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I knew nothing really about an audi. I just knew that they were nice cars and I figured I'd never be getting one. I someday figured, once I got my kid through college, with any luck, maybe a BMW or something, but never an audi.

So why?

I had a Dodge and had decided that I'd trade it in and try to find something reasonably nice, yet affordable. I spent some time looking at cars and trying to get a feeling for what I wanted. Typically, I know well in advance the type of car I wanted, but this time, it was different. I was in the mind set of getting rid of what I had, instead of focusing on what I wanted.

I looked at all the car lots and saw several things that I liked, but nothing that really inspired me to act

.....................until I pulled into the last dealership

It was a luxury import place. They sold new BMW's and new Mercedes, but they did have a used lot, so I thought I would take a look over there.

Salesperson comes out and want to know what I am looking for, and I just say, "something reasonably nice, but kind of inexpensive." The first thing out of her mouth is, "I want you to look at this car......"

We start walking over to the car and it looks okay, but nothing really jumps out and grabs me about it. She says, "It's an audi and it is a really nice car." I am hesitant. She is goading me into driving it. I finally give in. I take the car for a spin and I really do like the way it drives.

It is a 2003 A6. It has 42,000 miles on it. The price on the window reads "15,900." Well,it is affordable.

She is pushing hard to sell it, and I'm really trying not to like it, but I kind of do, so I start talking to them about it. To make a long story from getting any longer, I ended up buying it for 13,900 plus tax. I wanted to think I was getting a decent deal...nice car and it being a luxury model.

First time in my life, since my early years, I have ever bought a car on the spot like that. It was definitely an emotional purchase. I knew absolutely nothing about the car.

I come home and start doing research. It appears that I might have overpaid significantly, and I make a reminder to myself to never buy emotionally again, but even with that, I do like the car.

I have no idea of service records on the car. I am about 80 miles from an audi dealership. I start reading about how finicky these cars are, and honestly, I have spooked myself and am wishing that I had bought the extended warranty the guy was selling, but didn't buy it, because a) I have never bought one, and b) they weren't audi dealers, so I didn't know if I should have them even working on the car, but even then, maybe I do need that warranty, but was it worth the 3,850 they were asking for it?

The car seems great. Early observations on the car:

1) Tires seem loud (goodyears)
2) Thottle is too quick. It goes from nothing to something very quickly, and I have some jerky starts
3) Interior is perfect
4) It feels SO heavy
5) when decelerating, I can feel the car kind of wanting to hang a little as it goes into a lower gear.....but this could be my paranoia of a transmission failure getting to me
6) have read the manual from cover to cover, but still am confused by some of the terms as they relate to the function of the car
7) I am REALLY going to miss my satellite radio, but I have read enough on here to know that I don't EVEN want to do anything to mess with the electronics of the car
8) Oil doesn't have to be changed for 10,000 miles??? And I am sure this needs to be done by an audi dealership, right?
9) I really do love the car. Going from a dodge to this has been quite the transition

And finally, I am in no way a mechanic, and am really starting to sweat some that I may have issues with the car, but I have hope that if I treat it well that it will treat me well.

I am glad to find myself here, and I hope that this forum and your opinions will give me the peace of mind to know that I did make a good purchase.

 

Well, since I just bought my Audi 2 months ago, I'll chime in - we're probably in the same boat on a lot of things.

First off - Price - yes, I'd say you definitely did. Sorry, I know that is never a good thing to hear. BUT, having worked in sales before, a "good deal" is dependent on the customer's perception. If you feel that you got one, then you did. Sure others have paid less, but others have paid more too. I'm not sure where you are located, but price varies some w/ demographics. I bought my 02 A6 3.0 quattro w/ 58k for $10k out the door. I just watched an 03 A6 4.2 quattro w/ 50k go for $10,600 on Ebay yesterday and was only 200 miles away. I'm kicking myself in the a$$ for being impatient (it had all the options I don't have too - memory seats, homelink, steering wheel controls, Xenon, etc). If it bothers you that much, try to return it?!?

1) Continentals on mine seem louder than I'd expect for this caliber car too. Not original, but the same model. I plan on researching and switching to something else down the road. These cars seem to be notorious for control arm issues. I think the bushings wear out - have to replace the whole arms. Mine are fine now, but look for that. Maybe excess sound is travelling?!?

2) Ditto. Sometimes seems like just the opposite though. Like mine doesn't want to move. I'm thinking that is more of me though - trying for a smooth start and not pressing enough. I'm just use to my Camaro's more heavy feel and instant, smooth acceleration.

