Bye Bye A6 - its been a good 3 years

[ti rich]

Well after 3 years and 61,0000 miles the A6 has been returned to Audi today. Its been a bit of a love hate relationship. I can't fault the car as it has been ultra reliable and a great work horse. Not one bit of trim has fallen off, no engine or electrical faults and the car has returned an OK, but not great, 43 MPG over its life. The engine actually feels just run in after its 3rd service and is running better than ever. May be I have driven it too easy! Comfortable, quiet and with a huge boot there really hasn't been much to dislike. In fact over time I think I have grown to like the car more than. And more.

But, and for me its a big but. There is something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. I just can't like the car as much as I should. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more as a 3.0TDi, I will never know.

So once again thanks A6 - you have been a good friend but not someone I would like to marry for the long termsorry. You will however make someone a great second hand buy as you are still as good as new.

[Whippy53]

So, where now?

[Lukenkarl]

If I ever get a C7 it will be 3.0 L. A friend has a 2L and gets poor mpg, like only 26 ish around town. But happy with the C6 for now

[ti rich]

So, where now?

Back to where I came from - a BMW 330D M Sport.

[Lukenkarl]

Back to where I came from - a BMW 330D M Sport.
Do you not fancy the 530 M Sport with professional media ? I do ����

[Whippy53]

Back to where I came from - a BMW 330D M Sport.

Nice, not my first choice but very nice nonetheless. Enjoy.

[ti rich]

Do you not fancy the 530 M Sport with professional media ? I do ����

I though i did and test drove one. To be honest i would keep the A6 over the 5 series as i feel it's a better car and that's coming from a BMW Fan. Also tried the 520D as well and *** XF which i nearly brought.

I have gone with the "3" for a more driver focused experience again!

Spec is:-

330D M-Sport (rear wheel drive, not X-Drive)
Pro Nav
Xenons
Harman Karden Sound System
Xenons with Adaptive lights
Adaptive suspension
Comfort Pack
Folding Mirrors
BMW Individual Opal White Leather (same quality as A6)

i just felt that given the performance (258BHP/560nm 0-62 in 5.6 sec) and economy (57 mpg offical, same as 2.0 A6 TDi i had) it's the right mix for me now. A 22% discount also helped!

I may return to the A6 in the future - who knows.

[rickerby]

I though i did and test drove one. To be honest i would keep the A6 over the 5 series as i feel it's a better car and that's coming from a BMW Fan. Also tried the 520D as well and *** XF which i nearly brought.

I have gone with the "3" for a more driver focused experience again!

Spec is:-

330D M-Sport (rear wheel drive, not X-Drive)
Pro Nav
Xenons
Harman Karden Sound System
Xenons with Adaptive lights
Adaptive suspension
Comfort Pack
Folding Mirrors
BMW Individual Opal White Leather (same quality as A6)

i just felt that given the performance (258BHP/560nm 0-62 in 5.6 sec) and economy (57 mpg offical, same as 2.0 A6 TDi i had) it's the right mix for me now. A 22% discount also helped!

I may return to the A6 in the future - who knows.



They make you pay extra for xenons on a 330d MSport?!

[M1tchy]

It's a BMW! Even the air that comes in the cabin costs extra!


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[ti rich]

Yes, Xenons are extra but they are standard on the comparable 5 series following Audi's lead I must say.

Have to say the adaptive lights are amazing though despite the costs.

[Timothy Nathan]

I agree that the 3.0 is a much better than the 2.0 in every way, having recently been given a 2.0 loaner for a few days.

It would be a shame to reject the A6 on the basis of the 2.0.

[rickerby]

I agree that the 3.0 is a much better than the 2.0 in every way, having recently been given a 2.0 loaner for a few days.

It would be a shame to reject the A6 on the basis of the 2.0.





Vastly better than a 177 certainly, but having been loaned an A7 245 Quattro shortly before getting my Ultra I would say the gap has narrowed a bit.

