Greetings:

I've been a Saab driver for 11 years, now have a 2001 9-3, looking to get rid of payments and came across (at a car lot) a 98 A6 Quattro for $3900 (with 135,000 miles). Everything works, car seems great!! Small dent and nicks in hood, lower grill cracked and in wagon storage area to be fixed and put in place by me I suppose.

My question, is this car too good to be true? Market value seems to be more like $9000, if there were less miles, any thoughts on that?

The only thing I am a bit worried about is the power steering doesn't have much power unless you are stepping on the gas, this is sporadic though and not always the case. Is that a common problem? Hard to fix for DIY, approximate cost?

Any thoughts on Saab v. Audi in terms of reliability etc. I found the A6 much quieter, and had a lot more room than my 9-3. I'll miss the turbo and also the comfy Saab seating.

Thanks a ton, first time post here, any help greatly appreciated.

timing belt job probably needs to be done.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a6100/msgs/31818.phtml">Audi 100/A6 FAQ</a></li></ul>

Is this the one at the auto ranch in lino lakes?

yes, are you familiar with it?

I saw it on carsoup. Was interested, but then realized it was an automatic. Looks nice.

Do you know Audi's well? If so any time for a few questions, call me 651.793.9723 - Christian.

Thanks

No, not really. I have owned Saabs and Volvos and am looking for something different. The audi wagons are nice but all the ones I have seen have automatics.

Only the UrS6 Avant had a 5spd in the US (I believe). There is much discussion on the lack of standard transmissions here. 5spds only came in a few 92-94 100's and only a few of the 95 A6's, then all the UrS4's and UrS6's have 5spds, but it's slightly different from the 100/A6 one. It is sad.

~scrogers

What about all the "little stuff" that adds up on a used car, such as timing belt ($900), tires ($$$s)... There must be a reason for the low asking price.