2006 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro
#1
05-30-2009, 11:01 AM
2006 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro
Hi all...
I am considering to purchase a 2006 Audi A6 with 25,000 miles on it. I currently own a 1998 Lexus ES300 that has been problem free since the get-go. I always wanted to get something that was sportier, but was still a 4 door sedan. The A6 has really been an attractive car to me in the past.
I honestly have no idea about German cars, as I've always owned a japanese car. My lexus is basically maintenance free, and the only repair I have done with it in the last 11 years is replace O2 sensors.
Am I in for a rude awakening with the A6? What do you guys think about the maintenance and reliability of the A6? Obviously I know that the car definitely drives better than my old Lexus, but will I need to be prepared to drop a lot more in repairs and such?
Thanks!!
I am considering to purchase a 2006 Audi A6 with 25,000 miles on it. I currently own a 1998 Lexus ES300 that has been problem free since the get-go. I always wanted to get something that was sportier, but was still a 4 door sedan. The A6 has really been an attractive car to me in the past.
I honestly have no idea about German cars, as I've always owned a japanese car. My lexus is basically maintenance free, and the only repair I have done with it in the last 11 years is replace O2 sensors.
Am I in for a rude awakening with the A6? What do you guys think about the maintenance and reliability of the A6? Obviously I know that the car definitely drives better than my old Lexus, but will I need to be prepared to drop a lot more in repairs and such?
Thanks!!
#3
05-30-2009, 11:25 AM
I have pasted in two of my earlier posts.
I have an 05 4.2 that I purchased new slightly more than 4 years ago. She currently has 59k on the odometer. As far as reliability, she is ok, but she is no Lexus. But she is a lot of fun to drive. Most of the problems have been nuisances.
The airbag light came on two weeks after I purchased the car. It took them 10 days to figure out the problem. Audi then came out with a TSB on updating the computer software for the airbags.
The MMI "crashed" a year after I bought the car. After having the car for 8 days, Audi wiped the hardware clean and reinstalled the MMI computer software.
The MMI had a few bugs with not updating the satellite radio stations, losing surround settings and sometimes not automatically linking with my Bluetooth phone. Audi had the car for a day and updated the MMI computer software. Audi has a TSB on this issue as well.
I have written those three problems off to having a very early computer software version. To give you an idea of the number of changes in the software, my car came with MMI version 10 and now has version 33.6. Since being updated to MMI version 33.6, about two years ago, I have not had any MMI computer issues. I understand that there is now a version 46.1 that is available. Since my MMI has been stable with version 33.6 I have not upgraded to 46.1. From fellow Audi owners I understand that the differences between 33.6 and 46.1 are negligible.
As far as non-computer issues. I have had quite a few. The first was that all 8 coil packs had to be replaced. The second was the lid for the gas cap would not open from inside the car. In order to open it I had to wedge my credit card inside the lid and open it from the outside. Audi had the car for 2 days to fix these problems. The third was that the frame for the front passenger seat came loose and the entire seat had to be removed and the bolts tightened. The fourth was a rattle in the glove box area of the dashboard. The fifth was a bad tire pressure sensor. The sixth was a mildew smell from the air conditioner vents, which required the replacement of a ventilation duct. The seventh was a rattle from the rear fold down seats, which required a new clamp. The eighth is a rattle from the driver’s side of the dashboard, which required additional damping material. The ninth is the fuel filter recall, which required a new fuel filter. The tenth is the fuel gauge sometimes reads empty even though there is fuel in the tank, which required a computer software upgrade. The eleventh is that the transmission developed a chirping and the transmission software had to be upgraded. The twelfth is that the coolant light would come on for no reason, which required an upgraded electrical circuit. The thirteenth is that the power steering reservoir leaked, which required a revised clamp. Fourteenth, the front brakes developed a vibration at slow speeds and the brake caliper seals had to be replaced due to a re-design. The fifteenth is that the motor for the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel had to be replaced because of a groaning noise. The sixteenth is the motor for the rear power sunshade had to be replaced because that motor was groaning and clicking as well. The seventeenth is that the coolant temperature gauge stopped working. The eighteenth is that the trunk latch stopped working and needed to be replaced. The nineteenth is that the adaptive headlights stopped working and the software had to be updated. Similar to the computer issues discussed above, Audi has TSBs on all of these issues, seeming to indicate that the problems are not isolated to just my car. Audi has also issued dozens of other TSBs on issues that I have not experienced since I have the 4.2 engine instead of the 3.2 engine. From what I have seen in the TSBs for the 3.2 it suffers from some oil leaks and cam problems. In total, the 3.2 has over 200 TSBs.
