Any car over 80k. You should assume unless the can supply records that everything rubber (i.e. T-belt), anything that spins(bearings, CV's, pumps, alt, pulleys, rollers, etc.) filters and fluids are all shot and haven't been changed much if at all.
Half the Air filters still look good after 30K how would you know.

If you go into it with that frame of mind you will search for better cars, more record keeping, and cut a better deal. I walked from so many and wasted weekends driving 200miles for nothing but I know what I purchased and cut some good deals.

Carfax was a good indicator. I only buy single owner cars because the guy who paid showroom price for these gems has the Dough to repair them.

Example; only 1 key or a valet key only. If they do not have the money to purchase an additional key do you think they replaced the CV boots or Brake fluid. Tires can tell a story too. There is never an excuse for a dirty car if they won’t clean what’s in front of there face they are not changing the oil and filters.

Finally, I hear people on this forum all the time complain about the trany in the car they just purchased-WTF is that all about. I test drive them like I stole them and for sure things will pop up. I drove one of the last ones with the salesman and he turned green kept saying holy **** your gonna break something. You will need to put some gas in it though, why do you think they leave it on E, They're not afraid your going to steal it they don't want you in it long enough to see the problems you need to a least get that thing HOT and bothered or your not doing your job.

When you get back from the races start adding it up out loud in front of that mop wearing BSer and all of a sudden the rock bottom price starts loosening up. Sure sometimes it isn’t worth it at all and you leave pissed off but in the end you’ll find what you are looking for.

As for the People that own one for 80K and then experience problems and don’t like the cars; Honda and Toyota run but the interiors are getting old at 100K. My Avalon smelled like a diaper from the first day we got it if that’s your fetish.

 

I have a 2001 a6 2.7t quattor at 55k, And after hearing this, I'm thinking that I shouldn't keep it more than 65k.
I am completely horrified by your scenarios.
Though, 80k+ you pratically build a new car except the engine.

 

I think Jackmup is right on the money.

When you get into buying one of these "gems", you should know what you get yourself into... I didn't know much about them before buying this one back in December, but surely enough I don't think I would have gotten a better 14-yr old car/brand for the money.
I did check the Carfax, but just like any other "superficial" service, it was/is a waste of money. Nothing beats your own EYE (read: THOROUGH INSPECTION) and feel for what is under your toosh.
I haven't much time to do either a thorough inspection or extensive test driving, and I should have known better than flat out trusting people who make a living out of selling used cars (although very personable and seemingly "sincere").
Nevertheless, I don't regret buying it and spending close to 3 grand up to this point to replace broken or worn parts, or needed for vital servicing.
I am sure by the time I finished what I started I'll have a pretty reliable car for at least 4-5 years...although I still have quite some ways until I replace everything critical.

 

Your not looking at it the correct way..

Look at all the fun you had working on your car! Not everyone can have such an intement relationship with such a lovely bitch! LOL

 

So you guys would be pissed off if I told you how many miles I have on 3 different American made cars With little to no work?

 

Hahahahahaha...I drink to that.

 

Well, Jim, you know how they say: you step on the dance floor, you have to dance.
I had a 95 Taurus and beside an ICV valve (about $ 95 at Autozone at the time) and new brakes I haven't spent a dime in 3 years I had it.

 

I was just thinking tonight how much I like my A6. More than the A8 as a matter of fact. We fight for that car I'm not sure if it is the sporty feel or that it is an Avant.

I also think that certain people need to have a car to rip apart That's us right there. It's a man puzzle that's what it is. Arrrrr get me a beer, a broken Audi and somethin Naked!(don't you dare steal that that's my new signature)

I have owned so many Chevy trucks, and my guys beat them to death. If you don't like to spend on parts. Buy one of those and spend on gas. They are way more reliable than Honda or Toyota.

Funny I just did more crap to my car than the original poster complained about over a year ago and he called himself a mechanic. Man they throw that term around lightly these days. I just saw the work as maintenance not repairs it ran great when I started.

Man puzzle

 

I own an 04 2.7T S-Line that currently has 44k on it. All and all, I love the car but I do have to say it's been the most unreliable car I've ever owned. Whether a serious issue or not there always seems to be something wrong with it that poses an inconvenience. Fortunately, I bought mine from an Audi dealership as certified so there has been little or no money out of my pocket. You can bet that when my certification expires next year, the lovely beast will be traded in shortly after. Simply put, if anyone is reading this and is considering buying a used A6, make sure you purchase a warranty if one isn't provided. If you can't afford the warranty and aren't handy with cars, you can't afford the car. I bought mine at 3 years old with only 28k on it. Got the CarFax etc. Car was sold and serviced by the dealership I purchased it from. Car had been owned by a doctor. Sounded like the perfect scenario? I can say the 2 years I've owned the car the maintenace has been impeccable and I take very good car of it. Can't speak for the previous owner but it was low mileage and he really didn't have it all that long. I see absolutley no signs of body work etc. All and all, my car has had roughly 10-12k worth of work done. I still love my car and may buy another but I will certainly keep my experiences in mind when choosing my next vehicle.

* Brake lines replaced 33k (leaking fluid)
* New gaskets of some sort at 40k (small oil leak)
* Rear airbag sensors at 40k
* Crazy headlight issues, they aim wherever they please, ongoing
* Two new turbos at 35k (problem started at 28k just took 7k for them to figure out) Car had a weird gallup/hesitation accompanied with lack of power.
* Multiple (more then I can possibly list or remember) sensors, fuel pump, etc were replaced until they narrowed down the issue as the turbos mentioned above. Who knows if any of it really needed replaced.

 

I'm here to defend Audi. What I read is that a bunch of you bought 8-10 year old used cars and then, holy crap, experienced problems. WTF did you expect -- the original owner sold it because it was cherry and problem free?? IMHO, most US drivers don't know dick about cars and have a trade-every-3-years mentality, so they don't take care of them.

I'm the second owner, buying the car in 2005 with 37k miles and now closing in on 139k. First, a TB (including the serpentine, Mr Mechanic) is normal maintenance. Second, I did have an alternator fail around 75k, chipped the car at 80k, and replaced the clutch/flywheel at 90k. Two brake jobs and a second set of Pirelli winter tires -- which, BTW, have 45k miles on then and should be good for another 5-15k. Tire pressure checked regularly and rotated every 5k, plus I avoid pot holes religiously. She has the original battery, suspension, shocks, and exhaust. Every 7-8k my indie shop changes the oil and inspects her for problems, and I am surprised nothing is found.

My old 2002 Vue, in the hands of my daughter, is turning 160k with only a wheel bearing failure. Needed brakes once at 148k. Two Mercury Villages were run to 120-140k with few problems. Currently have a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster with 31k and it is almost as complicated as an Audi - no problems other than a radiator fan recall.

I was so satisfied with my Audi that I bought a 2003 A4 3.0 MT6 for my daughter. So far, other than the brakes and battery that I knew it needed when I bought it, it's thrown three misfire codes which went away on their own.

Maybe I'm just lucky. Or maybe a combination of TLC and preventive maintenance is the key.