I am original owner, have really loved the car. When I purchased in late 99, and when I currently assess the car market, I didn't and still don't see anything new in the low $40Ks that compares to a nice A6.

I undoubtably need a really reliable car for everyday driving, over 20 miles each way to work, and other driving.

A year ago I thought my total cost of ownership was unbelievably low over the life of the vehicle. I spend little money on anything except the suspension and the regular maintenance which I fully kept up with. The only unresolved issue was a tendency for the heat to be too warm in the winter.

I am fairly conservative driver and put less than 11K a year on it for the first seven years. Since last year I drive further every day to work. With the age and additional mileage this past year was a turning point -- I've had over $6k of unexpected repairs. I've listed everything below. On the one hand I LOVE the way the car drives and feels and also like the idea of having a older car I can take into NYC and not worry about etc. but that still looks and drives nice. BTW, no accidents, very good interior and exterior condition. After putting this much $ into it, it would be nice to get another year or so out of it. Right now its in fine condition for 9 years and 100k miles. However, I just can't handle any more check engine lights and I'm just not inclined to do anything else that's significant and keep spending thousands of $s.

I got quoted a price today on a new 2008 3.2 at 2.5k below msrp. But I'm very interested in the 2009 model with the 3.0 supercharged engine and may just opt for that if they do any decent price discounts (not available until Jan). I found with other purchases in the past (e.g. Acura) the cost savings on the old year's model wasn't significant enough, and this year for the A6 the new model with the new engine seems like a big enough difference (unless you have really aggressive discount on the 08).

What to do? Maybe just wait it out and buy that 09 when the next major repair lurks? What is the best way to sell my 2000 if I do?

Here is the service record:


2000-2001
Window regulator clips
Connections for sound system

2002-2003
Mass airflow sensor
Window guides
Lower front tie rods
Secondary coolant pump
Viscous clutch / electric fans

2004-5
Outer cv boots
Window guides
Front lower control arms
Both tie rods
rotors and brakes

2006-7
Emergency flashers relay
4-way flashers relay
HVAC climate control head
Coolant sensors
Headlights
Pro shaft seal

2008
Replaced upper control arms
Front rotors and brakes
Bumpers repainted
timing belt and water pump (1.7k)
aux water pump and intake gaskets (1k)
torque converter (2.8k)
mass airflow and front o2 sensors (1.2k)
"snorkel" vacuum hose
Window switch in driver door replaced.

One window regulator is supposedly needed (window is slow).


THANKS!

 

is it paid off? personally id keep it.. i mean youve done so much to it. but if your sick of it and want better i guess maybe look for a really good deal but be careful.

 

We are in just in the same boat and here are my thoughts:
- In the current state of the economy I would postpone any major purchase and sit tight with my 2000 A6 2.7t with 91K miles.
- Car is also paid for and the TB has been replaced before I bought
- I only drive about 8-9k miles/year as I ride my beemer bike most of the time.
- I do most of my maintenance and my car is my secondary vehicle (bike being primary)

For the time being I keep using my paid for car until something major breaks, at which time I will consider getting another used A6. I would fix the broken down Audi on my own time since I have the parking space for that.

JM2CW...

 

attyA6, I just pick up a 08 A6 3.2. If I included the 0.9 Audi finanacing and the free premium package and the free Nav. that Audi is offering now, my total saving is about $13,000. I too consider waiting for a 09, but the 08 deals were to good to pass up. The 09 will have less than a $1000 discounted according to my dealer. Plus we all know what 1st year Audi engines are like.

 

Thanks G Man that's good to know. How much off of the msrp (sticker?) price did you get?

I would expect the discounts on 08s to increase as we get closer to 2009. The 0.9% could be a determining factor for me, but I would expect that at some point we'll see great deals like this on 09s as well.

 

Are you going to be $50k happier with the newer vehicle. You've already repaired most of the stuff that fails (TB, torque converter, CV joints) plus you live in a part of the country where the roads are pretty rough and hard on any car.

If you still like the looks and it rides well, keep it. There is ALWAYS something better - faster - more expensive coming out.

I just flipped 120k and intend on doubling it as long as the body stays good. Even if that means $3-5k in turbos down the line.

 

What should I be most concerned about?

I've browsed a lot of posts here and there seem to be people saying they get up to 150k on their original turbos. The ones failing seem to be chipped or put through extreme wear. With the torque converter done is it unlikely to need more transmission work for a while? Every time my (two separate) mechanics work on the car they say everything looks like its in good shape.

What are the choices and costs for turbo replacement if/when that is needed?

Thanks

 

I got my 08 at invoice price, plus another $5100 in free option from Audi and the 0.9% apr save me $4000 in interest. You will not see discounts like that on the 09 for at least 2 years.

 

Unless there's a recession and the stock market tumbles, which is unlikely.

Sorry just couldn't resist saying that.

 

i have a 99 2.8 and its got 183k miles and still in tip top condition, and runs like the day it was born.. shifts smoothly and purrs like a kitten...love her to death! just added some little details to her to make her look newer and more sporty. i know one things for sure.. i dont know if ill ever buy anything newer because all they are is repairs repairs repairs and breaking parts and not built nearly as good as the older ones.. mines in wayyy better condition than a 05 a6 that me and a friend test drove and that only had 40k on it.