wise to the point where I might appreciate the summer only performance tires.
UHP all seasons are, too, pretty stiff on the sidewalls, since they attempt to perform more like a summer tire than an HP all season tire.