Test drive in 2000 A6

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

I am test driving lots of cars because my 87 5ktq odo shows 136k and it 
scares me.  Four flatbeddings in past few years. But it is still a great 
car and I greatly enjoy driving it. I could be leasing a new one with the 
monthly cost of repairs recently. But, some months are trouble-free.

Anyhow, I tested a 2000 A6 automatic yesterday (54k miles) and was AMAZED 
to discover the numb and effortless steering.....very light......almost 
zero resistance at all speeds. I could have been steering with one finger 
at 65mph on the freeway....., like operating an optical mouse.  I didn't 
like it at all.

DRASTIC difference compared to my 87 5ktq.

The sales person commented that ALL the newer Audis are like that. I 
thought maybe the steering feedback system was broken. Lots of cars have 
variable ratio steering that changes with speed. I expected it on a top 
line Audi.

Not to knock the A6....just another personal preference.....But I found 
that pretty discouraging.  The tight firm road-reflecting steering is among 
the many things that I treasure about my 87 5ktq. And it isn't because the 
rack is failing and groaning. I think it was deliberately designed that way.

Hard to belive that Audi would let go of that particular feature, but I 
guess that is where things stand.   More incentive to find ways to keep 
this amazing old car on the road.

Doyt Echelberger
87 5ktq
86 4kq   RIP  but what a great ride it was!