mike cap

Everyone,

I've really enjoyed this past year of ownership of my 1997 C2. Even with the idiosyncrasies inherent in the car, it's been a joy to own and drive. The 993 is my first German car and I do like the quality and engineering.

I was considering buying a 2003 A6, 3.0 Quatro as my regular daily driver (I am keeping the 993, but it's only good for 5,000 to 6,000 a year and is stored 6 mos a year) and was wondering if any Rennlisters have any comments about these Audi A6 cars, good or bad.

If this is off topic for this forum I apologize in advance. I've read as many test reports on the A6 as I could find, but thought that this group would be likely owners of A6's. And nothing beats talking to people who have owned the car.

Thanks,

Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red

Randy M

I haven't owned an A6 though I did have a 2001 S4. Fit and finish on Audi's are impeccable. Interior appointments are on par w/ Mercedes. And you dont see one around every block like BMW.

David in LA

I've been thinking about getting an allroad - 6 speed, 250hp twin turbo w/ 4WD - a nice alternative to an SUV. These can also be modified to make 325-350hp with chip and exhaust.

The S6 is also an awesome machine and rails but too pricey for my budget.

The A6 is a nice car but the suspension is a bit soft and I've been told the suspension and handling are pretty compromised.

Richard C2S

I drive an A4q daily. Have had it since May of '98 and it now has 66,000 miles on it. I'm very familiar with the new A6 and would suggest that you get the sport package, even for a daily driver. The new three litre engine is very nice. I'm not crazy about Tiptronic transmission - don't think it shifts crisply enough. But I've been told the dealer can reprogram it rather easily for more sporting shifts. They really are terrific cars, and the quattro system is appreciated not only in snow, but probably even more so in the rain.

Richard

jes999

[quote]Originally posted by mike cap:
<strong>
I was considering buying a 2003 A6, 3.0 Quatro as my regular daily driver </strong><hr></blockquote>

A6 2.7T is a great car and certainly worth the $3400 upcharge over a standard 3.0. More horespower(+30), more torque(+37), 17" wheels and sport suspension. 17" wheels alone are a $750 option on the 3.0.

LAURIER

My daily driver is a 200MY A6Q 2.8 with a manual trans and after 50k miles I would highly recommend the new A6. Great highway car, not bad around town and great in the rain or snow. Get a 2.7 turbo with 6 speed manual if you can spend the extra money, the Tip cars are a little boring (sorry in advance to anyone with a Tip). Good luck.

ZAMIRZ

What you need is one of these:

This the answer to everybody's "what should I drive when I don't want to take the Porsche to work" queries. I guarantee this sucker will put a grin on your face and make the work commute as long as you can make it

mike cap

Jes999 and Rich,

Thanks for the feedback. The car that the dealer has in stock is silver and gray leather. It is an A6 Quatro 3.0 with the usual amenities like leather, sunroof, Bose sound and convenience package. It is not a 993, but a hell of alot more fun to drive than my Trailblazer. I'm trying to keep the $ less than $39k. Good choice?

Mike Cap

Ben in Plano, TX

Sounds like your looking only at the A6 but I have a '02 A4 3.0 Quattro with Sport Package (17" rims, stiffer suspension) and it's a fantastic car. My wife and I don't have kids - much less big ones so we opted for the smaller car. The redesign on the A4 is quite nice. Check one out before you decide - you can get it absolutely loaded for ~40k.

Ben

sy308

I find the major flaw of the A6 is the over boosted steering assist. Some guys have decided to remove the boost pump relay and create a manual steering. The climate control system does not have a manual override on the MY2000 cars. This is not convient. In the winter you will find the heated seats come on very slowly. Standard tires are going to be Michelin or Continental. The Conti's are better in the snow. Compared to driving a 993, you will find the steering vague to say the least. For winter driving, I suggest using snow tires on all four corners. Thus equiped, it will take on snow in a similar fashion to a large SUV or pickup. On the plus side, the V6 engine in this car is much smoother and quieter than the MB E320. The ride is superior too. The transmission is not quite as smooth. The car is finished quite nicely and the quattro is now in the 4th generation. There is a dealer in Upstate NY who will do long distance deals and will deliver cars, often at considerable savings from local dealers. I hope you are shopping for a good deal too. If 4wd is a necessity, than there is not too much not to like. Subaru is a second choice for me with quite a bit of savings. If 2wd is an option, you will find the 530i a much better steering and handling car than the A6. Good luck.

KOAN

Mike,
I'm on my 3rd Audi, and I think you'll love it in upstate NY. They are fantastic in bad weather. Currently, I have an S4, which is a blast to drive, and extremely well finished. It is chipped, and faster than my 993 on the highway (brakes and suspension have also been modified on the Audi, and are still not 993) Audis are MUCH better than a large SUV in the snow...in fact, they drive extremely well. I'd also recommend snows. You should drive all of the iterations...3.0, 2.7tt and 4.2 before you pick one, rather than settling on what your local dealer has in stock. They aren't moving out of the showrooms very well now, so you should be able to get a good deal if you look around. As far as which model to get, it depends on what you are looking for. I also find the Tiptronic a little boring, and would recommend the 2.7, unless you want a large car feel...then consider the 4.2. If you don't need a back seat, then consider the A4 or S4. All of the 2.7tt engines are greatly enhanced by chip (50-70 hp bump!). I've purchased many Audi upgrades from a dealer in Rochester, who I can highly recommend. If you ever go that way, drop me a line and we can discuss options.
Hope this was helpful.

<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

mike cap

Guys,

Thanks for all the feedback on the A6. Very helpful and nice of all of you to take the time. Sounds like a great car. I'll get it next week (after our first snowstorm this weekend).

Mike Cap
1997 911 C2
Arena Red

Ray Calvo

I've got a late '98 A4 Avant with Sport suspension, Sport wheels, and 3 pedals on the floor. Got 62K on it and still love it. Some initial problems but now seems fine (fortunately - the warranty is up!).

When I would bring it in for service under the Audi Advantage free service program, I would get an A6 with a Tippy-Tronic as a loaner. Absolute blah-mobile in comparison - big, fluffy, lack of guts (same engine as my Avant in a bigger car), power robbing wimp stick that is slow to shift on demand, and acts like a driver who just dumps the clutch without matching revs on downshifts.

Wait for the S4 with the V8; that should be a dynamite car.

Also, why don't you get on the Audiworld web site, get on the A6 board, and do a search and see what you come up with re problems?<a href="http://www.audiworld.com" target="_blank">AudiWorld web page</a>

ploglet

I currently drive an S4 as my everyday car and my wife drives an Allroad. I would say the Audi's are very good overall and amazing in the snow. The allroad is great. I took it on a ski trip last weekend into some deep snow and it handled oh so well. The S4 is a bit light and too much power for the shorter wheelbase in teh snow for me but still good. I would recommend the 2.7T as compared to the 3.0 but that is also due to the elevation here in Colorado. Turbos are a bit nicer in the mountains. Either way I dont think you will go wrong with an Audi. Good luck.