[s-cars] A6Q 2.7 6spd

[s.richter at comcast.net]

Thanks for all of your replies and advise (There are others who responded who I will surely forget to thank individually).  I will drive the car again at lunch, this time with my wife.  The deal will hinge on the warranty, and whether or not I can sell the Avant in time. - oh and of course, the better half.

Again, thanks

Stefan

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Steve Eiche <seiche at shadetreesoftware.com> 

> I have owned my '00 A6 2.7T 6speed since '01. I have about 55k on it, and it 
> has been one of the most trouble-free Audis that I have had, right behind the 
> '86 5kS that I drove for 175k miles (believe it or not). That said, there are 
> some problem areas. First off, the front suspension components on ALL the newer 
> Audis with the eight link suspension get loose (there should be no noise from 
> the suspension, and tires should be worn evenly). I have had to replace the tie 
> rods ends at 40k and expect to have to replace some control arms at some point, 
> though everything seems fine now. Door window guides fail, but are cheap and 
> fairly easy to replace (windows go down, but stop when going up). ABS 
> controllers are failing due to what I would call a design flaw, but can be 
> rebuilt inexpensively (ABS light will in the cluster will go on and off with a 
> couple of beeps). As with any of the Audi turbos built since '86, the after-run 
> coolant pumps leak. Unlike the older cars, replacement is a PITA as the pump is 
> mounted UNDER the intake manifold (remove the center engine cover and look for 
> evidence of coolant under the intake). Oil leaks are common from the cam 
> adjuster seals on all the newer Audi V engines (check the back side of the 
> passenger side head for oil leaks). The LCD center information display fades on 
> all the A4s and A6s. Replacements are fairly expensive. My cluster was 
> replaced under warranty. 
> 
> As for the turbos, I wouldn't worry about them as long as you follow you use 
> synthetic oil and let it warm up before abusing it. Chipping and intake leaks 
> are the main cause of turbo failures IME. Stock cars rarely lose turbos; 
> chipped cars often do. If you chip it, don't be surprised if you end up having 
> to replace the turbos at $4k for parts and labor. Signs of failed turbos are a 
> "dentist drill" noise, soon followed by massive amounts of oil blowing out the 
> exhaust. When they go, they really go. 
> 
> -- 
> Steve Eiche 
> Shade Tree Software, LLC 
> http://www.shadetreesoftware.com http://www.prodiag-hd.com 
> seiche at shadetreesoftware.com 
> 800.419.6896 ext. 902 
> 
> s.richter at comcast.net wrote: 
> 
> >> I just drove a 2001 A6Q 2.7 6speed, sport package, zenons etc. Anything 
> >> I should look out for before considering purchase? It's a certified car 
> >> from a dealer. 
> > 
> > 
> Kent wrote: 
> 
> Is it a Twin Turbo? I think I remember something about those turbos 
> being fragile and dying at around 60K miles (someone feel free to 
> tell me I'm wrong). I'd want to see full maintenance records for 
> the car, which a dealer should be able to provide. 
> 
> 
>