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Originally Posted by turbowhistle Have to disagree on the ownership costs, people always upgrade their cars and get used to the new costs fairly quickly or most people already have a fair idea of what they are getting into. Again, 67000 isn't a lot for that 2.0 TDI and other things can be managed via a competent FNG. Also air suspension shouldn't be a big deal now since it's been there for a while and a lot of people know how to work around it. Worst case, a conversion to normal suspension can be done which will still be a better car than Octavia/Slavia.
This is a good lateral upgrade I would suggest and since OP tends to keep his cars long, he can use it to fullest once the problems are fixed ( if the problems crop up in first place). Just invest some extra money aside and stay on top of maintanance. It's fun to take risks sometimes, we learn it it fails or have immense fun if it works out. As long as OP knows what demon he's dealing with, it should be alright! |
Completely agree that OP would expect a higher cost of maintenance and it is natural with every upgrade - not just cars.
While routine service may see a marginal increase in cost, especially if done at a good FNG, the other maintenance costs are the real killers, and given OP mentioned the A6 in question is already exceeding his budget, many members just want to re-emphasize the true costs of owning a German car in India, so it doesn't come as a surprise later : a calculated risk.
In fact, there was a post by a member on another thread detailing how he's spend Rs. 3L on his pre-owned 5 year old Mercedes within a year : many items of which were unexpected.
I myself picked up a pre-owned 328i over a new vRS but made sure to have enough left over for maintenance.
The engine is reliable no doubt and would be the least of his worries. However we were easily exceeding 1-1.5L / year average on our 2011 A6 especially as it aged : every 4 years would see new 18" tyres and a DSG oil change which would be 1L right there combined.
Then there is routine service costs (including preventive maintenance like belts and chains), and rubber parts that start giving way due to the heat (think windshield rubber linings, rubber mounts, etc.) : it can be pretty brutal where OP resides.
Lastly, it's a German. Across brands they all have the same issues in India which one should be prepared for : sagging roof liner, AC, the odd sensor, etc.
Heck, with most of these cars - if your DRL goes out or LED tail light goes bust : you have to change the entire unit, not just a bulb.
You also raised the option of converting to regular suspension. Unfortunately this too may not be plug and play: could require to replace some modules and wiring harnesses while risking spoiling the brilliant air suspension set up.
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Originally Posted by vivekrvcse A6 usually goes very cheap in India (pre owned) |
Surprisingly the A6 resale value is pretty decent compared to the F10 & W212. We sold ours at par to what a similar F10 or W212 would have commanded.
SUVs hold on to their values better however, given the market preference for SUVs.
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Originally Posted by arun_m5 Have you tried a Lexus GS350 / GX450 / LS500 etc? It makes the Audi feel cheap and utilitarian in comparison, especially in terms of overall craftsmanship, mechanical quality and ride comfort. I'm sorry but the A6 is pretty much average in terms of ride quality, practicality and performance in the premium segment especially in comparison to the equivalent Japanese rivals. |
I sincerely hope the LS500, GX450 are significantly better than the A6 which costs 30-40% of the asking on one of those.
Same for the GS350 which isn't available in India (and neither is the GX450).
The true rival for the A6 Matrix is the previous gen ES300H : a proper luxury cruiser that scores on peace of mind, has a nice soft ride quality in the city, etc. However, the A6 Matrix as sold in India still offers better quality interiors (the switches), better ride and handling, and arguably better practicality (namely ground clearance).
PS: no biases, we replaced our 2011 A6 2.0TDi with the current generation pre face-lift ES300H.
And yes, the previous generation ES300H could be a good alternative to the A6 for those who want a good, reliable, low running cost, comfortable sedan for the city run : especially if chauffeur driven with the reclining rear seats!