just did a quick search on jd power. it looks like their ratings are based on consumer surveys with not much else. consumer reports actually does their own testing which to me would seem much more accurate. what is the average age of a buick or lincoln driver? how much are they driving?
-
Welcome to AlpineZone, the largest online community of skiers and snowboarders in the Northeast!
You may have to REGISTER before you can post. Registering is FREE, gets rid of the majority of advertisements, and lets you participate in giveaways and other AlpineZone events!
Audi
- Thread starter SKIQUATTRO
- Start date
ctenidae
Active member
One owner, sne she just drove it to church on Sundays.
I doubt many Lincolns ae sold to consumers. Seems to be the fleet car of choice ofr limo services.
GrilledSteezeSandwich
New member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2007
- Messages
- 17,569
- Points
- 0
Buick and Lincoln owners are the ones buying tombstones from me who shouldn't be driving anymore..
hammer
Active member
Bit of a long bump, but I just test drove the following used Audis:
Does anyone know how easy it is to get a decent roof rack for the Audis?
I'm hoping to check out some other used AWD sedans now...Acura and Lexus also have AWD sedans so they might be another option...
- 2007 A4, ~34K miles
- 2006 A6, ~43K miles
Does anyone know how easy it is to get a decent roof rack for the Audis?
I'm hoping to check out some other used AWD sedans now...Acura and Lexus also have AWD sedans so they might be another option...
I believe they sell an Audi dealer rack at the least (or expensive).
Just about every manufactuer makes an AWD sedan these days. So you can really just chose what you want - Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Acura TL, even a Ford Fusion and lots of funky stuff from Japan.
Are the others driive systems as good as an Audi?
hammer
Active member
Good question...
I have always liked how the Subaru AWD system responded on my Outback, and the AWD on my Toyota Highlander is OK but not as good as the Subaru. I'm not sure about other systems, however...
I do want to check further into the Acura's system...I had an Integra years ago and it was a great car.
marcski
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2005
- Messages
- 4,576
- Points
- 36
Audi and Subaru have been making them the longest and IMHO are probably the 2 best.
I, too will be looking into the new Acura TL with their SHAWD system, when the time comes for me to replace my current ride...but that won't be for another 2.5 years or so. I had an older TL and while it was a very good car and did everything very good...it didn't have enough feedback, both audible and "feel" wise through the steering and suspension.
My wife drives an Acura MDX with I believe the same or similar SHAWD system. I haven't driven it in a huge storm, but it has done quite nicely in some bad road situations. Also, it is both louder and much stiffer than my old TL. It is almost too stiff suspension wise for me..I'm used to a sedan these days. Also, the mileage is horrendous. It gets about 14.5 mpg regardless of highway or local driving. Our older Jeep Grand Cherokee would get into the low 20's in 2wd and 18 or 19 in awd. Plus, you could lock the hubs and get true 4wd. I don't think any vehicle I've ever driven has been better in the snow than that old grand cherokee.
billski
Active member
I have an 06 A6 Quattro. I bought it with skiing and commuting in mind. I gave up on getting a roof rack. Nobody had anything for it (Audi, thule, Yaki), I'd have to gerry-rig something else and it wasn't worth it. Last checked about 6 months ago. Really wanted a ski pass thru (I avoid racks for the most part) which would allow me 4 passengers, but compromised with the split seat, which will carry 3 adults.
With the right snow tires on it, it's built for cold weather (The fog lights, the incredible defroster, strong heater, heated seats, stability and traction control, AWD) make it a pleasure to drive in snow, steep hills, icy transition zones, etc. Driven through several storms now and I couldn't ask for a more controlled, enjoyable ride.
The Audis have a lot of "unspoken features" that you only discover after owning them for a while. Like closing the windows and roof when you are out of the car and it's raining, or that the steering tightens as you driver faster, or that the tune volume adjusts depending on the ambient cabin noise. Things I really don't need and didn't want, but it's fun.
You didn't ask, but I bought it because of the styling and design. I have driven Japanese cars for the past 14 years and was getting rather bored with them.
I did put a bike rack on the trunk back, which works out fine.
Last edited:
marcski
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2005
- Messages
- 4,576
- Points
- 36
Bill Audi definitely makes a factory rack for your car. They are a bit pricey but will say audi and have the four interlocked circles on the bar towers.
Geoff
Well-known member
Unless I had access to a mechanic, I wouldn't buy a used Audi unless it were CPO with a lengthy warranty.
I'm a rack non-believer. Skis belong inside away from road salt. I don't want to pay the fuel economy penalty all winter. For summer use, a bolt-on receiver hitch for the bike rack and other accessories.
Most people are better served with a FWD car with good snow tires. You can buy a winter beater SUV for next to nothing for those few times you want the 4WD system, ground clearance, the interior space, or the towing capability.
hammer
Active member
I am aware of Audi's reliability issues...but if I was going to pay in the neighborhood of $20-$25K for a used car I'd go with a CPO regardless of make.
Audi's CPOs extend the basic warranty to $100K miles IIRC...seems decent.
I'm not big on having skis outside either...that's why I have a box for my skis. I keep it on my Subaru all winter and just take the ~2 MPG hit.
I've read plenty about FWD with snows vs. AWD...I should most likely put snows on my AWD vehicles at some point but I don't at this time.
SKIQUATTRO
New member
never had any issues with any of my audis (i've had 3)...reliability has been flawless.
my buddy has had more issues with his ford expediton than i've had with any of my audis.
