Thinking of Buying - Service Cost Info Please

[Teflon]

I'm about to swap my Passat. Nothing wrong with it, I just hanker for something a bit more upmarket and hopefully, with better quality paintwork. I've been filling in paint chips all afternoon.

I've ruled out the Jag Sportbrake (boot too small) and Volvo (V70 (too plasticky). So the options are down to another A6 Avant or the new Mercedes E250 Estate. I'm doing the numbers right now.

I started looking at the 2.0 SE, then started to contemplate the 3.0. Before long I had talked my way all the way up to maybe a Quattro. Purchase cost won't be an issue but high running costs would stick in my teeth, since the mileage won't be terribly high. So I have some questions:

• Does the quattro system need any time related manitenance and if so, at what cost?
• Is there any distance related manitenance and again, at what cost?
• Does the current 3.0 engine, either quattro or FWD still have the stupid new cam belts at 4 years irrrespective of mileage rule, or have Audi now joined the real world and declared 10 years or more?
• I'd ruled out the S-Line 'cos it seems a lot extra to pay for some slightly flashier wheels and Xenon headlights. But if I was tempted that way, is the ride significantly firmer than the SE?

Finally, does anyone have experience of all 3 variants and are there any less obvious pros and cons than sharpness away from the lights?

Many thanks.

[ukgroucho]

I'm about to swap my Passat. Nothing wrong with it, I just hanker for something a bit more upmarket and hopefully, with better quality paintwork. I've been filling in paint chips all afternoon.

I've ruled out the Jag Sportbrake (boot too small) and Volvo (V70 (too plasticky). So the options are down to another A6 Avant or the new Mercedes E250 Estate. I'm doing the numbers right now.

I started looking at the 2.0 SE, then started to contemplate the 3.0. Before long I had talked my way all the way up to maybe a Quattro. Purchase cost won't be an issue but high running costs would stick in my teeth, since the mileage won't be terribly high. So I have some questions:

• Does the quattro system need any time related manitenance and if so, at what cost?
• Is there any distance related manitenance and again, at what cost?
• Does the current 3.0 engine, either quattro or FWD still have the stupid new cam belts at 4 years irrrespective of mileage rule, or have Audi now joined the real world and declared 10 years or more?
• I'd ruled out the S-Line 'cos it seems a lot extra to pay for some slightly flashier wheels and Xenon headlights. But if I was tempted that way, is the ride significantly firmer than the SE?

Finally, does anyone have experience of all 3 variants and are there any less obvious pros and cons than sharpness away from the lights?

Many thanks.

Not sure if I can fully answer all of these but I'll give you my 'shot' and see if I can kick start some comment from other members.

