Need Advice on Potential 97 A6 Avant

[Lee M. Levitt]

"Bill Rowe" <browe58 at netzero.net> writes:
> Spotted at hi-end used car dealer in N Hampton, NH:
>
> 67k miles, $18,900, clean, runs well, no warranty.  Good deal if
> all checks out?
> Is there a 5 spd version in the US?
> Was CD changer std or option?
> recent work (only record available):
>
> intake manifold gasket replaced- dealer couldn't tell me why
> oil pan and right wheel replaced.  work order stated it bottomed out and
> tech noted that right cross member was bent and tranny pan was dented
> headlight assembly replaced
>
> are these signs of an accident and complete loss of oil when pan ruptured?

Find out who the original owner was...check the warranty book, call the
dealer, scour the car for the name...

Price is not bad, but prices are all over the map for '96-98 A6 avants.

Changer was an option

I've never seen a 5 speed...if they were indeed available, there were very
few. I believe that the 5 speed was an option only on the sedans (but ICBW).

At 67K, the car should just have had a timing belt done...which on this car
is expensive if you don't do it yourself.

IMO, you could be buying a heap of trouble when very clean one owner cars
can be found for the same money. The pedigree of the owner is always my
second question, after "what color is it" :)

I would much rather spend a bit more and buy from a fanatic than save a buck
and buy an unknown. (I did not have the opportunity to do this with my S6,
unfortunately, and time will tell...)

The A6 is a great car btw. 16" wheels, good tires and shocks will make this
car perform very nicely...

Lee
'95.5 S6 avant
'96 A6 quattro avant