Its an expensive car, no doubt about that. I bought my second audi knowing this, but I like the challenge of a car that bitches more than my girlfriend. I think 6k for a 2.8 isn't such a great deal. You should be able to find a nice one for under 5K. I paid 8K for my 2.7t 2001 with 100XXX. I might have paid a little more than I needed to, but I had a very specific criteria which greatly limited my options and 8K was a deal compared to the alternatives that still fit. I saved over 6K by really looking hard.

IMHO The key to getting the right car for the right price is really taking the time to figure out what you really want against what you really need, set a price cap, and then start looking.

 

here are some of the things you could look forward to.

catalytic converters - $1500 +/- per side
timing chain & acces - $ 1000 +/-
oxygen sensors $400
tires $ 500
keyless remote / door lock module $ 500
etc.

 

You overpaid for cats
It's a belt, not a chain, and you get the water pump, pulley, tensioner, and you'd also better get a full coolant system workover for that grand
You overpaid for O2's
EVERY CAR NEEDS TIRES, and apparently, everyone needs reasons to hate these cars
Yeah, those are waaay overpriced, but it's rare you'd actually need one??


Otherwise, to the point, at least you don't need to worry about blown turbos, and YOU probably won't need to do the belt before the car just dies. It, at $6k, is at least a grand overpriced. Besides, who on earth buys a six figure mileage car thinking they can just drive and enjoy??

Honestly, on a 2.8, it's likely the most expensive, and most likely, things you need to watch out for are suspension weaknesses. They are complicated and expensive, but not insane.

 

i am sorry...

i should have noted that those were estimates that i have been quoted previously by local dealerships. believe me when i say - the hell i'm gonna pay that.

i have gotten better deals and gone with them but as you know the dealerships are all about the 'benjamins'.

re. cats: again that is what i have been quoted but have not performed the service yet. do you have a source for the cats you can recommend?