High mileage A6, what to look for??

[tmr931]

Tomorrow im looking at a very high mileage A6 2.7tt. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't even consider it, but im on a limited budget and the car looks spotless from the pics. I know my way around cars, and have owned a couple audis in the past. I have never had a 2.7tt car though. What do I need to look for specifically? I know timing belt and waterpump are huge issues on 1.8T, is it just as important on the 2.7? What can I expect to pay to have both TBs and WP replaced? Also, is there a way to tell if both turbos are boosting and spooling up like they should? Anything else I need to check on the turbos to make sure they are both good? If I buy the car, I will have my mechanic go through the car top to bottom, but I want to make sure the expensive items are all good before I make an offer. The car is 3 hours away, and has 152k miles. Is it even worth me taking a look, or is the mileage to much of a gamble to drive 3 hours for? It is silver with black leather, 2.7TT auto with 152k miles and many new parts, new tires as well. He is asking 4300. Im thinking 3500 is about right, maybe up to 4k if he can prove the TBs and WP have been done recently? My main concern though is the turbos, so any info on how to verify they are in good shape would be appreciated. Thanks again.

[tmr931]

I re read the ad, and it actually says it just had the timing belt and water pump replaced. So would 4k be a good price or do I need to try to get him down to 3500? The car looks great, but I am just very concerned with such high mileage. I should be able to get a better feel once i talk to the owner. Here is the text from the ad

* Black Leather Interior
* 250 Horsepower Twin Turbocharged 2.7 Liter V6 Motor
* 6 Speed Automatic Transmission with Manual Shift Mode
* Quattro All Wheel Drive with Traction Assist Program
* Bose 8 Speaker Stereo with CD
* Power Moonroof, Windows and Doors
* Factory Alarm with Keyless Entry
* HID Headlights (factory installed)
* Dual Climate Control
* Heated Front and Rear Seats
This is an extra clean and very well cared for Audi A6 2.7T Quattro. Only 152000 miles and gets over 25 MPG. It has brand new tires, new steering rack, water pump and timing chain. It runs, drives, shifts and and handles perfectly. There are no leaks, no service lights and everything works as it should. The exterior still looks new with a few scuffs and nicks here and there and the interior is great with no rips or tears and just a little wear on the drivers carpet. Needs nothing and ready to drive anywhere................................Asking.... .........................$4350

[estomax]

when the tranny gives out you are looking at about 3 grand, that's what i'd worry about the most. take it to a vw/audi mechanic and have codes pulled and it looked over, make your decision based on that.

[Vinchenzo51]

It's also not a 6sp if it's automatic like the ad states. All that means is the owner is a moron.

[rollerton]

Peronally, i dont consider 150k super high mileage, but you didnt say what year it is.
But yes, have it looked at, go drive it- put it TIP mode, then in 5th gear at about 40 mph slowly push the throttle down, try and notice slipping in the trans. Have it scanned for codes and look thoroughly for oil leaks.
Sounds OK and you have a good chance it'll be a great car, but you have to accept the fact that the turbos are a liability, one could fail anytime even AFTER they've been recently replaced.
Most 2.7t engines are really reliable in general up to 180k or so.

[NuGGet_PuFFer]

i got my c5 a6 a few months ago with about 162k on the clock, i've since done the COMPLETE timing belt/water pump service and also had the valve covers done along with all the other leaky areas on these motors, I also need to do my front control arms, another common things that goes on these cars. I personally would stay away from an automatic with that many miles, as they're a ticking timebomb and only a matter of time before you'd have to deal with that $3k headache, and being that the turbos WILL have to be replaced at some time no matter what, why not just wait and go for a 6speed?

[tmr931]

the car is a 2001. obviously i would prefer a 6 speed, but i dont mind the automatic. is there any way to tell if the turbos have been replaced?

[ChrisEsco1]

Upper and lower control arms and CV axels

[wofman]

$4K is great price - check to see tranny doesn't slip. New rack, new TB (not a "chain") means biggies are covered. You can't "check" turbos other than confirm they are dry. The newbie from Denver is right about checking cont'l arms and axles, but they're not expensive enough to make it a bad deal. Sounds great. I'd be looking for 6 speed, but if you like auto, go for it!

[Vinchenzo51]

Unless you can do the maintenance yourself^

If you can wrench on your own cars then your fine, if you have to pay someone to do it, then you need a much larger wallet.

Example:

Timing belt service ~$250 in parts to do it yourself
Same service at a reputable shop ~$1200-$1800 depending on the shop

CV Boots ~$80 in parts to do it yourself for both axels
Same service at a reputable shop ~$600-$800 depending on the shop

The list goes on the same way, expect a 10x markup on repairs when including labor and shop parts markup as apposed to doing them yourself.

[ChrisEsco1]

add throttle body boot, diverter valves, and gaskets galore! But like he said^ if you can do the work yourself you'll save a lot of cash.

[tmr931]

Ok well I didnt make it today, I am going early tomorrow to look at it. Is there any easy way to pull of the intakes and get to the turbos to check for shaft play/ oil? what tools will I need to bring? or is it too complicated to do in a parking lot?

[estomax]

you won't be able to get at the turbos in a parking lot.. too much stuff that needs to be disassembled..

Marko

[ChrisEsco1]

just give the car a quick once-over. Start it, pop the hood, listen for any unusual sounds/rough idle, make sure you don't smell coolant or oil, then get under the car and remove the belly pan and check for any oil/fluid leaks, cv boots etc... If it looks ok take it an Audi dealership or Independent shop and let a pro inspect the hell out of it! $100 or so for peace of mind is better than thousands spent in repairs. I wish someone gave me a heads up before I bought mine. Oh well, live & learn.

[tmr931]

I bought the car today for $4000, it was well worth it. I did notice a click clack type noise from the engine. I am very confident that it is not a rod, bearing, or anything internal. When you rev the engine, the sound goes away and the engine sounds very healthy, it only happens at idle. My old 1.8t made a similar sound, and the seller mentioned that most of the audis that hes dealt with made a similar sound as well. Everything else checked out great and the car runs and drives great. Does anyone know what im talking about? Anything I should be concerned about?

[Vinchenzo51]

Congrats on the car man! I hope it has a good bill of health once you have a chance to dive a little deeper into it.

Make a new thread and post some pics once you get a chance!