A 2003-2005 Audi A4 or A6 has my eye now in my price range ~17k-20k
I'd stay with BMW but I like having extra money around just in case plus I just wanna try something different.

Any opinions on either? I'm leaning towards the A4, but my dad said the A6 tends to be more reliable, however, his reference point is from older models, my reasearch seems to say the opposite.

If the A4, I'm looking at the 1.8T over the 3.0 because I like the feel of a turbo, plus for <500 I can chip it and get equal if not better power.

Thoughts?

3/22/2007 1:51:41 PM

Just get a E36 M3. BMW hold their values better than Audi.

3/22/2007 1:54:20 PM

I have an E36 325is from 1993. Kinda want something different now. Plus to fit my price range, I'd have to go back a few years and go through all the repairs I've already done on mine, IE: water pump, etc.

3/22/2007 1:57:14 PM

I don't know if you like Japanese cars or not, but S2000 would also be a good option.

3/22/2007 2:05:42 PM

I like em, but I kinda want a 4 door. I never get to drive places with a group because I never have enough room.

3/22/2007 2:17:26 PM

540 with 6 speed?

3/22/2007 2:19:54 PM

if they have the same engine and transmission odds are the reliability will be the same. and any difference that may be seen may be more because of HOW its driven.

3/22/2007 2:59:30 PM

I have no experience with the 2005, which was the first year of the new design. However, for the '98 to '04 generation:
A6 has a GORGEOUS interior. Wonderful place to spend time. However, for the big, heavy car the A6 is, I'd stay away from the base engine (3.0) as 220hp ain't much power to pull around 3800 lbs, especially if you opt for the quattro. 2.7T is a step up (but still no fireball), 4.2 with 300hp is ideal. IMO you may have a hard time finding a low-mileage A6 in your price/year range that's not a 3.0 and/or FWD car. Very nice if you can swing it though.

3/22/2007 3:24:45 PM