Audi Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 01-09-2007, 12:02 PM

I apologize for posting this here but I thought it would not hurt if theres a member with familiarity with the Audis. I posted this in the Audi forum but I'm guessing that the feedback would be somewhat biased.

How are Audis to own? Maintenance? Reliability? I know they are fun to drive but they seem to be plagued with problems. I will be checking out a 1996 A6 Audi with 135k. Thanks.

riethoven · #2 01-09-2007, 12:05 PM

I know that Audi and VW have been plaqued with lots of quality issues. I also know that resale values on Audis are terrible. Obviously, since you are looking at a used vehicle, this works towards your advantage.

Typical for all cars is to get verifiable service records, and watch out for used car dealers.

raymr · #3 01-09-2007, 02:38 PM

I sat in as many cars as I could at an auto show and by far the Audi A6 had the nicest and most elegant interior. I would definitely consider one if they have a decent reliability record.

420SEL · #4 01-09-2007, 03:08 PM

My old boss bought an A6 after I tried for years to convince him to get an MB. He said Medrcedes was not reliable (and also some BS about people would think he made too much money if he bought an MB). I don't think he had any major problems with it, but then again aside from regular service my MB hasn't been to the shop either. If you plan on ever putting three adults in the back seat get an A6 at least, they won't fit in an A4.

brick8 · #5 01-09-2007, 05:06 PM

I recently sold my 1994 100CS Q. Great car in snow. Sluggish acceleration (even with a five speed), decent handling. Had to spend a fair amount of time with a soldering iron repairing defective joints in the cluster, elsewhere. Biggest issue was oil leaks. Otherwise a decent car. Very solid feeling.

AustinsCE · #6 01-09-2007, 06:15 PM

Solid as a rock. V-Dubs since like 2000/2002 or so are excellent for MB people. That is, the car runs excellent, good quality, and nice safe, reliable dependable, durable build. But, electronic problems. Stuff most people say the cars junk over because the window doesnt roll down fast enough or they replace a sensor. I have replaced 2 sensors at a total of $80 and my cluster needs a rebuild in my TT, but runs like a champ, powerful, fast, built MUCH better than a Mercedes these days- in fact best I could find. Quality of materials is top notch. 1996 is a little old, Audi's can be had pretty cheap, a newer body style one is like 10K maybe? With the 2.7 Twin turbo, 250HP.

tobybul · #7 01-09-2007, 08:02 PM

yah, 96 is kinda old but asking price is $4600 at the dealer. I might offer $2500 if I really want the car. Tested it tonight and I know that all struts and shocks need to be replaced. Also noticed the oil pressure gage and coolant temp gage are not working. Some instrument lites not working. Can't see the odometer read and outdoor temp. Otherwise, all else seem to be ok. Engine and tranny appeared smooth.

davestlouis · #8 01-09-2007, 08:05 PM

My personal experience is thta they are strong mechanically but have a tendency to electrical gremlins like bad window motors, bad seat motors, instrument clusters that crap out intermittently.

MBlovr · #9 01-09-2007, 08:59 PM

I have 1998 A4 Quattro. I replaced a '89 190E 2.6 with it. I miss three things on the Mercedes one was the smooth six, second was the straight line stability,( the A4 is very but not great like an MB) and last the Audi doesn't have the emotional pull with me that the MB did. Having said the above the number one reason I don't have a Mercedes right now is that the Audi has been an exceptional car for me in many ways better than the Mercedes. The suspension is superior to any Mercedes I have driven short of an S class in terms of the combination of handling and ride comfort. Audi absolutely nailed it with that vintage / model of Audi. I have been lucky with my car in particular in that the reliability issues were addressed under warranty. The other thing that has helped tremendously is the Audiworld is filled with guys who not only turn their own wrenches but are excellent about creating pictorial instructions on repairs. I still want another Mercedes and my next car will be one but not not for rational reasons.

cavaliers16 · #10 01-09-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davestlouis

My personal experience is thta they are strong mechanically but have a tendency to electrical gremlins like bad window motors, bad seat motors, instrument clusters that crap out intermittently.

Exactly. VW's (we've owned 3) have great engines and transmissions, but the little electronic and interior stuff just don't last.
I've had everything:
Hand crank windows breaking
Power windows breaking
Knobs falling off
Cloth on the ceiling falling down
Manual seat fold lever snap off
Wiper motor fail
Seatbelts stick

You said it perfectly. Those darn gremlins...
I love my Jetta (the tuned-down version of the A-4). The handling is what surprises me. I drive around for a month in the 300D and get into the Jetta- what a change! Stiff around corners, even at high speeds. It is just fun to drive.

Jim H · #11 01-09-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

...I will be checking out a 1996 A6 Audi with 135k. Thanks.

I had a 1995 Audi 90. Terrific little car, 2.7l V6 had enough power for me, and the 5-speed manual made it lots of fun!

Timing belt replacement at 125k cost some $$, but I also replaced water pump at the same time 'just because.'

Electrical connectors to rear speakers would corrode and speakers would go silent about once a month. I got good at r&r rear door panels

dacia · #12 01-09-2007, 11:36 PM

A friend of mine had a 90 Quattro a few years back, handling was awsome, acceleration was also good but parts were/are very expensive. I suggest a call to the parts department about common items and see for yourself. For the V6 they always replace the waterpump when they replace the timig belt (it has a belt so it is necessary around 60k) and it ain't cheap. For a while I was toying with the idea of getting an A6 but common parts (brake pads, hoses, filters, etc) are so much more expensive than for the 124/201, I stuck with the Benz.

Alex

tobybul · #13 01-10-2007, 09:42 AM

Are they easy to work on for a DIYer? Brakes, shocks, ball joints, plugs, tsat, diagnosing, etc?????

tobybul · #14 01-10-2007, 09:46 AM

Since we are in this subject, for those who like doing as much mechanical (and some electrical) work on their cars like myself, what other european cars are "friendly" to the DIYer?

AustinsCE · #15 01-10-2007, 12:51 PM

The routine stuff is very easy, but under hood, anything transverse is more of a pain than it needs to be, but probably easier than the average Japanese junk. Every European car I've seen so far is easy to work on, even the Italian garbage, it has to be because you'll be doing so much of it. Diagnosing is easy on VW's because theres a wealth of been there done that about them all. I dont think they're particularly prone to something weird or unusual. I am not sure about the older stuff, but lately they have real good software in their cars too.