Considering a used 2014 TDI A6 without Sport Package? Sport pkg question and MPG
09-01-2018, 08:00 PM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Considering a used 2014 TDI A6 without Sport Package? Sport pkg question and MPG
I have a Jetta Sport Wagon TDI and have become a diesel fanatic. The A6 I found has Prestige, 48K miles, and other options without Sport. I do not personally like lowered or stiff suspension. Most dealer leftover 2016's seems to have the 19 inch or larger wheels with sport. Does Sport package stiffen the suspension even in the comfort driving mode? Does it lower the car? Does $28K seem like a good deal on a loaded 2014 TDI? Car fax looks clean except I see a fuel pump at 46K that worries me about someone putting the wrong fuel in it? Did Fuel pumps have any issues on these cars? On my test drive I saw mid 20's for city and low to mid 30's on the highway (Colorado Elevations). Does that seem right? Please chime in on Sport Package advantages and disadvantages plus any MPG post fix if you want.
09-02-2018, 01:49 AM
#2
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I have a 2014 Prestige with the sport package - if the suspension is stiffened, then it is negligible since mine swallows bumps and potholes like they weren't even there. Can't really comment on whether it's lower than non-sport package since I've never paid any attention, but the 19" wheels look really nice and leave only a slight wheel-gap between the tire and fender which, IMHO, looks really nice.
Also my car is post-fix and I aside from the transmission holding gears a bit longer during the warm-up cycle and 20% decrease in adblue range (about 8K miles as opposed to 10K - but then refills are free as part of the settlement), I have not noticed any negative outcomes so far; MPG is ~34 for me with 50-50 driving. My last trip to SoCal from NorCal averaged about 38 MPG with a full car + luggage.
Regarding the fuel pump - if someone put the wrong fuel in the car, you'd see a lot more (tank drop/drain, injector cleaning/replacement, etc); this is likely just a premature failure of the pump (and likely the high pressure pump as opposed to the low pressure tank pump)... happens.
Also my car is post-fix and I aside from the transmission holding gears a bit longer during the warm-up cycle and 20% decrease in adblue range (about 8K miles as opposed to 10K - but then refills are free as part of the settlement), I have not noticed any negative outcomes so far; MPG is ~34 for me with 50-50 driving. My last trip to SoCal from NorCal averaged about 38 MPG with a full car + luggage.
Regarding the fuel pump - if someone put the wrong fuel in the car, you'd see a lot more (tank drop/drain, injector cleaning/replacement, etc); this is likely just a premature failure of the pump (and likely the high pressure pump as opposed to the low pressure tank pump)... happens.
09-02-2018, 02:02 AM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
...Does $28K seem like a good deal on a loaded 2014 TDI? ... On my test drive I saw mid 20's for city and low to mid 30's on the highway (Colorado Elevations). Does that seem right? Please chime in on Sport Package advantages and disadvantages plus any MPG post fix if you want.
I have 80K miles on my 2015 that I purchased new. I have calculated my mpg for every tank by hand (the car’s computer read out is typically high by about 1 mpg). I have historically done 29 mpg in NYC suburban driving. On a 800 mile all highway trip I averaged 43 mpg.
I have the sport suspension with the 19” season dedicated tires, which does lower the car. The ride is as comfortable as the base suspension and it handles significantly better. Personally I find the base suspension “floaty”. I am 53 years old and don’t find the suspension height to be a problem. The only thing to keep in mind is that the lowered sport suspension reduces “snow clearance”, making snow accumulation in the wheel wells challenging when it is a wet snow.
Last edited by KevinGary; 09-02-2018 at 04:44 AM.
09-02-2018, 04:39 AM
#4
I considered the Prestige with and without the sports package, and did not appreciate any significant ride stiffness with package. I chose the sports package as a liked the 19” wheels and the steering wheel was different. Other than full LED lights and black headliner, no other options were ordered. I run all-seasons all year long, which have been fine in lousy east side of Cleveland winters, although I toy with the idea of getting dedicated snows. This is my daily driver, routinely averaging 30 mpg; on highway trips to see the kids, i have reached 45 mpg (calculated at pump; car computer approaches ~ 10% off). This engine is amazing.
