I love(d) my 2000 A6 4.2. Beautiful ming blue with pie plate wheels. Interior was the awesome blueberry; white leather with blue interior and walnut trim. Upgrades: Hotchkis sway bars, Boston Acoustic speakers, Kenwood head unit with HD Radio.
BUT-the paint on the roof, trunk, and rear bumper was badly faded. And the leather in the driver's seat was ripped. And it had 178k miles. Sooner rather than later I'd be looking for a replacement.
But what to buy? Brand new is out of the question. Newer used A6's don't look as good to me. A4's look better but aren't big enough and both cost a lot. I couldn't see a Golf or an A3 as an option.
By chance, checked out Steven's Creek Audi. Found a 2001 A6 4.2 with sports suspension and wheels. Same Ming blue color! Interior isn't quite as stunning - more mundane brown, however the car was in mint condition. And only 63k miles!
Talked them down from $11k to $10k. They were going to give me $2k for my car; sold it to my mechanic (where I new it would have a good home--his wife is now driving it) for a little bit more.

Though my wife thinks I'm boring for getting "the same damn thing", I have to say, I love this car. It honestly feels brand new. Have added the blitz safe iphone adapter (cable comes up through the useless center console cup holder) and replaced the speakers with some Rockford Fosgates. The only hitch so far was water coming in the trunk, but that's now been solved.
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2822239

Check out old and new at the Mechanics:

 

Not sure if to call it sentimental attachment or just pure audi attachment. But I understand you. I wonder what else would be a good step up from the A6 4.2 but in the same category. Let me suggest to you, that is if you look to upgrade again in the near future. Look into the 2003 RS6. I have never driven one but have always admired it from a distance. I now have a 2002 S6 and would recommend that too but from your post, I doubt if you would like to be spoted in a station wagon.

 

There is one other brand and two models I would look into past my 4.2 A6...

2002/2003 BMW 540i.

2004/2005 545i.

 

I've avoided the 5XX series BMWs in favor of the A6s. I like the driving experience, the maintenance not so much. And from an A6 owner, that's saying a lot. The BMW automatic trans are perhaps slightly worse than the Audis.

 

Regarding the RS6-love that car. Ultimate look for that body style and obviously the performance. But maintenance costs out of warranty are probably way scary.
5 series BMW are definitely a worthy competitor; slightly harsher ride with more cramped back seat.
Regarding auto transmissions-I needed to replace the one in my 2000 at ~150k miles. Mechanic said the transmission is the same in the 7-series BMW of that year.

 

"I now have a 2002 S6 and would recommend that too but from your post, I doubt if you would like to be spoted in a station wagon."
Wagons rock! The S6 is absolutely sweet. Ironically, they seem even harder to find than the '03 RS6.
I had an '89 turbo wagon with the pearl paint. Loved that car (though that was the biggest maintenance nightmare!).

 

This is too much of a coincidence. I just went from a 2001 2.7T to a 2001 4.2. Both are Ming Blue, the 2.7 had the Vanilla Blue interior and the 4.2 has the not-as-sharp-but-still-ok Melange. The 2.7 had no mods (just lots of repairs) but the 4.2 has upgraded springs/shocks - exhaust - tint. It's got the pie-plate wheels like yours. Maybe we should start a club.

 

That is hilarious. I think my new interior is Melange as well. Which do you like more, the 2.7 or the 4.2?

 

Both cars are nice, but I'm loving the 4.2. The 2.7T felt lighter (even though the overall weight difference is only ~200lbs) and was more fun to throw around, but ... the widebody and the grunt of the V8 sure is fun! This thing's a sledgehammer in comparison! Plus the PO gave it some nice mods - Magnaflow's and H&R race springs - it's a kick to drive. Makes you want to go lift weights.

 

The 4.2 rocks. Not only is it faster in stock shape, it has the great growl of a V8. Comparing to my Allroad, the 4.2A6 goes on the highway like a raped ape. The Allroad is heavier, though, and feels sluggish beyond the 1st gear.

Quarter mile times for automatic transmission A6 are 15.3 for the 2.7 and 15.0 for the 4.2. The Allroad is 15.6.