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Consumer Test Drive - 1999 Audi A6
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:42:41 |
| Rating |
 144 ( -21 -14.58% ) | | Author | Steve Metz |
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Description:
Overall Rating:
Comfort Rating:
Performance Rating:
Quality Rating:
Appearance Rating:
Favorite Feature:
Style and comfort. The best feature to price ratio among the Germans.
Least Favorite Feature:
Performance. Dealer attitude--more reflective of their VW heritage than what I came to expect from BMW or MB
Advice to Buyer:
Demand a long test drive.
Detailed Review:
What you think about this car depends in part on your point of reference. Before buying an A6, I considered a BMW 528i, BMW 328i, and Mercedes C280. Of all them, the Audi is the clear winner in looks (inside and out) and feature/price ratio. Its performance--acceleration, braking, and handling--is on a part with the Benz, but far below the BMWs. To be perfectly honest, I'd rather have had the 528i, but couldn't see it as $6000 better than the Audi.
Bottom line: the Audi's pluses are styling, features, quietness, and space (passenger and luggage). It has a huge array of comfort and convenience features. The seats are great. Its performance is good for anyone not accustomed to BMWs. Its minuses are brakes that are not on a par with BMW or Mercedes, leisurely acceleration, the absence of a full-sized spare tire, and the lousiest cruise control I've ever seen (and that includes rental Escorts and Neons). The thing can vary by 10 MPH on moderately hilly terrain, and is very annoying as it upshifts on climbs and uses the engine and transmission to control the speed on descents.
Also Considered:
1999 BMW 528
1999 BMW 328
Vehicle Purchased:
1999 Audi A6
Reviewer Information:
Name - Steve Metz
Location - Carlisle, Pennsylvania |
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