Hey Everyone, I'm new to the forums because I've recently grown an addiction to Audi's and I'm considering buying my first one. (I recently got back from a trip to Igolsdat and that's where my addiction started.

I'm looking at getting a Used A6 (2000/2001/2002) for a good price, most of what I have looked at are 110K+ Miles.

I've heard various reviews on getting a Turbo, Some people say it's the best thing ever and they never had any issues with it. I'm wondering what are your experiences with Turbos on the A6 (Keep in mind I'm looking at cars with 110K+ Miles.)

I'm also wondering if engine troubles change with 2.8L vs. 3.0L and which one would be the best.

Out of these cars 2001 2.8T Quattro ($4,600 & 130K Miles), 2002 3.0L Quattro ($7500 & 117K Miles) Which one would you choose? (If you have another suggestion let me know in the comments)

I'm also just wondering what sort of things am I looking at with Audi A6's with 110K+ Miles? (Ex. Today I looked at one that had a head gasket that needed replacing and was leaking oil like crazy so I passed.)

Thank you so much for your help, I'm looking very forward to becoming apart of this community.

 

Audi specialized indy shop ($80-$100) is the best bet to avoid any big ticket repairs down the road and you get expert advice from them.

2.7T is for mods.

4.2 is considered the best engine but not for the mod

3.0 (2002-2004) is one most Audi people hate

2.8 is more relaible than 3.0

Sometimes the seller erase the CEL codes or disconnect & reconnect the battery to make the computer sleep thus you don't see CEL in test drive. It'll pop right out within 100 miles after purchase.

 

^^^^^

pretty much agree with all of that

a couple of other things:

make sure timing belt and components have been replaced (at least once). timing service on 2.7T and 2.8 are nearly identical. I believe the 4.2 has a timing chain. The 3.0 is the worst/most expensive/most technical/biggest PITA timing service to perform

regardless of which option you go with, repair and maintenance costs are liable to bury you. if you can turn a wrench, most of it is DIY with guides, walkthroughs and assistance from your (my) online friends.

take any potential purchase candidates to an independent Audi specialist and pay them for an inspection/evaluation. even if it costs you $100 it could save you from making a huge mistake.


-not an expert, just an enthusiast

 

I suggest you take up cocaine as an addiction, rather than Audi. It will be cheaper in the long run. Failing that, a solid pre-buy inspection and you yourself test every switch and accessory. Get service records if possible -- make sure the timing belt, water pump, t-stat, etc were all replaced around 75-90k miles.

My A6 2.7T now has 190k miles and few problems. Replaced clutch, flywheel, alternator as big items. Still on original suspension and battery! I have one turbo leaking slightly and some day it may go. I have no qualms about taking a 2000 mile trip. It's my "take the family on a driving vacation" and winter vehicle. Warning -- if you have to replace the turbos, budget about $3k. There's a much lower risk on the 2.8/3.0 engines.

I also have a 2003 A4 3.0 MT6. Great little car and the engine has been reliable (up to 86k). I did have to replace the catalytic converters (under warranty) and it has a habit of not starting, suspect due to immobilzer not talking to key all the time. But when it runs, it runs well. The TB work was about $250 more expensive (at my indie shop) than the 2.7T (9 hours vs 6).

 

Thanks for the feedback guys, So right now I'm thinking about getting any A6 after reading this, I was told that the Turbos go and are just a ticking time bomb after 100K miles but obviously it seems that is not the case.

As for my buying so far; I'm keeping my eyes on a extremely nice 2002 A6 3.0L Quattro, fully loaded, 118K Miles, however they are asking a bit above KBB at $8,000. This is the nicest condition A6 I've seen yet.
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/82/img2928m.jpg
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/4927/img2932ql.jpg

Today I on craigslist I also saw a $1,000 Audi A6 Avant posted (It was told all the future issues and they just need to drop the car so they can go back to Cali) Unfortuently the car was sold when I called. (I was thinking about picking this up and since it still drives go to a dealer and see what I could get for trade-in and hopefully get a great deal.) Oh well.