I am considering the purchase of a 2003 A6 3.0 Quattro. I have some questions:

1) What should I look for as far as problem areas? I have never owned an Audi before.

2) Does anyone else feel that the acceleration on this model is anemic? Once it gets over 3000 rpm it seems ok, but off the line is kinda slow.

3) It has roughly 40,000 miles on it and the asking price at the dealer is $28,850. That seems high. Can someone give me a guesstimate as to what this car is worth?


Thanks

 

Here's a first stab at some answers for you...

1) Get a CarFax on the vehicle (www.carfax.com -- you'll need the VIN). Ask for service records if they are available. Take the care to an independent mechanic to look it over. Searching the appropriate regional forum is a great way to find well respected indies in your area. Audi's are very sophistocated machines (some of the most complex electronics on the road) and are thus somewhat prone to peculiarities (Lexus owners would say problems, Audi owners see these quirks as worth the rewards of owning them). You'll want somebody knowledgable to check out the car you think you're going to buy.

2) The 3.0 is NOT a barn burner. If you're looking for performance, look at the 2.7T or the 4.2. The former in a manual is the fastest A6 you'll find. You owe it to yourself to try the 2.7T. It really is a blast. Don't let people make you nervous about turbo reliability. If the previous owner was reasonably responsible (or the mileage is very low) and you follow the rules of turbo ownership (gentle warm up and cool down -- search on "rules of turbo ownership" for details), these cars will be just as reliable.

3) Pass on this one. It's too expensive by at least $6k. Here's the scoop... The A6 is a VERY popular lease vehicle. As such, there are a TON of them out there with either 4 years or 40k miles on them. You could EASILY get a full loaded 4.2 or 2.7T with that mileage and that year for less than what they are asking. A 3.0 is just not worth it. Probably more like $22k -- if that. Check out autotrader.com and you'll see what I mean.

Good luck. You will not regret the purchase of an A6. They are truly wonderful cars.

 

I would definitely look into driving a 4.2. I have one and it is a ton of fun to drive. You can't beat the sound of the engine. That price is a little steep though.