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Audi A6

6920 messages,  Last post on Dec 26, 2012 at 7:05 AM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A6, Sedan

Messages Page 78 of 693

#763 of 6920 A6 4.2 Responses by markcincinnati

Jan 31, 2001 (8:31 am)

I started ordering Audi cars back when they were still called 4000's, 5000's then 80's, 90's 100's and 200's -- then of course follwed by the "A" cars. Audi cars ordered from a dealer -- in my experience -- will take 4 to 5 months to get from the day you order (and this appears to be based on the "build date vs. order date" difference.) Sometimes the difference between one day can add 30+ days to actual delivery. We ordered a 2000 TT in September 1998 and did not receive it until late November 1999. We ordered a 1997 A8 in May 1996 and picked it up in November 1996. Recently both my wife and I ordered new Audi's -- my wife's TT took almost exactly 5 months, my A6 4.2 a little over 4 months.
 
I have taken to "begin the ordering process" anywhere from 6 to 12 months prior to actual delivery, and generally lease the cars for 24 - 36 months periods.
 
The 2001 TT 225HP Coupe was MSRP - $1,000. The 2001 A6 4.2 (with ALL options except CD changer and Pearl White Paint) was MSRP - $3,500.
 
Getting an Audi exactly as YOU want it is, in my experience, virtually impossible -- unless you are willing to make many compromises (more than color combinations). This "class of car" (whatever that means) is not purchased off the lot. And, my BMW friends tell me that the same is basically true of their cars (the only exception being the 3 series, which is probably about the same experience folks have with the A4 1.8T series, which does seem to be -- at some level -- "in stock" at most Audi dealers [we have 2 dealers in Cincinnati]).
 
My 2001 A6 4.2 has the sport package, my 2000 A6 4.2 did not (but it did have the 17" wheel/tire option with Dulop SP9000's) -- the difference on the freeway is sublte, the difference on "the twisties" is not -- the car corners much better with the sport suspension, turn in is crisper at almost any speed. The cornering limits of the car appear to be higher -- in that the body roll is minimized compared with the standard suspension. The sport seats are great -- I am 6' tall 190 lbs -- yet some people claim that they have problems allegedly because they have "big butts." The car could use slightly less power steering boost and for my taste could have a lock to lock that could be one-half turn less (but this IS a nit).
 
If I had my magic wand, I would have a 6 speed manual or the rumored 6 speed Tiptronic (the multi-tronic trans apparently is not ready for the high torque engines yet.)
 
My dealer has an S8 on the lot, an S4 and an S4 Avant (customer orders, I presume) -- beats me why there is apprently NO ROOM for Audi USA to bring the S6 (saloon, not avant) to our shores. The S8 was MSRP'd $78,000+ -- seems to me that jumping from $50,000+ to $80,000 (which is the spirit of the A6 4.2 to S8) is missing a big share of the market. Having had an A8 that I "tricked out" with a Joe Hoppen S8 suspension kit, I can tell you that the A8 is HUGE and that the S6 would be, for my tastes, just right.
 
Goldilocks, signs off.

#764 of 6920 traction issue by gjo11

Jan 31, 2001 (10:23 am)

I am considering buying an 2001 A6 but have a couple of questions. 1. Is it unreasonable for me to expect that this car will have excellent traction and control on snow and ice? I am moving out of a Lexus RX300 sub and I am hesitant to give up the great control it provided. Can anyone give me idea of what to expect from Audi 4.2 with stock tires? Should I request dealer to switch out rims and tires to all season radials(16" 2.7t). How does this car perform in snow covered roads? I see that the Powertrain warranty is 50,000 miles. Lexus GS430 is 70,000. Is this a concern. I put 20-25k/year on car. #2. I am hoping that Audi will provide me with highway cruiser feel of softness of ride along with performance of sport sedan. Is this possible without tweaking the car? Can this car provide with smooth comfortable ride on highway while giving me the enjoyment of sporty performance? Lastly, any experience with the navigation system. I see it is pretty bare bones and small compared to Lexus full color display with touch controls. Does the Audi system work on such a small scaled view? Thanks in advance for comments.

