Honest Opinions on the 02 A4 3.0L

[AirMax95]

Well I am dead set on purchasing a inexpensive Audi A4. I found a black on black 2002 A4 3.0 V6 Quattro with the 6spd. This one has 89k miles and feels awesome. This car is immaculate and I believe has all the options.

My questions are simple. Are they reliable? What are the things to look for with one @ 89k in relation to maintenace? My purchase price (cost, tax, title) with a 1yr powertrain warranty is right at $13k. Sound good?

This car will be my daily driver, not much modding involved at all. Possibly a meaner exhaust note and chip.

Thanks in advance,

~Tereance

[Plasticar]

Should be "relatively" reliable as far as Audi's go. The V6s are typically thirsty for fuel. A chip on a V6 gets you very little improvement. Pretty rare to find a V6 6 spd, so it is a good find. The price is probably not bad, but don't go by just me. Make sure to see the maintance records, esp. the last brake job, make sure the oil changes were done (and synthetic is preferred), and see if they did the timing belt. I am not sure exactly when the timing belt is needed on the 3.0, but it is typically $1000-1500 job. It would surely be needed within a year, so make sure to budget for that.

A4s are great cars to drive, and are probably about middle of the road reliable. Don't expect Honda / Toyota levels of never needs anything. Maintance can be pricey, esp. if you don't have a good independent shop that specialized in European cars. Great daily drivers, though. Comfortable, fairly sporty, nice to look at and sit in, good in any weather (not that you have to worry too much in GA).

[Ill 3.0]

B6 3.0 is generally very reliable as mentioned. Timing belt and water pump (more important) are done as early as 65k to be safe so make sure that has been done. If not, it needs to be done now. 6spd 3.0 is not rare, so that should not factor into price.

I've had mine for 3 hard driven years with no major problems (knocking on wood) and a year and a half of which is with supercharger.

[IronAudi]

i have the 3.0 6sp, great car, has some umphh and still classy. make sure the TB was done, i payed 1600 for mine but i got somethign else done, i cant remember. I payed 16.9k for my car at 76 and i have 103 now. 2 years later its my dd best car ive ever driven. 13 with the TB done is what id ask for. run your finger along the rotor feel for a lip, if so get brakes done, they lip like crazy and now i need to do all my brakes. :(

[Boosted3.0]

Should be "relatively" reliable as far as Audi's go. The V6s are typically thirsty for fuel. A chip on a V6 gets you very little improvement. Pretty rare to find a V6 6 spd, so it is a good find. The price is probably not bad, but don't go by just me. Make sure to see the maintance records, esp. the last brake job, make sure the oil changes were done (and synthetic is preferred), and see if they did the timing belt. I am not sure exactly when the timing belt is needed on the 3.0, but it is typically $1000-1500 job. It would surely be needed within a year, so make sure to budget for that.

A4s are great cars to drive, and are probably about middle of the road reliable. Don't expect Honda / Toyota levels of never needs anything. Maintance can be pricey, esp. if you don't have a good independent shop that specialized in European cars. Great daily drivers, though. Comfortable, fairly sporty, nice to look at and sit in, good in any weather (not that you have to worry too much in GA).

Mine 3.0 is supercharged and I adverage about 30 mpg highway at 60, 32 mpg at 55, and 28 mpg at 80. In town more like 14 but that is very fuel efficient for the power I'm making. S4 power with A4 mileage, I'd say it is a very fuel efficient engine.

[AirMax95]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the info.

If I run the VIN to an Audi dealer, would they be able to tell me the service history if done by an Audi dealer?

I like the idea of the PES supercharger, possibly in a year or so. My last car was a 2002 Modded WRX. The Audi is a step up and handles A LOT better!

[Splattj]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the info.

If I run the VIN to an Audi dealer, would they be able to tell me the service history if done by an Audi dealer?

Most dealers won't give out the history even if they have it.

I've had my 3.0 for about a year and have had no problems with it. Since the manual doesn't call for a TB change until after 100k (they amended it later) the PO probably sold the car without changing the timing belt. You're looking at about $1000-1200 to have that done so factor that into the purchase price.
I picked up my '02 a year ago with 97k for $10,500 in near mint condition! (from a private seller though) I'd work the dealer on the price a little.