I am still on the fence about when to do the ‘fix’. While it appears that most have noticed only mild decrease in mpg and later transmission shifts, the few complaints about hesitation and surging are holding me back for now as I really the car as it is.
As Kevin stated, it is hard to comment on price without knowing what options - but if you find a Prestige TDI with options you want —> go get it !
I am still on the fence about when to do the ‘fix’. While it appears that most have noticed only mild decrease in mpg and later transmission shifts, the few complaints about hesitation and surging are holding me back for now as I really the car as it is.
As Kevin stated, it is hard to comment on price without knowing what options - but if you find a Prestige TDI with options you want —> go get it !
09-02-2018, 04:47 AM
#5
AudiWorld Super User
...This engine is amazing.
I am still on the fence about when to do the ‘fix’. While it appears that most have noticed only mild decrease in mpg and later transmission shifts, the few complaints about hesitation and surging are holding me back for now as I really the car as it is.
!
I am still on the fence about when to do the ‘fix’. While it appears that most have noticed only mild decrease in mpg and later transmission shifts, the few complaints about hesitation and surging are holding me back for now as I really the car as it is.
!
09-02-2018, 04:50 AM
#6
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Great replies so far! In response to options, yes, this car has heads up display-pedestrian detection, Lane Assist package, plus Prestige. Not sure if that includes heated seats (Prestige) as I don't see cold weather package. It seems 28K is a good deal with around 43K miles. I did not notice the as good of MPG on my test drives (Resetting the computer in many situations of highway or local driving) but then again in Colorado and higher altitude we will notice some decrease. I wish it had paddle shifters as without sport you don't get them. I do like to drive in the manual mode. I also went to a dealer and noticed the A5 4 door sport back (Real hatch versus the trunk on the 2 door). That looks to be an amazing car but NO TDI. Are the new gas engines getting almost as fuel efficient as our diesels? They seem to be creeping closer.
09-02-2018, 06:12 AM
#7
AudiWorld Super User
I do like playing with the paddle shifters, but with all of the torque the TDI offers it is still a spirited driver while in “D” in every day traffic.
If the car is a CPO it’s a good price. Otherwise I would describe it as a fair price.
If the car is a CPO it’s a good price. Otherwise I would describe it as a fair price.
Last edited by KevinGary; 09-02-2018 at 06:15 AM.
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09-02-2018, 10:10 PM
#8
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Purchased a new 2016 A6 TDI about 4 months ago.
This is a Premium Plus model with sport package, S-Line exterior and suspension and tires. Is everyone above using the "sport package" term in reference to the S line package? I was under the impression there was a difference in the suspension. I could definitely be wrong, this is something that has confused me. But, believe it is possible to have a sport suspension that is not lowered as the S-line suspension is ( I will come back to this in a bit).
Mine has the Black Optic package with 19" wheels. The 20" only or typically comes on the prestige TDI trim.
Have the full LED headlights, Bose stereo, beige atlas leather and carpet and a unique layered natural walnut wood dash and door inserts.
The premium plus and prestige trims are different on the TDI than on the gasoline V6 (at least in 2016 anyway).
You will see that these models are listed according to their transmission (Tiptronic) as opposed to their trim package on many advertisements and always on the window sticker. The official AUDi brochure does list these at either premium plus or prestige, but for some reason they are not often marketed like this because there are some small differences between the typical premium plus package and preset package on the TDI and gasoline models (more differences on the premium plus).
I paid under $40k for this model in very late March...new, never owned and the fix was already performed. Yes, good price, but the prestige does have great features that I'd like. The seats in the Prestige are ventilated and heated and are a bit different all around and a bit more comfortable which is important because the regular seat is fine, but nothing special and can be unforgiving on longer trips.
