Hey so I'm new to the forum and Audi so I first off want to appologize for not knowing part #'s etc... im used to Hondas.

So heres the story, I'm interested in purchasing an A6 that is local to me for 7g when the bluebook is just above 8 or so. The car has 130k but is in great shape and most of the miles are interstate miles. I can really tell that this guy didn't dawg the hell out of it because if he had, the turbos would have blown by now. I know in most turbo setups, its customary to replace them at around 100k, with this car having 130k im very skeptical. I have noticed that theres a K03 and K04 turbo and unfortunately both are around 800/each from what i've seen. Basically my question is this: is it retarded to purchase this car under the condition of me knowing im going to have to replace these turbos soon.... I'm not familiar w/ audi's setup so im sure ill have to pay to have the turbos replaced and w/ all things im sure it'll cost a ton. The guy is very honest w/ me and has said hes done regular maintanance etc... including the 120k maintance of timing belts etc... I'm a college student so I'm not looking to spend a ton of money in repairs, but I was thinking that the turbos will MOST LIKELY be the main things to go soon. I appreciate all advice and look forward to hearing what you guys think.

 

If the guy didn't beat on it, I wouldn't be surprised if those turbos could go another 30k+ miles. There is a guy in the A4 section that had his car chipped at 80k miles and he still had his stock turbo running strong over 100k miles later. I don't know what is up with him now, since I don't go in the A4 section much since I got my A6. But it just shows it can be done. However, in most probability you will be replacing them in the next 10k miles. If you keep your eyes open you can get used k03's on here for dirt cheap. I have seen some with 50k miles on them sell for like $150 a pair. The only thing is you HAVE to lift the engine out to replace them, so the labor bill wont be cheap. Just something to keep in mind. And also when you replace them you will need to do, oils lines etc... I don't know what all that will cost. Someone with more experience can help you out there.

 

O well thanks for that info man, im def. going to drive the car w/ respect but its undoubtably going to be driven hard occasionally.... Does anyone have their cost on how much they spent on replacing the turbos and lines etc... w/ labor?

 

I chipped at 79k and now have 101k on my A6. I expect the stock turbos to last a long time. You need to ensure the oil is changed regularly and use Mobil1 (I use 0W-20 in the winter and 5W-30 in the summer). Give the oil a chance to warm up before driving it hard and let them cool down after a hard run. Cool down =run the car for a few miles at normal speeds.

Just replacing the stock (K03) turbos will set you back around $3000, or so I have been told. Upgrading to K04s will be anywhere from $5-8,000. I haven'tresearched or priced them but if I had to replace my turbos, I would consider this upgrade for the additional horsepower.

I've seen posts in another Audi forum where members have claimed 160k on stock turbos and still going strong.

 

as u can see im new but what about turbo timers will they help ?

 

Yes a turbo timer will help. But it doesn't do anything that you can't just do yourself. All you need to do is let your car idle for about a minute if you have been driving it hard. All a turbo timer does is keep your car running after you have left it.