BDINTOR

I'm thinking of buying a 2001 A6 2.8 Quattro with 140K. I've never owned a German car before and I'm wondering if I will still be able to afford to send my kids to college, or will this thing of beauty become a black hole and suck my bank account dry on a regular basis? What kind of repairs can I expect on a 2001 car with 140K? Any known major problems? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Reifle

They are a great car - just a good routine maintenance program and keep to it! Also before buying make sure the big ones are done - timing belt, water pump etc... Also make sure the suspension is in order too. The motor - if properly maintained - is just about bullet proof! Lots of room and a big trunk - very handy! BTW - I have an A6 for sale with less kms! Check the classified.

mrduane

I don't own an Audi either but have been considering an A6 for some time now. There is just something about them...

Anyway, most reviews I have read, if not all, make mention of the lack of reliability of Audi. There seems to be this love/hate relationship with them (of course, this is what I have with my Altima--but it is reliable).

What are the common issues and typically how much are they to repair? Are there any recurring problems?

Perhaps I should have searched but this thread seemed like a good place to start.

Accept2

Ive had the 2.8, 2.7T and 4.2 A6s. If you want something reliable, get a 4.2, and if possible 2003 and up. They are seldom abused, drive great, and even look better than the other 2. Reliability in a used car is really dependant on its history, not its brand name. Some cars attract the abusers while others attract sedate drivers who care for their cars.............

audi_eh!

we bought a 2001 2.8 with 70KMiles and really love it, in fact so much that we bought a 04' A4! since we've owned the car for over 2 years we replaced the timing belt (which i knew had to be done) and replaced all 4 tires (knew that too).
replaced the front brakes $500, and a couple of tie rod ends ~$400. other than that is it!

the car is dream to drive and nothing can beat it in the winter (espically with 4 winter tires).

Freewilly

I went through the same anxiety or cold feet.

Always wanted a Audi, A6 or A8. I finally jumped in and bought a 1999 A6 2.8 Q.

My mother in-laws car, she was trading it in at a rediculous price so I offer to take it off her hands. Although it has high milage (190K), it was babied. She took everything back to Audi and have every record.

Looking at the records, I would serious try to avoid bringing it in to Audi for service. Like all premium brands, they charge a arm and a leg for parts and service. Find a good independent mech and go with after market parts, or learn to do it yourself. I do my own oil changes and brakes, you can save money and time, and it's simple.

My best advice is. Just do it. Take a chace, they are very nice cars. With the gas prices, there are some crazy deals on luxury cars.

Stay away from those mickeymouse dealerships. Look for a car with service history. And like most things, you get what you pay for.

mrduane

I've thought about the 4.2 but obviously with gas prices the way they are, gas mileage becomes a concern. I have noticed, according to consumerguideauto, that the 2.7T gets about the same mileage as the 2.8 (perhaps better power:weight?).

Right now with my 3.5SE Altima, I'm getting 24-25 mpg in the city, which is pretty good for the power. Having said that, I know I'll have to sacrifice with a car that is 700 lbs heavier.


What do you all get for gas mileage?


That is what I want.


Yeah, but that is what I want to avoid--bad mileage. I know I would have to sacrifice, I just want to get the best compromise (like everyone else).

Very true.


And just so you all know, I'm not in the market for an A6 right now, and I don't know when I will be. I just like to get do a lot of research so I can make a decent decision. I really do like them and if enough people on here say they are no less reliable than any other car, then that goes a long way in the decision process.

Accept2

I actually found I had better gas milage with the 2.7T than the 2.8. It was probobly a combination of the 2000 tiptronic being better than the 1998 version, and also the fact that with all the torque down low, the engine didnt rev as much as the 2.8..............

Freewilly

[QUOTE=mrduane;77652]
Right now with my 3.5SE Altima, I'm getting 24-25 mpg in the city, which is pretty good for the power. Having said that, I know I'll have to sacrifice with a car that is 700 lbs heavier.

QUOTE]

If you are coming from a 3.5 Altima, you will find the 2.8 way under power. My other car is a Acura 3.5RL. Passing power is way better on the Acura.

The 2.7T is wicked, you can chip it and get another 50hp easily. I think the biggest trade off from the 2.7 turbo is maintinance and reliablity. From what I read the 2.8 is bomb proof. Turbo engines in general require some more attention, and sooner or later Turbo chargers will go.

As for reliablity, I have full service history for my 99 with 190k. Most of the repairs are not out of the ordinary. Alternator, Front springs, front control arms, one of the cats needed replaced. What really stands out is the parts cost and labour. Everything is minmum a $1000 at the dealers. Expect to pay at least 30-50% more comparied to your Altima.

If you are use to owning Japanese, you will get some sticker shock from the cost of service.

But Audi's are beautifully made, lots of details and bells and whistles. Heater steering, the side mirror tilts down when you back up, etc. Just well engineered cars.

My advice is, life's too short so take a chance and just do it. Worst comes to worst, just dump it like a high maintenance sexy girlfriend .

Jurjen

A B6 Audi A4 (2002-2004) is a good alternative to an older A6. They're a bit smaller, but with a 1.8T , you can crank out some impressive mileage. Get the newest car you can afford, and maintain it as best as you can. Things get expensive if you let things go. I've had a B5 S4 for 2 years, and its been pretty darn good so far!