Hey guys,
I am a proud new owner of a 2006 A4 2.0T Quattro, automatic trans, 55k miles. So far, I am absolutely in love with this car. The only thing that has me a little worried is the poor reliability rating Consumer Reports gave this car for engine major, engine minor, fuel system, and electrical system. A few questions I have are - are there any known issues with this car? If so, is there any preventive maintenance/small fixes that can be done to prevent/prolong these from occuring? And most importantly, would it be worth buying an extended warranty (several options, longest-2yrs approx $2250)? I have searched the forums but only found known issues regarding older models. Any input is greatly appreciated.
I am a proud new owner of a 2006 A4 2.0T Quattro, automatic trans, 55k miles. So far, I am absolutely in love with this car. The only thing that has me a little worried is the poor reliability rating Consumer Reports gave this car for engine major, engine minor, fuel system, and electrical system. A few questions I have are - are there any known issues with this car? If so, is there any preventive maintenance/small fixes that can be done to prevent/prolong these from occuring? And most importantly, would it be worth buying an extended warranty (several options, longest-2yrs approx $2250)? I have searched the forums but only found known issues regarding older models. Any input is greatly appreciated.
1st Gear
Welcome to AF Jason and congrats on your new car!
First thing I'd do is have your local dealer run your VIN and check for recalls as the PCV valve, coil packs and fuel pressure sender are common.
You may want to consider updating your diverter valve to the latest OEM revision (D), as the original design is prone to tearing. Though, if/when this happens you'll notice boost loss and most likely get a CEL.
You should also inspect or replace the cam follower. These can wear down over time and eventually damage your fuel pump and cam. Audi is aware of this though and has extended the warranty on those items to 10 years or 120k (transferable), however they won't replace the cam follower as preventative maintenance. It's a $50 part and relatively easy to replace if you're mechanically inclined. So it's either do the cam follower yourself to prevent these issues, or just wait for it to go and have Audi replace all 3.
If you don't know how the previous owner treated the car, it may be worth doing a top-end cleaning to remove carbon, or at least a couple seafoam treatments. Change your oil and spark plugs right after.
Other than that, your next major maintenance won't be for another 40-50k which will be the timing belt service, which usually includes water pump as well.
The warranty is really up to you and I can't speak for everyone, but personally I've done just the things I've listed and have had no major issues over the past 4 years.
Cheers.
First thing I'd do is have your local dealer run your VIN and check for recalls as the PCV valve, coil packs and fuel pressure sender are common.
You may want to consider updating your diverter valve to the latest OEM revision (D), as the original design is prone to tearing. Though, if/when this happens you'll notice boost loss and most likely get a CEL.
You should also inspect or replace the cam follower. These can wear down over time and eventually damage your fuel pump and cam. Audi is aware of this though and has extended the warranty on those items to 10 years or 120k (transferable), however they won't replace the cam follower as preventative maintenance. It's a $50 part and relatively easy to replace if you're mechanically inclined. So it's either do the cam follower yourself to prevent these issues, or just wait for it to go and have Audi replace all 3.
If you don't know how the previous owner treated the car, it may be worth doing a top-end cleaning to remove carbon, or at least a couple seafoam treatments. Change your oil and spark plugs right after.
Other than that, your next major maintenance won't be for another 40-50k which will be the timing belt service, which usually includes water pump as well.
The warranty is really up to you and I can't speak for everyone, but personally I've done just the things I've listed and have had no major issues over the past 4 years.
Cheers.
2nd Gear
I agree. I have over 98k on my 2008 now and have had little problem. I replaced my DV and PCV and have changed the oil. Getting ready for the timing belt service here in a few months.
Warranties are hit and miss. Check out the restictions and the company selling it. Some can be very difficult to get them to honor repairs. Others have had good experiences with them.
Warranties are hit and miss. Check out the restictions and the company selling it. Some can be very difficult to get them to honor repairs. Others have had good experiences with them.
Thanks for all the good advice. I will definitely check/replace those parts you mentioned. I think I'm leaning away from getting an extended warranty...they're just too expensive, and like you said rhodes, u never know if they'll even honor the repairs.