Anyway, my biggest issue with the car was the handling of bumps. In April/May/June of this year, in the NYC and the suburbs, the roads were terrible. The worst I've ever seen them. So, the ride of the car was something I was really unhappy about. The lowering didn't give it much of a sportier feel because it is a heavy car regardless. The first thing I did was to get new tires because I had heard this could really improve the ride. I took the very expensive Black Optic 19" Goodyear tires that come with it off the car and replaced them with PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON PLUS XL. I toyed with the idea of upgrading to the 20" because I love the 20" that come on the S6, but decided that it would be foolish. I was going for a smoother ride and the 20" would just make things more harsh.
Anyway, the new Pirelli's made the ride much more forgiving. I didn't brace for bumps or avoid them as aggressively. It made the ride much more comfortable without a doubt. But, the handling isn't as good and the breaking is not as responsive. I toyed with the idea of replacing the Cinturato's with the only other Pirelli all season tire (because they have a 30 day exchange program) that is made in that size which I think was the P7 Nero or Zero or something like that
Decided to stick with the new tire because it really did even the ride out.
Many professional car reviewers encourage drivers to stay away from the sport suspension (s-line suspension) because the ride is different. I believe Consumer Reports, Car and Driver and a couple others site this as one of their only significant concerns.
At the end of the day, it is simply what feels best for you. The dealership had 2 of the TDI models. One with the S-Line package and one without. They definitely wanted to sell the S-line to me. Even wiping out the difference in price between the 2 different ones they had. The reason being is that I'm in my 30's and I believe they assumed someone who was in their 60's and up wouldn't like the way the sport suspension handles on account of the harsh ride and the lowered suspension. Little did they know that I'm a guy in my 30's with significant chronic arthritis! haha, jokes on them!
Um, wait a minute, no...joke is one me!
Long story short (or shorter), I think the sport or s-line ride does a mediocre job of dealign with bumps, especially at high speeds. I think the tires play a large role and I would pay attention to what tires are on the car and what size tire you can replace them with if so desired.
And, make sure they provide documentation of the extended TDI warranty and ask them how many diesel mechanics they have working for them. Then, go and make an appt for service and see how long it will be to get one of their TDI certified mechanics to get to work on the car for it's next regular maintenance or something similar. The TDI's need to be worked on only by AUDI certified diesel trained specialists (or so they say).
The price for the TDI's are going up and demand has gone up 10-15% in the past couple weeks according to NADA. The buyout quote for my car has actually gone up despite another payment made to Audi. The price you received seems middle of the road I'd say? But, I'm not an expert and can't speak for your area at all.
Good luck! If I can help with questions or concerns, I'd be happy to!
And, all about is just my opinion. If you like it and it makes you happy, go for it!
This is a Premium Plus model with sport package, S-Line exterior and suspension and tires. Is everyone above using the "sport package" term in reference to the S line package? I was under the impression there was a difference in the suspension. I could definitely be wrong, this is something that has confused me. But, believe it is possible to have a sport suspension that is not lowered as the S-line suspension is ( I will come back to this in a bit).
Mine has the Black Optic package with 19" wheels. The 20" only or typically comes on the prestige TDI trim.
Have the full LED headlights, Bose stereo, beige atlas leather and carpet and a unique layered natural walnut wood dash and door inserts.
The premium plus and prestige trims are different on the TDI than on the gasoline V6 (at least in 2016 anyway).
You will see that these models are listed according to their transmission (Tiptronic) as opposed to their trim package on many advertisements and always on the window sticker. The official AUDi brochure does list these at either premium plus or prestige, but for some reason they are not often marketed like this because there are some small differences between the typical premium plus package and preset package on the TDI and gasoline models (more differences on the premium plus).
I paid under $40k for this model in very late March...new, never owned and the fix was already performed. Yes, good price, but the prestige does have great features that I'd like. The seats in the Prestige are ventilated and heated and are a bit different all around and a bit more comfortable which is important because the regular seat is fine, but nothing special and can be unforgiving on longer trips.
