I'm considering a 2000 A6 with the 4.2L engine. It has just over 100,000 miles. I would appreciate any insight the brain trust on this forum can give me on things to look for and ask about.

Also, how would this compare, reliability-wise, to an A4 1.8TQ of around the same year and mileage?

I appreciate any advice!

 

I bought a 2001 4.2 3 yrs ago with just over 100k now it has over 200k and I did not have any problems with it till the last 10k miles. I replaced the power steering pump, all 4 struts, the fuel pump relay, and the big repair was the torque converter went at 208k. other wise it has been a very good car. also my car is a very high millage car.

 

the 4.2 is pretty much recognized as the most bullet proof motor available in the A6. Lots of smooth ready power. Love my A6 for the people room, good trunk space.

If you are looking to turn into a modification/maintenance geek with grease and oil running through your veins by all means go with the 1.8T. If you want a solid all around "well appointed" vehicle, go with the 4.2

 

Thanks guys!

 

New siggy

 

After the 100k miles mark - no matter the AUDI model, maintenance and aging parts replacement can make grease and oil run into one's veins even if he/she's not a modding geek
With these cars you can't really argue that there's a "happy middle" (and the too few exceptions probably do nothing more but prove the rule of thumb):
- either you're an owner with a big wallet and too busy and/or too much into "status awareness" to have time for doing your own maintenance, hence take the car to the dealer every single time,
- or you bought the car second/third hand (typically a "great" deal), and this category encompasses the DIY owner, which a) is very confident to DIY because is well-seasoned with a wrench in his/her hand, or b) has to learn to DIY because wants to or gets shocked at the first maintenance/repair encounter with the amiable and very helpful dealership service department...
Yeah, yeah....I'm just ranting while in a break from DIY-ing my engine rebuild

P.S Forgot to mention - That's indeed a really great sig for a new AUDI owner