I've recently been comparing the 2001 Passat and the 1998 Audi A6 2.8. Obviously they share quite a few mechanical parts but I was looking for feedback on how well the 98 A6s have held up. With the longer warranty, a used A6 and a new Passat wind up at the same price, same warranty (remaining) with the A6 being equipped much better, also the A6 has already taken its depreciation hit over the first couple of years. I'm assuming the only downside is that the A6 will be a bit slower due to the extra weight.

I realize there will probably be a lot of postings recommending the 4.2 or the 2.7T and personally I'd really like a 2.7T with a 6speed, however that's quite a jump up in price that I'm not willing to make (yet).

Any perspective on 1998 A6 2.8s?

Thanks

 

the Passat is 2yrs bumper to bumper and 100k on the engine drivetrain.

Passats are holding their value really well here in CA. I have an A6 4.2 but will be buying a Passat wagon next spring when the redesigned models come out.

The Audi name has more prestige but if that is not important to you then the Passat is an excellent car.

I usually put my wife in the Passat because of the miles she drives.

Just my opinion.

rmg
Audi A6 4.2
Black / Van. Onx

 

I hadn't realized the Passat now came with 100,000 miles on the powertrain. Is this an option or is that the standard warranty? If it is standard then that puts it partially ahead of Audi.

 

I have a 98 A6 and can't wait to turn it i for a 2001 2.7. Too many things went wrong with this car. Fuel gauge, TWO a/c compressors and many others. It has 50,000 miles on it and my resiual is 26,000. If you want to buy it, it will be available 12/1. So far thisyear it's ok. I wouldn't want one of these machines without a warranty. Sorry.<p>98 A6Q Europa Blue Mica
00 A4Q Pelican Blue

 

Hi,
My first thought is that '98 was the first year for this generation of A6 and that would worry me. I'd go for the Passat.

 

I was comparing the 2000 Passat V6 4Motion, and opted for the '98 A6 2.8, w/ 18K miles.

Why? The depreciation was already taken. The '98 was loaded (warm, cold, xenon, bose). It was bigger too, (a factor to consider with kids), though not much bigger. And, much to my surprise my wife actually prefered the Audi over the Passat. (She really has a bad perception of VW, but not Audi for some reason.)

Also, I guess some ignorance comes into play here. I didn't realize this was the first year for the redesign, and unfortunately for me I didn't find this site until post-purchase.

Problems: Fuel gauge problem, delayed delivery by 2 days. Washer fluid tank leaked a lot! And, the trip computer display now seems to be slowly eroding (the horizontal lines are fading away). But it's under warrenty.

My parting thought, I wish I had investigated the 2.7T more. Price meant a lot to me, as I didn't want to go crazy (after all it's just a car, right?), but the extra power of the 2.7T probably would have been worth it.<p>dferr
1998 A6Q
I Love Xenon!!!

 

a '96 Golf with 61k on it and just had the water pump replaced under warranty.

rmg
Audi A6 4.2
black / Van. Onx.

 

One potentially weird response -- the rear seats of the Passat are incredibly uncomfortable to me. There's a large hump in the front portion of the seats that literally hurts to sit on. I bought a Volvo wagon after checking out the Passat and disqualifying it based solely upon those seats.

And before I get flamed for "why worry about the back seats?", consider that I will occasionally need to sit in back with a baby in a car seat... so comfort for all passengers is a selfish requirement on my part.

That said, the 100k mile warranty and price break are hard to ignore if you're shopping for the 2.8. I too have my sights set on the 2.7t so once again the Passat loses out. ;-)

- Leo

 

No major problems with our '98A6 FWD. I checked my log, and the following are the extent of the repairs, all under warranty.

At delivery, there was a vacuum leak in the cruise control such that it didn't work, and the airbag light stayed on so they replaced a sensor spring and lubed.

Other problems between then and now, at 27,000 miles--replace the emergency flasher switch. Replace both front tie rod links with an updated design because of excessive play. Replace the trunk lock assembly because it was no longer possible to have the trunk lock operate with the remote.

Thats it--still enjoying the car.

Bruce Williams<p>Bruce Williams
98 A6 2.8 Cashmere/Melange

 

My experience with my 98 has been fantastic. Very, very few problems, minor, and not engine or trans related. If it were a Maxima, I would have just lived with them and felt grateful. The only nagging issues have been the fuel level sending unit (now recalled) and occasional plug fouling, which seems to be fine now. I have 48.5K on the odo and it looks & drives like new. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

The depreciation on years 1 & 2 for the A6 is ferocious. Makes a 2year old a good deal. Audi's leases run longer than 2 years, so why is the 98 available? Do you know this car?

Is the 2.7 or 4.2 worth the extra $? Well, it sure would be fun to tromp on the gas and have my skin rip away. But in 98, there was no choice but the 2.8. And for most of us, the 2.8 is just fine.

I really like the Passat. But the A6 is a car to keep. The interior materials are vastly superior to those used in the Passat. The 2.8 in the A6 is a 30v. I believe the Passat's is a 24v. The options and trim levels on even the 98s is not available on any Passat. Both share the same body platform. A6 is a stretched A4/Passat.

Drive both. I feel very safe in the A6. My last car (a Saab) was totalled in a head-on and I vowed only to buy sturdy cars. A6 is heavier than the Passat, but the laws of physics may help you survive someone else's sloppy driving.

Still, a tough choice between the two. Good luck.<p>98 A6 2.8Q-Tip blk/onyx.
Cold, warm, convenience.