Hey I am currently looking to buy a new (to me) car and the A6 has really interested me for many reasons. However, I can't decide between going for the 2.7T or the 4.2. I really would like the 2.7T for the manual trans and for the power. But I have never owned a turbo car and I was wondering how long these turbos last. I know all about how to care for turbos i.e. proper warming up/cooling down etc. but the cars I am looking at have 60-70k miles plus. I currently drive an 01 Camaro SS so most of my technical knowledge is from the V8 american muscle scene, but now I would like more room and I think AWD would be a good way to switch things up (and safer). Should I be concerned with looking for a 2.7T with that many miles, or am I just being too paranoid? And also, is there any huge reason why I would want a specific year between 2000 and 2003, or are they all going to be pretty close?
That flies in the face of EVERYTHING I've ever read on the topic and common sense. Warm up is to get the oil fluid enough to easily meet the demands of a turbo on full boost and cool down is to prevent the oil from cooking. You don't have to sit in the car idling, but taking it easy (below 3k rpm until oil temp is over 175 degrees) on warm up and cool down (keep below 3k rpm for the last few miles before shutting off) is considered common practice if you want to be cautious about turbo wear and tear. Not hard, makes sense.
Thanks for the replies, but I have another question. From my understanding, the GIAC chip increases the boost, right? So IF (big if) i wanted to chip it sometime in the future, would that affect the reliability of the turbos at all?
The more you boost, the more you stress the turbos. You can offset the added wear produced by chipping your turbos by engaging in good habits, making sure your diverter valves are in good shape, securing all potential leak points, etc., but few people will assert that chipping will not have an adverse effect on turbo life. It may not be enough to matter (i.e., the car will wear out before the turbos) but common sense, the collective experience of all the forums I've read, and conventional wisdom is that chipping reduces turbo life -- or at least increases the risk of turbo failure.
I'll probably have people take issue with what/how I've said this, but you get my gist. I'm still considering it, but have been happy to do other performance mods that don't tread on this particular patch of thin ice (wheels, beefier sway bars, etc.).
the 4.2 v8 is the one i would reccomend unless you cant live without the manual. The 2.7t is less reliable and has a inevitable huge service cost, turbo replacement. The can range anywhere from 4-5 grand.
Well..Here we go again..I am partial to the 4.2 because I own one. There are pro's and con's to both cars. Depends on what you like in the luxury/sport/performance department. Out of the box the 4.2 has a ton of power/torque and luxury refinements to fit almost anybodies needs. The motor is bulletproof and extremely reliable and are known to go 200-300k no problem. Mods are difficult because of the limited market space and there were a lot less of these 4.2's produced than the 2.7t (probably because of cost) The 2.7t has had reliabiliy issues but it's like anything else--comon sense and maintenance savvy will prevent problems. There are a lot more MODS for the 2.7t but again, anything you MOD from OEM specs might cause problems, but that is the risk you take as a speed junkie. You need to ask yourself some simple questions. What are you using the car for? What are your needs? How much will you drive the car? My advice is to go to a reputable AUDI dealership in your area and test drive both. One thing I can say is do not buy an A6 without the sport package (suspension). Both the 2.7t and 4.2 have this available. Also, try to get the premium and cold weather packages too. If you like V8 power and it sounds like you do (camaro), the choice is simple. If you want to be more racy and MOD to your broke, go with the 2.7t. Either way, you cant go wrong with picking an A6 for your next ride.
