I am looking into either an early 2000's A4 3.0 or A6 4.2. Anyone have any opinions on either or both? All are welcome to respond!!!!!

 

I have a 2000 A6 2.7t build date of Nov 99. I would not buy one of these cars again. all of the problems I have had are with parts that are common to the V8 car also (and the 2.8 for that matter). If you are looking for a 3.0 A4 i am guessing that it would have to be an 02 or later as I think that is when the 3.0 was put into the A4

 

the 4.2 is far more reliable and does not require the costly timing belt repair of the 3.0.

 

The cars are quite different. The A4 3.0L Quattro is a very nice sports sedan, fairly quick and a nice handling car that comes pretty well decked out inside. I have a 2003 and it has been an excellent car. I think it is somewhere between a 3 series and 5 series BMW. With the AWD it is better than either.

The A6 is a very nice luxury sedan, it's more comfortable, softer ride, but with the 4.2 L engine it does have sufficient power. I would look for a Quattro in this also. I don't know about 4.2 engine reliability - I have driven the car but not owned one.

So it depends what you are looking for.

The early 2000's A6 was not a good car in my opinion - too many maintenance issues with them that will eat you up after 100,000 miles. I had a 98 and have heard about the early 2000 cars and they are not anything I would buy used with any amount of miles on them.

Stick with 2003 and up. Drive both and see what appeals to you more.

 

I've owned a 99 A4 2.8, a 04 2.7T and currently have a 03 4.2. I'd have to say that my A4 was my favorite car to ever own. The only things I ever replaced on it were the tie rod ends, fuel tank sensor, CV boots, water pump and timing chain. I had the car to 107,000 miles and should have kept driving it. I really enjoy my 4.2 and it's a great car with lots of power. If it had a manual transmission like my A4 and 2.7T then it would be my favorite car. I'm contemplating selling for a 04-05 S4, I think that will be my new favorite car ever owned. I have 60,000 miles on my 4.2 and I've had to replace the CV boots, secondary air vacuum tube, drivers side window guide and hazard blinker switch, all of which seem to standard issues on the 4.2. The engine is fantastic. Definitely get the sport seats in the A6, the flat bottom seats aren't very comfortable for long drive in my opinion.

 

I bought a 2003 A4 3.0 MT6 for my daughter last summer with 69k miles and she has put 10k miles on. She loves the car. I find it very enjoyable to drive and, in some ways, like it's size more than my A6. I know I'm facing a TB replacement soon -- that's just maintenance. The only problem we had was a periodic CEL. Received a recall for the coilpacks and while they were good, the dealer claimed the CEL was due to bad catalytic converters and changed them out under warranty. Can't hate that. It's not a performer like the 2.7T but that was my reason for selecting the 3.0 over the 1.8T -- more consistent acceleration, no turbos to worry about.

 

So the 4.2 has a chain not a belt???

 

If buying used, how do you tell if it has the "sport" seats?

 

the sport seats look like the 2000-02 S4 seats. You'll be able to tell the difference. Look at some used car postings, there's only two types of seats so you'll be able to tell.

 

The 3.0 is going to be a lot more in maintance. TB/water pump on that car costs a lot more than the other Audi's because it is so packed into the A4 and its a PITA to do. The 4.2 doesnt give you much room either but it is easier. The 4.2 is basically bulletproof with proper care and much faster and more powerful than the 3.0. I would shop for an 01-04 A6 with the 4.2 and a sport package. About the best all around car of sport and luxury I have owned.

I have seen far more 3.0s having Catalytic convertor problems than the 4.2s. The 3.0s usually get a CEL for the Cats right around 100k miles and they are a bitch to replace and cost about $1600 for the pair.

Basically, maintance wise you will be much happier with the 4.2. If the timing belt/water pump has been done there isnt much that goes wrong with those motors.