Hello, I've always wanted an Audi ever since sitting in an a8 and loving the smoothness and feeling of comfort. My first car is going to be an Audi . I can't afford the high end current models but will settle for used models to get a feeling of the car. I have seen two models

2005 a6 3.2l with bells and whistles at 137k mileage

2004 a8 8L 4.2l with bells and whistles at 97k mileage

There is also a 2006 Audi a3 2.0t with standard options

I feel the a6 has a sweeter spot than the longer a8. Not sure the issues with older audi cars etc but if you had to choose from the above , what is the better bet. Also like the air suspension. Also I read 4.2 L v8 is better too but also concerned about mileage and don't want to be a gas guzzler.

Thank you

 

The a8 and a6 are both heavy cars. Either engine type will cost you some mileage. I haven't heard much about the 3.2 and I think it has been discontinued (at least in the USA) for several newer models. The 4.2 V8 has been around for a very long time and is a very strong and reliable engine. Yeah gas mileage is not great as to be expected for a v8 but it's so much fun.
Considering you are looking into the comfort and quality of the A6 and even A8 I would not recommend looking at the A3. It's a fun little car but it just doesn't stand a chance against its bigger models (not even the A4) in regards to comfort, luxury and even performance.
I would test drive the A6 and the A8 and just see which one you like better. However make sure you have a maintenance budget as you will need it with either car

 

I'll just share my opinions. First, gas mileage - the V6s will be slightly better around town than the V8, but they are about equal on the highway. Obviously the 2.0T beats them both, but you give up some acceleration. Second, maintenance - the 4.2 has a timing chain while I think the 3.2 and definitely the 2.0T have timing belts that need to be replaced every 70-80k.


These are not light cars. The A4s run about 3600, the A6s about 4000, and the A8s are fatter still. I have a 2003 A4 3.0 as well as the 2.7T, and they both ride well. Yes, the weight and wheelbase of the A6 makes it a little more comfortable on the highway, but the A4 is close behind. The A4 is definitely more nimble around town. The newer A4s are almost the same size as the older A6s.


I am considering replacing my A6 in the next year or two with an A4, preferably with the 3.2 engine but I will probably have to settle for the 2.0T since I want a manual.


If cost is an issue, why consider the flagship Audi (A8)? All those bells and whistles and accessories are just begging for repair.