Thanks

...all. Currently have A6Q 2.8 with 130k and it runs like a clock!! I tend to be a bit of a Luddite and am a bit concerned about the 2.7 and the complex suspension!!

While the 2004/05 is improved.. it still suffers from Turbo/Tranny lag. The older cars even more pronounced. Mash the gas and nothing happens, while the TIP ECU thinks about what it needs and the power for the tubo has to spool up. Individually these things are OK and you can compensate.. but together.. its a bit of a retraining exersize on how to drive.

This problem is eliminated..(almost) with the 4.2 and its TIP. The 2.7T with a stick is the way to go.. but your wife has to be thought of.

The tip transmission delay is annoying. It's a design flaw in my opinion. Search the forum for "tip delay" which happens from very low speed accelerations. It happens when you are in automatic mode (not manual tip mode).

No problems on the suspension and pneumatic ride height adjustment system.

No powertrain or electric gremlins. Solid engine and an excellent ride.

The only QUALITY/RELIABILITY problems I've found (in our model year '04) are as follows:

1) The interior carpeted trim panel on the lift gate pops out after a couple of good slams. The friction fasteners don't hold it in well enough. Have to keep pushing the trim in. Shut the gate a few times and look near the corners for separation of the panel from the steel.

2) Radio volume knob rotates about 20 degrees before having any effect. I have the stock Symphony2 radio/6cd system that comes with the premium package. It's not the special Bose radio.

3) Paint on interior handles of the rear doors is bubbling and peeling. The handles are coated with some type of velvety paint that makes them feel rich when new. But after the paint wears away, there's harder plastic underneath.

All the above 3 items will be addressed at next service visit.

That's why I bought an extended warranty. I'd look closely at Certified vehicles from the dealer. Or, if you buy privately, you can get the Audi-backed warranty from JM&A at most dealers. The car must be still in original factory warranty to qualify. GE Financial is another good source for aftermarket warranties. Remember, the prices are *highly* negociable.

-df

in the long run I don't think it will be any more expensive than a standard shock/strut.

Its always the symphony II head unit.(panasonic I think) The bose refers to teh speakers, sub woof and amp in the rear.

In my opinion, the 4.2 is a must. The lag on the 2.7 with the tip was unbearable. My 2005 4.2 was delivered with defective rotors, and they foregot to remove the protective plastic film from the rear skid plate, after the first car wash it delaminated and melted on th exhaust. Those are the only issues to be aware of.

you that the tip lag is all but gone on the 04. The brakes are vastly improved also (no warped rotors) but the car has been de-contented. I think the 2.7 tip package works great together. The only major mechanical problem I had on the 01 was a bad intercooler (warranteed), otherwise I would not have moved into the 04. Drive it, you will probably love it. If you buy it, make sure you replace the OEM tires (I did).