So here's the A6 I'm going to test tomorrow:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/398873900.html

Anything to keep an eye out for? I've read on here that the timing belts start to go out around this mileage--is that right?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

 

Yes, the belt will need to be changed (if not done already of course). That car is too much money, I would say 2-3k too much. Now if the timing belt, control arms and cats have been replaced then it is not too much. I paid 9k for a 00 A6 2.8l with a new belt, new cats but with 114k on it a year ago. I would offer 7500, or have them put in a new belt at the very least. I know my car blue books at 12k but I could never sell it for that. I would guess I could sell it for around 9k.

Jeff

 

Damn Jeff. I saw $10995 asa fairly good deal, esp based on Blue Book. You thinking the priceis too high based on the potential repairs I'm going to need?

Anyone else think I'd be overpaying on this?

Thanks

 

overpriced, I paid $6.000 for the same car although it had Much higher millage. 149.000 Cannot see how it would be worth $5.000 more than mine!!

 

Yes, the price is too high based on maintinence you WILL need. Look around for a different A6, they are becoming a dime a dozen. Get them down on price by explaining that a timing belt will cost around 900-1400k to have replaced, the suspension is original and will need to be replaced at (just a guess) 500-1000k shocks included, and if the cats fail you are no longer covered under any warrenty and that can set you back another 1000k or more. Blue book values assume the car will not need 3k dollars of maintinence withing a month or so. The car might have leaking valve cover gaskets, oil seals...blah blah blah. Just too much money. Take it to a mechaninc and have them do a prepurchase once over, then you can get a better idea of what needs to be done. Maybe the suspension is in prefect condition, maybe there is not a singe drip of oil to be found, but for 9k, you are taking a big risk.

 

Jeff, your response is greatly appreciated. I'm hoping for two things: Service records will show some of the work has already been (highly doubtful) or he's willingto listen to reason (potentially $3k worth of labor seems reason for a price drop to me!).

 

damn i wished i knew about this site before i bought my 99 a6 with 82,000 miles, right now im going to have to replace all those worn out items as you guys are posting right now,osirus 1144 listen listen to these guys because there right,make sure the guy had atleast the timming belt and water pump changed before you buy

 

I've got a long list to go over with the dealer. I'm headed out in about 20min to see the car. And I appreciate the hell out of the advice I've gotten on here ... probably going to save me a few grand.