cost to maintain?

Question

iam planning to purchase a new Audi A6. but people around me say that it is expensive to maintain the car (oil change, air filter, new tires, etc). is it really that expensive?

Answer 1

Yeah it's not so much the oil and filters and tires that are going to cost you. Let me explain.

I have previously owned a Mk4 Jetta Wolf and I currently own a B6 Audi A4 turbo q. I have spent over 3000 dollars in repairs in the last 8 months. Failed cam adjustment unit, new diverter valve, two broken window regulators, burst hoses, a dead ignition coilpack, replaced the comfort computer, broken headlight washer nozzles, shrunken hoodliner, broken dipstick, and a few others. This doesn't include the oil, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, brakes, cabin air filter, and engine coolant. It is very expensive. And it's not like they're ripping me off on purpose because I don't know what's going on. I do half of the work myself and I have a VAG-Com so i can scan the car for trouble codes.

I would normally tell you that all this is just because I'm unlucky and I got a lemon... which absolutely is the case. But check out audiworld.com's forums and 20vturbo.com and vwvortex. You'll see that these problems are not so uncommon on a VW or audi. My jetta wolf had its share of problems but to make that one worse, VW provides the absolute worst customer service of any I've ever experienced. Audi is pretty decent service wise but honestly, the best kind of service is not having to get service all the time.

Here comes the big BUT.

I have never had more fun driving a car than in my A4 and my Jetta. No other cars I've owned were as sure-footed, responsive, lively, and satisfying as these cars were. And quattro has made all the difference in the Audi.

So here's my great piece of wisdom to offer you...
Expensive cars are expensive to maintain... period. For instance if you buy a BMW-3 with the sports package, the tires will only last between 20k-30k miles and they will cost $2400-$3000 to replace all four (run-flats req'd). Audi's (especially turbos) run best on pure synthetic oils which are not cheap but well worth it. And the stealership is not going to help you save money. The dealership tried to sell me a battery for my alarm remote for $22. I went to Rite-Aid and bought two for $3.99. The thing is, with these Audi's, you can almost count on something going wrong and biting into your incidentals fund.

All luxury cars are expensive when it comes to upkeep... but when it comes to repair I think the european brands require quite a bit more here in the States. I highly recommend looking at the Lexus or Acura (I've owned both). They are expensive when it comes to service but they actually provide you with great customer service and you know what... service is a lot cheaper than REPAIR which is what a euro car will likely require of you.

Either way... if you do opt for the Audi, I highly recommend the quattro... it's the single greatest safety feature you can get on any car. And I suggest you spend some time on Audiworld's forums and get acquainted with the car. Best of luck!

Answer 2

I have to disagree about the maintenance costs of an A6 being exorbitant. I own a 2006 Audi A4 and a 2007 Audi S4 and do not find the price cheap by any means, but it is no more expensive than other luxury brands that you would be comparing. In 2006, Audi paid for All regular maintenance for 1 year, and starting in 2007, the owner can pay a flat rate and the car is covered for 50,000 miles.

Answer 3

I think it depends on where you live (like what kind of area) where I live some stables charge up to $500 dollars for board (but most include feed in the price) but I board my horse on a farm, so I only pay for hay and grain (about $100 a month, 'cuz I buy hay from farmers who don't charge much. And grain I always stock up on when its on sale.) grain prices can be anywhere from 5-20 dollars a bag(usually a 50 pound bag) and hay can be 3-7 dollars a bale. Now bedding. Straw is usually cheap, but shaveings are more expensive. Saddles can be anywhere from 50-600 dollars, but if you buy a used one, remember it will be more comfortable becuase its broken in. Grooming supplies aren't too bad. All you need are simple brushes, some shampoo, and of course a hoof pick. I'd say most of things add up to around 30-50 dollars. Lessons are different everywhere. Group lessons tend to average around $20. It can be higher or lower depending on what barn you go to or how often you go. Vet bills are tricky because horses and injuries are both unpredictable. Yearly you'll need at least two check-ups, and have the horses teeth floated and checked. That can be anywhere from 100 bucks and up! Other injuries could be like $40, but it can be super expensive if its serious. Ferriers can be cheap or expensive. If its just a trim, the price averages around 40 dollars. Shoes can be $60 and up. Sooooo I can't add, but I know that sounds like a lot. My best advice is always make sure your horse is getting good care and all of his basic needs are fulfilled. Make sure he is healthy and happy and everything should be fine! (I'm so sorry that there are so many words but i tried to list everything that you mentioned)

Answer 4

Not really. They all say that, but I don't know why.. I have a bmw 5 series (e39) and I do my regular maintenence at the corner auto shop. I've changed my oil regular for 19.99 dollars for 200,000 miles now, and there is no difference if i would have payed 100 at the dealer. Tires.... I get them online, same price as other cars. Parts if it breaks down.... online, or ebay (just got a set of front brakes with drilled holes in them for 120 bucks, the dealer asked me 600 just for the parts) they are cheap, same price as the domestics. Labor? regular auto shop at a standard rate of 90 bucks. They try to scare you to think you have a special car.Gas? Exactly what is says in the manual (89 for mine), i used to put the expensive one, but i realised its a waste of money. Come on, Its all about business, a car is a car, no matter what. Audi is the same. My friend is a Audi fanatic and he has a A8, his wife an A6. All the regular maintenance he is doing it by himself in the garage, and all the parts are purchased online.
But sure, you can always go to the dealer, if you wanna waste money, go ahead.

Answer 5

If its new you will have no maintaince bills for the first year.They are no more expensive to maintain than any other Quality car.In Europe if buying a brand new car very often if you push the dealer hard they will include a 3 year maintainance deal with the new car.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
cost to maintain?
iam planning to purchase a new Audi A6. but people around me say that it is expensive to maintain the car (oil change, air filter, new tires, etc). is it really that expensive?

Answer 7

If your buying brand new dont worry, all factory scheduled maintance is covered under audi's warranty and is thus free (usually 4 yr. 50,000 miles). If your buying out of warranty then like everybody else said "you get what you pay for." I drive a b6 S4 which is under warranty for another 6 months and then im going to start writing the checks, because yes it is expensive but worth it. Its the most fun driving I have ever had.

Answer 8

You can shop around for maintenance items and save money, and repairs should be covered by warranty.

Once the warranty runs out, an Audi will murder you if it breaks.

Great cars---just be sure to bail out as warranty ends.

As for maintenance while under warranty, be sure you keep all receipts and try to stay away from quick oil change places and those big chain stores. They are monkeys.

Answer 9

I am sure it is, The Lexus which is a step down requires BIG BUCKS to have it services because if you want factory parts, they aren't carried at Auto Zone....As well, the Dealerships are few and between so they can jack up the price because who is going to drive 100 miles to the next dealership when you have to put the HIGH OCTANE (93) (which is $0.30 a gallon more) to get to thus said dealership.

Answer 10

Yes, very much so. Mercedes Benz is another that tune ups and oil changes are expensive.