Found a screaming deal on an 6spd 3.0, but it has 190k on the clock.

Did several hours of research on this motor since I dont know much about it compared to the 1.8's but I didnt find anything that spoke to super high mileage 3.0's...

I mean at what point do you just through up your arms and rebuild/replace it?

This one had a new timing belt installed at 100k so its due for another one....thoughts?

 

You did not mention the year, but in general a modern engine that is properly maintained should last a long time. However, approaching 200k is always a risk. It certainly needs a timing belt (with all tensioners, etc) and probably some solid maintenance like replacing brake, tranny, and differential fluids. The catalytic converters could be a real expensive risk if your state requires them to be functional. A thorough inspection by someone who knows Audis is good insurance, but they cheap price already reflects the risk. For what it's worth, I have a 2003 A4 3.0 MT6 which we bought at 69k and it now at 85k with no major issues (a couple annoying problems like no headlight washers and the clutch sensor failed); and the 2003 A6 below with 188k miles and still running oem turbos, battery, etc. I did replace the alternator, clutch and flywheel but all other expenses (including two TB jobs) was all maintenance.

 

Sorry, I assumed b6 forum would be close enough on the year.

It's an 03...
The carfax shows regular dealer visits.
Should I do a compression check before commit?

 

The more you can check out, the better prepared you are to negotiate or run away. A thorough pre-inspection for a used car is always a good idea. Obviously check brakes, rotors, alternator/battery (free test at Autozone), shocks, control arms, axle boots, exhaust, etc. Check every accessory, windows, heat and a/c, seat heaters, etc, etc. Look for leaks or signs of leaks. Some stuff is easy to fix and some is almost impossible or expensive. Even being thorough, parts wear...which is why you get the smoking deal. Just changing drivers could result in different clutch wear and failure. I really like the 2003 A4 and find it very well appointed, comfortable, and gets reasonable gas mileage (18-20 city; 25-26 highway). Forget mods.

 

Forget Mods as in "not a good idea on such a high mileage car" or " you dont need them"

I am mostly over the mod bug....I mean sure I have stage 2 rocketchip program on my tdi but that was for the mileage more than anything.

I have an 03 jetta that I bought with a blown motor and swapped in a new one myself so I am no stranger to turning a wrench, or rather a triple square. it is a bone stock AWP and I am thrilled with it.

The thought of a supercharger does hold a certain appeal though....

I digress...I wonder if the dealer will let me bring it home for a compression/leakdown check and I can give it a good once over while its there.. The thing is, this is such a smoking deal if I have to put a new motor in- I will sill have less money in it than trying to buy a B6 with less than 100k on it.

 

There are not any worthwhile performance mods for a 3.0 and why put unnecessary strain on an "older" engine. Not sure how far you are from the dealer, but if they do not allow you to take an extended test drive (which should give you time for a compression test), then I would not buy it. I bought my A4 from a private party about 50 miles from my home and took two test drives -- one around his area for my "check out" and the second to take it to my hometown where my local shop checked it out for me. If you are good at wrenching, then your exposure to minor repair costs is greatly reduced. I gave up working on my cars, other than weekend detailing, years ago.

 

im right there with you. Motor swaps I will do, as a "project" when im not in a hurry. If I need a timing belt and I have another car to drive I will do it myself..If I need it running asap I will take it to a dealer.
otherwise its all wax and rainx

I'm hoping to do the "check out" test drive tonight. Then I will try to arrange for an extended one so I can give a rubber glove treatment.

Mainly I was looking for 3.0 feedback. I hear there is a sludge and cam lobe issue that comes up and your standard coilpack failure...

beyond that I havent seen anyone complain about it except maybe not so stellar gas mileage.

 

at 190k it's probably just starting to break in. :-)

 

well I bought it.

Ran great all the way home to the garage where it will sit until I get a timing belt put on it.

Any recommendations for a good timing belt kit. I buy a lot of stuff at ECS but im open to suggestions.

 

hey congrats. for parts i only use OEM stuff. it's primo.