Sure any car by any manufacture at anytime can have issues...
my 08 Volvo XC70 has been in the shop more then i've driven it...
my buddy has had more issues with his ford expediton than i've had with any of my audis.
Sure any car by any manufacture at anytime can have issues...
my 08 Volvo XC70 has been in the shop more then i've driven it...
billski
Active member
I'm not so convinced on the reliability issue. One of my ski buds has a 10 year old A4 that he commutes on every day and daytrip skis every week in the winter. Never had anything major break, he did invest in a new timing belt. I bought mine 1 year old used, saved $12K from a lease it was in Florida of all places (a quattro with heated seats!) 20K miles. It now has 60K, I have only invested in brakes and tires. Interestingly, while normal wear and tear items, such as wiper blades, synthetic oil and brakes are more expensive, they last longer. I suspect if I amortized it by miles, it would come out cheaper, but I haven't done the math. It certainly means I spend less time maintaining it.
A lot of buying used has to do with the previous owner. If you can't figure out the prior owner, go by type of car. I would never think of buying an S4 or an entry-level small car - those things definitely get abused by younger, high testosterone crowd. The more expensive cars are driven far more gently, as a rule. That was my thinking on buying a used A6, and I've been pleased with the decision.
At this point, I plan to keep it into the high 100s miles. I pretty much baby my cars (my daughter drives my 220K mile prior car), so we'll see.
A lot of buying used has to do with the previous owner. If you can't figure out the prior owner, go by type of car. I would never think of buying an S4 or an entry-level small car - those things definitely get abused by younger, high testosterone crowd. The more expensive cars are driven far more gently, as a rule. That was my thinking on buying a used A6, and I've been pleased with the decision.
At this point, I plan to keep it into the high 100s miles. I pretty much baby my cars (my daughter drives my 220K mile prior car), so we'll see.
marcski
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2005
- Messages
- 4,576
- Points
- 36
I think for the most part if anything is going to go wrong with an Audi it will be electric related. The cars drive great, but I've had some issues with different Audis over the years I've owned them...all electric related.
hammer
Active member
Would you say that an A4 would still be OK? If we were to get a CPO Audi, I'd lean toward the A4...I did like the A6 but the A4 had a bit more "fun factor".
My plan is to ask my mechanic about his experiences with Audis...while I'd still plan on going to the dealer for warranty-related stuff I'd rather take my cars to an independent shop that can work on them.
billski
Active member
I would suspect the same. The new models now have so many computers and functions in them that I've nearly experienced the windows blue screen of death sometimes, where a feature just freezes and won't work until you re-boot the car. That happened with the telephone bluetooth connection. I just hope it's not related to the actual operation of the car.
billski
Active member
I understand the 3 year 50K included service was discontinued after model year 2006. They were trying to pump up sales.
Of the two cars you describe, I'd be comfortable with either one AFTER I had an independent mechanic check it out (and pay him/her to do it.)
One thing I can say is to do due diligence with service from independents for 2006+ service. The models 2006+ have far more sophistication in their design, and require a boatload of new diagnostic tools. For example, the emergency brake is electronic/by-wire. It requires a special electronic device to reset the brakes properly. Means the indi has to buy it. Either that or see if joe the tire shop can do brakes jobs on new audis.
I found an indi who worked at a new dealer for a long time and is very good, but they are just getting up to speed on the new designs, since they haven't been in production and just starting to deal with the extended service. Something to keep in mind. Would not dissuade me from buying again. I suspect many of the cars are doingt this, just go in with your eyes wide open.
p.s. I didn't need a brake job until 58K miles.
Of the two cars you describe, I'd be comfortable with either one AFTER I had an independent mechanic check it out (and pay him/her to do it.)
- 2007 A4, ~34K miles
- 2006 A6, ~43K miles
One thing I can say is to do due diligence with service from independents for 2006+ service. The models 2006+ have far more sophistication in their design, and require a boatload of new diagnostic tools. For example, the emergency brake is electronic/by-wire. It requires a special electronic device to reset the brakes properly. Means the indi has to buy it. Either that or see if joe the tire shop can do brakes jobs on new audis.
I found an indi who worked at a new dealer for a long time and is very good, but they are just getting up to speed on the new designs, since they haven't been in production and just starting to deal with the extended service. Something to keep in mind. Would not dissuade me from buying again. I suspect many of the cars are doingt this, just go in with your eyes wide open.
p.s. I didn't need a brake job until 58K miles.
billski
Active member
One more thing about CPO, I didn't think it was worth the money. I thought it was far cheaper to pay someone to inspect it inside out.
This review http://www.boston.com/cars/car_reviews/articles/2009/02/14/audis_a6_offers_subtle_virtues/ from last week agrees with you about the fun factor. I'm more of a stick in the mud when it comes to cars. My car is utility for me.
This review http://www.boston.com/cars/car_reviews/articles/2009/02/14/audis_a6_offers_subtle_virtues/ from last week agrees with you about the fun factor. I'm more of a stick in the mud when it comes to cars. My car is utility for me.
Last edited:
I deal with these guys: www.northbayimports.com Luckily, they're only about 30 minutes from where we live. They buy all their cars from Audi/VW credit; the leasing company owned by Audi/VW. So pretty much anything you look at is going to be a few years old and an off lease vehicle. All their techs came from Audi/VW dealers. Great sales, great service.
