The first Audi for me
#1
07-10-2009, 09:39 PM
The first Audi for me
It's my first post BTW...next week I'm going to look at a few 05-06 (budget constraints) and it looks like I found a nice candidate..a 06 with 24K, cold weather package and premium package, no tech. They just completed the
30K service early and it's a CPO, so that'll help.
I am somewhat concerned what to look for when I get there besides the visual what internal things should check..MMI version and Nav? I'm a total newbie to the Audi but we've always owned a nice awd car (Subaru) which totally convinced me it was the only way would go..to leave subaru would take a heck of a car and it looks like this is the company, I've always admired
both companies winning offroard racing prowess so I have no reservations on it's AWD, it's mainly the electronics that scare me especially after reading all these issues with MMI versions and naturally I'd like them to put the 09 Nav and latest MMI version in but is any of this realistic to ask *after we agree to a price. You guys are the true expert/owners..how'd you approach them..it's an Audi dealer. Any tips more then welcome.
thanks
30K service early and it's a CPO, so that'll help.
I am somewhat concerned what to look for when I get there besides the visual what internal things should check..MMI version and Nav? I'm a total newbie to the Audi but we've always owned a nice awd car (Subaru) which totally convinced me it was the only way would go..to leave subaru would take a heck of a car and it looks like this is the company, I've always admired
both companies winning offroard racing prowess so I have no reservations on it's AWD, it's mainly the electronics that scare me especially after reading all these issues with MMI versions and naturally I'd like them to put the 09 Nav and latest MMI version in but is any of this realistic to ask *after we agree to a price. You guys are the true expert/owners..how'd you approach them..it's an Audi dealer. Any tips more then welcome.
thanks
Last edited by mystrodo; 07-10-2009 at 09:46 PM.
#2
07-11-2009, 09:57 AM
If you have budget issues an Audi may not be the car for you. 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 60k 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 was a rattle from the driver’s side of the dashboard, which required additional damping material.
The ninth was the fuel filter recall, which required a new fuel filter.
The tenth was the fuel gauge sometimes read empty even though there was fuel in the tank, which required a computer software upgrade.
The eleventh was that the transmission developed a chirping and the transmission software had to be upgraded.
The twelfth was that the coolant light would come on for no reason, which required an upgraded electrical circuit.
The thirteenth was that the power steering reservoir leaked, which required a revised clamp.
The 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 was that the motor for the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel had to be replaced because of a groaning noise.
The sixteenth was the motor for the rear power sunshade had to be replaced because that motor was groaning and clicking as well.
The seventeenth was that the coolant temperature gauge stopped working.
The eighteenth was that the trunk latch stopped working and needed to be replaced.
The nineteenth was that the adaptive headlights stopped working and the software had to be updated.
The twentieth is that rear seat airbag sensor had to be replaced.
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 53 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 (the fluid is $57 per liter). 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 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 60k 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 was a rattle from the driver’s side of the dashboard, which required additional damping material.
The ninth was the fuel filter recall, which required a new fuel filter.
The tenth was the fuel gauge sometimes read empty even though there was fuel in the tank, which required a computer software upgrade.
The eleventh was that the transmission developed a chirping and the transmission software had to be upgraded.
The twelfth was that the coolant light would come on for no reason, which required an upgraded electrical circuit.
The thirteenth was that the power steering reservoir leaked, which required a revised clamp.
The 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 was that the motor for the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel had to be replaced because of a groaning noise.
The sixteenth was the motor for the rear power sunshade had to be replaced because that motor was groaning and clicking as well.
The seventeenth was that the coolant temperature gauge stopped working.
The eighteenth was that the trunk latch stopped working and needed to be replaced.
The nineteenth was that the adaptive headlights stopped working and the software had to be updated.
The twentieth is that rear seat airbag sensor had to be replaced.
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 53 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 (the fluid is $57 per liter). 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 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
#3
07-11-2009, 03:14 PM
Frighteningly excellent summery of your ownership of the 05 C6..quite scary but something I to consider *before I make this purchase. If it makes you feel any better, I had a company leased 05 Mercedes E320 CDI (brand new) and other then only one minor motor issue, it had almost as many issues problem-wise as yours...I learned one major thing, I will NEVER purchase/lease a first year model again--it can be a nightmare as you have shown. Yours obviously had never been shaken down at the factory except by you when you got it, and it probably came off the line on either a Friday or Monday..mine was stamped Friday. In my case Stuttgart tried to blame Chrysler and that later proved to be a 100% lie..Chrysler had zero to do with the 05 or for that matter any Merc models, 05 year Mercedes dropped 14 points on the reliability list that year and has never recovered their status to this date although they are getting much better. Thankfully, I've read there were many fixes on the 06 C6' I just checked Consumer Reports and your 05 actually came out quite good overall better then the 06 is several areas..it's possible you had one of the fri/mon lemons but you just hung in there till you finally got things fixed, you must have a very good Audi shop close by. Thanks for your feedback I appreciate it so much and especially being so truthful about your experience....you rarely find that now days.
As to my budget constraints, I've always had those
thanks
As to my budget constraints, I've always had those
thanks
#4
07-11-2009, 05:06 PM
OMG!! After going to the Erwin site you'd think the Audi was one of the worse made/released cars in the world regardless of how well they drive. But looking at it more closely, it shows me how comprehensive this site is whereas you'd be hard pressed to find another manufacturer who'd do the same. Thanks again
#5
07-11-2009, 07:09 PM
...I learned one major thing, I will NEVER purchase/lease a first year model again--it can be a nightmare as you have shown.
Thankfully, I've read there were many fixes on the 06 C6' I just checked Consumer Reports and your 05 actually came out quite good overall better then the 06 is several areas..it's possible you had one of the fri/mon lemons but you just hung in there till you finally got things fixed, you must have a very good Audi shop close by.
Thankfully, I've read there were many fixes on the 06 C6' I just checked Consumer Reports and your 05 actually came out quite good overall better then the 06 is several areas..it's possible you had one of the fri/mon lemons but you just hung in there till you finally got things fixed, you must have a very good Audi shop close by.