1999 A6 avant - opinions
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
1999 A6 avant - opinions
Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on the
clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not case.
Thanks in advance.
rb
clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not case.
Thanks in advance.
rb
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old A6
on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better of
buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one of
the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the Audi
is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you to
enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling and
comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
"Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> the
> clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
> all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
> it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
> to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
> could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> case.
> Thanks in advance.
> rb
>
>
>
>
>
lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old A6
on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better of
buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one of
the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the Audi
is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you to
enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling and
comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
"Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> the
> clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
> all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
> it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
> to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
> could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> case.
> Thanks in advance.
> rb
>
>
>
>
>
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old A6
on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better of
buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one of
the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the Audi
is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you to
enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling and
comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
"Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> the
> clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
> all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
> it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
> to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
> could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> case.
> Thanks in advance.
> rb
>
>
>
>
>
lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old A6
on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better of
buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one of
the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the Audi
is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you to
enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling and
comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
"Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> the
> clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
> all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
> it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
> to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
> could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> case.
> Thanks in advance.
> rb
>
>
>
>
>
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old A6
on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better of
buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one of
the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the Audi
is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you to
enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling and
comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
"Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> the
> clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
> all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
> it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
> to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
> could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> case.
> Thanks in advance.
> rb
>
>
>
>
>
lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old A6
on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better of
buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one of
the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the Audi
is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you to
enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling and
comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
"Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> the
> clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They are
> all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and drove
> it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool compared
> to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If I
> could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> case.
> Thanks in advance.
> rb
>
>
>
>
>
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Thanks Dale. Sounds like solid advice. I just hope I have the sense to
follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable' without
going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6 wagon.
Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a Chevy
Cavalier..
"Dale Webler" <dwebler@wi.rr.com> wrote in message
news:j4n5e.10759$215.10438@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
> lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old
A6
> on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better
of
> buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one
of
> the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the
Audi
> is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
> definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you
to
> enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
>
> I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
> it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
> the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling
and
> comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
> cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
>
> "Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
> news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> > Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> > the
> > clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They
are
> > all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> > when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and
drove
> > it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool
compared
> > to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If
I
> > could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> > case.
> > Thanks in advance.
> > rb
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable' without
going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6 wagon.
Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a Chevy
Cavalier..
"Dale Webler" <dwebler@wi.rr.com> wrote in message
news:j4n5e.10759$215.10438@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
> lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old
A6
> on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better
of
> buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one
of
> the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the
Audi
> is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
> definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you
to
> enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
>
> I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
> it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
> the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling
and
> comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
> cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
>
> "Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
> news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> > Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> > the
> > clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They
are
> > all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> > when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and
drove
> > it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool
compared
> > to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If
I
> > could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> > case.
> > Thanks in advance.
> > rb
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Thanks Dale. Sounds like solid advice. I just hope I have the sense to
follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable' without
going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6 wagon.
Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a Chevy
Cavalier..
"Dale Webler" <dwebler@wi.rr.com> wrote in message
news:j4n5e.10759$215.10438@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
> lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old
A6
> on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better
of
> buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one
of
> the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the
Audi
> is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
> definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you
to
> enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
>
> I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
> it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
> the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling
and
> comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
> cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
>
> "Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
> news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> > Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> > the
> > clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They
are
> > all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> > when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and
drove
> > it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool
compared
> > to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If
I
> > could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> > case.
> > Thanks in advance.
> > rb
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable' without
going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6 wagon.
Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a Chevy
Cavalier..
"Dale Webler" <dwebler@wi.rr.com> wrote in message
news:j4n5e.10759$215.10438@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
> lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old
A6
> on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better
of
> buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one
of
> the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the
Audi
> is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
> definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you
to
> enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
>
> I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
> it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
> the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling
and
> comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
> cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
>
> "Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
> news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> > Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> > the
> > clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They
are
> > all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> > when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and
drove
> > it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool
compared
> > to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If
I
> > could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> > case.
> > Thanks in advance.
> > rb
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Thanks Dale. Sounds like solid advice. I just hope I have the sense to
follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable' without
going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6 wagon.
Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a Chevy
Cavalier..
"Dale Webler" <dwebler@wi.rr.com> wrote in message
news:j4n5e.10759$215.10438@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
> lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old
A6
> on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better
of
> buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one
of
> the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the
Audi
> is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
> definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you
to
> enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
>
> I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
> it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
> the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling
and
> comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
> cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
>
> "Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
> news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> > Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> > the
> > clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They
are
> > all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> > when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and
drove
> > it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool
compared
> > to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If
I
> > could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> > case.
> > Thanks in advance.
> > rb
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable' without
going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6 wagon.
Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a Chevy
Cavalier..
"Dale Webler" <dwebler@wi.rr.com> wrote in message
news:j4n5e.10759$215.10438@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> Randy, unless you are real handy and have a high mechanical aptitude and
> lots of time, you may get sticker shock at the cost of keeping a 6 yr old
A6
> on the road. Lacking in any of these attributes? You might think better
of
> buying. Take a look at average maint cost on consumers or Edmunds or one
of
> the other car sites. You might change your mind. No question that the
Audi
> is a great road car with plenty of creature comfort. But there is
> definately a price to keeping the car running at a level that allows you
to
> enjoy all of the do-dads and ride quality and engine reliability.
>
> I own a '99 2.8Q. Bought it used with 12K on it in 2000. Now has 105K on
> it. Fantastic ride [especially in the winter with lots of snow] when all
> the parts are in working order. As much as I love this auto's handling
and
> comfort, if I had it to do over, I might go for a Honda or Toyota based on
> cost to maintain.. Make sure you go in with your eyes open.
