Haven't pulled the trigger yet, but am considering either this or a Subaru wagon that isn't nearly as fun! http://fargo.craigslist.org/cto/1279675453.html

Will the repairs be an endless nightmare or is this a decent deal? Timing belt was replaced at 130K.

Thanks!

 

I'm torn how to answer this. I own a 2000 2.8 Avant with 154k on it so the cars are not that different for age/mileage. So I guess would I buy my car again for 5k.........Maybe. Are the control arms in good condition, the transmission fluid ever been changed, are the cam seals leaking as usual, what recent work?

I feel that if at anytime my transmission goes out, it is acceptable, you must feel the same way if buying a car with 160k miles on it.

Euro cars require constant upkeep...are you ready for that?

I LOVE my car and couldn't imagine driving anything else. Well maybe a 3 series wagon. Subaru's are great, reliable cars that should not be overlooked, even if they are not up to Audi quality.

Best of luck,

Jeff

 

My Avant is great I don't like the 3.0 engine in mine(that's another story) however it runs great. I like the extra room it is more of a sports car with a big trunk not a station wagon. I bought mine with 115K for $6800 and put $1800 into it (including t-belt and water pump) I completely serviced up down and sideways and it's reliable and very fun. I would suggest you look for one with less mileage $5K is steep for that car in this economy. I would also highly recommend you get all of the service records with the vehicle you purchase. Anyone can say they did the t-belt. They needed to do the belt tensioner and rollers, waterpump and thermostat, all the fluids should have been changed at least twice on trany 5-6 times on everything else and all of that will be in the records with receipts. I looked at a Subaru too- you'll buy the Audi, Good luck

 

What are you looking for in a car? Although the drive train maybe similar on both cars, you are comparing apples and oranges. Audi will be a lot more comfortable, and luxurious. No comparison there. But as people are saying, upkeep is more. It is not that it breaks down a lot more than the subie, but it is a lot more expensive to work on. Both parts and labor...

But let me give you a small insight... My wife has a 2005 Honda Accord. Accord is considered a pretty up level vehicle for Honda. I have a 2001 Avant. My car has over 100K miles and her car has less than 18,000. No it is not because we want to keep the Honda mileage low, it is just that my Audi is so much more comfortable, luxurious and entertaining to drive than the Accord.

 

All good points. This would actually be a second vehicle for my wife who is a stay at home mom. She doesn't need something to drive daily but does need a reliable, safe car to drive a few times per week. Winters in the Fargo/Moorhead area are among the worst you'll find in the US so AWD is something we really want. I looked at a few non wagon Audi's, and although that might be fine my wife does like the wagon.

I agree I'd need to see some service records before purchasing and am in no hurry so I may hold out for a better deal. The seller has indicated he will not negotiate on price.

As you might expect, she liked the Subaru... until she drove the Audi and now kind of has her mind set!

However, it's hard for me to look past the Consumer Reports data which gives the 2000 A6 the worst possible reliability score!

 

Audis have been known to make it over 300,000 miles. I would definately check to make sure it isnt leaking oil. Upkeep really isnt that bad if you have a good reliable backwoods mechanic. Taking any car to a dealer is idiotic and the prettier the shop the more you are gonna pay. If you need something safe look no further. I have been t boned by a full sized truck and was amazed that I wasnt hurt and that the car really wasnt that bad off, small dent and a scrape (amazing). I havent ever owned a subaru but i have heard bad things about them as far as reliability and cost but some people love them.

 

Safety wise, I would go with a German over Japanese anyday. I am speaking from a personal experience of totalling a 99 528 wagon. A lady ran a red and slammed into the driver side corner of my car. My air bag deployed, and the engine was automatically shut off. Hazard lights even came on automatically. I walked out of my car to see that the lady in her PT cruiser couldn't even get out of the car and her car was pretty much obliterated. My BMW was considered totaled only because of the repair cost value. I think the damage was pretty minimal. Anyways, with that said, that was one more reason that I picked up another German car.

But I do see your point about maintenance and reliability. You are right that A6 has one of the worst possible reliability score. (As you can read on my sig) It will break down. Let me repeat... IT WILL BREAK DOWN! But it is like taking out a high price escort. (Not that I have done that.) It is safe, sexy, can be relaxing, and can perform like hell when you ask it to. You just have to pay play.

 

Im with hxgaser on the safety part, I was hit by a drunk driver 10 years ago while driving my partners 318is. Luckily he ran the light and we hit his passenger door. The BMW was totaled (we were going 55) and the drunk drivers challenger was demolished. The emergency personnel said if we had been driving my Integra they would be cutting us out of the car.

I was impressed that the flashers turned on, the blower fan (to clear the airbag smoke), the doors unlocked and the windows went down. We opened our doors with ease and got out. I knew from that day forwards I would own only safe Euro cars.

One more,

I was driving to work in my 92 Saab 9000T and suddenly the hwy traffic came to a stop. Unfortunately the girl in the Saturn behind me didn't notice and drove into the back of my Saab going 50mhp. I was hit so hard my seat broke and I found myself lying down. I get out to see her Saturn totaled, her windshield on what was left of her hood. She did get out and was only bruised up. The Saabs bumper was busted and pushed down. When the cops came I remember them all talking about how little damage was done to the Saab, one said "now I know why my insurance agent drives a Saab". After kicking my seat into the upright position, I drove the girl who hit me home, and then I went home.

That accident was about a year after the first one. The Saab was my replacement for the integra. Needless to say, I have been Euro ever since.

 

I disagree with your opening statement in terms of fun,
the A6 wagon is heavy and the 2.8 anemic (I don't miss mine )..
Also I feel with that mileage you're probably looking to start spending some $ on the A6..
I think Subarus are great and reliable cars... and cheaper to maintain... in general

 

I purchased my A6 with 187,000 miles on it last year for $3,500. I wish I had done the research you are doing...I would not have purchased this car but would've bought another A6.

I was in the processing of purchasing parts for the tb/wp when my tb gave out.

My $3,500 car is now an $8,000 car.

Even though I was stupid on this purchase I will buy another Audi. I LOVE the AWD; had no issues at all this past winter, although my winters are 10x more mild than yours

Hate the 2.8l motor though...not enough power to get out of it's own way.