CMC

1) Is the C5 model going to be updated with a "C6" in the next couple of years?
2) How does everyone like the new 3.0L engine? Any reliability problems so far? The 30v 2.8L seemed like a pretty bulletproof engine based on what I've read over on the A4 forum, I'm hoping the 3.0L is the same.
3) How are resale values on a "luxury wagon"? I can't imagine that there is too big a market for such a car. My parents tend to change cars relatively often, and resale value might be a consideration too in the overall equation.

They're looking for a relatively large & comfortable vehicle to get them to the mountains (Whistler, BC) for weekends and I am trying very hard to convince them to not get either the X5 or another ML. They have a 00-ML320 right now and want to trade the car in before the warranty is up since little things have been going wrong pretty often lately.

Thanks for your input!

S6greytness

1.) C6 platform in two years (or so)
2.) The 3.0 is universally acclaimed (by Audiphiles) as what the 2.8 should have been. (performance wise). As for reliability, I haven't noticed anything, observing from this board.
3.) Resale: Hmmmm. I can't see the resale being any worse than the sedan. There is a certain anti-SUV groundswell out there that places those in need of space, into a minivan or wagon. Who knows, maybe if they get in an Audi, they won't get bored in two years.

You can always make the safety case. The Audi's (with Torsen diff) have the best traction/stabilty/center of gravity, of any vehicles on the road.

JimR

Consider an allroad for the greater ground clearance in the snow getting to Whistler.

HPH

Yep. Plus, it has the bonus of more power than the 3.0.

mbr

Used Avants are sell for more than same year sedans.

JimR

Plus turbos help avoid power loss at altitude.

bikie

Definitely an allroad.

CEB

...and have had zero problems. I also drive an X5 pretty regularly and have got to say that the Avant wins hands down. Better gas mileage, better handling, better looks (deer like it too ) and more comfortable.

I came from a Yukon and it took about a week to adjust to the difference in altitude -- now driving the X5 is like climbing into a Mack Truck.

The ONLY advantage of an SUV over an Avant is ground clearance -- if that is of concern, then the allroad is an alternative. I do note that most folks on the board are power hungry and like the 2.7T (in allroad guise) for that, but one must realize that the turbos have problems that don't occur in the 3.0

I am considering an S6 though.....

S6greytness

SSSSSSSSSS!

CMC

Hehe, I doubt my Mom (primary driver) will need any more power than the 220 the 3.0 will provide. Besides, my dad has had PLENTY of trouble with the 2.7T in his Y2K S4 that he traded in for a E320.

If I ever get enough $$$, I think I would jump all over an opportunity to get an Audi Assured S6 avant with low miles! But that, unfortunately, is just a dream at the moment.