Hello guys n gals. I'm new to the forum due to some questions I have about
a4b6. I've been reading here for about 4 daysish I just sifted through all the b6 threads and didnt get complete answers to my questions hopefully some of you can inspire me.
Well I'm in the market for a new car something in the 8-10k range maybe 12 if its low enough miles. I'm looking for an awd sports/luxury car. So wrx/a4 are the two cars I've narrowed down too. Dont worry im not gonna ask wrk questions I havent even started research on them. the cars I'm looking at are 02,03 3.0 6speed. most of them have between 75-100,000 miles.
How is the reliablity?
What are common issues beside general maintance?
Tie rods, ball joints, brakes, cvs I dont even care about its the things like fp emissions leaks electrical failurs that im interested in are thier good signs of that in these cars?
Are these cars obdII system or audi specific?
Should I be worried that im gonna go broke fixing this car?
How is the timing belt on this car the worst ive ever done was the v6 dohc mitsu diamante litertly 2 inches between fender well and pulleys wasnt fun but completed the job
Next if i decide against the 3.0 and opt for a 1.8t should i be worried about the sludge issue if previous owner has good maintanance records with quality up to date oil changes? does allowing the turbo to cool cut down on the sludge issue? Is it actually a sludge issue or is it excess carbon mixed with oil causing the pickup tube to plug? how is the oil pickup tube job? If i do choose the 1.8 id would be getting 0-40 in the winter and 5-40 in the summer with a oversized wix filter changed every 5k.
I should also note that I have an associates degree in auto mechanics so i do know some stuff mainly domestic and asian. no euro training at but i am a manager for a parts store so i know an independant imports shop really good.
lastly,
I LOVE THE 3.0 WITH NEUSPEED
Thanks for any answers.

 

First off, I was wondering why you picked the 3.0L over the 1.8T. The 3.0 is generally harder to work on and parts are more expensive. I did see your other choice being a WRX, and if you want something close, the 1.8T is your best bet.

1. The 3.0 B6s have some general maintenance things that need to be done. The timing belt and waterpump are extremely important, because here at the shop we have done quite a few 3.0L engine swaps. Control arms are always going bad on A4s, and general maintenance needs to be done, or they always turn into bigger problems.

2. As far as these "Tie rods, ball joints, brakes, cvs I dont even care about its the things like fp emissions leaks electrical failurs that im interested in are thier good signs of that in these cars?" The tie rods do go bad over time, as well as the control arms. Brakes are obviously a maintenance item. Also, I know people say that Audis have electrical problems but this is something of the past that people still talk about today without knowing what they are talking about. The Bosch systems are so advanced that they pop up a code for every small thing that goes wrong, which is great as long as you keep up on maintenance.

3. You can use OBD2 connectors on Audis, but people generally buy VAG-COM, a tool you can get from ross-tech.com. You can do some cool "hacks" to get roll-up windows and auto locks, as well as scan codes and "log" the car to find problems.

4. These cars are not cheap to maintain, unless you can do things yourself. If you cannot, I would think about going with something cheaper.

5. The timing belt is not bad, but we charge $800 with parts and labor (including our kevlar belt) for them on the 1.8T, and $1000 for the 3.0, which is well worth the warranty and peace of mind it comes with.

6. The 1.8T sludge issue is hit-or-miss, but you could use a BG engine flush type cleaner and run it through the motor to clean everything out. I have also seen people drain the oil, fill it up with diesel, drain it out, and then do an oil change or two to clean out the engine when you get it. This is a bit overkill, but if you're worried than this would help.

7. Are you talking about the 3.0L with neuspeed software? I would try to drive a 1.8T with a chip and injectors and compare it to the 3.0L