The 1999 Avant Quattro 2.8 that I purchased on Weds is almost done. I contracted one of our techs to do all the work...after all, I am just a parts guy.

Here's the list he did today(in 5 1/2hrs):

-Timing belt w/tensioner & rollers, cam seals/plugs
-Water pump, Thermostat w/coolant flush
-Valve cover/Chain tensioner gaskets
-Power steering hose(high pressure)
-Serp. belt
-Spark plugs
-Oil Change w/Castrol Syntec 5W40
-Air/Pollen filters
-Coolant T-piece

I was delighted to see no sludge whatsoever beneath the valve covers. I've seen neglected 2.8s sludge up @ 60k miles...mine has 133k, so the POs were obviously maintenance conscious. The tech did the trans. tail shaft seals and rear brake pads on Thurs. and still has to address my headlight washers(probably the check valve), window switch, rear wiper, and console cupholder sometime this coming week. I'll be taking care of all the preventative maintenance from here on out. I have $4200 wrapped up in this ride so far and I'm really liking it...can ya' tell?

UberTeile

 

Mechanically sound?? LOL Keep dreaming -- It's an Audi -There has to be something wrong..LOL

 

Repairs only or total cost?
BTW-51/2h for the described work sounds pretty good time!

 

...I never said it wuz permanent.

 

total...and, yes, the tech that did it could probably do it blindfolded.

There's something else I should probably make clear...the main reason that I purchased this car is because I don't want to fix it when it breaks. I've been driving Volvos for over 20yrs while working for VW/Audi...when they broke(...and they did), I stayed after hours to fix them myself or contracted any VW/Audi tech willing to conquer the task. The Avant should allow me more opportunities to be with my kids...'cause that's what wagons w/3rd row seating are for.

 

Great choice! Avants are the best.

 

Nice list. I'll be referring to this list for my A6 3.0. thanks.

 

Just keep in mind that a timing belt/water pump job on a 3.0 is more expensive/labor intensive than a 2.8.

________________________________________

Just a brief update...all of the major stuff is completed and most of the little things have been addressed. I'd like to get the instrument cluster rebuilt(aka:lack of pixels) and replace the LHF seat cushion foam...eventually. One of the rear cup holders is still broken, so my 2 kids have been fighting over the only one that works...better add that to the list.

However, I did install one of the few exterior mods I had planned for this car...a set of roof-mounted vortex generators. I had them color-matched in Jaspis Green by a local body shop and installed them in the traditional EVO configuration. VGs have been a controversial topic on many car forums, so I won't get into a style police or "scientific" argument over it...I think they work, and I'll leave it at that.

UberTeile

 

I'm loving my avant too!

just not the code's it throws...

My kids love the 3rd row, want to go in the Audi over my wife's suv every time!

Enjoy.

Pics of the vortex thingys? don't know what they are.

 

they are the low spiky looking things that you sometimes see mounted along the roof just above the rear window. Slightly reduces the drag coefficient of the car.