So in my searches for a used A6, cant say I've found too many clean C5's that werent overpriced, but there are plenty of low mileage 2005 C6's in nice condition for a few grand more and I do like the newer interiors.

I'm usually wary of any first model year vehicles, no matter the automaker, as they tend to have more bugs that are later worked out during later production years, how are the 05's stacking up in reliability?

I'm debating whether its a good idea to pay the 5 grand or so difference and get a 2006 over a 2005. Thanks for any help! Either way I'd probaby get some kind of warranty, this will be my first German car and their complexity intimidates me, although I have plenty of mechanic experience so except for major powertrain problems I can take care of the rest.

 

Make sure the MMI has been updated. I would also get the maintenance records to make sure that everything was done. I have owned my 05 4.2 since February of 2005 and have been very happy. With that said, you need to stay on top of the maintenance.

 

I have had my '05 4.2 for a few months now and I love it...really.

That engine has been around a long time and I have heard all good things. Yeah, it's not something that you'll have as much fun with if you are looking to go mod-crazy...but it is a beauty to drive as-is. I'll prob do exhaust at some point.

Check engine mounts and bushings in front end as that heavy engine, if driven hard by previous owner, can thrash some of that stuff...

Fear not...just bite the bullet for repairs AS they happen and it should be a great car for you.

SG

 

As a rule of thumb I never buy the first year of a new platform or redesign. Most of the time there are new problems that you get to help them find.

 

Yup, I was a founder of the first 2000+ Impala car club, I have a 2002 and by then most problems had been fixed and little systems and wiring standardized. The earlier models had problems with the audio amps and other modules, as well as wiring differences which made it impossible to interchange with nearly identical, newer parts.

I wish I could wait for the 06's to go down some more in price, but I want to get a new car soon, in a week or two hopefully. I do like the newer A6, but I'd rather keep my budget around 20k and I can get a nice low mileage 06-07 Saab 9-7x SUV or a 06 Mercedes E350 for that price, or spend 5k more for an 06 A6 with somewhat higher miles.

 

We bought an '05 A6 earlier this year with 55,000 miles. NEVER again will I buy an Audi out of warrenty. The software updates at $125.00 ea is complete B.S.. Audi should have figured out there computer software problems prior to senting them out the door. I understand paying to fix a hardware (mechanical) issue, but software??? Now I get to pay for Audi to teach thier techs their jobs.

Sorry about the Neg. first post... I'm just P.O.ed right now as my car sits in the shop and I hear this sucking sound on my wallet!

 

Never buy a 1st year design car, if its a European car, stay away from the 2nd year also.

 

Well, I wound up test driving a 06 Mercedes E350 and loved it. Told my dad about it (I work for him and the company was getting me a "company car" all expenses paid), but a Mercedes is a bit flashy to drive around the ports we work at. Sooo he wound up buying it instead and he'll give it to my mom, she'll give me her Murano, and then I'll probably trade it in towards the right A6 when it comes along. Its a silver on black 2006 E350 with most options except HID's and keyless go and parktronic, but its only has 23k miles and we got it for $22,980 and its still under warranty for another 2 years. Fortunately the 06's were quite a few years into that model's production and by that time they fixed a lot of bugs that plagued the earlier models, plus it has the bigger engine.

Of course, if she doesnt like the Mercedes I might get it, its a sweet car alright but the ride and steering is very plush, unlike the A6, but it feels a lot faster than the A6 3.2 though. Nothing like 90mph and feel like you're sitting still! I'm still on the lookout for the right colored/optioned A6 though, just sucks that they're rarer than their more pretentious e-class and 5-series cousins.

 

My friends dad has the 3.2 Quattro and he hasn't had any problems with it. The only real problem is once the key was stuck in the ignition but that was solved by just throwing it into park hard (I know it sounds weird but it wasn't registering for some reason).

I rode to Penn State in it and I love the car.

 

ElleShooTiger, I dont know about the E350 4matic being much faster than the A6 quattro, I test drove them both and they are close. The E350 is gear on the lower end more while the A6 is geared toward the higher end. Once you are on the highway, the A6 can keep up with any car in this price range. On paper, the E 350 is about half of sec faster than the A6 3.2 from 0-60 mph, but the A6 did much better in the skid pad. Over all, the A6 is a lot more fun to drive. I still cant get over the fact that a $55K E class still dont have HID light or leather seats.