3.0ltr Quattro stronic vs horsebox

**jbarber** · 07-09-2018,10:17 AM

Hi All, I've been away from Audi for a while but looking to rekindle my ownership.

A MY13 3.0ltr Quattro auto is for sale. However, it has been used to tow a horsebox regularly. Full Audi service history is on the car. 75k miles on the clock

How concerned should I be on the towing history? This would be our longterm car so don't want it's towing life to come back to haunt us in a few years.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

**A6S** · 07-09-2018,10:31 AM

If it was me the main concern would be gearbox/transmission.
Is it the stronic, tiptronic or the cvt gearbox?

**jbarber** · 07-09-2018,10:37 AM

Hi, yeah main concern here is gearbox. It's Stronic. We had a 2005 A4 CVT previously which cost us some $$$'s so trying to minimise risk (understanding there is always some risk with the autos). Cheers

**Whippy53** · 07-09-2018,01:51 PM

It'll be fine, if it wasn't they wouldn't fit factory towbars. No difference to towing a caravan, people do it all the time. Just do the usual checks.

**bluezie** · 07-09-2018,08:33 PM

No problem at all towing a horse box. Ours gets a FAR gentler drive when towing the horses, as you have to drive smoothly and slowly.

**jbarber** · 07-09-2018,08:55 PM

Thanks all for the replies. Took car for a spin today. What a machine. Gear change felt super smooth. Gearbox service was a bit late (first @ 44k and second done yet @ 88k). How regimental should the services be to be somewhat confident in the box?

Also, looks to be a coolant issue. Mentioned on Audi service and the tank was low. More searching needed on this one.

Cheers!

**A6S** · 08-09-2018,12:14 AM

Dsg is meant to be serviced 38k so it’s a little late but not hugely late and if it shift smoothly then I wouldn’t worry too much
I’ll be more concerned about coolant leak.

**Gazwould** · 08-09-2018,12:31 PM

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole , late service and S-Tronic is weak compared to a tiptronic .

If it goes **** up it's 10 grand minimum...

**Whippy53** · 08-09-2018,06:16 PM

Naw, just top it up with two stroke, she'll be beaut.

**bluezie** · 08-09-2018,11:18 PM

I wouldn't get hung up about exact mileages for oil changes, as 38,000 is a near approximation to 60,000KM, from which the service schedule is derived.

The reason to change the oil is not because the oil degrades, but due to the wet clutch lining contamination of the oil. So really the need to change the oil should be done on how hard the car is thrashed, (or not), rather than miles.
A hammered car could need an oil change far sooner than 38K, and a gently driven long distance motorway cruiser could be fine after 200K.

My Husqvarna Enduro motorcycle needs the gearbox oil changing no later than 15 hours, or else there is so much clutch lining contamination, the gearbox gets notchy, and I cannot select neutral very easily. Reason- it's a race bike, and it gets hammered!