dgkula

As a happy 2000 A4 1.8T owner, we're thinking about trading in my wife's Saturn and adding a more family-sized car to the garage.

I'm interested in the A6 - any opinions on which year and model (2.7T, 3.0, 4.2) is the best from a handling, performance and relaibility perspective?

I've been looking at the 2004 Audi A6 2.7T, thinking that chipping this might get me some hp/torque gain - or would I just be better going with a 4.2 model?

Thanks

Ritz

2.7T = most fun, easiest to modify for big power gains, fastest, good balance between power and mileage, turbo-related reliability issues

4.2 = decent fun, forget about power mods, flared fenders look pretty cool, it guzzles gas like a drunk sailor, average reliability

3.0 = boring from a fun/power perspective, forget about power mods, OK mileage, average reliability

I ultimately decided on the 2.7T because I wanted a standard shift (unavailable with 4.2 and 3.0), wanted the ability to goose the engine up to 300-400hp, and I can fix the car myself...so I wasn't so concerned about the potential reliability issues. I've owned 3 Saturns in the past (an SL1, and SL2, and SC2) and think you'll be a very happy camper with the A6. Jump on in...the water's fine! 8-)

Cheers,

dgkula

2.7T sounds like most fun - any years to avoid?

Ritz

The '02 is probably the sweet spot now in terms of features and cost.

I'd probably avoid a 2000.

Cheers,

NoProblem

I think I will go for the 2.7T
We already have a 3.0 and although it passes other cars without difficulty, it lacks a bit of punch.
I have yet to test drive the 4.2, but have been in one with 5 people in and it kept on pulling like there was no tomorrow!

HysterWV (ChadB)

2.7T, but I own a 4.2 and my 'rents on a 3.0. My mileage is only about 2mpg worse than theirs. Can't say that's a substantial difference considering the difference in hp.

Scott Massey

They realy are not. The A6 is BIG. We like the car a lot but is is just not the same as the love we had for the A4. My sister in law bought the A4 from us and I drove it last night. It still drives like new w/ 50k miles. The A6 feels very loose and heavy at 50k miles. At the time we thought we needed the extra space. IMHO we were wrong since the A4 was big enough for us (we also have a Pathfinder). Since gas prices are up there now, somedays I really want my A4 back.

Ritz

I agree that the A6 feels a bit "floaty" or "loose". That's easy to fix. Pop the 605 module out which vastly reduces power steering assist and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Ritz

around town, my 2.7T is good for about 20mpg with my lead foot. If your driving pattern consists of long highway runs and you're light on the gas with the wind at your back, you might be able to eke out decent mileage on a 4.2. Since the OP expressed an interest in a "fun" car, I suspect his pattern might not match that. 8-)

Cheers,

Jim Clark

The newest 4.2 you can afford. S6 if you can go $30-40k.