SSItls

Finally going to trade my M3 trying to decide between the TLS & A6 2.7. Audi is offering a lease special w/ $1000 down & $499 a month. This is very competitive to TL pricing w/ superior interior, 4 wheel drive & a 6 speed. Plus Audi provides free service for 40,000 miles. What do you think?

RedLined

I'd get the Audi. That was my first choice but I put about 40000 miles a year on a car so I didn't think the Audi would be as good for that. The only thing I didn't like about the Audi were the cupholders -- They suck!!

happy

Audi man if u can afford it. If u want value, TLS.

Razer

Don't know if you care or not, but the reason there are such good lease deals on the A-6s is because the 2002s are getting a facelift.

If you get the Audi, be sure to get the quattro!

Jacobian

Before I purchased the TLS, I was looking seriously at the Audi 2.7T and the BMW 330xi.

Audi has paid a lot of attention to the details that make the interior feel luxurious (except the cup holders as another poster mentioned.) And it has a nice ride too.

I drove every car at least twice. I felt, though, that the Audi lacked power on sustained acceleration. I also felt as if the cornering was a little sloppy. It all depends on what you're looking for.

When I drove the TLS, I felt as if it had at least as much if not more performance than the BMW. Sure it didn't handle like the BMer, but for $10,000 less, I think I can take the corners 5 miles slower.

Probably the top two priorities for me were performance and luxury. The BMW lacked luxury, but was tops on performance. The Audi lacked performance, but was tops on luxury. The TLS was simply the perfect balance of the two (without really needing to compromise on performance.) And the price was significantly less than the Audi or BMW.

Erik

FlyingPig

For the same price, I'd still get TLS.
Unlike you, I don't like the interior at all.
A6, all together dropped out of my consideration pretty fast.
And let me borrow a line from bimmer freaks...."why would I want an Audi when I can have a Honda?"

bioyuki

I'd very easily for the Audi. Just make sure it has Quattro!

Closer

If you're leasing, get the Audi.
If you're buying, get the TLS.

CH-TLS

Remember that the $499 lease is for 10,000 miles per year. If you don't drive many miles, what's not to like with the Audi lease - you get the quattro, the twin turbo and Audi subsidizes the low interest rate.

The available 6 spd manual doesn't hurt, either, although the lease special may be for the auto only - manuals have a lower resale value and I believe that Audi charges the same for manual and automatic.

I agree with Closer - if you're looking to lease, A6TT, if you're looking to buy, get the TL-S for better resale, lower payments.

$45K over 60 months= big check every month.

PeterUbers

iTrader: (1)

I'd most definitely get the Audi 2.7T -- I wasn't aware it came in a 6-spd -- and if it does, then enjoy enjoy! The A4 body (S4, 1.8T, 2.8) handle beautifully around tight turns, I've never driven the A6 body though.

If you really have some time, and some extra cash, put yourself on the wait-list for the new S6 --> something like 330hp, Quattro of course, and a 6-spd --> it'll rival the best sport sedans in its segment.

The A6 2.7T is a very sharp vehicle. What I like about the Quattro is that it is 50/50 powersplit (according to the Audi dealer). Our Benz is 35/65 front/back, which still makes it worthwhile to pay attention to cornering in inclement weather. It doesn't handle as well as the Quattro system, either. Oh, make sure you take care of your turbos -- I have yet to own a turbo charged car, so I don't know what the precautions to owning one is other than I've heard you need to let your turbos cool down after driving for a while. Don't know if that applies to the Audi line-up.

Best of Luck,

pete

city001

if you like spending lots of money on parts and services...get audi, Bmer....
if you like to get stranded on the road and go into shop often...get audi, Bmer...

G

p.s. as for performance and rides...these cars are within the ballpark...not that much different...but when it when it comes to money...and time...and frustration....that's a huge difference

1SICKLEX

Audi

thejavagod

I would not get the Audi because of known reliability problems with the twin turbos.

