mnalla

After a long list of considerations (A4, used allroad, A6 Avant, Touareg, Passat VR6 4 motion wagon), I am leaning towards getting a 2008 A6 Avant with premium, tech, navigation, 19" alloys and S line packages.

Here are a few questions where I would appreciate some help:

1. MSRP for the car is about $60K. What sort of discount should I expect? (I live in the Pacific NW, car is in Seattle)

2. I would expect to keep this car for 10 years. I am concerned about reliability of Audi's. After the warranty period what sort of major issues should I expect including major maintenance?

3. I have 3 kids (8, 5, and 2). Lot of weekend sport activities and family travels. Is the interior too hard to maintain?

4. The only other car I am considering at this time is the 2008 Passat VR6 4Motion Wagon. Fully equipped I can get that for $38k. I realize that I am comparing apples and oranges between the Passat and the A6 but is the A6 worth $20+k more? (I am well aware that I am not getting navigation, sport pkg, Audi experience, 19" wheels, etc with the Passat).

5. Would also appreciate owner opinions on their 2007 or 2008 A6 Avants as it relates to drive ability, handling, convenience, room for 5, etc.

Thanks in advance for any input or advice on the above. Regards.

pierreb

1. ymmv

2. timing belt, suspension...those are usually expensive.

3. no, but i'm a detailing freak (see detailing forum), so i don't find it hard because i keep up with it...have 11 and 9 yr olds.

4. quattro vs. haldex. but the cars are indeed very different in every aspect.

5. don't got one. but i know i'm not taking the a4 to the mountains this year...too small and uncomfortable > 2 hrs. car seat placement might make things unpleasant for 5 and 8 yr olds...

svail50

1. Try offering splitting the profit 50/50 with the dealer ?..Still pretty Rare to find--unless you order?
2. usually $$$$ after the warranty
3. Interior materials very good . upkeep dependant on attention
4. no reference for me
5. Has been great vehicle for me- handles great, very versitle for lugging "stuff", ex. Fuel economy for AWD, goes great in wet and snow
Lives up to all expectations after 35k miles.

h3rmes

I currently have test driven an BMW X5, X3 and own a Mercedes ML500.

I have never considered any SUV to have "car-like" handling. No matter what they say, an SUV will feel like driving a truck.

Newer SUVs like the Audi Q7 tend to minimize the feeling with unibody construction, but it is difficult to defy the laws of physics.

With that said, if you are willing to sacrifice a slight difference in cargo space for superior driving dynamics, a sport wagan like the A6 Avant will win hands down against any SUV.

With gas prices at an all time high, the A6 Avant makes are far more compelling choice.

Regards,
h3rmes

JackKrash

I just picked up a 2008 A6 avant a few weeks ago, good choice for a family hauler.

1. 60K is just a bit high with your options for 60K I would expect Air Suspension and ACC.

2. I am planning to keep mine at least 8 years, my last Audi was an S4 I had for 4 years with no major issues. Drove the same after 4 years as it was new.

3. No problems so far with amaretto, but it really depends on the color choice. Personally, I would stay away from light colored carpet...

4. I compared these two as well, the passat is nice but not in the same class as the A6. BTW: you can certainly get the Passat with Nav if you want it.

5. I am loving it so far. I did not get 19" wheels, as 18" may already be too much wheel for NYC roads. The air suspension is a must have IMO, well worth it. I've found the engine is strong enough for normal driving - and I am enjoying the improved mileage compared to the 4.2 in the S4. The A6 Avant handles better than a 4000 lb. wagon should.

You may want to look into the Q7 due to the size of your family, I almost went with the Q, it was just too big for the three of us.

wbwynn

If I had young kids; I would look at the Q7 too; it's much better suited for that.

Audiism

I would think you will have trouble getting the three kids, the wife, and you into the A6 Avant for extended trips with luggage. You could always leave the wife home at which point the A6 is perfect for four people. As the kids get older every trip will become problematic if you try to squeeze three kids in the back seat. The situation worsens with the Passat.

I suggest a long look at the Q7. The handling impressed me at a recent Audi Experience but yes, it is larger and mileage is not as strong as the A6 Avant. If you could get a diesel in a Q7 you would be the envy of many. I thought I heard a diesel motor option was coming for the Q7. I'd be all over that for an A6 Avant or Q7 but I plan to keep my A6 Avant for years to come.

Just make us proud and get something with "four rings" behind it. Best of luck!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/109433/a6rearlowres.jpg">

mnalla

we already have a Land Cruiser which serves as the family hauler. The A6 would be my daily driver and would still need to haul kids for away soccer games, etc.

I am now torn between the A6 and the Passat VR6 Wagon. 2 very different cars but with similar utility needs.

The saga continues...... Will keep you posted on any deciisons. Thanks.

ArchAudi

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/13178/audifront.jpg"></center><p>
We have everything you desire in your dream-car avant and the sport suspension is awesome, but a little too much for everyday. We also have an allroad with the 3rd seat option. Now that would be the ideal people mover for you. We can load two kids, the nanny, and both of us in perfect comfort.

ayap

You can't beat the handling of the A6 Avant at high speed. It feels safe and really grips the road.

For kids 8,5,2 .. they are small enough to fit the back. Just get a roof rack if you pack a lot for your travels. The trunk size is OK.

SUVs will get you 14-16 MPG, while the A6 Avant will get you 24-26 MPG.