In 2003, I leased, then bought 3 years later, our Audi A6 vehicles, a wagon (Avant for me) and a sedan for my wife.

Despite ongoing electrical problems (dash lights coming on) and replacing oxygen sensors in both cars, a new catalytic converter in my Avant plus a left front ABS locking on me every 1, 000 miles or so), the most grevious thing happened when my 87, 000 mile old Avant was totaled this winter AND THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. I was broadsided by a pickup truck in snowy conditions on the driver's door and left front wheel and hit my head on the door jamb (yes, I was wearing a seat belt).

When I contacted and questioned the dealer about this, they never responded. Audi America in MI got back to me and said their cars must be hit at a certain angle to go off. What are side air bags for, anyway. Recurring electrical problems most likely cause why side air bag didn't go off. A $42, 000 car with air bags that don't go off while the car is totaled?

After owning 3 Audis, and having recurring expensive problems with each of them, I will go to Japanese cars, maybe Korean. How disappointing.