I'm not too impressed with the interior of the Audi, although luxurious it seems overly spartan for my taste, it isnt bad but its nothing great - I prefer the interior of the TLS.

Firebird_EOU

Hmm I was looking at S4 before and quoted $670 a month, but that's with 15k miles/year.
Usually it's 0.20 a mile for these high price cars. It'd add about $83 a month for 15k miles. Still cheaper...

AC

I think you're being too stereotypical regarding the past experiences of the older German cars. My TL had more work done than my 540i. Ofcourse both still under warranty, but my TL went back in for sunroof, brake lights, brake rotors resurfaced after 8K miles and replaced at 17K miles, rattles in the side, rear, and still can't pin point the last one, SS not shifting from 1st to 2nd, and paint discoloration in 3 different parts of the car (they're not doing anything for me on that one). My 540i so far has been in for oil change, oil change, and oil change. HMMMMMMM...

If you can afford the Audi, get it. I came so close to buying one but at that time I was traveling too much. Yes, the performance is about the same ONLY off the line, rolling and the punching it, you'll see the rear tag of the Audi as the Audi keeps getting smaller and smaller and the handling is great.

The best advice is, go test drive both cars and see for yourself. If you can't cought up $40K+ then by all means the TL-S is the best semi-luxo/sports sedan under $40K IMO!

tea elle

If you're interested in the Navi, I'd say the TL is FAR BETTER than the Audi. I loved the interior of the A6, but the reliability issue (and the non-trivial cost difference) made it easy to choose the TL.

Guest

In my opinion, it's one helluva car, worth far more than it's pricetag.
I myself looked at the 540i when I was shopping for my car. The cramped back seat and the 10k higher pricetag turned me away.
I've have it for 13 months and 25,500 miles, and have had no major problems. I did have the rotors and pads replaced at my last service (my brakes began to squeal slightly when warm). Audi gives you free service for 3 yrs/50,000 miles. Everything other than gas and tires will be replaced for you.
Performance for the 6 spd is stellar. I've run a series of 14.4's 14.5's when the car was bone stock (got the timeslips to prove it also) Now that I've made one or two "enhancements" the car is noticeably quicker (I estimate it to be good for 14.3-12.2 now, but I haven't been back to the track in a while to test it. Keep in mind, the car is still not chipped, but with different BPV's and a drop in K&N)
I get excellent fuel economy, and the build quality is among the best I've seen in this (and slightly higher) price range.
Resale value on the 6 spds is higher than the tip models. The 6 spd is pretty rare, so when/if you find one, you can rest assured that people will be foaming at the mouth when they see it.
If you've got any other questions, feel free so ask me, I'd be more than happy to answer them

Las Vegas TLS

I can't believe someone would even make that comparision between those two cars!! An Audi and an Acura..... What kind of a discision is that. When the dealer offered an extended warranty to me when I purchased the TLS I kind of laughed a little. The car isn't even broken in at 100K!! I don't believe there is a better drivetran/engine builder out there, Honda is the best by far!! Take a look at the value... Audi, what is that car going to be worth in five years?? Kinda like Jaguars have you even looked at what a new one cost today and looked at one that is three years old?? Acura now that has value.
I sold my 1991 Acura Integra last year for $5000. I only paid $13,500 when it was new. Not one problem and it had 125K on the car, now that is value!! Take your Audi questions to www.WhenIGrowUpIWhatToBeAnAcura.com

maxim5

When new S6 will be out? Any other info? I'll need a new car in 1-2 years and if it's true about new S6, it might be S6 vs. (residigned)540i decision for me....

Razer

The 2002 S6 will be out late this year in Tiptronic/Avant (wagon) models only. The sedan is expected for 2003. Audiworld has the most up to date information

thejavagod

Yes.... Audi makes great cars as far as performance and handling goes but they are terribly unreliable. One of my friends has a S4 and another has an A4 wagon. They're both constantly giving problems! They look foolish when they come to work in a Ford Escort rental because their S4 is in the shop again!

