Faults:

My LED in the center of the gage cluster does not lite all the way and therefore is difficult to read.

The front tie rod ends (I think this is what they were called) needed to be replaced at 41K miles along with all 4 brake rotors and pads.

The engine leaked out of the valve covers and timing seals which the dealer charged nearly $1,200.00 to replace and repair. The dealer told me this was a common occurrence on this engine. Research proved this as well.

Otherwise the car is really fun, powerful, safe and luxurious with a smooth quite ride.

General Comments:

My 2000 A6 2.7T has all the bells and whistles including Navigation and heated everything. The car seems very solid and heavy.

Problems are minimal and do not necessarily effect reliability. However, there are a few nuisance items expensive to fix although the dealership was willing to work with me on the repair costs.

I did put the APR 91/93/100 octane 307/320/350HP (relative) chip with intake, exhaust and boost valves and have had no issues. I put 15mm wheel spacers and 235/45 R16 tires on it. The car is an absolute blast to drive. Leaves everything in the dust.

I would recommend running full synthetic oil and changing oil every 3K miles. You really need to keep these cars serviced religiously.

Faults:

Blown spark plug wire leading to blown oil pump.

Fuel pump needs replacing - (maybe. cold weather spell and now the car won't start)

Tie rods replaced.

Passenger window motor replaced.

Cup holders all broken - will not come out.

Replaced exhaust parts.

General Comments:

My personal mechanic advised me not buy this car, however after driving a mini van for several years I wanted to spoil myself. Wish I had the mini van back. Tie rods - upper and lower - to the tune of $1,100. Oil pump and new spark plugs and wires - $1,500. Window motor - $450. CEL came on - cracked lines in exhaust - $300 and still counting. Now we've had a cold spell and the car won't start. Not a battery problem - it is either fuel pump or cams. In my mind the ride of this car is not worth the expense to fix it. As soon as it is running again, I will be selling and buying something else. perhaps not as flashy, but certainly more dependable and inexpensive to fix.

Faults:

Over heating. Diagnosis is faulty Thermostat. I contacted three different dealers for a price on replacing the thermostat since it is quite involved. The price range to do the repair was $900.00 to $2000. I am in shock. The part costs approximately $25.00.

General Comments:

I enjoy this car tremendously and just enjoy seeing it in my garage. Quality of build and fit and finish is unmatched. It gets reasonable gas mileage and is very powerful, but still won't quite beat a BMW 540.

Faults:

There really isn't much to complain about, however, when I turn the steering to either extreme, I experience some stiffness.

Also, the car came with 16"rims and these are quite capable, but I had 19"rims put on and the profile and handling is much better.

P.S. The 19"s aren't responsible for the stiffness there is ample clearance and I had that issue with the 16"s.

General Comments:

This car is very much on par with the BMW's, but at half the cost when purchased used.

The car also has serious potential for power upgrades; from 250hp/258ftlbs stock all the way to 415Hp/400ftlbs. Torque values go up considerably and with twin-turbos it would be SWEET.

Where in the NY/NJ area can I find an auto shop that does this chip upgrade.