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2001 Audi A6 4.2 Sport - Silver 2004 Lexus IS 300 SD - Black
Well..Here we go again..I am partial to the 4.2 because I own one. There are pro's and con's to both cars. Depends on what you like in the luxury/sport/performance department. Out of the box the 4.2 has a ton of power/torque and luxury refinements to fit almost anybodies needs. The motor is bulletproof and extremely reliable and are known to go 200-300k no problem. Mods are difficult because of the limited market space and there were a lot less of these 4.2's produced than the 2.7t (probably because of cost) The 2.7t has had reliabiliy issues but it's like anything else--comon sense and maintenance savvy will prevent problems. There are a lot more MODS for the 2.7t but again, anything you MOD from OEM specs might cause problems, but that is the risk you take as a speed junkie. You need to ask yourself some simple questions. What are you using the car for? What are your needs? How much will you drive the car? My advice is to go to a reputable AUDI dealership in your area and test drive both. One thing I can say is do not buy an A6 without the sport package (suspension). Both the 2.7t and 4.2 have this available. Also, try to get the premium and cold weather packages too. If you like V8 power and it sounds like you do (camaro), the choice is simple. If you want to be more racy and MOD to your broke, go with the 2.7t. Either way, you cant go wrong with picking an A6 for your next ride.
WONDERFUL to see a level headed analysis of both (kudos to prbayha) -- this piddling contest is oft repeated and I think it's unfair when one "side" dismantles the other as if one choice is great while the other is poor. They really do both have their advantages (a few on the side of the 2.7T not mentioned: better MPG and the option of a six speed).
Bottom line: Drive both!! The one that is right for you will speak to you.
There were some fairly significant differences made to these cars between the 2002 and 2003 model years. First, the are called pre-facelift and post-facelift. Second they dropped the HP2 front brake calipers after 2002 and reworked the oil lines to the turbo's (i.e. emilinated the prone to fail F-hose, and increased the diameter). In 2003 they also dropped the front passenger memory seat. Further information regarding specific model years can be found at Audiworld.com (click resources and model guide from the homepage).
Read all you can on these cars and then buy which ever one fits your needs the best.
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http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o278/WaggsA6/Car%20Pictures/ 2003 A6 2.7T Tip Premium, Sport, Luxary, Cold, Nav+ 35% Tint, Fog Light Rewire, Remote Window Recode, TIP Recode, H-Sport Sways, Hyperboost DV's
First of all, thanks to everyone that posted replies. It really helps.
Today I went out and drove several cars including the 2.7t and 4.2 and I really loved them both. They both are great cars and I enjoyed driving them. I think I am sticking with the 2.7t, mainly for the better mpg and 6 speed. Coming from a 380hp rwd camaro is an entirely different experience but it is time for me to move on. Because of this forum and people like you guys I went into the market knowing a lot about these cars and what to expect. I really doubt I will ever chip it so I am no longer worried about that. I think I am going to leave the engine alone and stick with suspension mods and smaller stuff. Oh, and I never looked at anything that didn't include the sports package, but one of the first things i will (hopefully) do is sway bars. Maybe I'll be driving a new car soon.
West Coast Cali Crew Posts: 570
Joined: 9/21/2006 From: San Francisco Status: offline
Michael, I would suggest a APR chip or Giac mod for the 2.7 it doesn't damage your turbos and it gives you plenty of horse power when ever you need it.
There were some fairly significant differences made to these cars between the 2002 and 2003 model years. First, the are called pre-facelift and post-facelift. Second they dropped the HP2 front brake calipers after 2002 and reworked the oil lines to the turbo's (i.e. emilinated the prone to fail F-hose, and increased the diameter). In 2003 they also dropped the front passenger memory seat. Further information regarding specific model years can be found at Audiworld.com (click resources and model guide from the homepage).
Read all you can on these cars and then buy which ever one fits your needs the best.
Good info, but you're off a bit on your dates...
The "facelift" was done between 01 and 02 model years (all 02 and after are "post facelift") on the 3.0 and the 2.7T. The 4.2 engine got the facelift when it was introduced in 00 and always had it (i.e., all 4.2s are "post-facelift") -- this statement ONLY applies to the grill; the other changes took place between 02 and 03 like the other cars. The oil lines and f-hose change were made mid-year in 01 (post 09/00 manufacture date is considered "01.5" and has the new lines). Thus, some "pre-facelift" cars have the new lines. The facelift changes also included heavier glass (to make things quieter), dropping of the HP2 calipers (a downgrade to save cost), and some other stuff. You can find a detailed description by searching for it on Stoney's Links (follow the link in my sig to my registry page to find this great resource).