[Lukenkarl]

It's a BMW! Even the air that comes in the cabin costs extra!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkhaha but remember audi now charge extra for heated seats on the £1500 option of super sports seats

[MarkTM]

My belief (perhaps wrongly) is that a personal/company lease is not really ownership, so you'll never get that close to a car.

You learn to appreciate (or hate) it more if you've paid the ticket price from your own pocket.

I've been entitled to a company car since 97, but have always taken the money and bought my own, since the maths just didn't work out for me.

[Chesterfield313]

haha but remember audi now charge extra for heated seats on the £1500 option of super sports seats

It's ok to laugh at BMW, but audi are just as bad. My XF had as standard, heated and cooled seats, heated windscreen, 18 way memory seats, keyless entry and exit, adaptive dynamic suspension, electric steering column, folding mirrors etc etc. All of this is an extra on the Audi and to get it to the same spec as the XF would cost around £10k. I prefer a lot of things about my audi, speed and noise, although the xfs was no slouch, but the luxury features and standard spec is poor.

[whitter45]

My belief (perhaps wrongly) is that a personal/company lease is not really ownership, so you'll never get that close to a car.

You learn to appreciate (or hate) it more if you've paid the ticket price from your own pocket.

I've been entitled to a company car since 97, but have always taken the money and bought my own, since the maths just didn't work out for me.

Completely disgaree it's more to do with attitude towards company cars

I treat my company a6 as if it's my own in terms of cleaning, where I park it etc as I still pay BiK although agree it's not my car

however our new scheme is shared ownership so I pay BiK to my company although the lease is in my name and my tax code is not affected

also gives me chance to pay balloon payment at the end and keep it so in 3 years time I need to pay 9k and the car is mine and I will sell on for a tidy profit

but back to original bold statement it's nothing to do if it's a company more around attitudes towards owning a company car

[ti rich]

Completely disgaree it's more to do with attitude towards company cars

I treat my company a6 as if it's my own in terms of cleaning, where I park it etc as I still pay BiK although agree it's not my car

however our new scheme is shared ownership so I pay BiK to my company although the lease is in my name and my tax code is not affected

also gives me chance to pay balloon payment at the end and keep it so in 3 years time I need to pay 9k and the car is mine and I will sell on for a tidy profit

but back to original bold statement it's nothing to do if it's a company more around attitudes towards owning a company car

Well said and totally agree. Over the past 20 years I have alternated between company car and allowance but always treat the company car as my own!

[MarkTM]

We'll agree to disagree, most every company car owner I've known simply doesn't want get their hands dirty doing an oil change outside of warranty. Let's appreciate that only a small percentage actually choose to purchase at the end of the term. Usually because technology has moved on and they usually have no brand or marque loyalty (not a bad thing).

I will liken it to my mother who was/is disabled and had a motability car, this was replaced every 3yrs until she stopped driving 10yrs ago. She too kept it pristine, the difference for her is that it was a necessity, and not out of either keeping up with the Jones's or for status.

[Chesterfield313]

We'll agree to disagree, most every company car owner I've known simply doesn't want get their hands dirty doing an oil change outside of warranty. Let's appreciate that only a small percentage actually choose to purchase at the end of the term. Usually because technology has moved on and they usually have no brand or marque loyalty (not a bad thing).

I will liken it to my mother who was/is disabled and had a motability car, this was replaced every 3yrs until she stopped driving 10yrs ago. She too kept it pristine, the difference for her is that it was a necessity, and not out of either keeping up with the Jones's or for status.

Not sure how you can disagree with them on this. They are not telling you that all company car drivers treat them as their own, just that they do. That surely is not a statement that you can disagree with, unless you know them better than they know themselves!?

I know myself that I hand washed my company car every week, polished it every now and then and kept it spotless inside. That was through pride and because I really liked the car. Ask my wife, I'm not just tidy and clean out of habit.

I am guessing on a car forum full of car enthusiasts there will be a higher percentage of car lovers than those that treat them as a means to an end, even the company car owners.