Despite the car being at the dealer for over 45 days for repairs during the last 51 months, not maintenance, I would certainly buy the car again because the 4.2 is a lot of fun to drive, especially on the highway, and the dealer gives me a loaner. However, I would check which MMI software version is currently in the car. If it is below 33.6, I would take it to Audi and have it updated as soon as possible. In addition, I would check the car's VIN and compare it to the Audi TSBs and see what issues you need to keep an eye on. You can get copies of the Audi TSBs at Erwin's website. The dealer will probably give you the car's maintenance records. While the car is still under warranty, I would make sure you complain about any issues contained on the TSBs issued for your VIN. If you are buying an aftermarket warranty I would get an exclusionary warranty that your local Audi dealer accepts.
Despite the issues with the car, I think that it is a great driving car. However, keep in mind that I am an original owner who paid close to $60,000 for my daily driver and who according to my wife is the President of the "More Money than Brains" club. For example, changing the transmission fluid costs over a $1,000 just for the fluid (the fluid is $57 per liter), not including labor. Also keep in mind that the 55,000 mile service is the "major" service for the car. If money is an issue, you may want to look for a car that is cheaper to "maintain". Regardless of your decision, you will enjoy driving an Audi, but you may not enjoy the maintenance. Good luck.
Kevin
Here is my post in response to a related topic:
I am afraid that Audi has TSBs on every one of the problems that I experienced indicating that I am not alone with these issues. As far as not hearing about these issues on the forum, I point out that I am one of the few original C6 owners on the forum with the corresponding 4 years of experience in owning one of these cars. I doubt that when these cars are purchased used that the original owners are so honest with the buyers. In contrast to my more than 4 years of experience, most of the C6 owners on this forum only have a few months of experience with the "maintenance" on these cars. With that said, I think that the C6 is a great driving car and is a lot of fun on the highway. I would also buy it all over again. You just need to make sure that you are carrying some type of warranty coverage.
Kevin
I have an 05 4.2 that I purchased new slightly more than 4 years ago. She currently has 59k on the odometer. As far as reliability, she is ok, but she is no Lexus. But she is a lot of fun to drive. Most of the problems have been nuisances.
The airbag light came on two weeks after I purchased the car. It took them 10 days to figure out the problem. Audi then came out with a TSB on updating the computer software for the airbags.
The MMI "crashed" a year after I bought the car. After having the car for 8 days, Audi wiped the hardware clean and reinstalled the MMI computer software.
The MMI had a few bugs with not updating the satellite radio stations, losing surround settings and sometimes not automatically linking with my Bluetooth phone. Audi had the car for a day and updated the MMI computer software. Audi has a TSB on this issue as well.
I have written those three problems off to having a very early computer software version. To give you an idea of the number of changes in the software, my car came with MMI version 10 and now has version 33.6. Since being updated to MMI version 33.6, about two years ago, I have not had any MMI computer issues. I understand that there is now a version 46.1 that is available. Since my MMI has been stable with version 33.6 I have not upgraded to 46.1. From fellow Audi owners I understand that the differences between 33.6 and 46.1 are negligible.
As far as non-computer issues. I have had quite a few. The first was that all 8 coil packs had to be replaced. The second was the lid for the gas cap would not open from inside the car. In order to open it I had to wedge my credit card inside the lid and open it from the outside. Audi had the car for 2 days to fix these problems. The third was that the frame for the front passenger seat came loose and the entire seat had to be removed and the bolts tightened. The fourth was a rattle in the glove box area of the dashboard. The fifth was a bad tire pressure sensor. The sixth was a mildew smell from the air conditioner vents, which required the replacement of a ventilation duct. The seventh was a rattle from the rear fold down seats, which required a new clamp. The eighth is a rattle from the driver’s side of the dashboard, which required additional damping material. The ninth is the fuel filter recall, which required a new fuel filter. The tenth is the fuel gauge sometimes reads empty even though there is fuel in the tank, which required a computer software upgrade. The eleventh is that the transmission developed a chirping and the transmission software had to be upgraded. The twelfth is that the coolant light would come on for no reason, which required an upgraded electrical circuit. The thirteenth is that the power steering reservoir leaked, which required a revised clamp. Fourteenth, the front brakes developed a vibration at slow speeds and the brake caliper seals had to be replaced due to a re-design. The fifteenth is that the motor for the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel had to be replaced because of a groaning noise. The sixteenth is the motor for the rear power sunshade had to be replaced because that motor was groaning and clicking as well. The seventeenth is that the coolant temperature gauge stopped working. The eighteenth is that the trunk latch stopped working and needed to be replaced. The nineteenth is that the adaptive headlights stopped working and the software had to be updated. Similar to the computer issues discussed above, Audi has TSBs on all of these issues, seeming to indicate that the problems are not isolated to just my car. Audi has also issued dozens of other TSBs on issues that I have not experienced since I have the 4.2 engine instead of the 3.2 engine. From what I have seen in the TSBs for the 3.2 it suffers from some oil leaks and cam problems. In total, the 3.2 has over 200 TSBs.
