used A6? need advice

[Keith Lawyer]

Ok, still looking for a new car for the wife.  I previously posted about how Audis have corrupted me.  We drove the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, both of which were recommended by listers.  We really liked the 3, very fun car.  The 6 didn't do much for us; it's better than anything else in that category, but still struck us as a bit too much of a "family sedan;" it just didn't have the soul or character of the 3.  We drove other cars too (including an '03 Jetta wagon with 1.8T), but I'll stop now to keep the NAC low.

Anyhow, the wife found a '96 A6 Avant for sale local.  118k miles, Quattro, leather, auto tranny is about all the specifics I have at this point.  My biggest concern is the auto, experiences?  Also, any thoughts on reliability of a '96 A6 overall?  I really don't want a newer Type 44 all over again.......

And finally, what sort of mileage could I expect from the 2.8, and what's the approx curb weight of this car?

Lots of questions I know.

Oh, and our commute isn't the safest in the world..... and honestly, as old as it makes me sound, I'd worry a bit about the wife driving the 3 everday, we live in a rural area and head-ons with fullsize pickups are not uncommon.... I know she's more likely to walk away in an Audi, which is also what I like about the Type $$... if only the Type 44 wouldn't get jealous everytime I look away from it

Keith L
who wonders if Rod is selling shares in TPC - I should buy some!!