Well, I'm bummed. Got my new CR yesterday and saw that the featured vehicles were Audi A6, 530i, E320, and Jag S-type.

Guess which one of the three they didn't recommend due to "reliability below average". Hell, even the lousy Jag, which they trashed generally on many counts, still ended up as recommended because its reliability had improved to average. And they gushed so effusively over the 530i it made me doubly irritated. Called it the best car they've ever tested.

The irony of all this is that exactly three years ago in their Oct. '98 issue they gushed profusely about the new A6. So effusive was their praise that I decided I could at last go there. And did, in August '99. And am still very glad I did. However, it looks like all of the '98's electrical problems, and everyone's fuel gauge problems,etc., have cumulatively given the model a black mark.

I know, I know. Everyone will now respond with the usual "CR's good for refrigerators, stereos, and so forth, but they ain't credible for cars". However, I beg to differ. They sure nailed my '93 SHO correctly; I got out of that POS before the warranty ran out, but in the interim it cost Ford lotsa warranty dough. In fact, just about every car I've owned was pegged right by CR in terms of value and dependability.

In this latest CR report they even add insult to injury by an opening remark questioning the A6's value in relation to the "excellent VW Passat...with which it shares the platform". Yet another slap at Herr Doktor P's questionable brand strategies. I sometimes get the impression that he would just as soon Audi go away, but maybe I'm overreacting. One does, however, hate to invest $40k in a car that could potentially have the retained value of a Lincoln (!). I guess I'm very glad that when my lease runs out next August I plan to keep the car - BECAUSE I LOVE THE BLOODY TROUBLE-FREE THING. So far. At the rate this bad press crops up though I'm wondering if I'll end up upside down on the residual which is pegged at slightly under $22k.

Oh well, at least they said nice things about the "meticulously crafted" interior.

Okay, now I'll put on my flame protectant garb and see what some of the rest of you have to say.

 

Just enjoy your trouble free car.

 

problem.... Let's hope it stays that way. The same cannot be said of my wife's 2001 BMW 325 Ci.

 

They are not auto enthusiasts. They test for different stuff. What matters is your own experience, which has been good so just go with that.

Their newfound admiration for Mercs and BMWs is pretty funny. Until recently they thought the Merc E Class was the best car ever made, even thought I would suspect most of their readership buys GM cars every 10 years whether they need to or not.

 

This is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. The article can't have a good effect on resale though. As mine is leased, I don't worry about it too much unless I decide to keep it, which I am seriously considering. Mine has been relatively trouble free (only a secondary air pump replacement) so I either keep it or trade it and take the risk of getting something that is not as trouble free.

If it makes 45k with no serious problems I am tempted to keep it and do some mods to it. I haven't done any because of the warranty issue. At 50k miles, I figure the risk is low as the infant mortality principle is no longer an issue and I tend to baby the car anyway. The Audi warranty is no longer an issue at this point, only which extended warranty I might choose.

Decisions, decisions!

 

CR ain't what it used to be. Their methodology has changed, and I believe they've gotten sloppy to boot! I find my personal preferences run counter to virtually every taste test they do, and they seem to have an editorial bent left over from they early '70's. That's why I didn't renew my subscription.

BTW, as you continue to enjoy your excellent auto, would you consider a long-term warranty, just to be safe?

 

You don't need some magazine to give approval to your purchase. Just enjoy your car.

 

Price always wins with them.

Just enjoy your car..I enjoy mine, and the stereos they trash!

 

I've told the bulletin board before that the 8 trips to the dealer to fix unrelated electrical problems had dampened my urge to go out an buy another Audi. Would you risk buying another one if one of your criteria is reliability?

Nevertheless, the experience of owning and driving an A6 is unsurpassed for a car at this price. If you think you'll tire of it and want to sell it to buy something else, then be concerned about resale values. But, if this car's so good that it's a keeper, what difference does it make. I find that there's nothing gained by beating yourself or anyone else up over this. If you love the car, end of story.

Simply do the best research you can before you buy, and know that nothing is permanent and no one is the ultimate expert on anything; not even CR. If you want to see another major CR faux pas, check the early reviews of the Dodge Aspen.

 

CR should stick to rating which minivan has the most cupholders