I am looking at an '06 A4 avant with 92000km on it. When I took it for a test drive, it ran really rough, as if it was going to die, for the first 5 second. After the engine warmed up a little, it ran great on the road, but still ran rough at idle around the lot. When I opened the hood, it sounded like the engine was knocking, but then I was told that the injectors make that kind of sound in these cars. The mechanic drove it and said it is fine and that the car had been sitting for a couple of weeks....is this normal?

 

Yeah the 2.0T runs a bit rough.

 

Yes the 2.0TFSI engines sound a little like a diesel at times. For your possible future car I would have the coil packs checked. I had a similar problem with mine (rough or low idle) but car ran fine when warmed up. Audi checked it and it was a bad coil pack.

 

Thanks guys. How much do new coils run? Could I do the work(I have moderate mechanical ability)? And it is true that you are supposed to do the timing belt between 90k and 120k?

 

I believe the coil packs are pretty cheap, and simple to replace. The dealer would charge you a lot to do this.

The maintenance schedule calls for the timing belt to be replaced at 110k.

 

Yes coil packs are cheap. Mine was replaced under warranty. I think Audi (Germany) said one was around 30.00 Euro's ($45.00). In the U.S. they are probably cheaper. You probably could do it yourself if you are mechanically inclined. The timing belt change I have heard different stories on that though, I would just follow what the warranty books says.

 

My 2.0t also runs rough at idle. It smooths out once it gets into the operating band. Even so, it will never be quite as smooth as the 2.8VR6 in my 2000 Jetta GLX. The 2.0t is a little noisy, but does have a nice growl under hard acceleration.

 

You guys may want to look into something like this
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306891

 

check it out thoroughly first - it could be worn cam/follower bearings. At that mileage it requires a new engine.

 

Wow, that would be pretty sad (and expensive). I hope that is not the norm for Audi/VW motors! I have an old 1997 Opel Astra SW 1.8i-16v with 323tkm (200tmls+) and still have the original engine and transmission!