[s-cars] Buying 1995 S6 have questions now after test drive.

[Kirby Smith]

You have met an owner who doesn't care about his car.  It may only have
cosmetic problems, as you describe, most (other than paint) requiring
only modest time and electro-mechanical ingenuity on your part.  Or,
worse lurks underneath.  The first question when buying an Audi is: who
is my mechanic for this thing.  If you don't have one, and plan to do
all work yourself, expect a steep learning curve and a lot of time.  For
example, suppose the oil pan drain bolt is seized and cross threaded.
Are you prepared to tap the pan for a giant time-sert, or replace the
pan ($$$$ aluminum)?

I wouldn't even consider this car unless I were sure of my ability and
had a known good mechanic lined up for the more difficult operations
(read those obnoxious to perform without a lift).  See below for
specific comments.

kirby


Mike Lind wrote:
>
> I am looking into a 1995 Audi S6 and thanks to you guys and the S-Car Org I
> looked over the buying guide and printed out the check list, list is what I
> found:
>
> 1) Brake Light Stays On

Need a new hydraulic accumulator and/or hydraulic pump.  Probably high
pressure hose should be replaced and certainly filter in hydraulic
reservoir should be cleaned.

> 2) In 2 Service indicator on (Trip meter)

Has to be reset by dealer tool, independent mechanic's equivalent, or
aftermarket software.

> 3) About 4 door dings, 2 bumper dings with paint transfer from pole in
> garage.
>         Also, both driver side doors have paint wore off where the doors have been
> opened to the side of the garage, thin line of rust, where the paint is
> gone.  Should not be too hard to clean and touch up.

I assume then that the color is not pearl

> 4) Front bumper by passenger wheel, has major paint transfer and scrapes
> from same garage pole.
> 5) Curb rash on two of the Avus wheels, one is major, and covers about 75%
> if the wheel rim.

Wheels can be repaired at specialty shops.

> 6) Bose Delta Radio apears to work fine (Speakers sound OK) however, the AM
> radio dosn't work when warm.  Aftermarket CD changer also not working.

CD player not hooked up in trunk? Missing? filled with trash?  BTW, how
much water is in the spare tire well?

> 7) Outside Temp Guage dosn't light up.

Requires removal of instrument cluster, temp display module, and
replacement of light.  Requires compentency in soldering iron use with
small trace circuit boards

> 8) Outside mirror controls don't light up.

Another lamp repair

> 9) Leaking oil hose in back of engine bay, looks like it is coming out of
> the Intake Manifold?
> 10) Missing Air Intake Cover.

These break, you can replace if you want a pristine engine compartment

>
> Any ball park guestimates as to how much time/money it would cost to address
> these issues.  Which ones are sinple fix's and which are not?  Could any of
> these be symptoms of other more major problems.

A visit by a representative of John Beresford Tipton would be helpful :)
(joke for old timers on list)

>
> This is a stock 95 S6 (with 101,000 miles, 2nd owner has had car since
> 98)that seems to drive and handle well, with no unusual noise other that a
> bit of brake squeel.  Current owner is getting his maintenance paper work
> togather, and says the tires and timing belt where changed at 90,000 miles.
> Also, had tie rod ends replaced due to rust.
>
> General appearance of the car is that it needs a thourough detailing and
> cleaning, inside, outside, and under the hood.  I expect the car needs new
> brake fluid, rotors, and pads.  Also, not sure the coolant should be green
> in this car.  My 97 A8 had Red Audi Coolant.  Current owner says he has had
> the oil changed at local Jiffy Lube type outlets.  Not sure this was a good
> practice on his part.


My mechanic believes the green causes less corrosion.  So long as
whatever is in there was put in with proper flushing, drain and replace
with the same.

>
> Sorry for the long message, but I value the veteran opinions and comments of
> this list.
>
> Thanks, Mike Lind in Kansas City Metro Area.
>
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