1996 Audi A6 Avant Quattro review from North America

I haven't had anything catastrophic go wrong with the car. I had the brakes serviced at 100,000 miles -- ouch! $600 for pads all the way around and new front rotors.

Also just had the timing belt and alternator replaced due to a strange noise in the front of the engine. Noise didn't go away, but I do feel better having replaced the timing belt at 105,000 miles -- cost $900. Now I don't have to worry about that.

We have determined that the odd noise is the Antilock Brake system pump building up pressure. I can feel the brake pedal fading when I first start the car if I press firmly. But once that noise stops, the pedal is firm. The Antilock Brakes do function properly.

It seems to have lost a fair amount of power -- not like it had much to begin with -- this past year. I took it in for service (not to the dealer) and the diagnostic computer couldn't find anything wrong. We replaced the plugs and wires and filters anyway, but no improvement.

I've noticed that the water temperature gauge might not be functioning properly. I think the thermostat is stuck open. Wish I'd had them change that out just for general principles when they did the timing belt.

I love this car. It's comfortable and great for long trips.

Gas mileage could use improvement -- I'm only getting about 17 mpg, but a little better on long trips, about 21 mpg.

I keep the interior as clean as I can and clean and dress the leather seats about every three months and they continue to look great.

From a performance perspective, it's a real dog -- but, hey, I didn't expect a race car out of a luxury wagon. I have a Porsche for that! :)

I've had none of the typical Audi electrical problems and am generally very satisfied.

I don't have a dealer available locally and have gotten to know my mechanic very well over the years given all of the German cars we've owned for the last 10 years. They always take good care of me and generally one trip fixes the problem.