Hi,

I'm considering buying a '97 A6 Quattro (automatic) with 157K miles...

The seller is asking $4300 OBO...

Do these engines/transmissions typically have a pretty long lifespan? I haven't test-driven it yet, so I'm trying to get an idea if there's anything specific to this model that I should keep an eye out for...

Thanks!

Jeff

 

Which engine? Does the seller have the srvice records?

 

Sorry...It's the 2.8L. The seller didn't mention maintenance records in the ad and I've been having a hard time getting in touch with him to ask questions... I'm assuming that he doesn't have them...

 

that year/model with that many models for that price. your bound to find another one out there with some good mechanical history. if they are slow with communication like that its usually time to find a better deal IMHO.

 

Assuming that he does call me back and that it's got a decent service history, do those engines/trannys generally have a good lifespan?

 

I just bought a 97 2.8L A6 with 124k miles... I feel like it was a good investment

 

i would assume that its got a little life left depending on how well it was maintained, but... ehh.. that's a whole lot of miles. i guess if you don't mind a wrench and know kind of what you're doing, you might be ok.. but at that high miles, that's where things start to fall apart. steering pumps, suspension components, stuff like that.. it all adds up. i just got a 97 a4 with 60k for 6k.. so i mean, better deals are prob out there. if i were you though, i'd look to spend a few more grand on something that's going to need less repairs in the long run. those high milage cars are mainly for people that want to completely rebuild and upgrade them, or replace parts from wrecks.

 

I live in NY, I bought mine for 4000 dollars. '96 a6 2.8 quattro with 98k miles.
I wouldn't even buy a car with that many miles.

 

In anwser to your question: Yes, the engine and tranny will last a long long time. There are plenty of early model AUDI's on the road. Very popular brand here in Seattle. They are still chugging away. Here is the one caveat -- It all depends on the maintenance records. If you treat the car right, and don't beat on it all the time, and follow the maintenance religiously, and fix things when they break right away, the cars are very reliable. A car with that many miles would raise some maintenance questions. If he cant answer your questions then I would advise you to look elsewhere. It could be a nightmare for you. Look around..you can find a better car for a little more money. A little more $$ for the sale cost will save you 10x's that in repair costs for a higher mileage car, but again, it all depends on how the previous owner treated the vehicle. Good Luck!!

 

Put a new cambelt on it and a new water pump whilst doin it as long as dont jump out of gear or whine it will last forever