Hi All,

I'm looking to buy either an S4 or an A6, both 2.7T's. Basically, I am probably going to end up buying an 80k+ mileage car, and if the sellers/dealers haven't replaced certain things, I'm going to want to do it on my own to save some money (and because I like to get to know the engine)

My big question here is: what can I do, and what can't I do? I have some mechanic buddies so I have the proper tools to lift the engine, etc. I also don't mind getting parts online, or at the dealer. Is it more worth it to go to the dealer, or can I replace things like timing belt, water pump, ko4 turbos, etc etc?

Thanks in advance!

 

do some researchs you will be very happy with it.
back to your consern, I have been seen so many people here DIY TB,WP and turbos replaced.

get a S4 no doubt. dont go with A6 which is much heavier and slower

 

with about 50% knowledge of true workings on a car you could do certain things on the S4, given that you have things like a vag com, ebahn computer program, and a very good diy from someone on here.But that's only hopeful thinking, it all really depends on how much youknow to start off with as a foundation for working oncars. I have never done any upgrades or regular maintance on this car withoutrunninginto problems!!! With that said at least you have the motivation to get to know this car by wrenching on it.

 

avoid the stearlership....go to independent shops and/or the internet for parts and labor.

 

Def agree with everyone else you need to have some sort of wrenching knowledge and a lil help from those who have been there before. I had only a lil knowledge of how to take apart domestic cars and i just went all the way down and did the motor mounts in my s4 which equals how much you would need to do the tb job. Save money do it yourself.

 

definatly do a lot of research and have some of those mechanic buddies around when you do anything. audis have incredibly small engine bays making them much harder to work on than most other cars. ive been working in a shop for three years and i still wouldnt touch a trans or pull an engine by myself.

 

yeah buy a bently manual and you are good to go, that will help you with anything that and a case of beer and some good friends to help you.

 

Thanks for the quick replies!

I have a pretty good understanding of cars, and I have friends who know a lot more than I do. I'll probably end up getting the s4, and I'll do a lot of research to figure out whether or not I can do the turbos myself.

If I end up having to go with taking it to a shop, what am I looking at in parts in labor?

Also, what else should I look out for? I'm looking into an '00 s4 with like 108k miles... Just want to make sure I'm not going to run into anything big within the next 10k miles or anything.

 

Just bought mine in late Jan. with 96k on it for a lil under 13 thousand....some kinks and bends with a used car...most of the suspension on the car is old and worn out had to replace the motor mounts and cv assemblies....other than that the car is a dream....its like a fine wine the more it ages the more it costs....just doing the motor mounts made it almost down to an engine swap minus exhaust and harness's ...just take patience....by the way the bentley manual does not cover everything even the engine mount procedures were not in there