That correction stated, there WAS one significant change between 02 and 03... The sport suspension became standard in 03. You still had to order the sport wheels/seats separately, but the very nice sport suspension became standard that year.
Agree with commentary to read, read, read before you shop.
You also can't forget the wider fender flares on the 4.2 I drove both before I bought mine, and I enjoy the V8 so much. Like said before, luxary but still very sporty.
I have a 2001 Audi A6 for sale. Its the 2.7t Quattro. I am selling it for $16,000 miles. It has 65,000 miles. White exterior and black leather interior. It has an upgraded stereo and sound system. Moonroof. Fog lights. Excellent Condition.
Maybe you can help me out, you seem VERY knowlegable. I have an 01 A6 2.7T..LOVE it, upgraded from an A4 2.8 Last year. But about 4 months ago, had a major problem, the axles needed to be rebuilt, they said the boots were shreds, at a cost of $1100. Ever since, it just doesnt seem to be the same. Now with the cold weather, seems when its cold it jumps in/out of gears..OR i cant tell if its the fuel. But once its warmed up, drives fine. I also have a mystery puddle under my car every day..its a clearish oily fluid, but not my brakes or power steering fluids are low. Could it be tranny fluid, and is there any way to check the fluid in the tranny. Also..what would you recommend for the best oil. Its due.. Thanks
Posts: 631
Joined: 8/19/2006 From: New Haven, CT Status: offline
As for oil I would recomend Mobil 1 or Syntec full synthetic. I believe 5w 30 is fine. and it also needs around 5-6 Q of oil. As for the leaking fluid...Could it be new oil? Just thought it could be it especialy if the oil in your car is new. new it seems almost like a golden clear color. other then that you've said Brake fluid, transmission fluid. Have you checked coolant? Although coolant will apear more colorful once it is on the ground, depending on what coolant you have. Worth a check.
That flies in the face of EVERYTHING I've ever read on the topic and common sense. Warm up is to get the oil fluid enough to easily meet the demands of a turbo on full boost and cool down is to prevent the oil from cooking. You don't have to sit in the car idling, but taking it easy (below 3k rpm until oil temp is over 175 degrees) on warm up and cool down (keep below 3k rpm for the last few miles before shutting off) is considered common practice if you want to be cautious about turbo wear and tear. Not hard, makes sense.
my answer is correct the newer cars don't need timers its built in and most are water/oil cooled at source ie: at the turbo, older cars I would agree with you
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Dave UK member I use a British spell checker so bad spelling is normal lol
Hi..Actually I have an oil change scheduled for tomorrow. It takes 6.3 Qts of Oil, and I got a K&N oil filter. We have checked everything, break fluid doesnt go down, power steering is fine. I have after it sits overnight..Ive wiped up the fluid from under the car..it has a very thick/oily texture..very much like break fluid..A slight amber colour..and a very oily smell to it. Im having my place check the tranny..im wondering if when they put the parts back in, something is leaking..Could explain why my tranny shifts hard on cold. I have honestly been thinking about leaving the Audi family and check into Lexus or Infiniti..AWD is what holds me. But seems Ive always had lots of very expensive repairs to these vehicles. Id think for the price you pay..they shouldnt be having MAJOR problems at 68,000 miles.
What is anyone's feeling on Using Zmax..Ive had mixed reviews with Turbos..some mechanics will say its great for the tubos..Others say..its a crock of BS..Ive used it in other cars and I can say within a day, ive noticed a big difference in how smooth it runs, acceleration-and even running it seems quieter..Even Oil Temp stays cooler.
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A6 2.7T Turbo Question - 
