New to site, been looking to purchase a used 2000-01 A6 4.2. Looking to spend about 7-11k. Been reading about maintenance issues. What are the pros and cons of this car.

(I have never owned an Audi)


Thanks

 

The 4.2L engine is pretty solid, it doesn't need many major repairs besides the common valve cover gasket leak.
O2 sensors are a bear to change and they need replacing every 100k.
The timing belt, water pump, thermostat and tensioners can cost you around $2,000 every 80k.
Servicing the transmission every 60-80k costs around $350.
Upper control arms usually fail around the 80k range $600
Other than that just basic maintenance, but you can expect to pay more for maintenance than that of a honda accord or something like that.

 

So what do they do to the tranny other than a fluid flush/fill? Does this include the rear diff housing?

Jeebus What fails in the upper control arms, just the bushings? Is there a bushing kit available for the DIY'er?

 

The transmission fluid change includes the filter in most cases. The rear diff housing will run you another $150 or more.
The upper control arms do have bushing replacements, but they are a bitch to replace. We tried to press them out a couple times and its super easy to damage the aluminum links under a press. Its easier to just change the links. The links are around $100 a piece and you need 4. You can also buy an entire front end repair kit that comes with all the front end links for around $550-$600.

 

Been looking at this one in kansas city (my home town)

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1457052029.html

 

Salvage title???? Better understand why! In fact, find out why then get back with us. Should make for some interesting reading!

Bob

 

Great info! Much appreciated! I have to say, the more wrenching on this machine I get under my belt and the more I learn, the more I appreciate owning this beast.

 

Well boys&girls, I ended up buying a 2001 A6 4.2, 95000 miles, dark blue, tan leather. I'll post it sometime. First thing came to mind is lowering it an inch and getting some nice rims. I was impressed with the awd 4.2 liter. Coming from my 500hp open track mustang, this car will suffice for daily driving.

 

cool! shoot, I wanna see pics of the Mustang!

Where are you locatd? you wanna buy my 19" wheels? My '02 4.2 is due for some new shocks. I'll probably end up putting Koni FSD's along with Eibach Pro-Kit springs on it and get it aligned. Also thinking about slapping on some Magnaflows on it to replace those massive hunks of tin under the rear bumper.

EDIT: I see you're in KC. Actually, I'll be there first full week of January, but I'm not driving up!

 

I am in Olathe, KS