Despite the car being at the dealer for over 45 days for repairs during the last 51 months, not maintenance, I would certainly buy the car again because the 4.2 is a lot of fun to drive, especially on the highway, and the dealer gives me a loaner. However, I would check which MMI software version is currently in the car. If it is below 33.6, I would take it to Audi and have it updated as soon as possible. In addition, I would check the car's VIN and compare it to the Audi TSBs and see what issues you need to keep an eye on. You can get copies of the Audi TSBs at Erwin's website. The dealer will probably give you the car's maintenance records. While the car is still under warranty, I would make sure you complain about any issues contained on the TSBs issued for your VIN. If you are buying an aftermarket warranty I would get an exclusionary warranty that your local Audi dealer accepts.
Despite the issues with the car, I think that it is a great driving car. However, keep in mind that I am an original owner who paid close to $60,000 for my daily driver and who according to my wife is the President of the "More Money than Brains" club. For example, changing the transmission fluid costs over a $1,000 just for the fluid (the fluid is $57 per liter), not including labor. Also keep in mind that the 55,000 mile service is the "major" service for the car. If money is an issue, you may want to look for a car that is cheaper to "maintain". Regardless of your decision, you will enjoy driving an Audi, but you may not enjoy the maintenance. Good luck.
Kevin
Here is my post in response to a related topic:
I am afraid that Audi has TSBs on every one of the problems that I experienced indicating that I am not alone with these issues. As far as not hearing about these issues on the forum, I point out that I am one of the few original C6 owners on the forum with the corresponding 4 years of experience in owning one of these cars. I doubt that when these cars are purchased used that the original owners are so honest with the buyers. In contrast to my more than 4 years of experience, most of the C6 owners on this forum only have a few months of experience with the "maintenance" on these cars. With that said, I think that the C6 is a great driving car and is a lot of fun on the highway. I would also buy it all over again. You just need to make sure that you are carrying some type of warranty coverage.
Kevin
#5
05-31-2009, 11:00 PM
I guess we all have different experiences with our Audis. I have a 1990 Audi V8 Quattro with over 200,000 miles that the stepdaughter now drives. The only issues I have had with that car is the elements in the drivers heated seat went out and the motor for the power window on the drivers side went out. Other than standard maintenance, no issues.
Wife has a 1999 Audi A4 2.8 5 spd with 78,000 miles. Other than standard maintenance and an emission control sensor requiring replacement, no issues.
I have a 2002 A6 4.2 with sport package that I use for a commuter. I just bought it this past November with 50,000 miles. I have put 17,000 miles on it. No issues.
I have a 2001 A8L for the family car. 106,000 miles on it and the only issues besides standard maintenance has been a tie-rod.
Maybe I've just been lucky, but that luck has covered 4 Audis
Wife has a 1999 Audi A4 2.8 5 spd with 78,000 miles. Other than standard maintenance and an emission control sensor requiring replacement, no issues.
I have a 2002 A6 4.2 with sport package that I use for a commuter. I just bought it this past November with 50,000 miles. I have put 17,000 miles on it. No issues.
I have a 2001 A8L for the family car. 106,000 miles on it and the only issues besides standard maintenance has been a tie-rod.
Maybe I've just been lucky, but that luck has covered 4 Audis
#7
06-01-2009, 11:06 AM
Stay away from the 3rd gen Lexus GS, they are rattle traps. Go to any Lexus forum and you will see all the rattle problems with that car. Also the GS300 is pretty slow and handles like carp.
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