I really need some serious input here. I've owned two sports cars over the past few years and I think it's time for a mid-sedan. I love the new Audi A6, 2005 especially, mainly because it will be in my price range next year. I need to know though, I've always been told beware of Audi and Jaguar because they always break down. I want more than ever to overcome this stereotype and explain it so I can convince othersit is a good idea. In all honesty, if I need a reliable car, manufacturer even, would Audi be a nice choice? Or would I have to service a regularly failing part that everyone knows you will need to do because Audi can't seem to fix the problem?

 

mine seems doing fine, just some wear and tear problems thats about it

 

I am also in the 'is audi a crapbox?' boat.. i love the look of the cars and i am strongly considering buying one but the reliability is the only thing bringing them down. i drive a 99 maxima 5mt right now and it hasn't given me any problems at all, ever.

 

If the car is maintained according to manufactuer suggestions these cars can run forever. I have had a couple audis with over 200k. Just dont neglect small problems and let them become big problems(this is the case with any car but more expensive on european cars). A 2005 will likely still be under warranty so you have nothing to worry about for a while anyways.

 

This topic comes up often and I will say what I always say. Audi is a typical European car, it requires maintenance. If you neglect it, it will punish you, if you maintain it, it will treat you well. That goes for any European car, now some are a little better than others, they all have their "known issues". If reliability is your #1 concern, any European car is wrong for you. If safety, comfort, fun to drive and sexy are a little more important to you, well then enjoy the Audi.


Jeff

 

i'm really into safety and cupholders.


haha i am not worried about the audi though. i hope to find my match soon

 

C'mon, apples and oranges with the Nissan reference.

US, European and Japanese cars all have some different priorities that underpin the design and engineering with shades of grey between the continents.

European cars, in my opinion, provide a better, more solid, more interactive driving experience. They require attention to maintenance, and sometimes require repairs -- more frequently perhaps than the japanese marquees.

I dunnor, my 4.2 is rock solid and completely functional with over 110K miles, unlike japanese or domestic car that I've owned thus far.

 

read consumer reports; audi A4 and the new A6 have increased in reliability and are now reccomended cars.

ditto on maintenence, see the "list of preventative measures" thread to get a picture of how to take care of a good car.

 

Yes, consumer reports does recommend them now but they recommend pretty much all japanese cars. They are very biased when it comes to a lot of makes and models.

 

My experience --

88 Audi 90Q - 225 K finally sold it because my wife wanted more room so I got a 2002 Buick Park Ave and she hated it. The motor in the Park Ave lasted 90K miles. She now drives a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan with about 50K on the clock - I hope it lasts longer than the Park Ave!

89 Audi 200QT - went to 350 K before I decided it was time to get something else - I drive over 100 miles each day for work

95 Audi A6 - currently has 140K - My daughter currently uses itand there are very few problems.

97 Audi A6 Avant Q -bought used to replace the 200QT for work - currently has 187K and is a joy to drive.

99 VW Passat 1.7T (A4 wantabe) has 199K belonged to my daughter and her husband before their divorce. Isn't registered because he won't give her the title. Probably in the worse shape of all the cars listed except for the Park Ave.

Did I mention that the Park Ave was a piece of crap?I should have learned my lesson with the 86 Riveria that blew it's motor at 110K, but I didn't.

As for maintenance -- I change the oil and filter every 6K - and don't get too excited about whatbrand of oil I use but stay away from the qeneric ones. TheAudi filters arealways Mann and tend to use Fram filters for the other vehicles.

My single roller skate only requires a shot of WD-40 every 6 months or so!