2003 Audi A6 2.7T from North America

Summary:

Lots of repair costs, but is wonderful to use

Faults:

Power steering failure.

Coating peeling off from the area around the window controls on both the driver and passenger sides.

Fan belt failure at 95k miles.

Control velocity boot corrosion.

Power window failure x2.

Oil leak.

Coolant leak.

Transmission fluid leak.

Windshield washing fluid leak.

Ash tray lid doesn't close x1.

Sun visor latch broken x2.

Steering makes a high-pitched sound when turned all the way to the left or right.

The trunk opens slowly and doesn't open all the way on its own.

General Comments:

The Bose audio is awesome.

I just wish that the audio system had an auxiliary input by default. I had to buy some aftermarket pieces and rig one.

The seats are very comfortable and the leather is great.

The interior of the car looks great, except for the peeling film by the window controls.

The rear seats fold down to give plenty of cargo space.

The trunk is nice and flat, unlike other cars, which makes the whole trunk more usable.

The thermostat can be set to an actual temperature, instead of just a hot/cold dial.

The built-in garage door opener means that you don't need to carry an opener in your car... if you can get the built-in opener to work. I was finally able to, after several attempts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st April, 2013

19th Dec 2016, 04:21

I've owned a 2003 A-6 Quattro since new, and love it; 59000 miles.

Only problem has been brakes: I replaced the rotors with larger and thicker calipers, and pads with ceramic... now great brakes without the organic dust.

It's my fair weather fun car; I have a Mercury for my winter daily driver.

2003 Audi A6 2.7t 2.7 twin turbo from North America

Summary:

AWESOME when it goes, FRUSTRATING when it doesn't

Faults:

Replaced torn CV boots (front) new brake rotors and pads, two new ignition coil packs, and an secondary water pump.

Driver's window is starting to stick, not sure what the problem is yet.

General Comments:

Very nice car. Only major thing to go wrong is the water pump failing, lots of money because of stupid design that makes you tear the whole manifold off to get at the pump.

For those whose "axles" need to be replaced, I'd get a second or third opinion. Mine had torn CV boots, and it's MUCH simpler to just replace the boots. Some will say that you should replace the whole axle shaft because it's simpler. Well, if I can replace the boots over a weekend in my driveway, then any half decent mechanic could do it in a couple hours. You do have to watch for the coil packs, they go out frequently from what I hear.

The car is a maintenance hog for sure. But it's not so complex that you can't do a lot of the work yourself. If you have deep pockets or decent mechanical skills, then this is a very rewarding car to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2009

2003 Audi A6 Quattro 3.0 from North America

Summary:

I drove this Audi and never want to drive anything else!

Faults:

A recall on a fuel part (free of charge).

Alternator had to be replaced as well as the catalytic converter (catalytic converter was replaced free of charge due to warranty).

A CV boot on front right side had to be replaced as well.

General Comments:

After reading so many horrible comments on Audis, I am confused. Up to now I had been seriously converted and knew I would never own anything other than Audi. My car drives like a dream and where I live we get some serious snow, ice, rain etc.

As mentioned above there have been some issues, but the service I have received has been exceptional and quick.

I made the mistake of looking for a local mechanic certified on Audi's (I thought this is the proper way to go, as everyone says) and they told me my car basically had EVERYTHING wrong with it (I took it when the engine light came on), they wanted $4,000 in repairs for O2 sensors, flushes, joints, wipers, belts, new tires, you NAME IT, except the catalytic converter! (THEY didn't know my wipers and tires were practically new when they were telling me they needed to be replaced because of wear!!).

I went to an Audi dealer and they fixed the CV boot, new alternator and CC (under warranty) for 1000. I hope I don't jinx myself by saying this, but this used Audi has been the best purchase we have ever made. I hope I can still say the same years down the road (have had it for 2 years so far).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2009

21st Apr 2009, 18:01

I've had 5 second-hand Audis, and I love them. They aren't perfect cars, but mine have been dependable. Anything that breaks on an Audi can break on any car. And even Japanese cars these days are expensive to fix properly (parts not from a wrecker).

Try reading through Audi reviews NOT from North America, it isn't as dire.

19th Mar 2010, 18:17

Sounds like the 'Audi' mechanic tried to gouge you.