'96 Avant

[Michael Veglia]

<< http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/2305185376.html

Looking at this. Whoever has BTDT - how long do these transmissions last?
Any tell-tale signs, if they are on their way to expire? Anything else re:
this model to watch out? >>


The transmissions seem pretty good. Our '95 always had a hard shift into 4th 
(torque converter lockup?) the entire time we owned the car (112k to 212k 
miles). Didn't bother me really. The car lives on in the hands of our nephew and 
is still fine.

Things to look out for on C4 A6 quattros include:

Climate Control servo flap motors fail. Two of them are buried inside the 
climate control. Straight forward, but a lot of labor if you are paying someone 
else.

We had to do a heater core--also pretty common.

Engine oil leaks and oil consumption. It's an Audi 12v V6 and you learn to live 
with it....;) Head gaskets and valve cover gaskets can go, but not as common as 
earlier years.

Thermostats like to break and stick open.

Prior to our ownership (around 90k) the transmission rear seal and feedback 
switch were replaced.

EGR system likes to clog.

Lots of help available in the C4 forums, easy car to work on, normal maintenance 
and just a few issues. The best car I have ever owned ('95 A6q avant).

Watch out for the usual things, maintenance records, timing belt done, etc.

HTH and good luck.

Mike Veglia