New Audi Owner

[dionysus]

Good morning friends-

I just purchased a 2002 Allroad 2.7 Automatic. It seems to be in immaculate condition, based on what I looked at. From what I've read here, the drivetrain seems to be worry-free, but there may be a few issues with other things (coils? cold-weather issues?) for me to be aware of.

I am looking for lower cost (not a Stage III upgrade yet) ideas for improving economy and HP ratings. I was looking at the APR ECU chip, along with their exhaust systems (downpipes or cat back), and cold air intake. Also, being in New England, what would be the best all season tires for it?

Can anyone share some insights here, or provide some other solutions I may not have considered yet? Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Regards,
Matt

[2.slowT]

Posting w/o pictures is a sin :)

[A62TURBO]

Congrats on the new ride. After owning my 2.7t for about two years I have learned that they are fun to drive but can be costly to repair (unless under warranty). I would suggest driving it around for awhile under stock conditions to see if any of the basic stuff needs replacing for example coils, plugs, filters, maybe even timing belt depending on mileage, then as soon as you are comfortable with the reliabilty you should go stage 1. Being an Allroad, also check out your airsuspension components. How many miles does she have??

[CALL AAA]

Where exactly is Hampden? I grew up in Ludlow, but I never really knew where Hampden was.

Have fun with the car. I'll bet it's awesome in the snow.

[dionysus]

Hampden is between East Longmeaedow and Wilbraham. Quiet little town- we don't even have a stop light!

[Stampy]

Congrats! A62TURBO gives good advice. I would get a good feel before you start changing things. You never really know with these cars.

[VJ's A6]

Congrants.. Welcome to AZ..

[HOFFY11]

not answering til i see pics of your beauty...give you some insentive

[TwinTurbo02]

Congrats on the Buy, i have a 02 A6 2.7, i would def listen to a62turbo, drive the car around abit and feel it out, after u feel confertable pick up a chip or mod the exhaust. Then its up to u after that. Ive had my a6 for almost a year now and love it. Havent had problems with it at all, only thing heavy done on the care was the timing belt but thats a must. Good Luck with the new car

[Gigi]

welcome and congrats! if yuo take care of it, it is a very rewarding car but both maintenance and repairs are $$$. I would suggest a warranty. Mine has helped me several times.
As for mods, The APR 93 program is definitely a great start, great bang for the buck. Go for it, no doubt. I would also get New DVs (Hyperboost stealth or R1 from APR for examples though the TT stock 710s DVs do well) and new TBB or APR Bipipe kit.
FInally don't waste yuor $ on APR's DPs and exhaust,w ay to pricey.
Get piggy pipes done by a local shop or VAST (they are great). Then also get a local shop to make you a catcback, several guys here have custom exhaust and can help. I ahve the APR exhaust and it is barely louder than stock, and exhaust provides very little HP gain anyway...
have fun!

[TripleBlack]

Congrats on the car and welcome to the Forum

Please tell me you partied U-Mass at least once considering your choice of AZ handle.

[wofman]

Welcome! And your instincts are right -- chip (either GIAC or APR - I think folks here can debate differences they wouldn't notice in blind tests -and yes to 710 DVs at least along with chip) and downpipes is easily the best bang for buck.

Given your locale I'd suggest real snows and real summers. You won't believe how great the car handles that way. (General Exclaims are incredibly inexpensive summers - way better than those double the price); I went with Blizzaks for snow (Dunlop very good but a tad more $).

I drive sedan, but sway bar really helps, too. Don't know if also true w. Allroads, but I presume so.

[wofman]

Welcome! And your instincts are right -- chip (either GIAC or APR - I think folks here can debate differences they wouldn't notice in blind tests -and yes to 710 DVs at least along with chip) and downpipes is easily the best bang for buck.

Given your locale I'd suggest real snows and real summers. You won't believe how great the car handles that way. (General Exclaims are incredibly inexpensive summers - way better than those double the price); I went with Blizzaks for snow (Dunlop very good but a tad more $).

I drive sedan, but sway bar really helps, too. Don't know if also true w. Allroads, but I presume so.