dexter2003

Just visited the Audi and BMW dealerships today. I am still torn but leaning towards the BMW now. I'll be leasing for 3 years--maybe get an Audi after this lease if I'm not happy with BMW?

Does anyone know if paying for the whole 3-year lease up front affects one's credit score?

Thanks again for all the comments.

mwar99

I wouldn't pay for a lease up front unless you won't pay any interest.

dexter2003

Paying for a lease up front would save me about $2000 for the A6.

Knight_mare

I considered buying a 2012 550 and a 2012 535 before I found my 2012 A6. My previous car was a 540, so I had ever intention of going in and buying a 550. Almost bought the 550, but the wife insisted I try the 2012 A6 because it was receiving all the highest reviews across web sites and publications.

I went into Audi rather reluctantly. I didn't see the point in buying an AWD sport sedan. Got even more upset they were so busy at the Audi Dealership I had to wait 30 minutes to talk to a salesman. Hell I almost left. I test drove the A6, and I loved the drive enough to look past all my preconceptions and put in an order for my A6 right away.

To me, the A6 feels light and nimble compared to the 535 which felt heavy, bloated and simply overweight to me. The combination of the A6's lighter weight and supercharged engine felt very similar to my old e39 BWM 540. The 535 just felt sluggish, bloated and heavy to me. My test drive might have had some kind of problem as well since I could slam on the gas and it would take 1-2 seconds before anything picked up.

Style wise, I felt the A6 ran circles around the new 5 series. May be I was slightly bored of the BMW design having owned a 540 for over 10 years, but the A6 looks modern and aggressive to me.

Interior wise, I leaned toward the Audi. Both looked terrific. BMW made some really nice advances here with the nicely stitched leather throughout. But my wife really hated how high the center console came up in the BMW 5 series (I kind of liked it LOL). I definitely thought the Audi MMI interface felt a lot more intuitive than the BMW interface.

Anyways figured I'd share why I made the change. Hope this helps in your search for you next vehicle.

manishaudi

Thanks, came in handy. I am manishbmw on both.

Funny thing I went A6 and as of this weekend my dad went 550i

WannaS6

Bimmerfest is fantastic. I'm hoping Audiworld will become what bimmerfest is currently. It'll take time as everyone starts to buy and mod the A6 C7. For now, it's just more informative and people's opinions, which is still good.

They need to start making the exterior mods for our cars!!!!! I had to have my rings painted black since no one makes the correct size yet for the C7, too small. And we need a small trunk spoiler to set it all off. Maybe even the silver S6 type mirror caps would be great.

I do love my A6, but have a little buyer's remorse at not getting the 535i XDrive with the M package like my friend just got. And the seats of course just are not as comfortable as the bimmer.

nemker

Make sure you drive both on rough roads. The 535 IMO was noisier and jittery at times. I think its due to the run flat tires.

HyperS4

BMW's have more margin built into their prices which enables them to give much bigger discounts up front and include the free maintenance. This makes it look like the other brands arent doing as much to earn a sale. Unfortunately though, this also brings a lower resale value on them as well. Its much harder to get out of a BMW or Merc lease because they will always be upside down. If you dont like the car or want to trade out of it at any time, you wont be able to.

Also, remember youre comparing a 2012 BMW and a 2013 Audi. Why would you want to get a car thats a year old on paper. Get rid of the LED lights and you save $1400 getting closer to the BMW(which doesnt offer them).

The quattro on the Audi is far supperior than the x-drive on the BMW. Nuff said on that.

I could go on but only if you really want me to.

dexter2003

Thanks for all the comments. I ended up leasing the 535ix. I was agonizing for a while before making the decision. I actually joined this forum anticipating that I would get the A6, but in the end the BMW was a slightly better fit for me--the incentives were all just a bonus (I payed 25K total upfront for a 3-year lease for a 66K MSRP car). The two cars are both great machines and I don't think one can go totally wrong with either. Maybe when my lease expires in three years (I don't intend to buy the car), I'll get a refreshed A6.

WannaS6

I was having the same issues with my choice but the BMW was $7000 MORE with the M package on the 535i xDrive and sport package. I hate to say it, but I miss my BMW, I just do. It just drives like a BMW, what more can I say?

The A6 is a great car and I love mine, but I'd rather have the BMW. The BMW just feels more solid all around. And yes, the seats are that much better on the bimmer. maybe in 3 years I'll trade the A6 in...