[3.0L AUDI A4]

I have it and it is sure as hell a LOT faster than a stock 1.8T

Makes me not want to mod it.

[AirMax95]

Most dealers won't give out the history even if they have it.

I've had my 3.0 for about a year and have had no problems with it. Since the manual doesn't call for a TB change until after 100k (they amended it later) the PO probably sold the car without changing the timing belt. You're looking at about $1000-1200 to have that done so factor that into the purchase price.
I picked up my '02 a year ago with 97k for $10,500 in near mint condition! (from a private seller though) I'd work the dealer on the price a little.

Ok, so what is the magic TB & water pump service interval? If I can't dig up service records, then I am not buying this car, lol. As much as I love it, I really don't want to pay big $ for looked over maintenance.

[Boosted3.0]

Timing Belt should be done around 75k, I did mine around 65k to be safe. I know of 3.0 owners that haven't done it untill over 100k or even at all. Also 3.0 interior is 3000x better then the 1.8t...no offense to 1.8t owners. Also that year you should have the rear heated seats, and if it was an automatic you would have steering wheel shifters!

[IronAudi]

i did mine at 90k said it looked clean, and there was no damage or anything in the coolant, might want to look for oil leaks to while your at it

[BSIXER]

Make sure you use 91+ octane, I seem to get CELs when using anything lower (used 89 for along time).

Also, check to see if the recalled cat was replaced. Mine was covered under a recall, and I hear they tend to go bad early on this year.

[dpatel]

Do a compression test on the cylinders to make sure there are no issues with the rings.
Common issues: fuel pump/filter, window lock switch, coolant leak, sunroof switch, door speakers cutting on and off, thermostat.

[B6JoeS4]

I've had my 3.0 since august and reliability has been pretty good. i get about18mpg average according to the dash computer thing. the only thing that commonly go wrong with the 3.0 are the cats and coil packs. definitely make sure you use premium gas. i used regular when i first got it and shortly after, i had to get one of my cats replaced.

also the 2002's with the sport package are the lowest riding of all the years.

[wolfdog]

I read another thread last weekend where 2 people claimed a timing belt job on the 3.0 was more expensive than that of the 1.8t. I forget exactly what it cost ($3k ?) but I would ask the dealer to quote you on a timing belt job for that car so you get an idea.

Well, Euro shops are cheaper than dealers anyway so you probably won't have to pay as much as that quote but it's worth checking anyway.

[Maverick]

you need a Timing Belt job if that's not being done yet
that will cost you $1000

bargain the price down to $11K

the warranty is worth shit becuase you will not blow the engine anytime soon unless you find out you have a bad sludge issue and ask them to replace the engine for free.

[bavaria75]

Got mine approx. 8 month ago. Paid a 14K for it at with 87K onthe clock. I love the stock sport suspension as it is not soft good cornering but still comfortable.
Put in the following:
89K Front Brakes - 300 USD DIY
90K headlight dipped, new light bulb - 70 USD DIY
94K Timing Belt, Waterpump, tentioner, cam/valve seal 1000 USD DIY
Now I need new tires and I'm done for a while.
I still love all the options the car has, and even so that the engine is not the fastest, I still enjoy it every day. SuperCharger would be nice, but 5KUSD is to deep for me.
Mileage is ~21mpg mixed for me.

[bfisher88]

I got mine for a deal. 02' loaded with everything, 6 speed, 70k miles for 11,500. Timing belt is coming up at 80k and I was quoted 1100. Bought mine 4 months ago and love it. Wish it was faster but I can't complain. Try and get the price down lower and go for it.

[03CrysBlueB6]

good luck on the purchase.. i can second jsut see what maintnence has done..and jsut a headsup.. you will want a supercharger haha

[yung turbo]

[QUOTE=Splattj;2985228]Most dealers won't give out the history even if they have it. [:( ]QUOTE]

right after i got mine from a used lot, i went to the dealer and they gave me mine when i ask about the existing factory warranty.

[Papachristou]

I have it and it is sure as hell a LOT faster than a stock 1.8T

Makes me not want to mod it.

LOL, of course its faster, its a V6 but a simple chip can fix that. about six months ago, i walked a 3.0 on the interstate with EASE im not even k04 or BT... i would get a 1.8t for long term reliability and ease of modding in the future not to mention better MPG. Stay away from 02 model a4 1.8ts as they were supposedly slightly more prone to sludge.