Anyway, my biggest issue with the car was the handling of bumps. In April/May/June of this year, in the NYC and the suburbs, the roads were terrible. The worst I've ever seen them. So, the ride of the car was something I was really unhappy about. The lowering didn't give it much of a sportier feel because it is a heavy car regardless. The first thing I did was to get new tires because I had heard this could really improve the ride. I took the very expensive Black Optic 19" Goodyear tires that come with it off the car and replaced them with PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON PLUS XL. I toyed with the idea of upgrading to the 20" because I love the 20" that come on the S6, but decided that it would be foolish. I was going for a smoother ride and the 20" would just make things more harsh.
Anyway, the new Pirelli's made the ride much more forgiving. I didn't brace for bumps or avoid them as aggressively. It made the ride much more comfortable without a doubt. But, the handling isn't as good and the breaking is not as responsive. I toyed with the idea of replacing the Cinturato's with the only other Pirelli all season tire (because they have a 30 day exchange program) that is made in that size which I think was the P7 Nero or Zero or something like that
Decided to stick with the new tire because it really did even the ride out.
Many professional car reviewers encourage drivers to stay away from the sport suspension (s-line suspension) because the ride is different. I believe Consumer Reports, Car and Driver and a couple others site this as one of their only significant concerns.
At the end of the day, it is simply what feels best for you. The dealership had 2 of the TDI models. One with the S-Line package and one without. They definitely wanted to sell the S-line to me. Even wiping out the difference in price between the 2 different ones they had. The reason being is that I'm in my 30's and I believe they assumed someone who was in their 60's and up wouldn't like the way the sport suspension handles on account of the harsh ride and the lowered suspension. Little did they know that I'm a guy in my 30's with significant chronic arthritis! haha, jokes on them!
Um, wait a minute, no...joke is one me!
Long story short (or shorter), I think the sport or s-line ride does a mediocre job of dealign with bumps, especially at high speeds. I think the tires play a large role and I would pay attention to what tires are on the car and what size tire you can replace them with if so desired.
And, make sure they provide documentation of the extended TDI warranty and ask them how many diesel mechanics they have working for them. Then, go and make an appt for service and see how long it will be to get one of their TDI certified mechanics to get to work on the car for it's next regular maintenance or something similar. The TDI's need to be worked on only by AUDI certified diesel trained specialists (or so they say).
The price for the TDI's are going up and demand has gone up 10-15% in the past couple weeks according to NADA. The buyout quote for my car has actually gone up despite another payment made to Audi. The price you received seems middle of the road I'd say? But, I'm not an expert and can't speak for your area at all.
Good luck! If I can help with questions or concerns, I'd be happy to!
And, all about is just my opinion. If you like it and it makes you happy, go for it!
09-03-2018, 07:40 AM
#9
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Great review! WOW! Hey, I think you are incorrect on the S-Line being a stiffer ride. I believe S line is only exterior trim and features but hope someone else chimes in here. The Sport Package is what will definitely give you a sportier lower and firmer ride. Can we confirm this? I agree with the car reviewers as I am in my 50's and prefer a compliant softer ride. I think this car with Prestige, Heads Up display, Night detection and the Full Driver Assist feature make it a good deal at 28K even with the 49K miles. I hope?
09-03-2018, 08:31 AM
#10
AudiWorld Super User
Is everyone above using the "sport package" term in reference to the S line package? I was under the impression there was a difference in the suspension. I could definitely be wrong, this is something that has confused me. But, believe it is possible to have a sport suspension that is not lowered as the S-line suspension is ( I will come back to this in a bit).
Many professional car reviewers encourage drivers to stay away from the sport suspension (s-line suspension) because the ride is different.
I think the tires play a large role and I would pay attention to what tires are on the car and what size tire you can replace them with if so desired.
. The price you received seems middle of the road I'd say? !
Many professional car reviewers encourage drivers to stay away from the sport suspension (s-line suspension) because the ride is different.
I think the tires play a large role and I would pay attention to what tires are on the car and what size tire you can replace them with if so desired.
. The price you received seems middle of the road I'd say? !