Hi all, OK firstly I would appreciate some frank opinions in regards to buying a secondhand Audi. I realise its my first post but for me this is a lot of money to spend and I'm sure there are many in these forums that could offer solid advice.

Its a 2001 Audi A6 Quattro 2.8L

The add is here - http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...d=123E82AAB8E7

My apologies if this link isn't allowed but I thought It would be easier for people to look and comment (moderators please remove if its an issue)

It looks very clean and well looked after but after looking around to investigate the car I've found lots of comments about the upkeep of these cars being excessive.

I have a young family and whilst I can afford to buy it I'm hoping it won't cost me the same kind of money keeping it on the road.

Could those in the know please comment on these questions as its mightily appreciated.

1) What should I look for when looking over the car?

2) What are the costs involved with maintaining them?

3) Is there a website that would give me a run down on the features of this model ?

Thanks in advance

 

Good looking car from down-under. I can't really speak to the price of the car since I don't really know how much they go for in Australia. But here is a quick response to your questions.

1) For that kind of Km on the car, you are up for a timing belt and waterpump job. Check to see if the work was done on the car recently. Otherwise, in US, it would cost you around 1500 USD to get the work done. Other costly things to look for include: O2 sensors, catalytic converter issues and etc. Also check to see if the transmission is in good shape. And one other major thing is the oil leak issue. Leaks around cam seals, plugs, valve covers, and the cam chain tensioners are common, but can be expensive to deal with.

2) Although my car has been really good to me, I budget about 150 USD per month to deal with potential issues. Keep in mind that simple oil change for this car with 7 quarts of synthetic oil can run you $60 US if you do the work yourself. More if a mechanic does it. Things will crap out, just like any other vehicles... But parts and labor costs are more on any European luxury vehicle.

3) Here is a site for a US spec A6. Your car should be similar.
Spec
Based on the pictures it may have sports package, but I don't know. If you get the VIN and go to a nearest dealer, then they may print you out the full spec. If they are nice...

I am giving you a warning that these are not cheap cars to maintain. Yet I still drive it, because there is nothing out there that can give you this kind of amenities in this price bracket. Also, I too have a young family. When it comes to safety, nothing beats a German made tank. (I am speaking from an experience of getting hit in a BMW 5 series by a Chrysler. I walked away and the other driver was carried away in an ambulance.)

And my next car probably will be another Audi. That says a lot.

 

"I have a young family and whilst I can afford to buy it I'm hoping it won't cost me the same kind of money keeping it on the road" precludes buying an Audi. Nice cars but keeping it on the road can get expensive. Come back when the family has been raised.

Bob

 

Cheers for the heads up on what to look out for.

I'm going to have a look at the car tomorrow and if all is well (and I can talk him down on the price) I'll get the car checked over before purchasing it.

I'm hoping to get him down to $14,000 AUD ($12,462 USD)

Once again I really appreciate the time taken to respond.

Cheers

 

DO NOT BUY CAR

steering wheel is on the wrong side...accident waiting to happen!

 

Looks like he's right, those boys at the factory must have had a " liquid lunch " the day they built that one, the steering wheel is indeed on the wrong side. Perhaps if you point that out to them, you'll get a better deal!

 

The A6 is a great car and don't be afraid of a 7.5 quart synthetic oil change -- that's a nit. Have it thoroughly inspected and get the service records if possible. Do the maintenance religiously. It is not a drive and ignore vehicle like a Honda or Toyota -- pay attention to it and notice if something does not feel right.

I bought mine used with 37k (miles), chipped at 75k, replaced the clutch at 90k (probably due to exuberance of chip), and now have 175k. Drove it 1200 miles last week and 2100 miles this week, taking kids to college. Best sports, touring, performance car I have ever owned and love the 8 airbags (hope I never have to use them).

Also, if you ever get to the Mad Max days, just mount a machine gun in front of the moon roof and depend on the quattro to get you through the tough times.