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I have a 98 A6 2.8 that goes off lease on Monday.
Yes, the Audi is definitely more fun to drive. I posted a question the other day regarding whether I should get the 4 cyl or 6 cyl, but both are much more responsive.
The quality of the fit and finish on an Audi is impeccable.
Since I'm trying to lower my payments, I'm not considering getting a new A6 2.8 and I certainly can't even dream about the 2.7T. However, I did consider releasing my Audi at $110 less a month then I'm paying now so I went down to the service department to ask about their experience with the A6 considering I only have 26K miles. The service manager said that even ones with 60K have needed minimal repairs. One person in the department said that a few have had water pump problems that could cost about $600 to repair but that's about it.
I've needed the breaks replaced and waited 2 years for a part to make my gas gauge work but that's the only repairs I've needed.
The A4 was redesigned in 96 and will be redesigned for 02. Since the A6 redesigned in 98, it probably will look the same for a few more years.
Incidentally, since you can't get both option packages together, I would lose out on some of the features I have now without paying exhorbitantly higher.
While I will probably be leasing a Saab later this month(I'm waiting to see the 2002 Acura TL Type S that arrives in a couple of weeks - 260HP, ESP and a great navigation system but no side head airbag), I would definitely be looking at the next generation A6 (not a 2.8 version) when my next lease is up.
I don't think you can go wrong either way but I'll give you my pro's and con's. Remember, I know a lot about the Audi but have about a half hour's of experience driving the Saab.
Audi Pro's:
Audi is super quiet at all speeds. If the radio is on,you hardly realize there's an engine even when you're accelerating.
Ride comfort is tremendous.
Total neutral steering.
Never have wheel spin like the Saab or torque steer.
Great in snow while moving.
The best seats in the world. They have a power lumbar support that not only inflates but can be raised or lower in the seatback. I have a bad back and if it was as bad as it was in 98, I would pay any price for the Audi.
Acceleration is sufficient but not anywhere near the Saab. At 60 and above its smoother than the Saab and the acceleration is very linear, more so than any car I have driven. It has a great automatic. (Never used the Tiptronic much since my lease was 39 months when the warranty was 36 and I didn't want a potential transmission repair.)
Heated steering wheel. I will really miss it.
ESP (if it works as advertised as opposed to the post that indicated it caused a fatal accident)
Valet key (I hear Saab doesn't have one)
Great Bose system available, far superior to the Harmon-Kardon.
Side curtain airbags standard and available rear side airbags.
Maintenance includes wear items like breaks and wipers.
Reliability
Lower insurance
Cons:
Premium gas.
I probably averaged around 18 mpg.
Additional weight of quattro makes stopping a bit of an adventure in snow.
No radio controls on steering wheel while having very difficult placement of buttons on the radio in dash. (You need to get the touring package for steering wheel controls on the Audi but then you have to get all the Celebration options separately)
Probably not as safe as the Saab but it's way up there.
Hope this helps. Good luck
, Fri, 2 Mar 2001 12:45:16
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