Looking to buy C7 A6. What to look for?

[MyDimeIsUp]

Hey all,

I've been apart of the B8 A4 community for about 2 1/2 years and I think my time has come to an end. I was involved in a t-bone accident and my unique Audi allroad is most likely totaled (Both driver-side doors don't open. I yanked the rear door open slightly and the frame/skin is completely dented in on the bottom.)

I'm looking to buy a C7 A6 with the 3.0T (No way I'm gonna get a 2.0T!) I'm checking out a couple of cars and want to know what to lookout for. The common problems for the 3.0Ts are the water pumps, PCV, thermostat, and chain slap on cold start which I can check when inspecting (except chain slap since the sellers will be driving their cars to a public place).

With the 2.0T when I first bought my allroad in 2020 I checked the cam phase adaptation to check for chain stretch. From what I know the 3.0Ts aren't really known for chain stretch nor could I find any info on how to check this in OBDeleven/VCDS so I won't worry about it.

What things should I check with OBDeleven/VCDS as well as visual things?

Thanks all!

[base14]

Great choice! I have also come from a b8.5 allroad a few months ago, and you're getting a much more refined and quieter car, and significantly more power potential with the 3.0t. I can't think of anything specific outside of what you've mentioned already. Look for signs of water coolant drippage underneath the supercharger or the smell of coolant in the engine bay, make sure the valve covers or rear timing chain covers aren't leaking. Vacuum pump on front of engine can sometimes leak oil too. Other than that, these engines are pretty dang hardy.

[SteveC]

I had to replace a water pump as I had a coolant leak issue. Fixed it. Had something recently with fuel sensor and getting no indication of how much fuel I had it mpg or anything. Other than that, just oil changes and adding a bit between changes. It’s a fantastic car. Put it in sport mode and have fun. I know people say tune them, but it’s plenty fast and peppy for me as is.

[Valpo A7]

I have a 2012 A7 C7 and I when I replace it I want to go 2016 or newer to get the C7.5 with the CREC engine. Seems to be a better 3.0 and with 2016 and newer you can get CarPlay programmed.

[RLCree]

Try to find one with the sport suspension. It's still plenty comfy and will out handle the S6.

[MyDimeIsUp]

Thanks all. From what I've read and you all are saying the 3.0T is pretty reliable besides some small hick ups that other cars have. Since my budget is limited I'm looking mainly at 2012 - 2014 A6s with the 3.0T. I'd much prefer to have the C7.5 but that'll be when I have more money. I can throw a CarPlay unit in for about $300 like I did with my B8.5 allroad so I'm not worried about that.

With that RLCree, I haven't found any with sport suspension and if I do it'll most likely be out of my price range.

With all of this, besides doing a full scan of all modules there no specific data values I should be on the lookout for (maybe besides a basic test of the motor mounts in VCDS?)

[Valpo A7]

If you are looking at the C7 and not the C7.5 then definitely listen to the engine start up cold. You are listening for timing chain rattle at start up. Audi claims that its normal for the chains to rattle for about 1 - 2 seconds but then be fine after that and fine to start up later again. The tensioners are hydraulic and get weak with age and will cause the chains to be loose at start up. Its not a problem until it throws a code. Typically its going to be a P0016 or P0018 code. At that point its a minimum of replacing the tensioners or at worst pulling the whole engine and replacing all 4 chains and all 4 tensioners. $2000 in parts and as much as $5000 or more in labor.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

I have a 2012 A7 C7 and I when I replace it I want to go 2016 or newer to get the C7.5 with the CREC engine. Seems to be a better 3.0 and with 2016 and newer you can get CarPlay programmed.

Valpo. My 2018 C7.5 has 53k miles. Bought new maintained one my garage, and I’m planning to sell when it hits 10 years or 120k miles. You’ve got first crack at purchase. So, keep the A7!running. And thanks for all of your insightful posts!!


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