Is the chain driven engine really *that bad*??

[G Men 08]

I am looking in to picking up a 2005 allroad with the 4.2 chain driven engine. Just over 100,000 miles on it, and comes with a no start issue. Research and talking with the owner leads me to believe it is starter, coolant temp sensor, or crank positioning sensor. The purchase price reflects the issue which is why I am considering it.

This car will need to last me 10 years or so, so obviously maintenance issues will arise. As many of you, I am no stranger to maintaining my cars (owned audis for nearly 10 years now) and I typically do all of my own work. Doing timing belts and the associated components is no big deal, but this timing chain makes me a bit apprehensive to say the least! From what I've read the V8 in the allroad, A6, and A8 are fairly problem free in comparison to the higher performance S4 and S5 with the carbon issues etc.

Is it unreasonable to hope for 175,000 miles out of the chain drive without major issues/replacement? (provided quality, on-time oil changes with quality filters)

[FormulaElement]

I would say that it is unrealistic to get to that mileage without replacing the timing chain guides and the car being 20 years old. You might be able to get that far with the car but you will be in fear the whole time that you're engine may skip timing and leave you stranded. My A6 at 115K had the lower guide cracked in half with part of it missing.

It really is easy to fix just time consuming. I had never pulled a engine before and I did it fine and still have no problems.

You're also in the wrong sub forum so it probably would be best to ask in the C5 section

[sun_dance]

I am looking in to picking up a 2005 allroad with the 4.2 chain driven engine. Just over 100,000 miles on it, and comes with a no start issue. Research and talking with the owner leads me to believe it is starter, coolant temp sensor, or crank positioning sensor. The purchase price reflects the issue which is why I am considering it.

This car will need to last me 10 years or so, so obviously maintenance issues will arise. As many of you, I am no stranger to maintaining my cars (owned audis for nearly 10 years now) and I typically do all of my own work. Doing timing belts and the associated components is no big deal, but this timing chain makes me a bit apprehensive to say the least! From what I've read the V8 in the allroad, A6, and A8 are fairly problem free in comparison to the higher performance S4 and S5 with the carbon issues etc.

Is it unreasonable to hope for 175,000 miles out of the chain drive without major issues/replacement? (provided quality, on-time oil changes with quality filters)

I don't think that 175K miles is unreasonable for a chain drive...HOWEVER, I do think that your statement "This car will need to last me 10 years" and the fact it's an Allroad will be an issue. Obviously you should be aware of all the things that will and do go wrong with the Allroad and hence why buying a vehicle which already has a dubious reputation in terms of reliability and expecting it to last another decade...well that's just not a bet I would make. If you NEED to have it last, I'd get something else.

[G Men 08]

I suppose I should have worded it better, but I did take in to consideration the maintenance cost over that course of time. A few timing belt (or chain depending) changes, possible transmission issues and of course the air ride are the biggest concerns. The rest is pretty basic stuff that you will get with any vehicle.

Thanks for the responses fellas, much appreciated!