Well I decided to go against th TT due to the questionalbe reliability. I haven't had the chance to drive the 3.0 but I have driven the 2.8 and may I say that it feels sluggish for a v6. Is the 3.0 considerably quicker? CVT sounds very attractive and by theory it sounds like it should be more reliable but have there been any problems with it yet? Were there any problamatic years of the A6 that I should stay away from?

You dont like the TT? I like the idea of the CVT, very smooth. but with the tippy you could have more fun. the 3.0 will definatly give you more torque, but its also a newer engine. If i was to choose between the two it would be the 2.8 tippy

Oh I do like the TT but after some thought I think turbos just add a whole seperate level of complexity which will make the car more expensive to maintain down the road. Is there a reason you would go with the "tippy"? I looked at the numbers and the 3.0 does look more powerfull but to me they are meaningless, have you had the chance to compare the two engines?

The only reason i like the tiptronic is because it has the +/- gear feature. if power doesnt matter to you and your buying an audi for comfort (like they should be purchased) then go with the CVT its an awsome trany and provides a really smooth ride. Ive seen the engines compared and the 3.0 gets better gas mileage better 0-60 and is a smoother running enine than the 2.8. are you considering awd or fwd? as this makes a difference in tire/inside noise. I personally have not compared these engines but car and driver did and that is the verdict they came up with. so if it were me buying an audi for the reasons your are, i would go with the 3.0 CVT.

FWD is prefered and the main reason for the purchase of the AUDI is the comfort. However, after driving the 2.8 I was very disapointed in its power output-it did not feel like a 200hp car. I was extremly pleased with all other aspects of the car. The reason I ask for the 2.8 vs 3.0 question is due to the huge price differences in 2002 and 2000 models but it sounds as if the 2002 is a much better year. Makes we wonder why the CVT costs less than the AUTO. Are there any draw backs?

you cant do the +/- thing which is real popular with the guys that want a stick but there wife/gf cant drive a stick.

Can you clear one thing up for me. If the car is a 2002+ 3.0 fwd can the tiptronic gearbox be the cvt tranny? Or do you have to pick between cvt and tiptronic?

Its one or the other. you cant have both because the Continuesly Variable Transmission is smooth, there no downshift jerk and you dont have an option to change gears. i think all you have is Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive. i dont think you have the option of 2nd gear or first gear on the selecter lever.