[Molotov]

LOL, of course its faster, its a V6 but a simple chip can fix that. about six months ago, i walked a 3.0 on the interstate with EASE im not even k04 or BT... i would get a 1.8t for long term reliability and ease of modding in the future not to mention better MPG. Stay away from 02 model a4 1.8ts as they were supposedly slightly more prone to sludge.

OR just get the v6 if you don't plan on modding at all. Turbo car = more maint.

[Papachristou]

i wouldnt ever get 02 a4 anything. it was the first year for the car and for the newly tweaked 1.8t engine and the 3.0 engine was entirely new. several 3.0s have gone south with broken cam lobs about that mileage and i think they were 02/03 models.

how is a turbo car more work? oil change, fuel filter, air filter.. all the same stuff as a NA. Besides the 3.0 costs a hella lot more to get the TB done compared to a 1.8t.

my humble opinion to the OP is to get a 1.8t and 1+ flash. You will have better economy and power than a 3.0 and i think more reliability and cheaper repairs if and when they do come. Plus if you do want to mod, you can do a BT without having to build the internals. I would also suggest something in the 2004 year model. i have only had one thing fail on my car which was the cam seal. The fuel pump also failed but i was at 60k and never replaced the fuel filter and it was starting to whine, i just didnt realize it so i attribute that to lack of maint.

i would also point out im a far from a 3.0 expert but i have driven one and mine is much fast and mo fun to drive. If you have the $$$$ and can go all out like craigo and 3.0 king thats cool too.

[Boosted3.0]

i wouldnt ever get 02 a4 anything. it was the first year for the car and for the newly tweaked 1.8t engine and the 3.0 engine was entirely new. several 3.0s have gone south with broken cam lobs about that mileage and i think they were 02/03 models.

how is a turbo car more work? oil change, fuel filter, air filter.. all the same stuff as a NA. Besides the 3.0 costs a hella lot more to get the TB done compared to a 1.8t.

my humble opinion to the OP is to get a 1.8t and 1+ flash. You will have better economy and power than a 3.0 and i think more reliability and cheaper repairs if and when they do come. Plus if you do want to mod, you can do a BT without having to build the internals. I would also suggest something in the 2004 year model. i have only had one thing fail on my car which was the cam seal. The fuel pump also failed but i was at 60k and never replaced the fuel filter and it was starting to whine, i just didnt realize it so i attribute that to lack of maint.

i would also point out im a far from a 3.0 expert but i have driven one and mine is much fast and mo fun to drive. If you have the $$$$ and can go all out like craigo and 3.0 king thats cool too.

I absoutly disagree with you. 3.0s are very reliable compared to the 1.8ts. I've heard of far more 1.8t guys with problems then the 3.0 guys. Possibly because there are far more 1.8ts on the forum then 3.0 guys, but the 3.0 is a fantastic motor. Also I get about 28mpg highway at 75mph...what do you get? Around town not so much lol but I've heavily modded. Also the 3.0 motor was never really changed from year to year. Only benefit of buying newer would be less mileage and maybe that makes it more reliable???

[Ill 3.0]

I agree with some of what Papachristou said, that sure a 1+ file for 1.8T will probably "out perform" a stock 3.0, but not by much and it won't be as smooth. Sure 1.8 has a much better (read cheaper) mod base but the supercharger kit is no slouch and can be had for a lot less than any BT kit for 1.8T. Timing belt differences are not worth mentioning since they should both be done on the same interval and 3.0 I've seen quoted for $200 more.

[BSIXER]

i wouldnt ever get 02 a4 anything. it was the first year for the car and for the newly tweaked 1.8t engine and the 3.0 engine was entirely new. several 3.0s have gone south with broken cam lobs about that mileage and i think they were 02/03 models.

how is a turbo car more work? oil change, fuel filter, air filter.. all the same stuff as a NA. Besides the 3.0 costs a hella lot more to get the TB done compared to a 1.8t.

my humble opinion to the OP is to get a 1.8t and 1+ flash. You will have better economy and power than a 3.0 and i think more reliability and cheaper repairs if and when they do come. Plus if you do want to mod, you can do a BT without having to build the internals. I would also suggest something in the 2004 year model. i have only had one thing fail on my car which was the cam seal. The fuel pump also failed but i was at 60k and never replaced the fuel filter and it was starting to whine, i just didnt realize it so i attribute that to lack of maint.

i would also point out im a far from a 3.0 expert but i have driven one and mine is much fast and mo fun to drive. If you have the $$$$ and can go all out like craigo and 3.0 king thats cool too.