3)Yes it is. Had 5 VWs and this is my 1st Audi. I LOVE vag cars!!

4) Don't notice that w/ mine. What kind of Dodge are you coming from? Omni?!?

5) Probably paranoia

6) Lucky. I didn't get a manual.

7) Yeah, good idea. EVERYTHING seems to be tied together. If you are mechanically inclined, I'd recommend you getting a Vag-com - makes diagnosing a cinch. I have one and am amazed that my power door locks can throw a code. Almost too much info....

8) 10,000, but I've never held to that recommendation. I drive short distances (work is 5mi), so I do 5,000 - only synthetic. Some may say it's overkill, but oil is cheap (even synthetic) in relative terms to the cost of a motor. I also changed differentials, power steering and soon transmission. It's allegedly lifetime, but seriously, the tranny does a LOT of work - why leave the same fluid in it? Trannys are also crazy expensive. I'd like to think a fluid change every 60k is cheap insurance. PS - I had the oil that was in my A6 analyzed by Blackstone Labs a few thousand after I bought it. I was just sooo nervous about this car (oil pressure warning kicked on DURING test drive!! - turned out to be bad sensor). All was okay. Inexpensive and a good, scientific, piece of mind. As for changing, if you've changed oil before, you can do it on this car. Nothing special.

9) Better be!!! Audi new was at least twice the price!!

For extra credit.....
GET THE TIMING BELT CHANGED!!!! This isn't something you want to hear, but it's HIGHLY recommended for your age/mileage. Some put it off till 70-80k, but your car is 6yrs old, which is another general "standard". I'm getting ready to order the parts for mine in the next week or so. I'm paranoid to drive it.....well, at least to floor it. It is a recommended 105k part, but it's an expensive game of Russian Roulette. Parts are roughly $500, tools are $500 deposit if you're a DIYer (get like $485 back when you return them), or you can pay a shop to do it. I'd highly recommend an independent shop and not an Audi dealer. The cost will depend on the motor. I'd expect another $700-1000 though for labor.

 

I agree with having the T-belt done (also rollers,tensioner and water pump) be for 60K for sure, sooner the better.

Change you oil every 5K, 10 is too long don't listen to that crap. only use synthetic. I use Mobil 1 synthetic, you can pick-it up cheapest at Wal-mart in a 5qt container. Castrol synthetic is good too. you need to stock up on fluids. Power steering, brake, coolant are all mineral based not off the shelf at the auto store you should order some from blauparts.com. KEEP AWAY from the quick oil change places-they will add the wrong fluid sooner or later.

The engine and transmission control modules are light years ahead of anything Dodge can even dream about. They are learning computers that will anticipate the way you drive and eventually it will tune into your style and stop jumping off the line.(there are ways to clear/ reset it, I can't remember it off hand. I think turn the ignition on, not start, depress the accelerator wait 30 seconds and turn off. Definitely with use of a VAG-COM).

This site is the best source for information so before you gear up to do something just ask for some advice.

As far as your mechanical ability, everyone has some. I would find your's if I were you or you will be paying the price. Also find a European mechanic BMW mechanics know Audi's too that way you stay out of the stealership. Because they will replace everything on you and at 80 miles away...

Only use high octane gas, I use shell whenever possible.

I have two a6 and an a8 I like them both but they are no Chevy trucks. They remind me of Fords the way they break down but they of course are way nicer to drive.

As far as the price you paid, well I can only imagine the legs she has. Happens to us all. did she bend down and point out the new tires? drop her pen a few times maybe? really it is not that high if you needed a note on it from a dealer, but you would have saved if you searched for one privately-cash in hand of course. 42K is very low mileage so that's great news. These cars will do 200K easy if maintained some say 300.

 

Welcome to the club. Be happy that you have a great driving car now. I do have to admit that our cars require maintenance and repair; (Read my sig... I am the living proof.) however, the way these cars perform is why I still keep mine around. They drive beautifully, and so much comfortable compared to any other cars out there. I had a BMW and a MB and my Audi is just the right balance between the two. If you treat her right, she will treat you back.

As for the maintenance, just keep your eyes on this forum. For now, I would just change the oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, cabin air filter and the usual maintenance stuff. I wouldn't really worry about the timing belt until 70K. Also check the brakes and flush the brake fluid when you get a chance.

Now go out and enjoy that car.

