cdelena

My 10YO S2000 stays but after it took me an extended time to diagnose and fix my wife's 12YO Maxima there was some talk of buying another car (for now both stay).

She found a decent deal on a three year old Audi A6 as well as showing interest in a well preserved Caddy STS. I simply have no experience with either and thankfully the issue is dead for now... but I want to be better prepared for next time.

What is the best way to research owner experience with a three or four year old model? Rather than many hours on internet owner boards is there a summary somewhere? Does consumer reports or some other publication give reliability or repair statistics for recent models? Your experience?

marthafokker

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/reliabil...e=Audi&model=A6

Try MSN. They are a good starting point, collecting potential issues with used cars.

cdelena

Thanks, a handy web site.

I'm not sure all the reliability ratings are all that up to date but it is more of a reference than what I have now.

dammitjim

Hours on the internet boards are your best bet.

I can tell you that Audis are the wrong choice if your priority is reliability. Most of them are fine cars but you can get a much more reliable car for the money.

Many STSs have major headgasket problems due to (I think) head bolts that stretch. The newer ones may have different engines or no longer have this problem.

Post the cars you are considering here and maybe we can help you out. Another Maxima/Altima/G35 would be a good choice for a reliable sedan. If you want to spend in the 20s a CPO 3 series with their financing deals (.9% right now) can be a good buy. Reliability might be questionable but you get alot of car and alot of warranty for the money.