You get 50+HP with a 1+ Flash???

And to the guy that walked on 3.0 with his 1.8T, what altitude are you at?

[road_tripper]

I would drive both (1.8t and 3.0) and see which the OP likes better. I bought my '03 10 months ago and have put over 40,000 miles on it. It cruises nicely on the freeway, and the soft squishy stock suspension gives a smooth ride on 18-hour drives. However, it has not been trouble-free, so far the power steering pump, valve cover gaskets, coolant tank hose, rear seal on the center diff (leaking again!), instrument cluster, rear tail-light cluster have all been replaced (under CPO). Previous owner had the AC repaired twice, a window regulator or two, and some other stuff I can't remember.

BTW, where are you guys finding the cheap TB changes? I've been calling around, and hear $1700 (independent), $2000 (dealer A), $2600 (dealer B). This is for the full waterpump, tensioners, seals and so on. A dealer in canada quoted me $1000 for only the TB.

[Molotov]

You get 50+HP with a 1+ Flash???

about 45hp with stage 1 on 93 octane, and about 65hp with 1+ 93 octane... so, yeah

[wolfdog]

BTW, where are you guys finding the cheap TB changes? I've been calling around, and hear $1700 (independent), $2000 (dealer A), $2600 (dealer B). This is for the full waterpump, tensioners, seals and so on. A dealer in canada quoted me $1000 for only the TB.

You have a 3.0?

[road_tripper]

You have a 3.0?

Yes. I'm looking for B6 S4 seats... anyone have any lying around for sale?

[wolfdog]

A-ha, so that reinforces what I read elsewhere: the 3.0 is more expensive on the TB than the 1.8t.

[BSIXER]

about 45hp with stage 1 on 93 octane, and about 65hp with 1+ 93 octane... so, yeah

What about 91, I can't get 93 in AZ and if I could it would probably be too expensive.

Turbo=something else to go wrong in my book. N/A engines are more reliable in this aspect, the TB job may be more, but what about a new turbo? I see more problems with 1.8T stage 1 and 1+ on this forum than any other engine it seems like (except the bi-turds), NO BOOST this and TURBO lag that.

[Papachristou]

A-ha, so that reinforces what I read elsewhere: the 3.0 is more expensive on the TB than the 1.8t.

ive heard its more from several people as well.

You get 50+HP with a 1+ Flash???

And to the guy that walked on 3.0 with his 1.8T, what altitude are you at?

sea level but i have done about all you can do with the 1+ except W/M

What about 91, I can't get 93 in AZ and if I could it would probably be too expensive.

Turbo=something else to go wrong in my book. N/A engines are more reliable in this aspect, the TB job may be more, but what about a new turbo? I see more problems with 1.8T stage 1 and 1+ on this forum than any other engine it seems like (except the bi-turds), NO BOOST this and TURBO lag that.

dude, that is the most backwards rational i have EVER heard. what about your engine and the 18576 moving parts inside of it? lets say this, the v6 has two more cylinders so its 33% more likely to have a failure of a ring, piston, valve cover or whatever the hell else is in there. if a car is properly maintained and driven you can generally expect a long and cheap lifespan provided you dont have a lemon.

im just offering my personal experience since i have driven both. I suggest you do the same, then consider your long term goals and what you "may" do (i never thought i would be in this deep but here i am) 3.0 is going to cost a lot more long term to get big power. Very few have ventured in to that territory. good luck with whatever you decide.






oh wait i see your original post

Well I am dead set on purchasing a inexpensive Audi A4. I found a black on black 2002 A4 3.0 V6 Quattro with the 6spd.

if you are deadset on it, then get it and enjoy it! of course i was deadset on a rsx-s and look what i ended up getting

[bavaria75]

i wouldnt ever get 02 a4 anything. it was the first year for the car and for the newly tweaked 1.8t engine and the 3.0 engine was entirely new. several 3.0s have gone south with broken cam lobs about that mileage and i think they were 02/03 models.

