Hi, I'm doing some research before I make the final decision on an AWD sedan. One I'm looking at is the '01 A6. I know there are different models within the A6 line(2.7t, 2.8,3.0, 4.2, did I miss one?). What is the best A6 model in terms of (stock)performance? Which one has more aftermarket support? Which one is most fuel efficient? Can you guys give me a brief rundown on the'01 Audi A6, if any,electronic gremlins, transmission problems, weak subframes or anyother mechanical issues I should know about that are common among the A6 and/or it's specific models.

Research the topic here in the SEARCH feature and you will find almost every answer imaginable. Lot's of info. 4.2 great V* with great torque, mods just coming on the scene from VAST. 2.7 equally as quick with much more mod potential. Turbos will go out eventually. 3.0 is a nice engine and decent 240 hp (I think) car.

thanks, I will search it here.

The 4.2 has a V8 and is good, reliable and powerful. Top of the line A6. If your concerned about gas it wouldn't be exactly what your looking for though. The 2.7t is great, fun to drive, and the easiest to modify. It does require a little more maintenance then the others though. I have one and love it. I wouldn't exactly go for the 2.8 preferably. Its a great car and the engine is a rock! Reliable but cant be modified, power, or as much fun. The 3.0 replaced the 2.8. It has 220HP compared to the 200 of the 2.8. Just as reliable with some more power but still cant be modified like the 2.7t can be.

All great cars and good luck on whatever you pick!
Let us know what you are interested in and we can help you learn more

I've been reading af.com and was wondering, why is the 2.7t not as reliable as the 3.0 or 4.2? I can only guess it has turbo related issues. What are these issues, please elaborate? I was wondering because I'm a DIY kinda guy soI wonder if I can tackle them. This timing belt problem, is it a universal problem with all the audis or just the turbo'ed ones?

Also, you guys here say that the fuel economy of the 4.2 isn't as good as the 2.7t. Autos.msn.com says they both get 17city/24hwy mpg. Are they wrong? thanks agian guys.

You have to be careful about the oil in an turbo car. and change it early and regularly. But most owners of 4.2s use the same Mobil1.You have to be more cautious towarmup and cool down the turbos before/after you use them hard, which isn't as critical in a normally aspirated engine.

I think the 2.7T has slightly better mpg around town if you take it easy, because it is a V6. They are about the same on the highway. IMHO, the turbo gives the V6 similar performance to the V8 when driven hard, but it can be more economical when driven conservatively. In the Audi, the difference is trivial because of the weight of the car and the overhead of the quattro.

Im pretty sure the timing belt is a universal maintenance repair for all of the Audis.

Correct me if I'm wrong

and one thing no one mentionned, the 4.2 has the wide body, which looks bad ass!!!

2nd that ^ I see one just about every day during my commute, Its lowered and has the rs6 grills, It honestly looks exactly like a RS6. I always wish mine looked like that.

you wish your looked like mine :)
I mean WAS mine ah ah!

haha you have no idea, I love it :)

ORIGINAL: ppgoal

You have to be careful about the oil in an turbo car. and change it early and regularly. But most owners of 4.2s use the same Mobil1.You have to be more cautious towarmup and cool down the turbos before/after you use them hard, which isn't as critical in a normally aspirated engine.


So basically take it easy at first and take it easy afterwards...if you've driven it hard. That's it? That's the big turbo problem? I can do that no problem. That can't be just it, that's normal stuff with any turbo'ed carright? So how's the 2.7tany different from any other turbocharged cars out there?

Well for one its a TWIN TURBO or BITURBO meaning 2 of them. Meaning double everything. Repairs, after market parts and price. Double the problems and double the fun. Audis are complex cars. Warming an cooling can really be a PITA some times too. You might be in a hurry and want/need to gun it and in your head your like "turbos turbos turbos, cant do it" and you have to wait. Cooling is easier but still a problem. You REALLY don't want them to blow, unless you want to upgrade them badly and have the $$$