New member looking to purchase

[zz2h33]

Hi Guys. I am new to the Audi scene, and looking into purchasing an 02 Avant, 3.0L and have a few questions. It is very clean with 69,000 miles. I know the timing belt will need to be replaced within the next 10k miles, but the only info I can find on this is for a 1.8L. When does everyone recommend to replace it on the 3.0s? and about how much will it cost?

Second, when I test drove it i noticed some coolant smell and let them know its leaking somewhere. They looked it over and said the "hose from the head to coolant reservoir" needs to be replaced and are going to do it. I know nothing about these german cars, is there even such a thing? I've always been a GM guy and the coolant hose runs from the intake manifold to the radiator. Is this something I should worry about, is there any known problems with coolant leaking that requires extensive repairs?

Last, and this is kind of the bad news on this car. Carfax is showing an accident back in 04 when the car only had 18k miles. It shows possible frame/structural damage to the Left front pillar. I had a look underneath and around the door sills and i cant even tell any work was done, so it was a good job. I'm just a little reluctant to buy with this type of history. Its just this car is sooo nice and the perfect color combo i've been looking for. The price seems about right for this vintage and mileage.

I guess i'm just looking for opinions from those who know about these cars. Any other things I should be looking for? The reason i'm looking into an Avant is the utility and I really like the way they look and drive.

TIA.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

No worries the coolant line is there and they should change it, but u sure u want a 3.0?? anyways good luck due the timing belt and water pump either way!

[zz2h33]

^thanks. not really tied to the 3.0L, its just what this one has. One other question now that I'm thinking about it, does the 3.0 require premium fuel? I know the 1.8 would. I'm looking to go away from premium as my current DD is boosted.

thanks again.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^they all require premium fuel and there have been many threads about this, and well it's better to run premium prolongs the life, more power, better MPG, and it's like $4 more to fill up it is worth it! If u plan on modding even if u don't u will if ur on here a lot lol! so if u think the fever will catch up with u buy a 1.8T quattro manual or tip we both get some love!

[zz2h33]

^being a car guy i'm sure the mod bug will bite with this as well. i guess i cant get away with running low grade anyway, so i'll be looking for a 1.8T as you suggested simply due to the mod potential. besides, boost = happy :)

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^prefferably a manual will make u happier for power due to less drivetrain loss but make sure it is a quattro!

[zz2h33]

^for sure, but i'm starting to find that manual + Avant = rare

...at least around these parts.

[Maverick]

buy either 1.8T/3.0 with 6spd and get ready another 15K. you will want power and other mods

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^so wait are the performance parts for the 3.0 besides for th supercharger released yet??

[zz2h33]

well, i bought it guys! this car was so clean i couldnt resist. thanks for the re-assurance, i'm sure it will give me many miles of enjoyable driving...well hopefully. i'm buying it "as-is" so lets hope there are no underlying issues. i went over it pretty good top to bottom and took it for 3 long test drives and it seems legit. i'll utilize the search function here but i'm sure i'll have some questions.

thanks again. here are some pics.

[Maverick]

wow! very good start!
this is a nice combo!

buy my RNS-E package lol
shameless plug, i know i know

[zz2h33]

^thanks, only thing its missing is a manual :( oh well, beggars cant be choosers.

[SICCHEF1.8t]

^^so wait are the performance parts for the 3.0 besides for th supercharger released yet??

Yea buddy...catless downpipes and intake mid pipes for now heres the link to the thread...not bad for the 3.0 guys...sounds like nice quality parts

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226019

[SICCHEF1.8t]

well, i bought it guys! this car was so clean i couldnt resist. thanks for the re-assurance, i'm sure it will give me many miles of enjoyable driving...well hopefully. i'm buying it "as-is" so lets hope there are no underlying issues. i went over it pretty good top to bottom and took it for 3 long test drives and it seems legit. i'll utilize the search function here but i'm sure i'll have some questions.

Nice start my friend...and welcome! I think my next project is going to be an avant. Good luck with it

[Undisputed]

Very nice. Congrats and welcome to the club.

[Grenade]

Welcome, you'll love it if it doesnt break your bank !