Hey all, so I'm looking at a few cars, and one of them is an '04 A6 S Line 2.7t. It's got almost 81,000 miles, pretty much loaded up. Clean carfax. My question is, what should I look for if I decide to move forward with the vehicles? Problems to keep an eye out for in this vehicle when checking it out further. Problems these cars experience past 80K miles. Things like that.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

This is the Audi > 2004 Audi A6 2.7T S Line quattro, $13,995 - Cars.com

EDIT: I was looking at that 2.7L tips and suggestions thread, and the 85k+ talking about blown turbo worries me. What kind of cost would I be looking at? Any addition concerns or thoughts beyond what's posted in there?

 

dont worry about the turbos. they will last the cars life as long as they are and HAVE been taken good care of. proper audi recommended oil changes and recommended intervals... etc...

but if they do blow it will cost atleast 2k at the cheapest and thats if you do it yourself add 1 or 2g for labor. 4~5k

the 2.7 usually leak oil from the valve covers

also make sure if the timing belt has been changed yet or not. + timing belt assessories water pump...etc
tranny oil and filter change

 

So belts, accessories, and leaks are the biggest issues outside of the turbo? How about electronics, as I've heard lots of bad things about Audi electronics... Given age, mileage, and what you see on that link, is $13,995 a good price? This is my first time I've really seriously considered and looked into Audi's.

 

if it's not chain, 20k miles more (105k) it's due for timing belt service ... check the kbb's trade-in value & get audi specialized repair shop to do pre-purchase inspection.

 

the electronics are OK. the only time any major problem will occur is when the Transmission control module gets wet. there is a drain plug by the battery and sometimes the drain is clogged by leaves and debris which causes water to accumulate and it ends up in the floor of the passenger floor where the TCM is located.

if the car's timing belt has been done and all of its service has been done like fluids and TB 14 is not too bad. it could be a little bit cheaper more around 12k.

but if the belts and leaks have not been done thats little bit under 2k. timing belt is not cheap on any car. 80k is very low miles.

good luck!

 

IMHO the timing belt should be done every 90k. There are those that suggest 70-75k, but the original interval was 105k. Yes, it could fail sooner, but so could any other part. You are buying an 8-year old car so there could be little electrical gremlins as with any old car. You either find/fix them or ignore them. Stick with a good synthetic oil every 6-8k. I'm still running oem turbos at 197k and while one leaks a little oil, it has not impacted anything. Only issues I have had were an alternator, clutch/flywheel (after chipping), headlight washers, and just recently the cats failed (replacing with a downpipe system). I had no doubts taking my A6 on a 5k drive last month. For preventive maintenance, I suggest changing the differential and transfer fluids (not the tranny) and the brake fluid if it has not been done in the last two years. The TB work will take care of the coolant.

 

Thanks all! Would going for and sticking to an offer of $13K (vs. the $13,995 they list it at) be too much given the car, assuming it checks out in good condition and has been well maintained? Link above in OP to the particular car.

 

To be honest for that price you could get a 2005 a6 with the newer updated look. I looked on my local craigslist and found this 2005 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro Sedan 4D 3.2 Quattro Sedan 4D 89199 miles, White
You could try finding a 2005+ 4.2 which doesnt have a turbo or a timing belt and could save you some money on maintenance.

 

Well the cheapest 05+ 3.2 I have found around here without 100k+ miles on it is like $16k+, and the cheapest 05+ 4.2L is like 18K... but I've read reviews on the 05 3.2L and it sounds pretty uninspiring... thoughts?

 

Craigslist is cheaper ... sold by owners & small car dealers.