JLAWS

I sold my beloved LS430 to focus on a house purchase. With most of the extras taken off, I was able to sell it stock for about $28K. I'll be able to see it since I sold it to a friend.
I know I will miss it. It was problem free for the whole 14 months I had it and it was the most comfortable/relaxing vehicle I have ever driven on long trips. I can see why it is considered overall best luxury sedan in the world.

Anyways I am debt free and driving my mint winter beater, 96 Grand Am, now my main car. Now I am itching for a luxury car again. I really need something respectable without a car note. My budget is roughly $15K . I should probably look at something like a 1998-2000 GS but I have been really impressed by Audi A6. I only want the 4.2 v8 version though. I love the german big block V8 sound!!!. I like the extra wide look since they had to shoehorn the V8 into the hood. It looks planted as hell with size 255/40/17 tires. I've found a few with over 65k miles for $15K and up for a 2000 model.

What do yo guys think ? Anyone with any experience with one? I don't hear the Lexus club members bad mouth Audi's reliability as much as Benz.


Here is the set up I'm looking for.

mmarshall

Is that an AWD Quattro model? Living in MA with its sometimes miserable winters you will appreciate the AWD traction, I would highly recommend it for your area, even considering the fact that it adds complexity and the chances of needing new parts. If you car has the 4.2 V8...as you indicate.....that engine makes enough power so that you will not notice the extra weight and drag of the AWD, at least in acceleration........but don't look for great gas mileage.

You asked about reliability. Audis, in the past, on average, were generally no better or worse than other comparable German designs in this area....which meant unreliable electronics.
There are some signs, however, that Audi reliability is improving. Last year the A4 showed significant improvement......but your car apparantly is at least several years old. ( You did not mention the model year ).

JLAWS

I'm shooting for a 2000 or 2001 for between $15K and $17K. Yes it is a Quattro Awd. The 4.2 has 40 valves and 300hp. It is slower to 60mph than the LS but not by that much. It is 3 inches shorter but 4 inches wider!! than the LS. I weighs 4000lbs so it's profile is like a linebacker's.
I found one for $14,900 at a dealer with only 62k miles on it with available warranty, but I just missed the sale I'll have to wait for another deal like that.

Yes I like on the east coast (Boston) but we haven't had much of a winter. Seems like early spring so far I don't drive my "expensive" cars in snow storms or inclimate weather, thus the fwd winter beater which I think is mandatory.

UDel

I rode and test drove one last summer when I went to a place in Delaware to look for a GS. They are nice looking cars and having the bonus of getting a powerful v-8 and awd sounded tempting. They wanted around 27 for it and I did not want to pay near that for a car that is not rated high in reliability and gets poor gas mileage. The v-8 feels strong and the car handled a little better then the GS. It was a lighter blue I believe then what you pictured and it felt pretty solid. The interior looked nice and I liked it more then GS but I was expecting the tactile feedback on the buttons and switches to be higher as Audi is usaully highly regarded for their high quality interiors. When pressing buttons, switches, and ***** I did not get the sence anything was of super quality or any better better then the competition like many of the magazines state. Most of the Acuras and Lexus buttons, switches, ***** had a better feel to them. You could get rid of your winter beater if you get this car being that it has a good awd system, but knowing they have had some electrical and other issues you may want a spare car just in case. You have got to give it to Audi for being able to offer awd, powerful v-8, in a nice sporty/luxury car where with other brands including Lexus you can not get that combination and must settle for a different configuration.

bmgs400

Get the GS400. NIce weather driver.

Keep the winter beater..you don't want to drive a nice car in the winter. Getting stuck behind a salt truck and get pummeled with salt and sand will ruin the finish..not to mention the rust.

Milla...

Well I have a sweet spot for Audi and I always liked the 4.2 A friend of mine had the 01' and the only thing I remember him fusing about was the window actuator or something oh and one of his sideview mirrors acting funky other than that he loved the thing to death, he has the 06' now.