Faults:

Some eletrical glitches: heat on the steering wheel doesn't work, seat memory sometimes works, multiple CD player not working, rear passenger side window slow to come up during cold weather.

Replaced the wiper motor with a used one. No problems since.

Coils 2 and 5 replaced due to misfiring diagnosis. No problems since.

Replaced transmission at 119000.

Changed out A arms twice because of worn bushings both sides.

Replaced fuel pump with used one. No problem since.

Replaced alternator and belt tensioner that went bad.

Replaced G20 sensor.

Replaced headlight leveling sensors front and back when I hit a pothole and it broke.

Need to replaced catalytic converter, but at this point, this expense is half the car's value. I just clear out codes and get them to ready mode before going to an emissions test.

General Comments:

I love this car. I've had it for over 11 years after buying it used with 60000 miles on it. I replaced the steering wheel (under warranty) because it didn't heat up when you turn the heated seats on, but that went bad again soon after so I didn't bother replacing it again. Same with a bad headlight. Replaced under warranty.

Yes, normal maintenance on this car is more expensive than a Toyota, but the riding experience is more rewarding as well. Timing belt, water pump, thermostat and new coolant were replaced at 144K. This engine has never let me down. Not even getting stuck in Chicago winters. Runs strong and have not had ANY issues with it. No leaks, no cracks.

I have a great Audi mechanic who works on my car from his home and gives me a steep discount on labor. Probably the single most important reason I kept this car and will buy another.

Now that it has 177K on it, I'm thinking of selling it because my mechanic says (and it has been proven) that this model A6 (1998 to 2004) transmissions only last about 120K. Which is on par with when I replaced mine with a used one that already had 50K on it. No problems with it, but I'm reaching the 120K mark on the 2nd trans and the Blue Book value on it doesn't justify the expense of another trans. Pity, because this car is so wonderful to drive. Luckily, my mechanic said that after 2006, the transmissions have been much more reliable.

If I knew this car would last me longer, I'd keep it. But looking at an A8 now after this car is sold. Still looks and runs great.

Faults:

Alternator - $500.00.

Tie rods - $150.00 apiece total.

New tires.

Some odd thing with the engine spilling oil into the coil packs (had to get a tune up with that as well) - $700.00.

Oil pan cracked - $25 for the part, $50 for the fix.

Limp mode occasionally - haven't fixed that, don't know what's wrong honestly.

Serpentine belt - $30.

Clamps on the exhaust pipes - $FREE.

General Comments:

I absolutely love this car, plain and simple. It is a beauty to look at, and in the winter it is wonderful with the AWD. I swear by this car honestly, I wish it didn't get wrecked a couple months ago, and even after it was in a BAD accident, it still ran!

It had some problems, so don't get me wrong LOL, but all in all it was literally one of the best cars I've ever owned. The Bose sound was pretty good; I think if it was newer it would've been better personally. 6 CD changer, but who uses CDs anymore?

Highway gas mileage was adequate I'd say, got around 25 MPG, longest distance I drove was about 300 miles, and then around 300 back of course; it handled great honestly. Even drove to the mountains in it, high altitude, and the steep hills took a little toll on it TBH, but it still made it there and back no problem.

The heated front and REAR seats were wonderful, sunroof, slight tint that automatically came with the car. The only thing that made me upset was that it did not have steering wheel controls for the radio. Honestly, I'm looking to get this car again, maybe a newer one though. I live in Philadelphia and last winter was terrible, and I hear that we're getting a repeat, but with this car I totally felt safe (and new tires helped LOL). Now I'm looking to get a Lincoln LS, but IDK yet.

All in all, if you're looking for a great looking, pretty reliable car, I'd say go for it!