Reliability Question: Over 75,000 Miles

[Migliore]

Hi all,

Looking for your input. My 2008 A6 4.2 will be due for the big 75,000 mile maintenance that includes the timing chain. I also have a few odds and ends I'll be updating so I'm looking at around $2,000 in maintenance and updates this year assuming there are no other unforeseen circumstances. For me, I'm at point where I'm determining if this worthwhile to keep the car and commit to all the maintenance and 'going for the long run' or trade up for a newer car.

With that said, for those 75,000 miles +, particularly those over 100,000 how has your experience been? Has the car remained reliable?

[Dutch_A6]

Not sure if it really applies as I have a 3.2 but I'm at 143k and knock on wood have had only minimal issues. So far engine wise the only thing I've done is carbon clean at 100k at which time the chain seals were replaced as they were leaking some oil and then 3k ago had some more seals fixed. Tech said they were leaking oil but I never saw any signs of it on the garage floor so it must have been minimal, didn't notice anything with the dip stick nor any CELs on it. Other than that the engine is running like a champ, again knock on wood.

[Jmurph648]

Why would you replace the timing chain at 75k?? Unless you broke a guide etc. there would be no reason to.

[Kevin1]

I think that the op is simply mistaken. The timing chain is not a scheduled maintenance item. Perhaps he is thinking of the serpentine belt. As far as reliability, my 2005 4.2 was reliable until the 125k mile mark. After 130k she became a $hit $how. It was cheaper to buy a 2015 TDI for cash! Only exaggerating slightly.

[FormulaElement]

The 4.2 FSI are quite reliable, and don't have any timing chain issues that are known so far. They might need some service in the higher 100k's miles.

What you need to watch for is the head gaskets. I've seen two 4.2 FSI's engines around the 130k mark that had developed leaking head gaskets that i believe totaled those two engines. If your car starts running hot i would stop driving it right away. Might be good practice to look at your oil often after the 100k mark to see if its milky.