Audi owners
- Thread starter BobD
- Start date
I have a 2000 Audi A6 2.7T with about 110k on it. It's a very nice car, arguably nicer than the comparable BMW and Mercedes models. The engines are pretty solid. The 2.7Ts are known for having problems with the auxiliary water pumps and the cam chain tensioner seals. I've replaced both on my car. It's not that big of a deal if you can do the work yourself. I really like my Audi and would buy another if in that situation.
I can chime in here! All cars have problems over a certain point, but on audi's its hit or miss! Meaning some constantly have problems, and some dont have any. If you buy a car with over 90K you better hope the timing belt, water pump and thermostat are replaced, among other things.
wfedwar is right on the money about the 2.7T engines.
I haven't had a problem with my A4, even thought it only has 44K on it. Love it to death... and every time i say im getting a DIFFERENT car, i end up buying another audi.
Danase, you can Buy Mine!!
wfedwar is right on the money about the 2.7T engines.
I haven't had a problem with my A4, even thought it only has 44K on it. Love it to death... and every time i say im getting a DIFFERENT car, i end up buying another audi.
Danase, you can Buy Mine!!
Ok, here's an opinion from someone who works at an audi dealership.
The 1.8T is a great little motor. However, they do have a sludging issue in the A4's. Has a lot to do with the pickup screens and pan designs. If its a B6 chassis, its a more pronounced issue. The B5 chassis is not as prone to the problem, but not impervious. The 1.8T in the TT however, does not have the problem.
wfedwar is 100% correct about the 2.7T. We see the after-run coolant pumps and cam adj seal/valve cover gasket quite often. Other than that and motor mounts, the motors are pretty solid. Just know, on these motors, if you need to replace any of the turbo feed lines or the turbos themselves, its a very expensive bill.
If you are looking for the ability to tune your car for better power, both are great platforms. However, the 2.7T is considerably more expensive mod-for-mod than the 1.8T.
With either of these motors, as with any audi/VW motors, make sure you do the Timing belts and oil changes and they should run forever.
Also, beware of transmission choice. Manual is my preference, but if you have to go automatic, the only option is quattro. DO NOT go with a CVT trans, especially at that milage. You will have nothing but problems and expenses.
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to share with you what I see from the dealership.
Robert
The 1.8T is a great little motor. However, they do have a sludging issue in the A4's. Has a lot to do with the pickup screens and pan designs. If its a B6 chassis, its a more pronounced issue. The B5 chassis is not as prone to the problem, but not impervious. The 1.8T in the TT however, does not have the problem.
wfedwar is 100% correct about the 2.7T. We see the after-run coolant pumps and cam adj seal/valve cover gasket quite often. Other than that and motor mounts, the motors are pretty solid. Just know, on these motors, if you need to replace any of the turbo feed lines or the turbos themselves, its a very expensive bill.
If you are looking for the ability to tune your car for better power, both are great platforms. However, the 2.7T is considerably more expensive mod-for-mod than the 1.8T.
With either of these motors, as with any audi/VW motors, make sure you do the Timing belts and oil changes and they should run forever.
Also, beware of transmission choice. Manual is my preference, but if you have to go automatic, the only option is quattro. DO NOT go with a CVT trans, especially at that milage. You will have nothing but problems and expenses.
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to share with you what I see from the dealership.
Robert
imported_rydawg1
New member
I was in the used car and automotive field for many years too and have had my fair share of driving numerous cars and fixing them and I always personally liked some Audis a lot.
Audi's are great cars. They are reasonably priced and give a great refined ride. Certain parts can be costly, but then again look at the US made cars and how high the prices have become lately. Some of the parts are a lot cheaper at the dealer believe it or not. When it comes time to buy parts, you have to shop around big time. The price difference and mark-up on these parts is crazy.
The ride you get is amazing and the solid feel that they have is also great. Just make sure that the timing belt has been replaced and you get paperwork or have it changed. I would be VERY leary about buying an Audi with an automatic trans. Most of all the audi/vw automatics are all junk when they hit 70k. It's hard to even find a trans shop that will even rebuild them because they hate them.
Good Luck!!!!
Audi's are great cars. They are reasonably priced and give a great refined ride. Certain parts can be costly, but then again look at the US made cars and how high the prices have become lately. Some of the parts are a lot cheaper at the dealer believe it or not. When it comes time to buy parts, you have to shop around big time. The price difference and mark-up on these parts is crazy.
The ride you get is amazing and the solid feel that they have is also great. Just make sure that the timing belt has been replaced and you get paperwork or have it changed. I would be VERY leary about buying an Audi with an automatic trans. Most of all the audi/vw automatics are all junk when they hit 70k. It's hard to even find a trans shop that will even rebuild them because they hate them.
Good Luck!!!!
ricka
New member
i have an '07 A6 3.2 quattro. best car i've ever had. great interior, drives nice (especially in s mode) and is unique enough that you don't see a ton on the road. fun to detail too :dance
that said i probably wouldn't drive one out of warranty. repairs are awfully expensive.
that said i probably wouldn't drive one out of warranty. repairs are awfully expensive.
tom p.
Active member
ricka said:
This is a hugely important point on any hi-line Euro ride.
ricka
New member
tom p. said:
Amen, brother.
Depends on the parts and where you get them. They're probably more expensive than Toyota parts, but then again, this isn't a Toyota. Check out these links for decent prices.