#765 of 6920 A6 4.2 Responses by lmgotts

Jan 31, 2001 (10:30 am)

Thanks Mark,
 
I have most of the same quibbles about the car as you; sure wish that I could have ordered a 6 speed, or at least had the tiptronic controls on the steering wheel. I read that the S6 Avant will be sold here beginning November, but am wondering as well about why no S6 Sedan. I'm also not perfectly happy with the choices available for interior's. I want a black interior, but was forced to order a stitching pattern that was not my first choice. I'm 6' about 220, so hopefully I will be happy as you with the seats. Also agree re the power steering and turns...
 
Anyway, the general news about order/delivery times was pretty disappointing!
 
So I wait.

#766 of 6920 traction issue / navigation system by markcincinnati

Jan 31, 2001 (3:05 pm)

With respect to traction -- the quattro system is All-wheel drive. You should not have any more concern about the traction issue than you did with your RX300. The only issue I can imagine is "with which tires" will you be making your forays onto the snow and ice? If you had all-season tires on the RX300 and you have summer tires on the quattro you may have some issues; the quattro should be ordered with ESP (if it is not one of the models that has that feature standard). You may find that you do not need winter or all season tires -- or, based on the weather, you may find summer and winter wheel/tire combinations a prudent choice. What would apply to your RX300 would, for all practical purposes, apply to the A6 quattro.
 
With respect to the Navigation system: I have it, it works, it is excellent, it is NOT perfect. In fact it seems to use the exact same software (but not hardware) as the latest and greatest Sat/Nav system on the S class Mercedes (even the woman's voice is IDENTICAL).
 
Audi Navigation Plus is, so far, only available in non-North American countries. I have never received an "intelligent" explanation why Audi sells the product with the nifty color, full graphical screen in other countries. Yet, the directions it gives, the commands it speaks ARE the same on "Audi Navigation-Lite" as they are on the full-blown system.
 
I like it, I use it and I think for what it is (non full color screen, etc.) they should charge less. I would buy it again and I would buy the full color one if it becomes an option.
 
But, unless you need (and I can't imagine why "need" would be the word) the full color screen, the Audi system performs the tasks of getting you from A to B impressively. Oh yea, I think the system should be DVD based, instead of CD based but since I would generally fly if I had to go beyond the map that I have, perhaps that too is just another nit that I am picking.
 
I wrote a letter to Audi about the sat nav system "complaining" that we deserve the option of lite or full, but so far, no reply.
 
If you need (want?) a navigation system, this one works well. If you want the nifty color system 'cause it looks cool and functionality is secondary, skip it.

#767 of 6920 ESP option? by rwish

Feb 01, 2001 (6:42 am)

I've heard quite a bit of talk on the ESP option lately from this board. I understand what it does and can tell from those with it that they are very pleased but am still a bit confused as to it's offering. During what year did this option become available and for what models? What is the cost of the option?
 
Thanks,
Rick
00 2.7T Ebony Pearl
Sport/Convenience/Cold Weather Pkgs

#768 of 6920 ESP (embellishemt of message #711) by markcincinnati

Feb 01, 2001 (8:06 am)

Rwish:
 
Check out message #711 for a succinct explanation of ESP. The answer that is under the heading "normal" driver should be read with great care -- it is the reason that this technology is almost a miracle. Perhaps the following enhancement will help. This is a bit of editorial enhancement of message #711:
 
Normal driver version (reality):
 
ESP is a wonderful invention (one of the best, ever) that keeps you in control of your vehicle at all times in all conditions. In ice, snow, or rain, it prevents fishtailing and spinouts. It allows you to drive normally in very low-traction situations, and not worry that you'll wind up in a ditch. There's simply no reason not to have it. And, in the future, no EXCUSE other than a death wish, not to get it! You MUST have this technology from this point forward -- do not even consider for one second ANY vehicle that you plan to put friends, family or any living creature that you wish to live in a car without this technology -- riding lawn mowers do not need this technology, all other "road" vehicles need it -- it is in the same category as seat belts, air bags, crash worthiness and anti-lock brakes. Do not even bother looking (in the future) at any vehicle (trucks, mini-vans, SUV's etc.) without this technology. Clear?!?
 
