Hi, I am new to this site and new to the Audi line. I have pretty much followed BMW or Lexus, but I am looking to buy something AWD and trying to avoid buying a Subaru.

I am trying to decide between the A6 2.7T or 2.8 engine sedan or Avant wagon, and possibly the A4. My biggest concern is reliability and cost... Any help would be awesome. I had a late 90's Subaru Outback for a while but had the typical headgasket failure, etc that their 2.5 engines have and would like to avoid going that route again. I prefer the European manufacturers, however worry about the reliability of the early 2000's Audi.

Tell me what you think about these:
2000 - 2002 A6 2.7T or 2.8 Sedan
1999 - 2002 A6 2.8 Avant
1997 - 2002 A4 any Quattro model

Thanks! Chris

 

Personally I love the A6 2.7T. My friends dad has the 3.2 (C6) and it really doesn't pull like the 2.7 does. I like the 2.7 because its really quick and fun but its also practical.

 

If you want reliability, go with the n/a engines. The 2.7 is a great engine but turbos are expensive and can go between 90000 and 150000. The 2.8 will run forever with very few and minor problems, mainly valve cover gaskets and cam seals, which are also problems on the 2.7. The 3.0 is expensive to work on from what ive heard but it shouldnt nickle and dime you like the 2.7. That said the 2.7 is way more fun though. With you coming from the scooby world, this would be like comparing a imprezza with a WRX(non STI). The imprezza isnt underpowered but its not fast, the WRX is faster but not blazing, its fun.

 

Or, if you don't give a **** about gas prices and gas mileage, try the V8 4.2L. I have an '02 w/ 60K miles and it moves great! I get about 20 miles to the gallon w/ a 21 gallon fuel tank. However the 300 hp is very nice. The only downside, (minus the MPG's) is the weight. I think it weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 5200 lbs. Still a great car. I'm actively looking for twin turbos and then to chip as well. Like I said, if you don't care much about MPG's and speed is great, go overboard!

Shwantz96----

 

The 4.2 is probably the most reliable as well. Thats what our touareg has and driving at 65 on the hw it will get about 19, maybe 20. Around town it goes down to like 15 though, its an suv that weighs like 5600 pounds or something so I think it would be much better in a A6, plus it has endless power in the treg so I think it would be an absolute blast in a A6. + the V8 music