I for one agree with the OP, I had a 2.0 manual C7 in 2012 and only kept it 6 months, I liked it, but I didn't look forward to getting in it. I find excuses to go out in the BiTdi as often as I can.

[whitter45]

Here was my 90k e90 - company car that never saw a car wash has full service history and not a single door ding or kerbed alloy - went back in September this year

Doing 90k in a short period means I was closer to this car than any other I have owned or had as company vehicle

In essence anyone entitled to a company car tends to do large mileage so I would expect them to pick a car they enjoy if that's important to them

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3890/15081695988_8dca998284_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oYHCMb)DSC_8698 (https://flic.kr/p/oYHCMb) by Paul Whitt82 (https://www.flickr.com/people/93528820@N05/), on Flickr


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/15265155571_7cfb11b646_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pfVUVr)DSC_8704 (https://flic.kr/p/pfVUVr) by Paul Whitt82 (https://www.flickr.com/people/93528820@N05/), on Flickr

[rickerby]

We'll agree to disagree, most every company car owner I've known simply doesn't want get their hands dirty doing an oil change outside of warranty. Let's appreciate that only a small percentage actually choose to purchase at the end of the term. Usually because technology has moved on and they usually have no brand or marque loyalty (not a bad thing).

I will liken it to my mother who was/is disabled and had a motability car, this was replaced every 3yrs until she stopped driving 10yrs ago. She too kept it pristine, the difference for her is that it was a necessity, and not out of either keeping up with the Jones's or for status.



All car cleaning fetishists tend to look down their noses at anyone who doesn't share their unhealthy/unnatural obsession and often make stupid comments like this. What's wrong with enjoying driving a car, servicing it when the manufacturer tells you it needs done and cleaning it when its actually dirty? I know a number of people who are positively neurotic about their cars. Its not an attractive trait!

[M1tchy]

That's a bit generalistic isn't it? I prefer to keep a clean car that's damage and swirl mark free. I do not look down my nose at those that don't.

There is nothing wrong with having a car, driving it and servicing it but as the cheapest car in the UK is around 8grand, why not keep it clean and looking nice?


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[fest0r]

All car cleaning fetishists tend to look down their noses at anyone who doesn't share their unhealthy/unnatural obsession and often make stupid comments like this. What's wrong with enjoying driving a car, servicing it when the manufacturer tells you it needs done and cleaning it when its actually dirty? I know a number of people who are positively neurotic about their cars. Its not an attractive trait!

You seem to be doing your fair share of looking down at people yourself. If (in your opinion) someone washes their car when you would deem it unnecessary they have some sort of cleaning fetish and an unhealthy/unnatural obsession? You’re also presuming to know how all these crazy fetishists feel about “normal” car owners. It’s almost as if you’re trying to provoke people ;)

IMHO it’s all subjective… shades of grey… just like the A6 paint chart :p

[Chesterfield313]

All car cleaning fetishists tend to look down their noses at anyone who doesn't share their unhealthy/unnatural obsession and often make stupid comments like this. What's wrong with enjoying driving a car, servicing it when the manufacturer tells you it needs done and cleaning it when its actually dirty? I know a number of people who are positively neurotic about their cars. Its not an attractive trait!

I agree with others, this is a super judgemental post.

I look after my cars and when I have time I hand wash and polish it. I do it very rarely, because I don't really have the time, although I used to do it more. Ironically I had more time when I had a company car than I do now. When I do it, I do it out of enjoyment and get some satisfaction from it. A bit like cooking a nice meal, or successfully building something that doesn't fall down.

I certainly would not judge so harshly those that enjoy looking after their car properly, or those that take them through a car wash. I do both.

You might try being a little more tolerant of people that do things differently to you.

[Timothy Nathan]

Why would I wash my car when there are willing asylum seekers who want the money and need the work?

[Chesterfield313]

I do it because they ruin black paint by using cheap cloths and leathers. That's how you get swirls in the paint. If I had a car that showed it less, I would go there every time.

