1998 Audi A6 Quattro review from North America
"An over-engineered, moderately reliable, very comfortable car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
- CV boots @ 40K and 80K
- Brakes @ 60K and 90K
- A/C fan relay @ 60K
- Valve cover gaskets @ 50K and 90K
- Electrical short causing transmission malfunction ($1700 to find/solve) @ 70K
- ABS controller @ 80K (rebuilt for $250 vs $2000 dealer cost)
- Replace all rotted engine compartment vacuum hoses @80K
- Various Check Engine Lights throughout the life of the car.
General comments?
This is a pretty good car. But if you cannot work on cars yourself, or do not have a great mechanic, avoid it. It's very comfortable, although fairly sluggish with the 2.8L engine. After the initial warranty period expired, and a very expensive electrical problem, I decided to take over maintenance myself. Armed with VAGCOM (diagnostic software available online), and the time and interest to solve problems, this has turned into a car we would buy again. But if taken to the dealer for all problems (@ $130/hr labor in my area) we would not be able to own this car.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Avoid, just not worth the trouble |
| Doing the best with the material I have |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8L 30V Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 91000 miles |
| Previous car | Acura Legend |
| Date of Entry | 13th November, 2005 |