Audi A6 - anyone have one?

[peritus]

I want to buy a 2004 Audi A6 2.7T. I don't know much about them other than reviews I've read on the net.

Does anyone here endorse my decision? Any comments, suggestions?

My objective is to get a comfy, spacious, (relatively) economical, kinda sporty, very reliable 4 season car.

All these above things, my 911 is not...

[Scott R]

I have an 03 A6 Allroad 2.7 bi-turbo, mileage is OK for a full size car, about 22-24 for my commute, the power of the bi-turbo is amazing, even for a sleeper station wagon. It's comfy for a 6' 2" in tall guy, spacious, all four main passenger seats are heated, dual climate control, quiet, yadda, yadda. I wish I had something negative to say, however we are a two Audi one Porsche household and have been for years.

I guess one downside is that I just had to have the 60k done, it was like $1800 for the t-belts, water pump etc. Just like a 944 belt job, only a lot more expensive.

[peritus]

Thanks for the input!

In general, how do you find the reliability, maintenance, other than regular 60k, etc. How does it compare to a more mainstream car, like a VW?

How good are the engines for high mileage expectations? With a twin turbo, I immediately think: ultra-high compression and shorter lifespan... Is this so? Treating it respectfully, would you expect to get 200k out of it?

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by peritus

Thanks for the input!

In general, how do you find the reliability, maintenance, other than regular 60k, etc. How does it compare to a more mainstream car, like a VW?

How good are the engines for high mileage expectations? With a twin turbo, I immediately think: ultra-high compression and shorter lifespan... Is this so? Treating it respectfully, would you expect to get 200k out of it?

I think the 2.7 is actually lower compression, but experts can chime in. Honestly I haven't in many years had any issues beyond a check engine light. We are on our fourth A4 and second A6, however one of the A4's was actually an S4.

I don't expect my A6 to go to 200k, I'll be honest, but I just don't keep cars that long, in fact 60k is almost a new record for me. I probably wouldn't even entertain 60k, but they stopped selling the Allroad in the US to try and boost Q7 sales.

I don't have issues, however I have heard some real angry people on the service drive before. When I dropped of the 07 A4 last week for it's 5k there was a guy with A4 1.8 that had a new engine coming his way, sludging issue from what I overheard.

I guess my expectations are low.

[nostatic]

Audis are great cars until they go out of warranty. Then they can get expensive.

I will likely sell my A3 right before it goes out of warranty. Luckily as a CPO car that won't happen for another 4 years/80K miles. My ex has dumped a fair amount of money into her '98 A8 and it will keep bleeding her until she dumps it. Her decision though...

[Icemaster]

Get a CPO or one that still has some of the original warranty left.

Wife's car is an 04 A6 3.0. So far, minor problems that were covered completely. She loves the car. Very roomy, handles very well, good power and nice bells & whistles. I remember reading back when doing the research to steer clear of the turbos unless it's under warranty. I'll try to find where I found my info.

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by Icemaster

Get a CPO or one that still has some of the original warranty left.

Wife's car is an 04 A6 3.0. So far, minor problems that were covered completely. She loves the car. Very roomy, handles very well, good power and nice bells & whistles. I remember reading back when doing the research to steer clear of the turbos unless it's under warranty. I'll try to find where I found my info.

+1 I only have my 2.7t because it was a CPO to 100k, otherwise, on way. I was also told by my mechanic that most of the extreme failures he sees on the 2.7's are from extreme modifications to the software and or hardware.

[Jims5543]

I have owned a 2001 2.7t and now own a 2005 3.2 both quattros.

Do not own one without a warranty and pray your dealerships service dept. is better than mine.

Nothing gets worked out on the 1st trip it takes 2 or 3.

My 2005 is a electrical gremlin in the making.

Passenger window will sometimes roll down and not go up from the drivers control, I have to reach across and put it back up with the passenger control.

Sunroof has stayed open and not closed for about 10 minutes then worked fine never to give me trouble again.

Battery dies overnight in the garage for no reason then will not do it for months then do it again.