>
> "Randy Browning" <rbrowning@browning.com> wrote in message
> news:59k5e.30876$hU7.23512@newssvr33.news.prodigy. com...
> > Thinking of purchasing an 1999 A6 quatro wagon, but with 70,000 miles on
> > the
> > clock, (although there are 1 or 2 others in that 'neighborhood). They
are
> > all in the $12000 range. I really hadn't considered a car like this, but
> > when I sat in it, (I'm 6' 4" and it has the best leg room ever) and
drove
> > it......wow!!. And of course, the interior is, well, really cool
compared
> > to what I'm used to. Could this be a silly and costly infatuation? If
I
> > could afford a new one, the matter would be closed. Sadly, that's not
> > case.
> > Thanks in advance.
> > rb
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Randy Browning wrote:
> Thanks Dale. Sounds like solid advice. I just hope I have the sense
to
> follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable'
without
> going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6
wagon.
> Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a
Chevy
> Cavalier..
It is true that some Audis are like that. Not all. I have a sedan
that has over 200k miles, and an Avant with 185k miles. Maintenance
and repairs have worked out to about $250/year of ownership, each.
This includes wear items like brakes and tires. When you start getting
high up in miles (70k ain't hardly even broken in yet, LOL), stuff like
fuel pumps and radiators and alternators begin to show up as repair
items. Like my own recent fuel pump adventure. But I expect a
200k+ mile car to have some hassles every now and again.
The key is to pick a car that has FULL SERVICE RECORDS. (Important
enough to shout.) And those records should show all sorts of timely
service, for all sorts of things. If it doesn't have records, and you
don't know anything about, oh, say the last timing belt change (it's
due for the conservative Audi owner somewhere near 70k), then you could
be in for a huge bill for engine repair when it lets go. Maybe that's
why it's being sold - the current owner looks at the mechanic and says,
"$650 for what? Screw that."
Even if it has all the records, I'd take it to your local independent
shop that knows Audi inside and out, and ask them to do a pre-purchase
inspection.
Saying that an Audi *will* cost a whole load of dough, or that it'll be
unreliable is just not true. While the odds are higher than with Honda
or Toyota, you can also get fantastic cars at reasonable prices. But
if $12k is at the high end of your range, I'd stay away, especially if
the records aren't there, or the pre-inspection comes back with any
problems, OR if the records do not indicate a recent timing belt
change.
HTH,
E.P.
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Randy Browning wrote:
> Thanks Dale. Sounds like solid advice. I just hope I have the sense
to
> follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable'
without
> going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6
wagon.
> Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a
Chevy
> Cavalier..
It is true that some Audis are like that. Not all. I have a sedan
that has over 200k miles, and an Avant with 185k miles. Maintenance
and repairs have worked out to about $250/year of ownership, each.
This includes wear items like brakes and tires. When you start getting
high up in miles (70k ain't hardly even broken in yet, LOL), stuff like
fuel pumps and radiators and alternators begin to show up as repair
items. Like my own recent fuel pump adventure. But I expect a
200k+ mile car to have some hassles every now and again.
The key is to pick a car that has FULL SERVICE RECORDS. (Important
enough to shout.) And those records should show all sorts of timely
service, for all sorts of things. If it doesn't have records, and you
don't know anything about, oh, say the last timing belt change (it's
due for the conservative Audi owner somewhere near 70k), then you could
be in for a huge bill for engine repair when it lets go. Maybe that's
why it's being sold - the current owner looks at the mechanic and says,
"$650 for what? Screw that."
Even if it has all the records, I'd take it to your local independent
shop that knows Audi inside and out, and ask them to do a pre-purchase
inspection.
Saying that an Audi *will* cost a whole load of dough, or that it'll be
unreliable is just not true. While the odds are higher than with Honda
or Toyota, you can also get fantastic cars at reasonable prices. But
if $12k is at the high end of your range, I'd stay away, especially if
the records aren't there, or the pre-inspection comes back with any
problems, OR if the records do not indicate a recent timing belt
change.
HTH,
E.P.
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1999 A6 avant - opinions
Randy Browning wrote:
> Thanks Dale. Sounds like solid advice. I just hope I have the sense
to
> follow it. I'm looking at some newer ones that are 'warrantable'
without
> going over $16,000. Unfortunately I'm only interested in the a6
wagon.
> Realistically I should start shopping for something else... like a
Chevy
> Cavalier..
It is true that some Audis are like that. Not all. I have a sedan
that has over 200k miles, and an Avant with 185k miles. Maintenance
and repairs have worked out to about $250/year of ownership, each.
This includes wear items like brakes and tires. When you start getting
high up in miles (70k ain't hardly even broken in yet, LOL), stuff like
fuel pumps and radiators and alternators begin to show up as repair
items. Like my own recent fuel pump adventure. But I expect a
200k+ mile car to have some hassles every now and again.
The key is to pick a car that has FULL SERVICE RECORDS. (Important
enough to shout.) And those records should show all sorts of timely
service, for all sorts of things. If it doesn't have records, and you
don't know anything about, oh, say the last timing belt change (it's
due for the conservative Audi owner somewhere near 70k), then you could
be in for a huge bill for engine repair when it lets go. Maybe that's
why it's being sold - the current owner looks at the mechanic and says,
"$650 for what? Screw that."
Even if it has all the records, I'd take it to your local independent
shop that knows Audi inside and out, and ask them to do a pre-purchase
inspection.
Saying that an Audi *will* cost a whole load of dough, or that it'll be
unreliable is just not true. While the odds are higher than with Honda
or Toyota, you can also get fantastic cars at reasonable prices. But
if $12k is at the high end of your range, I'd stay away, especially if
the records aren't there, or the pre-inspection comes back with any
problems, OR if the records do not indicate a recent timing belt
change.
HTH,
E.P.