ECS Tuning :: OEM / Performance Parts for Volkswagen :: Front Page
https://www.autohausaz.com/index.html
ECS Tuning :: OEM / Performance Parts for Volkswagen :: Front Page
https://www.autohausaz.com/index.html
Not being very mechanical my advice is this. I would not but a turbo anything car used with that type of milage. Too much of the long term reliability of an engine is dependent on how well the previous owner obeyed the oil change and service intervals. Heat in turbo engines is the number 1 cause of oil breakdown (even if intercooler equpt) and if the oils does not do its job the rest of the engine wears prematuely. This is very difficult to see but you will feel it in your wallet as things go wrong.
Good luck.
Good luck.
imported_Yal
New member
No German car is easy like a Honda 
There is a lot that goes into that "planted" feel and those engines you get from ze Germans. I wouldn't say they are a pain to work on BUT they all have their little painful quirks that you should be aware of before you jump in.
The real key to a used German car is the previous owners diligence as mentioned. If he/she didn't do the maintenance either because it was too expensive or they just couldn't be bothered you are most likely walking into a money trap. If you get one of those you'll be begging for the Subaru back!
Keep a list of good online parts stores, their prices can be more reasonable that the dealers, but sometimes the dealer might surprise you
Never owned an Audi but the family has owned 6 Benzes
Audi has a better aftermarket parts list which really helps with costs. But those turbos scare me especially used at 100k 
I just get the feeling that turbos are wear items on cars.
There is a lot that goes into that "planted" feel and those engines you get from ze Germans. I wouldn't say they are a pain to work on BUT they all have their little painful quirks that you should be aware of before you jump in. The real key to a used German car is the previous owners diligence as mentioned. If he/she didn't do the maintenance either because it was too expensive or they just couldn't be bothered you are most likely walking into a money trap. If you get one of those you'll be begging for the Subaru back!
Keep a list of good online parts stores, their prices can be more reasonable that the dealers, but sometimes the dealer might surprise you
Never owned an Audi but the family has owned 6 Benzes
Audi has a better aftermarket parts list which really helps with costs. But those turbos scare me especially used at 100k I just get the feeling that turbos are wear items on cars.MobileAutoWorks
New member
Danese,
Untill recently I have worked at a Audi dealership for 5 years and can tell you that these cars are not hard to work on depending on which model ( sound like your looking at a A4). You have already got the rundown on the engine sludge issue. This is so widespread that Audi has extended the warranty on the engine, turbo, accesories to i believe 8 years unlimited mileage i beleive?? But if you run a quality synthetic and change your oil every 5k you will be fine. I would also say stay away from the automatics. The ZF transmissions they use even quattro dont do well after they hit the dredded 100k mark. But working on A4's is not difficult. Parts from the dealer can be expensive but if you are interested, worldpac, and there are other parts vendors, provide aftermarket replacement parts that are identicle to the OEM parts ( same manufacturer, stampings etc) at close to 50% of dealer prices!! Audi's are good cars but they have to be maintained, Timing belts break, Cam adjusted seals leak, turbo's burn up, coil packs fail........ but keep in mind this is coming from someone that only see's the cars when they are broke!!!
Untill recently I have worked at a Audi dealership for 5 years and can tell you that these cars are not hard to work on depending on which model ( sound like your looking at a A4). You have already got the rundown on the engine sludge issue. This is so widespread that Audi has extended the warranty on the engine, turbo, accesories to i believe 8 years unlimited mileage i beleive?? But if you run a quality synthetic and change your oil every 5k you will be fine. I would also say stay away from the automatics. The ZF transmissions they use even quattro dont do well after they hit the dredded 100k mark. But working on A4's is not difficult. Parts from the dealer can be expensive but if you are interested, worldpac, and there are other parts vendors, provide aftermarket replacement parts that are identicle to the OEM parts ( same manufacturer, stampings etc) at close to 50% of dealer prices!! Audi's are good cars but they have to be maintained, Timing belts break, Cam adjusted seals leak, turbo's burn up, coil packs fail........ but keep in mind this is coming from someone that only see's the cars when they are broke!!!
Danase, here a link to show you what my car looks like My Audi:For Sale
...its a love hate thing, and I LOVE it! I enjoy working on audis though, even thought they aren't like a honda...but the more you drive and read about them, the more you will want to fix them yourself. its like that with any car!
...its a love hate thing, and I LOVE it! I enjoy working on audis though, even thought they aren't like a honda...but the more you drive and read about them, the more you will want to fix them yourself. its like that with any car!
manticore33
New member
I have a B5 Audi A4 and found it to be quite an enjoyable car. Compared to other imports, part costs are not bad because it shares a lot of common parts with VW's (specifically the Passet). I will admit that the German cars are more quirky than the Japanese cars, but the feel and sheer joy of driving it is superior.
The only thing I really dislike about my A4 is the lack of backseat space. Consequently, I will be selling it because I cannot fit two car seats in the back without having the steering wheel to my chest. BMW 3-series has more backseat room than the A4; not sure about the A6 versus a 5-series. So, be aware of that if you have or plan on having children.
I am personally a big fan of turbocharged vehicles and have had great success with them. The system to run the turbocharger is not that complex or hard to deal with. The biggest benefits of a turbocharged engine is typically smaller displacement with good power which will net better overall fuel economy. A sacrifice is not having 'instant' power off the line. Keep up with regular oil changes and you will be fine.
The only thing I really dislike about my A4 is the lack of backseat space. Consequently, I will be selling it because I cannot fit two car seats in the back without having the steering wheel to my chest. BMW 3-series has more backseat room than the A4; not sure about the A6 versus a 5-series. So, be aware of that if you have or plan on having children.
I am personally a big fan of turbocharged vehicles and have had great success with them. The system to run the turbocharger is not that complex or hard to deal with. The biggest benefits of a turbocharged engine is typically smaller displacement with good power which will net better overall fuel economy. A sacrifice is not having 'instant' power off the line. Keep up with regular oil changes and you will be fine.