Yesterday when I hit the key fob to unlock to doors the windshield wipers came on.

5 Disk changer stopped working after 3500 miles on the brand new car.

BTW- this is all with my 2005, I leased it brand new at the dealership.

The 2001? I inherited the previous owners problems. Coolant issues, electrical gremlins similar to the 2005.

All said, its a love hate relationship. I love the car, I love the drive, I love how smooth it is, I love how well it drives in the rain. I am sure its heaven in the snow (we do not get much in Florida)

I hate the little nagging problems.

But I can look past the problems because its such an awesome car.

Just do not own one without a warranty unless you have a lot of time on your hands, your a good mechanic, or you have lots of extra money to pay to fix it.

[Jims5543]

BTW- its VERY tempting to get your 2.7t chipped, think M3 killer performance gains.

The turbos will last 10-20K miles once its chipped and to replace them is over $5,000.

Don't chip it, it will last much longer.

[peritus]

Originally Posted by Jim Cesiro

I have owned a 2001 2.7t and now own a 2005 3.2 both quattros.

Do not own one without a warranty and pray your dealerships service dept. is better than mine.

Just do not own one without a warranty unless you have a lot of time on your hands, your a good mechanic, or you have lots of extra money to pay to fix it.

I bet you don't write reviews for Audi Corporate for a living!! LOL

Thanks for your input. I suppose all cars have their issues... I certainly wouldn't look forward to having anything less reliable or dependable than a Honda Civic...

The last thing I need is for the sunroof to spontaneously open up during a snow storm at sub-freezing temperatures, by turning a knob on the radio...

So, I'm driving to Rochester tomorrow from Toronto to check out a certified pre-owned.. Anymore advice is more than welcome!

Are there any questions I should ask the dealer about the A6/A4 that are specific to this car?

[the]

Originally Posted by Jim Cesiro

Yesterday when I hit the key fob to unlock to doors the windshield wipers came on.

OK, now that's just plain messin' with you.

At least the car has a sense of humor!

[JavaBrewer]

I'm nearing 50K miles on my '01 TT. Not a single issue or burp. It's a former CPO car that's now out of warranty and being maintained by an independent shop. I really love this Audi for all the reasons already stated however it's due a costly timing belt refresh and I'm thinking nows the time to switch for a 4dr car. I'll look at used A4, A6, and of course a 3 series BMW. This is one car I'm NOT anxious to live without.

[Tim Hancock]

James, I have a 2000 A6 2.7T. I bought it for a low price from a fellow Pelican as it had a few issues. I believe the '99-'04 models are basically the same. It rode like a big wallowy pig with it's stock suspension and 16" wheels, so I bought 18" RS6 wheels and slightly lowered the car with an Eibach sport suspension kit. It nows rides very nice and these are very fast cars. I love driving the car when I want to relax (it is my wifes daily driver, so I get it rarely). It does incredible in snow and is just an all around great car. The trunk is HUGE.

All that said, unless you are a hardcore DIY type, don't buy one out of warranty like Jim said above. After fixing some intial problems with the car it mine has been trouble free, however the whole front end of the car (bumper, radiator, condensor etc) has to come off of the car to repair any of the engine systems or belts (alternator, power steering pump AC compressor etc). I have a lift at home yet I haved never seen my turbos or my power steering rack.....they are simply buried!

I think Audi builds a decent car, but repairs due to how much crap is packed in such a difficult way, makes working on these cars a bit more difficult than say a 5 series BMW. DIY work is difficult/time consuming.

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by peritus

I bet you don't write reviews for Audi Corporate for a living!! LOL

Thanks for your input. I suppose all cars have their issues... I certainly wouldn't look forward to having anything less reliable or dependable than a Honda Civic...

The last thing I need is for the sunroof to spontaneously open up during a snow storm at sub-freezing temperatures, by turning a knob on the radio...

So, I'm driving to Rochester tomorrow from Toronto to check out a certified pre-owned.. Anymore advice is more than welcome!

Are there any questions I should ask the dealer about the A6/A4 that are specific to this car?