 

Congrats on the purchase. I paid 26,000 Canadian (23,000ish USD) for my 2004 Audi A6 S-Line. Same mileage as yours. And I consider it a 100% steal. Big time score for me. Big selling point for mine was that it was Audi certified, purchased from Audi dealership. Meaning it passed a full inspection and had all maintenance records. Basically, Audi Certified vehicles are leased cars returned to dealer. There is a full maintenance history and the requirements are pretty strict. There were 2005-2006 models on the lot that had less on the odometer and were not certified, if that says anything about the certification process.

There is a personality to Audi cars. They take getting used to. As a person who had nothing but Fords before, it was a big learning curve. Not to sound corny, but Audi’s are a thinking car. The fords I had were very “analog”. You knew something was wrong because of a clanging noise. Not so with the low mileage Audi you have. My Audi Tiptronic transmission learns and adapts to your driving for example. That felt weird. A “Premium” pump put regular fuel in my car once, and the ECU basically killed the turbos (mine is a bi-turbo V6) to reduce the air mixture to compensate. I cried, figuring my turbos were dead. Putting good fuel in it fixed it instantly. It’s a smart car, and if there is a problem, chances are you WILL be told, in some way, by the car.

Yes, maintenance is basically every 10,000 miles. Have it done at an Audi dealership. If you are concerned about having bought a lemon (if Audis are not maintained properly they can be major lemons) pay an Audi dealership to do an inspection on it. It won’t be cheap. But you will know if you have any issues that may warrant a return under the lemon laws in your area or if you actually have a great car. If it passes or they can fix the issues it has, become friends with your Audi dealer. Always take it there for maintenance. You may be tempted to take it to a VW dealer…do not do this. Audi will want to maintain its reputation with a car with low mileage such as yours. You should be in good hands.

 

Thanks for all the comments!

Yep....I overpaid for my car. I can't have just a little misery. I had to research and find the best deals out there on 2003 audi A6's, so that I can be sure to know exactly how much I did over pay.

Oh well...it's a sunk cost and I do really like the car.

Interesting things I have learned since I last wrote:

I called the audi dealer that is located near me and asked him a few questions. Service guy says that I should have the car serviced every 10,000 miles, and since there aren't any lights or anything on right now, then he advised me to wait until it gets 50,000 miles, UNLESS a light comes on. He did tell me to visually take out the dip stick and check the oil.

He told me to only run 91 octane in the car. He said 87 was too low and 93 was too high.

He said that even though the timing belt was already six years old, he wouldn't change it until it got a 100,000 miles on it. Come to think of it, he might have said 105,000 miles.

I asked him about putting a mp3 hookup or an iphone hookup and he really had no good advice for me about that.

More of my thoughts after one week of ownership:

It REALLY is a heavy car.

After driving it a week, you tend to forget how other cars feel. I drove my daughters 3 year old mustang today and was just stunned at how loose it felt. I don't remember ever thinking that until I got this car.

For some reason, I can't figure out why I am unable to get the seat set exactly right for my lower back, and I wish that the sides had a little more bolster.

I've only gone 300 miles on this full tank and I am near empty. I think the computer readout shows like 20 miles till empty. Gas mileage isn't going to look too good.

The little vixeny of a salesgirl told me that it had every option on it. It doesn't.

Looking on cardomain, I am stunned at how many people put big chrome wheels on these cars. I wish there were less wheel gap, but I wouldn't put bigger wheels on it.

I had the dealer I called today to check and see if he could look up to see what exactly the service work that was done to my car in the past, and he told me that he could only see what *their* dealership would have done. Audi dealerships aren't networked....that surprised me. The dealership I had called had done no work to the car, so as it stands right now, I still have no idea what has been done to it.

Overall, I am still pleased with the car. I am more pleased with it after driving my daughter's car today.

 

Rule no. 1

You don't ask the dealer, you tell them. In my opinion they are more than happy to service nothing every 10K and help you out of a few grand until your t-belt breaks at 89K and blows your motor at which point they will try to sell you a new car.

Indeed you have time before any major service. You should read up on the t-belts on here and make up your own mind. The poor Rich man I bought my A8 from had the car in 3 times within 10K to get the entire T-belt, tensioner/rollers and water pump done because that is what they recommended. We recommend doing it all at once and saving money the dealer didn't. Very important to do your homework on these cars or you'll get taken to the cleaners.

 

I have several A6 Quattro which I work on myself, since I repair what is actually broken instead of what some sales person recomends repairing. However, an Audi A6 could quickly be destoyed if improper repairs are made using the wrong tools. I use the BentleyPublishers.com Audi shop manual CD and information from various Audi forums.
An example of an improper repair would be having a CV joint with the large axle bolt threads stripped. So look for a mechanic who actually uses a torque wrench.