I tryna figure out the differnces between the A6's from 98-04 becuase I'm about to buy one. So far i have found out that from only from 00-04 where the aval. in manual transmission. I have also noticed that from 98-01 it was aval. in 2.8, 00-04 in 2.7t, 02-04 in 3.0, 00-07 in 4.2, 05-07 in 3.2! Is this true? I would also like some info on the exterior differences in models years and whick model is to best to puchase.

 

To try and answer your questions as best I can. The info looks good

The 2 cars that I think are best are the 2.7T and the 4.2

the 2.7T is cheap to mod and is a solid car

The 4.2 has the best body styling with the wide body and the motor is solid

2000 and up are what you are looking for. the are DBW drive by wire

The best year is the 01.5 this is when the latest revisions came out for the software and some interior parts

 

Baskin took care of mostly the mechanical stuff, so I will chime in on the cosmetic stuff here. In 2002, the "narrow-body" A6 (3.0 and 2.7T) received a "facelift" with an updated grille and bi-xenon headlights. On the back of the car, most notable is the exposed exhaust tips introduced in 2002, as well as the amber corner tail lights. 2002 and later A6 models also came with a bit thicker glass for better sound insulation (having owned a 2001 2.7T and a 2002 4.2, I can attest to that).

Inside, essentially the same except for the Symphony II headunit, which incorporates a CD changer into the headunit instead of a trunk mounted one that you need for 2001 and earlier. There were also a few minor color changes inside, as well as a matte finish on much of the plastic controls buttons, etc.

When I was shopping for the 4.2 late last year, I was targeting 2002 becuase of a few things that were "lost" when Audi made the 2003 4.2. Among the things that Audi dropped in the 2003 A6 4.2:
1) tiptronic buttons on the steering wheel - gone
2) pre-wiring for the CD changer in the trunk (essential if you still want CD's or Phatbox and upgrading to the RNS-E Navigation) - gone
3) Memory passenger seat settings - gone
I wanted all those things, so I focused my atention on that particular model year.

Oh, and one mechanical change in 2002, the tiptronic transmission was given a "sport" mode in 2002 and later which gave delayed upshifts for more "sprited" driving.

Happy shopping!!!

 

So far I am guessing the 02 model was the best year. Based on all this I am guessing that my best choice would be a 02 2.7t 6spd I for $11000 with only 48,000. Is there anything else I should look into b4 purchasing this car.

 

IF Boston driver has an 02 Audi that says something. being that he is one of the most knowledgeable people on this site I would indeed try to get an 02.

 

Thanks for the kudos there Baskin! One other things of note that I failed to mention:

In 2004, the 2.7T had available the S-line version, which added 15 HP, as well as some nice wheels and the RS6 spoiler. A very nice looking A6! If you do not mind giving up the passenger side memory seat, a nice car to find!

Don't forget to try to find an A6 2.7T with sport seats...you will regret it later if you don't. In 2002, the sport package also included sport suspension, which lowers the car a tiny bit, but the car as is handles fine. Of course, H-sport sways are a nice upgrade from the stock sport, but you won't have to worry about upgrading the rest of the susension until much much later! FYI -In 2003, all the A6 models in the US had the sport suspension standard.

Anyway, let us know how your shopping goes and what you decide.

 

Look what I found but the price kinda steep dont you think?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...rs=&cardist=22

 

WAY over priced

Check this out

different color
same trans
same goodies/tinted windows different rims
close to the same miles

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...00&cardist=199

 

Yea thats nice but im in NY

 

I was just thinking that You might drive that far to save 6500$
But in the end The car you are looking at is way too much.
Ok here it is as close as I can get you could walk there if you wanted and if you wanted a TIP you have even a better selection. There are several with in 20 miles of your house

This one is less than 20 miles away

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=1&cardist=18