A6 or 5 Series? Choices Choices!!!

[davy9449]

Hi, we're needing a bigger car and ultimately it comes down to A6 or 5 Series. Now I like both and I've heard the arguments for the BMW, and I pretty much know what to look for, but I can't help but think I may be better off going with my head instead of my heart and going for an A6 - possibly 2.5 (180) quattro, Avant or saloon I don't really mind. I was originally looking for a 1.9 130 but heard these are a bit lacking on ooomph and probably a bit rattly.

Then I see the odd potential bargain about like a 2.8 quattro petrol - high miles but immac and FSH 1 owner and think maybe cheap for a couple of grand even if it will be heavy on the juice. But how long will auto boxes last?
How reliable is the 4WD?

I'm not in a rush but in a dilema. Diesel or Petrol, then it,s V6 or straight 6????

I suppose I'm asking for experiences of all so can help make my mind up. Might make an interesting debate!!

My previous BMW topic is below - some converters from Audi to BMW.

Cheers,

Dave

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[nicktowe]

I had a 5 series before my current A6. If you want a well built comfortable car with reasonable handling and a decent spec, go for the A6. If handling is your priority and you like dull interiors and lower spec (unless all the options were selected) go for the 5 series. Personally I wouldnt go back to a 5 series from an A6. Also more people let you out of junctions in an Audi than they do if you are in a BMW.

[davy9449]

not sure about the letting you out of junctions part. My other car is an A4 and sometimes I feel I may as well have 'C*nt' written on the bonnet!

[RedLeicester]

davy9449 said:

not sure about the letting you out of junctions part. My other car is an A4 and sometimes I feel I may as well have 'C*nt' written on the bonnet!

Erm... you drive an A4?


Echo the above in general, A6 is fabulous, spacious and well put together (as much as any Audi, so it'll still hurt when things inevitably do go wrong). Not the last word in handling nor more to the point ride, but a good summary word would be "capable". 5-series is a lead apart in terms of handling, and in most guises the ride is far better too, but lacks the premium feel in places, and has less space.... so you pays your money, you takes your choice. Personally I'd throw aside any thought of economy or sense - with a highmilage car you're going to be replacing suspension / exhausts / clutches or whatever which will be expensive whether it's a V8 or a 1.9TD. So either BMW or Audi, go for a well kept example with the spec that you want irrespective of engine. Personally I'd go for the 535/540 BMW or the 4.2, 2.7T or 2.5 Q180 Audi. Or a Saab 9-5 Aero...

[davy9449]

Further to the point about people not letting you out. Blatantly, 2 people 1 HGV, 1 x old fart in Vectra virtually forced my into the central reservation, the latter after undertaking me and then cutting my front end off to get past a tractor on the inside lane. If he didn't look so senile, I could have throttled him!

RedLeicester,
Don't think I'll venture for something quite as big as a 535/540, but I had pondered a 2.7T, but can't really justify the running costs for it. If it was our only car then yes, but it's not so probs not.

[istoo]

agree with all of the above, i have an 02 1.8T A6 avant and an 03 2.5tdiQsport A4 avant.
If your going for the audi, get a quattro. the A4 is a great car just too small to pass on to replace the A6 as the family wagon.
The 2.5 engine is a bit of a lottery some can be brilliant others not so. the 1.9 130 lump isn't as bad or underpowered as you might expect. same can be said for ht e1.8T that we have in the A6, i had it remapped some time ago which transformed the drive, and has a surprising amount of go for a big car. The V6's i am a fan having owned 2 B4 shaped 2.8 quattros. ultra reliable, not the best in class but do everything very well. although economy isnt a word i would use with them.

At the moment, i am planning selling both the A4 AND the A6 to get an E61 family wagon, and i will go back to my older school motoring where i can tinker and half understand whats going on.

[davy9449]

Taking all things into consideration, I have got 2 cars I plan on looking at at the weekend - an A6 2.5 Tdi on an 03, or a 02 BMW 530D Sport. I have my mind set on the Audi but it isn't a quattro. Thing is it's a 1 owner car, with FASH and leather, and seemingly in mint condition and going cheaper than most for a genuine reason (honestly). The quattro's seem to be quite heavy on the juice - about 22mpg compared with 30ish around town for the non 4WD. Obviously the one I am considering hasn't got the same power and drives 2 wheels less so that's logical I suppose. This one is possibly an opportunity I can't refuse as I could be saving a killing compared with other cars of the same ilk!