No one is wrong here. If you like a really shiny and perfectly clean finish (which isn't a crime) then do it yourself. If you want it looking perfect from a distance, but you are not so bothered by it being less than perfect on closer inspection (which also isn't a crime), go to the local hand car wash.

[Timothy Nathan]

What if you feel that a dirty car better reflects your personality and your wife agrees but still insists that you get it washed?

[Chesterfield313]

What if you feel that a dirty car better reflects your personality and your wife agrees but still insists that you get it washed?

Stop being a pushover and leave it dirty.

[Timothy Nathan]

I'll ask my wife if it's OK to stop being a pushover.

[Whippy53]

I take a real pride in the appearance of my car and it's a source of pride that I can keep it looking like new. All that aside, I feel It's very therapeutic, spending a sunny afternoon with a tin of wax in my hand. To each their own.

[fest0r]

It’s a jealousy thing for me.

If I get into a car that’s cleaner than a hermetically sealed lab and is actually more economical due to carrying fewer dust particles then I wish I wasn’t as lazy with my own car. If I get into another car that’s got four different shades of mould on the half eaten McNugget winking at me from the door pocket and an odour that can be chewed then I’m jealous I can’t be that lazy.

…I must speak to my therapist(s) about this :bigeyes2:

[TheWineLake]

I think a dirty wife would represent my personality, but both she and her car are spotless!

[ti rich]

So after 19 weeks here is the A6 replacement:-


330D M-Sport sdrive
Plus Pack
Visibility Pack
Comfort Pack
Adaptive Suspension
Individual Opal White Interior
Folding Mirrors
Pro Nav


So mods added today:-


Rear Spoiler
Black Exhausts
Fog Bulbs
Indicator Bulbs
Front Grill
Carbon Mirrors
BMW Puddle Lights


Interior treated with Gtechniq L1 (and kids banned......)






I know the interior will divide opinion but i am really pleased with it......

The one thing i hate is the road noise which i think is due to the Bridgestone Run flats. Going to have to wear those out as quick as possible!!!


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/evansrj/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-1_zps791eaabb.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/evansrj/media/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-1_zps791eaabb.jpg.html)


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/evansrj/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-4_zpsc7cec4f9.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/evansrj/media/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-4_zpsc7cec4f9.jpg.html)


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/evansrj/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-3_zps5e26c9c7.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/evansrj/media/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-3_zps5e26c9c7.jpg.html)


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/evansrj/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-2_zps389347a5.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/evansrj/media/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-2_zps389347a5.jpg.html)


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/evansrj/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-5_zps32d05ff8.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/evansrj/media/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-5_zps32d05ff8.jpg.html)


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/evansrj/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-6_zpsd15080fd.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/evansrj/media/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-6_zpsd15080fd.jpg.html)


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/evansrj/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-7_zpse1fc5324.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/evansrj/media/F30%20330D%20M-Sport%20Melbourne%20Red/NewCar-7_zpse1fc5324.jpg.html)

[Guest 2]

The only thing I dislike are those puddle lights, apart from that thats a very smart looking car including the interior ;)


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[ti rich]

Yes Chris the Puddle lights certainly divide people! I may remove them.

[robes401]

Those puddle lights are brilliant! Can I get an audi equivalent for my A6?

[Pikey Narna]

Ebay

[robes401]

Ebay

Thanks. Didn't know such things existed and so easily available!

[berlintaxi]

Fitting them I'd expect a visit from the taste police.:D

[fest0r]

I’m tempted… especially if I can mask the text and just keep the rings ;)

26291

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GHOST LOGO LASER PROJECTOR DOOR PUDDLE LIGHTS AUDI A6 A8 Q3 Q5 Q7 TT | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GHOST-LOGO-LASER-PROJECTOR-DOOR-PUDDLE-LIGHTS-AUDI-A6-A8-Q3-Q5-Q7-TT/301042237691)

[Rower1978]

Totally chavtastic.

[robes401]

Totally chavtastic.

I have a white A6 so the perfect base car to start chaving up! :-D


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[Whippy53]

You should move to Essex, get a head start.