Faults:
The car: A6 Quattro 2.8L with every option that you can think of.
Repairs: (Despite having all routine maintenance done on time)
At about 20,000 miles I had to get the radiator reservoir replaced at an approximate cost of $200.
At 30,000 miles the windshield washer container had to be replaced at about $350.
At 46,000 miles the water pump, timing belt, and CV boot had to be replaced at a cost of $2200. Initially I went in to the dealer because of a clicking sound that comes from the front axle area, and after this cost I still hear it and have to go back.
Service Experience:
Initially we had an appointment for an oil change and after we got there, we were told that there really aren’t ‘appointments’ and that it was always on a first come first served basis. It took all day to get the car back from an oil change (Never got an oil change from them at a quicker pace either). Luckily they gave me an old Honda Accord, which had a sun visor that swung into my face and nothing automatic on it, but the transmission, to drive all day.
After that I didn’t make an appointment and just came early so I could be served first and was told that I had to wait because I didn’t have an appointment. Got to drive the crappy old loaner car again. They explained that they have to pay for their own loaner cars and that is why they couldn’t provide me with one of at least an equivalent value. Here I have a problem because it is their problem that they cannot offer what the other places offer and not mine.
The next time I went in for service they didn’t have a loaner car at all. Again they said it was because they have to buy their own loaner cars. Again, this is their problem and not their customer’s problem. I only expect the same service that any other dealer at the same price mark would provide. They have an amazing new showroom with hardwoods, a coffee bar, and plasma TV, but no loaner cars, sure.
One of my friends also warned me a few months ago to get rid of this Audi because he had one that was an A6 2002 4 Liter that caused him troubles. He had repair costs of approximately $1,000 every 3 to 4 months after 60,000 highway miles. High repair costs for a car that isn’t cheap and has been taken care of properly.
25th Oct 2004, 08:16
I have owned a 1999 A6 Avant for 4 years now. My wife and I have put 40K "no repair" miles on it. Other than the regular oil and filter changes (oil and in-cabin air) nothing else has required a shop visit. The only gripe is that in hot weather the multi-funtion dash display goes out in the upper left corner. No big deal as it only displays the radio/CD channel on. I have replaced the tires, at 50K and will take it in for its 60K service this week. You must have gotten a rare "lemon" my friend. I would buy another Audi any day. Actually a used late 90's Porsche 911 is going in my garage next year.
It was one of the nicest cars we have ever owned. Owned Lexus and MB in the past!