Technically speaking, ESP is simply an on-board computer that selectively brakes any combination of wheels when loss of traction is detected (it also can do this when the brakes are NOT being touched and can limit engine power, too). My take is that since it can be turned off, there's no reason to avoid it. Oh yes, even today on an Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Subaru, or Volvo -- the MSRP is about $500.00 -- next year, it will be cheaper -- it is inexpensive, that is.
 
You just hit a button to disable it for spirited driving, but it's there if you just want an uneventful drive home when it's icy. Remember, though, that it's not a cure-all -- if you have zero traction at all wheels, nothing can help you.
 
The "option" has been available -- in some form -- since 1995 (but not on Audi's this early, Mercedes had it first according to the Bosch literature available on the www). 2000 was the first year Audi's had this technology in the US -- I thought the 1999 USA A8 had it as well, but I can't get confirmation of this "fact."
 
With thanks to message #711.

#769 of 6920 Did I get a Good Deal? by len13

Feb 01, 2001 (8:42 am)

Hi,
I've been reading all about A6's here for the past day or so. Having just bought one, I wanted to make sure I got a good deal. I came here originally to make sure the inv prices the dealer quoted me were accurate, and I got hooked on the chat board, and I thought you could help me. I bought a 2001 A6 2.8Q with the celebration Lux pkg, cold weather pkg , Bose stereo(I now know it was a mistake, but it came in the car I liked), and rear side air bags. It was a demo model with 3000 miles(test drives, etc). All warranties are in tact. I paid 400 over invoice for it. It has no dings, etc. When I picked it up, it looked brand new inside and out. I guess I just want to make sure I did the right thing by buying a demo and saving some money. What do you think?
 
Also, the rear side air bags. If I put a car seat back there, are they going to be dangerous? Do I need to disable them? Can I?
 
BTW, its silver, with black interior and looks GREAT. At first I didn't like the body style, but it really grew on me, and now I love it!!
 
Thanks for your input. I look forward to participating in these discussions as I drive my A6.

#770 of 6920 len13, you did fine. most people pay about $1400 over invoice for a non demo a6 2.8. by vkj

Feb 01, 2001 (11:42 am)

#771 of 6920 len13 - I also think you did just fine by mpuzach

Feb 01, 2001 (12:23 pm)

Especially if you got a car that's equipped the way you want, $400 over invoice for a 2001 demo sounds reasonable to me. As vkj said, dealers are typically commanding anywhere from $1200 to $1800 over invoice on 2.8s.
 
At this point, you have a great car that you like. Enjoy it, and don't look back. You won't regret it.

#772 of 6920 To markcincinnati by dmallinder

Feb 01, 2001 (1:24 pm)

It was I who asked about 2.7T vs 4.2. I really couldn't see much on the issue scanning this thread. I did however get some great help and info from one or two people off the board.
 
I'd be grateful if you would add your opinion. I have not driven the 4.2 but have the 2.7T. I found it to have all the power I needed and be a very smooth car in most respects. Engine noise was not intrusive ( my fear for the smaller engine ) and most everyone has reassured me on turbo reliability at Audi. However there was significant - to my mind excessive - wind noise on the demo ( 1200 miles ) at 70mph and up. All doors and windows were tightly closed. That and a slight rattle and squeak coming from around the rear seat armrest were the only flaws I could find.
 
Now from what I can tell the 4.2 would give me little extra from an equally equipped more or less 2.7T and cost about 6-7K more but the opinion of a current owner would be appreciated. Ironically my decision may get even trickier as I discovered the allroad is about two inches wider shoulder room ( I'm a large fellow and this makes a difference to me although I found the A6 very accommodating ). I like the practicality of a wagon too but being a NVH freak I have my doubts about the open space and roof rack.
 
I intend to drive the 4.2 and the allroad this weekend and any tips would be appreciated especially as to why you see the value in the 4.2.
 
Incidentally are you by any chance connected to a screw machine company in N Kentucky ?

Messages Page 78 of 693

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