• Does the quattro system need any time related manitenance and if so, at what cost? Not to my knowledge. My C6 Avant 3.0 TDi Quattro has had regular Audi serviceing (approaching 83k miles now) and there has never been any specific servicing for the AWD system. That's not to say that Audi don't charge a premium for servicing Quattros but it's kinda hard to tell. You obviously pay more for servicing of a 3.0Tdi than a 2.0Tdi... probably justified on the basis of more oil to replace / dispose of, more things to check / fiddle with (although I suspect the servicing premium is NOT pro-rata .. there is some market based premium applied too). I DID end up having the gearbox oil replaced in mine at around 72K ... was noticing slightly hmm "notchy" gearshifts (6 speed Tiptronic) when the car was really warm - long run on a hot day (not an issue now). Despite the gearboxes supposedly being sealed for life there are plenty of forum discussion about why a change around 70 - 80k is a good idea... and there was also an Audi service note about using a different grade of gearbox oil - slightly thicker is my guess. I do notice that changes are a bit more 'reluctant' (holds slightly higher revs) for the first few miles on a cold day, but fine after that - and the notchy changes are cured. It was not a cheap exercise... around £500 if I recall.
• Is there any distance related manitenance and again, at what cost? You can choose either a variable service interval (calculated by the car based on a bunch of metrics) or 9K fixed with a 19k inspection every 2 years (the 2 year thing is driven by the desire / need to change brake fluid at that interval I think as it is hygroscopic and as it absorbs water braking performance can degrade). There are some words in the Audi A6 catalogs that talk about typical annual mileage and 'type of use' patterns and the recommended fixed / variable regime. In general 10k or less a year is fixed, 10k or more with 'normal' use (longer trips, few cold starts in hilly terrain, little towing) is variable (up to 19k) and I guess over 10k with heavy use (towing a lot) would be fixed. Cannot vouch for the servicing costs (other members can comment) but there are service plans... I have read that the S-tronic gearbox needs a service at 35k miles but cannot be sure... not of interest to me as my BiTdi will have tiptronic
• Does the current 3.0 engine, either quattro or FWD still have the stupid new cam belts at 4 years irrrespective of mileage rule, or have Audi now joined the real world and declared 10 years or more? Don't believe that is the case - the unit in my C6 is timing chain(s) and they are serviceable to 150 to 180k. I believe the newer C7 3.0Tdi engines are derived from that unit and cannot believe that Audi would have gone away from chains.
• I'd ruled out the S-Line 'cos it seems a lot extra to pay for some slightly flashier wheels and Xenon headlights. But if I was tempted that way, is the ride significantly firmer than the SE? Yes. You get a lower ride, firmer suspension and less 'give' in the side walls because the wheels are bigger / lower profile tyres. The only way to gauge is to test drive - it may be that the roads you frequent are in good condition but in general the bigger wheels suffer from potholes. I drive on country roads a fair bit and opted for an SE when I bought the C6 Avant. I've not regretted it. Unless you drive very aggressively I don't think there is a huge difference in handling - at the end of the day it's a big and relatively heavy car so the weight limits the chuckability. However, the S-line does get sports seats which are nicer than the stock SE seats, and the Xenon headlights are excellent. It is one thing that disappointed me in the C7 Allroad, the standard seats in my C6 SE are full power seats and seem to be a cross between the new comfort seat and the new standard seat.... when I test drove a C7 Allroad my wife commented that the seats felt "benchy" - little side support. We then jumped in a BiTdi A7 with sports seats and it just felt better (so I ordered sports seats - still going to miss the electric adjustments).

[Whippy53]

3.0 ltrs use a chain, S line suspension much better than most people give credit for, xenons are now bi-xenons, sports seats are the dogs.

[Teflon]

Thanks guys.

The timing chain info is good news 'cos it cost me a small fortune for all new belts and a dual mass pully on my old 2.5 V6 TDi

It's looking like definately the SE. I've already got a Golf GTI that knocks my teeth out on the poorly repaired potholes around my neck of the woods. Also, my missus wasn't a fan of the S-Line seats in the showroom - reckoned they were a bit narrow. Surprisingly, she didn't like the A7 at all (felt the cabin was a bit claustraphobic) but she was mightily taken with the A8, made worse when the salesman suggested they would discount down to peanuts.

I'll ask the dealer for service costs for the quattro, just in case temptation gets the better of logic.

Can anyone confirm that the 2.0 engine is now chain driven? MY 2.0 CR VW is belt, but at least they have got rid of the 4 year rule for that engine. I'd be much happier with a chain though, and it might sway my decision to the V6.

[ukgroucho]

I think the 2.0 is still a toothed belt but let's see if someone can verify.

Quattro? Get a 3.0 - even if just the 204PS (not sure if you can get a 2.0 ... they used to do a 1.9Tdi Quattro A4 I think but it really cramped the performance).
OMG an A8.. the new interior is gorgeous. If they did it as an Avant I would be tempted

Oh I meant to add.. you'll thank yourself in the snow if you get a Quattro. Even on summer tyres my A6 Avant SE can find traction where FWD cars are desperately suffering and the BMW squad have left the car at home and are walking to try to find some milk for their morning cuppa. Stopping on summer tyres is another story cos we all brake with all 4 wheels.
Seriously thinking about a swap to winter tyres this year, probably with a second set of wheels (aftermarket alloys) so I can DIY when I want to swap.

[Rsheen]

I think there is an oil and filter change needed for the haldex system for 4wd i think every 40kish mileage and guess about £150
i am sure others will give more info
i would not go for 204 ps as it lacks the extra grunt you get from the 245 and yes go for quattro (standard on 245) as fwd traction is not good in the wet with 3.0l