On thing about A6's to look for is tape marks in the rear door sills, the way you have to paint them after an accident always leaves them stopping at the jamb. You can tell in seconds if it's been hit.

Second would have to be smoke on startup, I looked at several 2.7t's that ha a puff of blue on startup, dealers kept saying that's "normal." It's not really, and it's often a sign of abuse.

[peritus]

Originally Posted by Scott R

On thing about A6's to look for is tape marks in the rear door sills, the way you have to paint them after an accident always leaves them stopping at the jamb. You can tell in seconds if it's been hit.

Second would have to be smoke on startup, I looked at several 2.7t's that ha a puff of blue on startup, dealers kept saying that's "normal." It's not really, and it's often a sign of abuse.

Thanks! I just added those two things to the list..

There is a slightly higher risk for me, since I'm shopping across the border, due to equal currency exchange rates.

Yes, the warranty will be transferrable, but if there are any other issues, it's not like I can go to the dealership after work and complain.. once I'm gone, to them, I might as well be in Mexico...

[fxeditor]

Originally Posted by dmoolenaar

I'm nearing 50K miles on my '01 TT. Not a single issue or burp.

I have a 2001 S4 2.7t. I have owned it since new. Like David, I too was in a honeymoon phase with my car until I hit 50,000 miles. The moment the warranty expired I began to have problems with the car. First small things started breaking like the CV boots and the motor mounts. then my radiator broke, I needed new tie rods, and 2 o2 sensors went bad. Now I am leaking oil like like the Exxon Valdez, my center console LED display is almost completely dead and it looks like I am going to need a new torque converter! All on a car that has less than 90k miles on it! I am sick of spending thousands repairing this POS and will be offloading it as soon as I (my shop) can find the mystery oil leak. It's a shame because my S is re really nice car. I love the power, handling, and style of it. I am just sick of having a money pit that is in the shop more often then on the road. If I wanted that I would have gotten a 928!

[peritus]

Originally Posted by fxeditor

I have a 2001 S4 2.7t. I have owned it since new. Like David, I too was in a honeymoon phase with my car until I hit 50,000 miles. The moment the warranty expired I began to have problems with the car. First small things started breaking like the CV boots and the motor mounts. then my radiator broke, I needed new tie rods, and 2 o2 sensors went bad. Now I am leaking oil like like the Exxon Valdez, my center console LED display is almost completely dead and it looks like I am going to need a new torque converter! All on a car that has less than 90k miles on it! I am sick of spending thousands repairing this POS and will be offloading it as soon as I (my shop) can find the mystery oil leak. It's a shame because my S is re really nice car. I love the power, handling, and style of it. I am just sick of having a money pit that is in the shop more often then on the road. If I wanted that I would have gotten a 928!

In that case, let me know when you're selling it!! I'm in the market!!

The A6 I'm looking at in New York has 53k on it, and still has (some) warranty. I plan to own this for car for about 4 years, putting another 50k on it, total 100k.

Bad decision? Spend more now for less miles and more warranty?

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by peritus

Bad decision? Spend more now for less miles and more warranty?

Definite yes x 2. Used car resale is terrible so it's a buyers market - especially for a 4dr sedan. Go private party lower mile car and stick to your price.

[peritus]

What is the consensus on this?

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?car_id=215159327&dealer_id=79780&car_year=2004&dealership_view_name=www.sutherlandautosales.com&model=A6&make2=&start_year=2004&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&result_car_id=null&fuel=&search_type=both&suppressStyle=null&make=AUDI&color=&min_price=&drive=&max_mileage=&sort_type=priceDESC&advanced=&end_year=2004&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=25

[nostatic]

the only used Audi I would buy would be CPO that had a lot of miles/years left on the warranty. Period.
ymmv.

$15K to replace the tranny on my ex's A8 (luckily right before it went off CPO warranty). She's spent who knows how many thousands on various leaks, breaks, etc. She has had a coolant leak that has been in the shop 4x for and it still isn't fixed.

I love the cars, but imho you buy lightly used, drive them for a few years, then dump before they're off warranty.