This is my first post here, so hello everyone. I used to own a 1989 Audi 90, so I am not new to Audis at all.

Ok, like the title says, I am going to go look at a 2000 A6 4.2 tomorrow with 95,000 miles. I have seen pictures of the car, and I hope it looks as good in person. What do I need to look at and ask the owner? He is not the original owner, so I am not sure how much he will be able to tell me. He does not seem to be much of a car guy. The only thing he told me was that he unhooked the battery and had to pay someone $120 to unlock the factory radio, so he was sure to tell me that he has the radio code now. I have heard about issues with the air flow meter and the timing belt. At 95,000 miles, should the timing belt have already been replaced and how can I tell if it has? Honestly, I just don't know what to look at, so anything will help me.

 

You're right on the cusp of the timing belt/water pump service, which is big bucks. A good/particular owner probably would have had it done, in actuality the owner probably got rid of it because it was due- I think the factory recomendation is 96K miles. You also want to check tie rods/a-arms for wear, or documentation of replacement. Don't be surprised if the center cupholder is sprung (cheap fix) and if the pixels in the driver's information center in the dash are faded or out. Also, for those earlier 4.2s watch for any indication of oil smoke on start up or other indications of weak valve seals. If the car has had dealer service, you can take the VIN to a dealer and have them run its history.

 

smtcapecod said the obvious things to expect. I would add that you can expect a few weird electrical problems to start to appear, such as window buttons not working, mirrors etc.

If you do buy it, the first thing to do would be the timing belt and a full service if it hasn't got a reliable history.

All the best, whatever you get.

 

Thanks guys. I guess if there is no documentation that the timing belt and water pump have been changed, then I can assume that they have not. How much is "big bucks"? I have looked at the DIY on this procedure, although I did not see one for the 4.2, and it does notlook too difficult. Is the majority of this repair just the labor to do it, because I think I could do it myself. I already have the VIN, so I may run by the dealer after work and see if they will check the history. Thanks again guys. I'll let you know how it goes.