Hi, I'm looking at a 2003 A6 with the 3.0 and very low original mileage; the timing belt has recently been changed due to the age and I don't know about the control arms yet; is there anything else I should be wary of with this car? The price is a little higher than I would like because of the low mileage so I want to be very careful here. I have an A4 4cyl. currently which has been a great car so im hoping i can have the same experience but with the bigger size of the A6. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

 

The 3.0 is recognized as one of the more reliable Audi engines. I seem to recall there was an issue with the 3.0 A6 but I don't recall what the problem is or what model years are affected. its around here somewhere...

Be sure to check for maintenance records. regular oil changes, etc. Also, keep in mind that Audi parts and maintenance are bit pricier American or Asian vehicles. You can save a lot if you are willing to DIY. Labor costs will be higher on the 3.0 because it's a huge pain work on, the techs really hate it.

good luck

 

The 3.0 is not very strong IMO. The cats WILL fail and there's a chance the cam lobes will fail because the oil passages are narrow. Using thin oil 0 weight can help. But I would tell you to steer clear from the 3.0 also if it's a fwd just avoid completely. The cvt tranny is garbage and tend to fail around 90k.

 

You can expect $150/month for maintenance/repair to keep the A6 3.0 in great condition. Change the transmission fluid, filter around $60-80k miles (recommended by ZF, the maker). It has unique procedure to follow in order to do it right, so go the Audi specialized indy shop. I paid $350.00 for that.
http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/u...s/5HP19FLA.pdf

While car is in lift for the job, might as well change fluids in 3 differntials (F/M/R). You will feel the car is alot smoother and quieter. Synthetic oil is a must, use Audi approved motor oil, I use Mobil-1 0W40. Castrol Syntec 0W30 is another good choice. You can find the approved motor oil list in Audi's website.
http://microsites.audiusa.com/ngw/09..._1997-2012.pdf

Castrol just migrated the Syntec to new name EDGE with Syntec 5W40, just make sure the label at back of bottle has "VW 502 00"
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/produ...tentId=6030793
http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp...TEC_STORES.pdf
http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp..._Sept_2011.pdf

 

not sure about '03 but my '02 had problems with the cabin drains and the rear passenger side footwell would fill with water, which is also where the transmission control box is and it can cause that to fail. I did get a notice from Audi that they would replace the controller if it did get damged due to water....I tried selling this car in 2007-8 with 80k miles and had just done the belt, seals, waterpump....and did not get any offers over 10, which is why I still have the car, now I am glad I did not sell it

 

Where is the 3 diffs located? I know the rear is the Torsen right? Where the center and front at?

 

Good info. bigdadi, do you know if the diffs were originally filled with synthetic? Because this particular car has less than 30,000 original miles and if there's synthetic already in there then I'll hold off changing it.

I'd also be interested to know if anyone thinks of any other 'quirks' I should keep an eye out for ...ie, the info on the cabin drains

 

You noted the car has about 30,000 miles on it right now.

Depending on how much you plan on driving, you should consider that in about two years you will be investing a lot of money having the timing belt done at around 60,000 miles. The dealer quoted me at about $1,700 for the timing belt to be changed and various other shops came in right around $1,200.

I opted to do the timing belt on my own and did it for about $400.

It's certainly something to consider when you own one of these cars because of the significant monetary investments that must be made here and there to keep it running it top condition.

 

I use the mobile synthetic for cars over 100,00 miles

 

Please check with Audi dealer to get the info re when A6 timing belt is due.
Audi dealer told me my 2002 A6 is 105k miles and he also said only A4 and TT need early timing belt service by 60k miles.

Re water leak / flooding - Audi dealers usually run a special to clean them avoiding this happens.
If special price, it should be only $60.00 ... the time period to clean them is recommeded every 2 years.
Water can be leaked from (a) sunroof drains, 2 front + 2 rear; (b) battery compartment has 2 drain holes, if blocked it can overflow into the pax side compartment.