Thanks for all your help.. now the key is getting around in here and figuring out how this e-mail system works.. heck I just jumped in... wahooooooooooooooooooooooo!

 

Wow 9k might be a little high for a 2.8. I paid 10K for mine, but that was 2 years ago when the resale was a little higher and that was a wagon (which brings in better money.) Did you already say the year or did you know it?

Anyway, on a 2.8 you can look around the site a little, but they are solid cars.

Repairs you should look for having had done or doing would be the timing belt (9-1200) and trans/ read end flush (2-300), check out the CV boots and tie rods, check the stereo and all the dash lights for working properly (anything dim is bad) Check if the water pump was done with the timing, that is a quick waste of 600$ if not. You might have sunroof motor or something go out, but pretty much I think it is a safe buy. The newer the better. If it were 2001 or maybe a 2000 I might go for it. You should be able to find better miles for cheaper if it is older. Check for oil leaks in the back of the engine. Ooo and have him pull off the plastic covers on the front so you can see what kind of crap is on the heads/ block. If the water pump is out, there should be all kinds of goo on the block near the serpentine belt. Hmmm, goo/ black oil around the power steering pump might indicate a failure of a hose, check to see that the hoses were all done on power steering and cooling, that goes right around 110K. And if the ps hose failed, does the power steering turn smooth and not make any noise.

Really just give it a good test drive with the radio off and listen for noises.

Edit, oops I knew I saw the year somewhere. Yeah the price is alright, the tiptronic should be in good condition (tough transmission) and the 2.8 is durable engine. Just check over those things I listed and be prepared to have to do some maintenance to keep it runnign strong.

 

Thanks... I'll double check all your pointers. 2001 is the year model and in North East Alabama there is one Audi/Acura/BMW dealership in Huntsville which is about 20 minutes north of where I live. Being a transplant from S. Florida and use to seeing Audi cars on a daily basis down there, this Audi is a rare breed for around these neck of the woods.

 

I have a 2000 A6 Avant (wagon) with the 2.8 - 82,000 miles. Had it for 1 1/2 years, since about 68,000 miles. Areas of concern:
1) Make sure the timing belt has been replaced for sure, and find out at what mileage it was done at. At 117K, it's WAY overdue. Usual reconmmendation is to replace it starting at about 80K, but for sure by 100K miles. I haven't done mine yet. Cost anywhere from $800 - $1200 depending on quote. There are some factory parts upgrades, and water punp replacement at same time that should also be done.

2) Are all the red diode thingys in the instrument cluster working? This is another common problem area. Doesn't affect how the car runs- wiil just be hard to decifer all the information that the instruments are trying to tell you. Only way to fix it to replace the cluster. A bit expensive.

3) Power windows. Sit in rear seat - try to work both windows FROM THERE. Driver's lock-out button ( safety feature to prevent little kids in back opening windows and jumping out of car ) for rear windows on left front door frequently fails. If it does, driver will be able to operate rear windows, but rear passengers won't, even if lock-out switch is 'off'. (Check window operation from rear seat in BOTH switch positions, to be sure, with ignition 'on'.) ( Am I explaining this clearly? ) This is a fairly cheap problem to fix. Around $100 parts and labor.

4)Radio / CD player - changer ( if it has CHANGER, it will be on left wall area of trunk)
--Do speakers sound OK at somewhat higher volume? I blew out my right front door speaker. Forum posts seem to indicate that you can't just 'bolt-in' aftermarket speakers into the vehicle due to wiring differences. Not sure on this area. Factory speakers may be expensive to replace.
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5) Is car a QUATTRO?
--Some 2.8 A6's are FRONT wheel drive ONLY, meaning they are not ALL wheel drive, which is what some people buy Audis for in the first place. Check for 'Quattro' emblem on trunk lid. A 'non-quattro' model is worth about $1,500 - 1,600 LESS than a 2001 Quattro A6. (per Kelley Blue Book) If you are in a mild-climate area, having Quattro would be a personal choice. If you would be exposed to inclement weather a lot, Quattro would be a plus. (or a necessity).

6) You may want to know about mileage. - Not that great. I drive mostly city miles, mayble a bit faster than the average driver. I get around 15.5 - 16 MPG. An easier driver, with a sedan, may get 17 if they are gentle on the gas. ( "Your mileage may vary. Offer void where prohbited. No animals were harmed in the writing of this message. Get jiggy with it. " )
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Hope this helps.......
Marshall

 

please shop more, you will find something with less miles...i can tell that you are very ecxited about the car....try not to be, try to check all local audi's, you need to have something to compare. Good luck to you.

 

Thanks everyone... checked the motor on the first day of the test drive and it started smoking... good sign that there would be alot of repairs to be made in the future. Another sign was the mileage... Glad I found this website.. I have another dealer looking around for another Audi with lower miles and possibly a newer model. All of your support and advice has been greatly appreciated. I will keep you up to date on my new search. Thanks.... Lynn