Why would anyone want to buy an Audi, if you can afford a loaded A6 then you probably can afford a GS430 - which will kick the A6's ass to kingdom come in performance! The GS430 is much more luxurious, prestigious and much much more reliable than the A6!!

The Audi navi system is a total joke and not even readily available. As Edmunds.com says - the TLS is a **no lose** deal, its a package that cannot be refused

AC

C'mon give Audi credit where it is due. I agree that the GS430 is faster than the 2.7T but not by much. Also, have you driven the GS430 and the Audi? If so, you'd know that the GS430 handles as good as the TLS (and that ain't sayin much, no offense) unless you get the LTuned for an additional $6K.

I like the Lexus Navi, IMO it's the best out there but as fas as prestige I wouldn't say the Audi does not have that.

I say this and I don't even own an Audi. Personally, I like to drive the car and then make comparison. Frankly, yes, I'd pick the GS430 over the 2.7T, but then I'd take the 540i over the GS430, but then I'd take the MB E55 over the 540i, but then so on and so on and so on. It just doesn't end. There's gotta be a break point as far as dollars are concerned. If you can afford $45K and you're comparing between the TLS and A6 2.7T, IMO, just IMO, I would without hesitation take the Audi. Now someone here posted "value of the car 5 years later" yet very fair, but I'm not a believer of "I'll settle for less now cuz this car will be worth more than the other in the future". IMO, just not the right approach of buying a car. Ofcourse I say this cuz maybe I could financially afford to trade up later. But let's face it, 5 or 6 years later, will a difference of a $1K or $2K be the deal breaker? If so, then you should get a Camry.

lonny

The Audi handles better than anything out there (including the Bavarian), has a nice interior and good performance. However, I would be concerned about the reliability and their NAV is the worst I have ever seen!

dj5

The Audi A6 may be a great car but I really don't like it's looks. Don't really care for the Lexus SC 430 either. That's just my personal taste. If I could afford a BMW M5 that would be my car.

Las Vegas TLS

That is to say that you can just throw around $14K extra money into a car and not think twice and go with the Audi. I think it is always very difficult to compare two cars that are so very different not only price but class. I think valid arguments can only be made if the cars are closer in price. The only thing thats the same is that both are considered sports sedans but $14K more, come on.

AC

Don't get me wrong, I own a TL and love it. The point I was trying to make was if he could afford $45K and the decision was down to just the TLS and the A6 I said "I" would take the A6 for various reasons.

As far as reliability goes, we all have our share of problems. Some more major than others. I am very fortunate to earn a good deal of money and perhaps I speak because I can afford to buy either or. As I stated earlier, not everyone has this luxury or we'd all be driving Ferrari's. I just don't believe a car should be bought only for the sake of value down the road.

One thing you don't want to do is buy something simply because it holds value better 5 years later cuz you may look back and regret.

And no I don't have $14K to throw around. I was speaking from driving both vehicles. I felt that the A6 had more puch, was more responsive, and the handling was "real feel" vs. our very soft TL/TLS...that's all.

Do I think the TLS rocks for the money, YES. But I still consider the TL/TLS an econimical "enty-luxo" car. Where as the Audi has established itself in the ranks of the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, and perhaps the MB E320.

SSItls

Normally I would not compare 2 cars that are so far apart in value, but the Audi Lease deals make the A6 & TL-s competitors.

THE ROCK

ok , sorry guys but without reading anything anyone has posted on this topic its gotta be an audi all the way.if u can afford the audi, then u can afford to get rid of it after a year or two and get a type s if u don't like the audi; or do it vice versa. I live in canada so i have no clue how much the audi is in the states but by gosh u r comparing a little sour apple that grows on ppl 's front lawns to a nice juicy sweet apple u can buy in the supermarket in terms of price. Type S being the little sour apple and A6 being the nice supermarket apple.