How reliable are the A4 TDi autos?

[Cupat]

The reason I ask is that I might be buying a 00' 2.5TDi auto but have read some horrors about them. This one has 160k and seemingly very good nick with reciepts for 2 belt changes......

But its the auto box that's now scaring me....

[spartacus 68]

I wouldn't worry about it. We're talking about a 10 year old car here and you're buying it for what £2,500 tops? This is only really an issue if you're buying nearly new car worth thousands only for the auto-box to go outside the warranty.

The ATF fluid is meant to be a lifetime fluid, but at 160k, I would consider changing it + filter, etc.

[Cupat]

Fair enough but i read horrors about the bush inside the autobox pump going and/or the selectors ect inside the box which usually cause slipping difficult/no gear changing ect. I'm just wary...

[adamss24]

I would not touch it if its FWD, if its quattro then the boxes are conventional with a torque convertor so much more reliable ! Still auto boxes will give you trouble sooner or later, i would only buy a manual gearbox...

[Cupat]

auto boxes will give you trouble sooner or later

Why not a fwd?

And do you think manuals dont!.....both should last years if looked after

[Sageowl]

I've got a 2.4V6 Auto - X Reg with 113k miles. Just had the ATF/filter/strainer changed by an Audi dealer because the changes were a little 'hesitant'. Made a huge difference. Nice smooth changes now. I guess I'd agree with Cupat - anything mechanical should last well if looked after properly.

[adamss24]

The problem with the diesels is the huge torque they have and the box is at the limit of its torque design. The clutch plates will slip and burn the oil hence hard shifts. The quattro gearboxes are using a conventional torque convertor and they have a higher ratted torque designation. The v6 petrol does have quite low torque output on a very broad range so the box on FWD will fare better. The v6 tdi has 310Nm of torque available from nearly on tickover. Preventative maintenance is the key but the box will die on you eventually and will write off the car. I have not seen a v6 tdi with a blown manual gearbox as yet- they are very,very strong GETRAG units (prior 2001) and i'll rather replace a 500 quid clutch and flywheel than repair auto boxes ! Its your call mate so be carefull but at the first sign of gearbox trouble owners tend to get rid of their cars !!! If you want strong diesel and gearbox combo look at Mercs or BMW's mate and NOT FWD vag's !

[gjm123]

Hi Chris! How are things?

I agree, in principle, about the issues described with the VAG autoboxes but don't have any personal experience to add. Read this with interest as we're considering a 2.5TDi Quattro Avant automatic for Mrs M - a spinal injury means she can't use a clutch.

The manual boxes have their own Achilles heel in the output shaft bearing, as I have found.

[Cupat]

Chris Ive been thinking about one of these too, surley the auto boxes cant be that bad. As I said at the start (I think) most are/should be fine (ie manuals and autos) if looked after.

[mikeybutch]

We have a manual and an auto both Quattros over 100k and seem to be 100% and would have same again if replaced