2005 Issues
 

The '05 are starting to come into my price range so I am considering buy one instead of continuing my search for an '04 s-line. Many times the first model year of a new model is a ferreting out process of problems and later years tend to be much better. For example, '91 Ford Explorers had lots of issues but in comparison '92 and later Explorers were quite reliable.

I am curious if the same holds true when a model is upgraded like the A6 was in '05. Does anyone know which is more reliable and '04 or '05?

The '04 A6 is the final MY of the C5, so it is the most reliable of the C5 platform..
 

The '05 A6 is the initial year of the C6 platform, so it will have more problems than '06 and later years of the C6 platform. My rule–of–thumb is to pass on the first year of any new model so the bugs are worked out by the time I purchase a later year.

I heard the first years are betting for Audi because they don't know what will "break" so they make each item with more quality. who knows tho.

Consumer Reports is of the opinion that the 2005 is MORE reliable than any of the other C6 cars (2006-2008).

No probs w/ my '05 FWIW. Just passed 50k and have owned since 35k.

BTW, '04 is C5 platform.

05 has been a great year
 

I am approachign the end of yr two of my ownership, and running into the 90k mile mark very quickly. I wouldn't hesitate to buy again. Everything is still running surprisingly well. At least compared to my 02 A6. I would rate it a 9 out of 10 for audi.

Also, 05 has some of the best options, sport seats with sport suspension, and MMI goodies, plus amaretto leather. Look and you will find a gem of a car.

I plan (and almost must) keep this car until 150k-170k. So, keep up the research, and find a good deal. Detailed and cleaned up, and my 95k mile car looks like a 5k mile car.

Good luck,
IB