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

[Tom Green]

On Monday, October 6, 2003, Kirby Smith answers the call:

> Subject: Re: [s-cars] Buying 1995 S6 have questions now after test
> drive.
>
> 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

   There is a very active Audi Car Club in Kansas City, and includes
some s-cars.  I assume the po was not a member.  Have you tried
contacting them ?  Despite the appearances, not all owners suscribe to
the list ( I know that is difficult for some to believe, but some don't
even use a computer. )  Try these:
<Kirk.Kiloh at audicarclubna>      <Jim.Eisinger at audicarclubna>

Kudos to Kirby for his detailed answers to your concerns.  The Jiffy
Lube becomes a substitute for visits to a mechanic and are usually an
indicator of declining quality of care.  The In2 service indicator
probably has In1 and OIL lights underneath.  I am still a fan of the
Pentosin or Autobahn antifreeze, ever since the green stuff was blamed
for the failed cork gasket on the radiator end caps.  Besides, Pentosin
now has a new PURPLE (way cool !! ) fluid for the VW/Audi group.  It
eliminates the sludge formation from mixing red with blue (or green).

Tom  '95 S6