how is a turbo car more work? oil change, fuel filter, air filter.. all the same stuff as a NA. Besides the 3.0 costs a hella lot more to get the TB done compared to a 1.8t.

my humble opinion to the OP is to get a 1.8t and 1+ flash. You will have better economy and power than a 3.0 and i think more reliability and cheaper repairs if and when they do come. Plus if you do want to mod, you can do a BT without having to build the internals. I would also suggest something in the 2004 year model. i have only had one thing fail on my car which was the cam seal. The fuel pump also failed but i was at 60k and never replaced the fuel filter and it was starting to whine, i just didnt realize it so i attribute that to lack of maint.

i would also point out im a far from a 3.0 expert but i have driven one and mine is much fast and mo fun to drive. If you have the $$$$ and can go all out like craigo and 3.0 king thats cool too.

Just to let you know. Most European car makers introduce there cars earlier in good old Germany. The B6 depute late 2000 in Germany. The 1.8T got a makeover in 2002 correct. The B6 and 3.0 was running 1 years before hitting the shores here.

[Boosted3.0]

[QUOTE=Papachristou;2995010]
what about your engine and the 18576 moving parts inside of it? lets say this, the v6 has two more cylinders so its 33% more likely to have a failure of a ring, piston, valve cover or whatever the hell else is in there.QUOTE]

Top 5 most wrong statements ever.

[RASTA4]

Mine 3.0 is supercharged and I adverage about 30 mpg highway at 60, 32 mpg at 55, and 28 mpg at 80. In town more like 14 but that is very fuel efficient for the power I'm making. S4 power with A4 mileage, I'd say it is a very fuel efficient engine.

I hate to break this to you but you're not getting that MPG.....you have to update your ECU w/ vag com to compensate to the revised fueling map which PES fails to mention. Manually calculate your MPG and you'll see.

[PCYC]

YEah maverick has some S4 seats, I love my 3.0, its smooth and has a great HP to TQ ratio. 220hp to 221Tq = fun and instant power

[BSIXER]

dude, that is the most backwards rational i have EVER heard. what about your engine and the 18576 moving parts inside of it? lets say this, the v6 has two more cylinders so its 33% more likely to have a failure of a ring, piston, valve cover or whatever the hell else is in there. if a car is properly maintained and driven you can generally expect a long and cheap lifespan provided you dont have a lemon.

im just offering my personal experience since i have driven both. I suggest you do the same, then consider your long term goals and what you "may" do (i never thought i would be in this deep but here i am) 3.0 is going to cost a lot more long term to get big power. Very few have ventured in to that territory. good luck with whatever you decide.

And how many of these parts (ring, pistons, valve cover etc) go bad compared to turbos. Turbos usually only last about 100K miles from what I have seen and these parts go 200K easy, so I would say you're the backwords rationalist here.

This guy's thread titled "Honest Opinions on the 02 A4 3.0L" not "Honest Opinions on the 02 A4 1.8T". Not everyone here wants to get "big" power out of their A4. Some of us just want a ride that already comes with ample power and rides/looks nice.

[bavaria75]

Seems like this thread goes on to a 1.8T vs 3.0 and we all know the outcome.

1.8T
Nice engine for mods - but no matter waht needs to work hard to get power
Better MPG
Feels more lightweigth due to the 4 cylinder.

3.0
Nice engine stock - not very fast but effortless torgue at all RPM
Limited to no Mods to engine
Mostly more options (Powered and Heated seats, Xenon, Chrom window frames- gotta love it.....)

Most of you are right - with some small mods a 1.8T will be equal or faster than a 3.0. But the way both engines archive the performance is the total opposite of each other.

As for reliability and cost.
Properly equal as well.
1.8T as it need to work harder all the time and the turbo risk
vs
3.0 if somethink breaks it will cost you.

No matter which way you go you are getting a great car. Make sure it got quattro and sport suspension.
As for the engine it's up to everyonce preference (Smooth and effortless or sprinted but hard working).

[Boosted3.0]

I hate to break this to you but you're not getting that MPG.....you have to update your ECU w/ vag com to compensate to the revised fueling map which PES fails to mention. Manually calculate your MPG and you'll see.

That's caluclated by hand.