Hello:

Apologies in advance as I am sure this is a common question...but I searched the forum and couldn't find much.

I am looking at a 2005 A6 4.2 nicely loaded (no nav) for $23k.

Are there any big issues that make the V8 something I should avoid vs. the V6?

I would really appreciate your collective wisdom here.

SG

We don't heard much about common problems in the C6, but hopefully someone has a little input. I'd get the V8 ~ but either way just make sure you've got a lengthy Warranty

Make sure you have the money to afford the gas for the V8 . I would go for the V8 if you have the money. I don't know of any problems with them.

In older gens. (98-04) I have heard of trans. failure around 80k +/- for the V8, but never saw many trans problems with the V6 models. C6 (05+) are probably totally different though

Thanks! This is a 2005 A6 4.2 loaded with everything except navigation. 50k miles.

get it but with gas nearing $5 a gallon. You better be ready to spend mucho dinero on gas though I am not sure the 3.2 iS a lot more frugal in such a big car. Anyone knows their respective real life mpg's?

I have an 05 4.2 with every option and have owned it since new. It is a great car. I highly recommend it. Regardless of whether you get the 3.2 or the 4.2 make sure that the MMI has been updated. You should also check to make sure that the following items also work, or get the seller to fix them.

1) the steering wheel heater,
2) the rear seat heaters, the kids love them
3) the automatic rear window shade sometimes gets stuck, I have heard that the rear side window shades sometime get broken clips,
4) the solar sunroof,
5) the parking sensors should be checked as well,
6) the headlight washers, and
7) the advanced key buttons.

Does $23k sound like a good price for a 2005 A6 4.2 with 50k miles?

Check kelly blue book for the value of the car. I purchased my 2002 A6 2.7T for $14,500 (before tax) with the sport package so 9K doesn't seem bad for 3 years newer, new body style, and MMI.

Once again check the blue book.

I only ask for value opinion because forums often have folks who have a better sense of market conditions driving values.

In all of the last 10 vehicles I have purchased, I use the average across KBB, Edmunds, and NADA books...this will be my 48th car or motorcycle in 30 years. But thanks for note.

As useful as book values canbe...they still do not adjust fast enough for things like declining value due to high fuel costs...or just the 'ol "desirability" factor, I suppose.

Have fun out there...