Hi all,
I'm new to the forum here, and wanted to see what you guys thought about your Audi's. I'd like to buy an A6 between 2000-2004, and am considering the 2.7T, 3.0, and 4.2L engines. Of course, the 4.2L is my first preference. Does the 2.7T have similar power and performance to the 3.0L?

What common mechanical problems with these cars? Any model year or engine size recommended? I'd like to find something between $5000-10000, and it would be my daily commuter car. In my price range, I'm probably going to find cars with mileage between 70,000-100,000.

Appreciate the help, thanks!

 

I've got a 00 2.7t and i love it, but it is very expensive to keep up with. The 2.7t has a noticable amount more power than the 3.0 but the 4.2 and more luxiurious. Make sure when you do buy the car, see what has been upkept on it, like did it have a timing belt/water pump change at its 55k mark. Water pumps tend to go around the 100k mark (mine went around 92k) which can be a 500-600$ job there.

These cars are a hell of a lot of fun to drive but they are not cheap to fix, other than the water pump, I havent had much problems at all, i currently have an o2 sensor i need to replace causing a CEL but that i can do in the spring time when its warmer out. Abs modules tend to go out in the later years, mine did around the 90k mark and i just removed it, got it shipped out and rebuilt for 99$ and installed it again, now its running just fine. A new module will run you up to 700$ so rebuilding it is the way to go.

 

I feel left out. No 2.8 on your list

 

Thanks for the input Maka, it's much appreciated. I've owned a BMW 740iL, so I know about the high ownership costs. I'll definitely make sure I find a used car that had the timing belt replaced. What should I expect to pay for replacement in case I decide to buy one w/out the repair? About a $1000? I'm kinding leaning away from the 2.7T, it be awesome to own, but I'm concerned w/ the turbo failing and eventual replacement costs.

Didn't mean to make you feel left out Jeffla . That's why I'm here, I haven't researched the 2.8 so much. If you have good things to say, please let me know.

I've heard that there may be some tranny issues with the 4.2, anybody have to replace theirs? Are there tranny issues w/ the 2.7T or 3.0 as well? Thanks.

 

Also, if anyone has one for sale, let me know, I live in Michigan, and willing to drive within a couple hundred miles from my location.

 

Make sure not to get the cvt...and make sure you get the quattro. Also, a timing belt on the 3.0 is expensive... 2K easily. From what i've learned on here the 4.2 is the way to go for a daily driver.

 

A timing belt on a 2.7t is about 700$ or so, so no too expensive, but if your in there u might as well change the water pump as well which will cost you another 100$ right there.

 

You are going to find that the 2.7T and the 4.2 owners are pretty fanatical about their cars. The 2.8 and 3.0 owners lament about the lack of aftermarket performance parts. Basically, the 4.2 comes out of the box with plenty of hp and torque, and a very reliable engine that can run forever. The owner's like the wider body style as well. Potential downside -- no MT6. Upside -- never worry about replacing turbos.


I lucked into a 2.7T without doing much research. A simple chip brings it to 318 hp, almost as much as the 4.2, and there are other mods that can bring it over 400 hp. Downside -- someday the turbos will fail and it will cost $2-3k to replace stock; and $5-6k to replace with K04s, fuel injectors, piggies, and a new exhaust (but now you have ~450 hp).


Regardless of which Audi you buy, make sure it has been maintained properly with regular synthetic oil changes, more critical with the 2.7T. Even regular maintenance won't save you if the car has been driven on pot-holed roads -- suspension parts are not cheap. Neither are tires, rims, and alignments.


I bought my 2.7T used at 37k and just turned 163k. Replaced alternator, clutch and flywheel, and front axel boots. Still oem suspension, shocks, turbos, battery. Oil changed every 7-9k and all maintenance done per the manual -- timing belt job at 90k and next one planned for around 180k. She's on her third set of brake pads (replaced rear rotors once, turned the fronts once) and tires.


I see older 4.2s for sale occasionally in MI, in the <$10k range for 2000-2002 but over 100k miles. They are tougher to find in the winter because owners value the quattro, but they are disposed to sell in the spring so you might find more then.

Also check out the RS4s of 2-4 years ago. I think they came with the 4.2 engine. Very attractive car with MT6 available and I would consider one if I was ready to replace my A6.

 

2004 A6 2.7t s-line. stock 265 hp with sport suspension. got it with 27K, now 66K. did brakes at 48K.

i love the 2.7t power, smoothness and sound. drove 2010 3.0 a6 twice. nice but the 2.7t feels just as responsive and definitely smoother and sounds better. drove 2010 535xi. very nice for $62K, but not better than the 2.7. never driven the 4.2.

the s-line has a spoiler and a bit lower than standard a6. i think this year/model looks better than any other a6.

i've really considered a 2010 a6, but can't get up to spend more for a less interesting ride. another big thing; this car has great room and excellent visibility all around. the newer a4s, a6s and the 535xi sit you higher and have lower roof lines and less visibility. big deal to me. all the 2000-2004 a6s will have that same room/visibility

i would get exactly this car again. chip time is coming soon. definitely post what you decide.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone.

PPgoal, you are right, there'll be more to choose from if I wait for spring/summer to make a purchase. I'll probably go for the 4.2, I do like the wider body and extra performance. Your 2.7T sounds just as good, but I'm real nervous about the turbos. From what I've heard, the 4.2 is probably the most robust, so that's why I'm leaning that way. I commute 45 miles each way to work. The RS and S lines are beautiful, but I have a kid on the way and wanted a bigger sedan.

Crazyguy, what does cvt stand for?

I'll definitely post some pics once I find my A6! Thanks again.