Would You Buy A High Mileage A6 4.2

[AdrianHewson]

Hi Everyone!

I have been offered a very High Mileage A6 4.2 Quattro Auto Avant, however is has done 190k miles!

2 Owners ftom new.I am told it has full history - Part Audi, Part Independent. I have not seen it yet, but is there anything I should look out for?

Normally I would not think about a car with the higher mileage, but I know how good Audi's can be, and it does seem cheap. I am no mechanic, so should I not even consider it?

Thank You In Advance,

Adrian

[MikkiJayne]

Well my A6 has 220K on it and still drives beautifully...

But, 190K on an 4.2 auto? Unless it has had a replacement gearbox at some stage (with receipts) I would probably run away screaming

Audi can't make auto boxes for toffee sadly. I had an A8 with 180K on it when the gearbox died. It was £8K for a new one or £2-3K+ to have it rebuilt, on a car worth £3K. Part of the problem is that they insist the gear oil lasts the life of the 'box. Yes, in a way it does - when the oil is dead it takes the box with it There were also a few electronic issues with them that causes the box to shift oddly, and to burn out the friction thingies inside it, which then burns the oil and ends up in a viscious circle. Or should that be viscous lol!

If you are really interested in the car and it is a good price then it is worth taking it to a dealer and having the gear oil checked. They will be able to take a sample out for you to look at. It should be golden and clean. If the box is anything other than perfect the oil will be dark brown and smell burnt. I would only trust this to a dealer, not an independent, as the dealers all know what they are looking for with this. They shouldn't charge more than an hour.

If the oil is perfect then its probably ok. Change it for safety's sake, and while you're at it have them drop the gearbox sump and replace the filter block too. This is a £4-500 job, as the genuine gear oil is £200 alone! Don't ever use aftermarket oil in these things. Assuming it shifts silky smooth then the electronics are probably happy too - make sure you drive it at low speed, say round a housing estate, and at high speed on a dual carriageway. Try kicking it down at 60+ - it should shift without you noticing. Any slam in the back or thump in to gear and run away again.

The engine is pretty much bulletproof, but it does tend to eat its breather hoses. Take the oil filler cap off with it idling - it shouldn't notice. If it stumbles or stalls then the breather hose under the inlet manifold has probably perished. Thats a £30 part that takes several hours to fit as you have to pull half the engine apart to get to it!

Other than that the standard stuff for A6s applies.

Good luck & fingers crossed for you

Mikki x

[Clinterous]

Other than the auto gearbox issues, the front suspension link arm bushes might be showing some play - common weak point on an A6, so might have already been done.

Check for even tyre wear.

[paul b]

There is a common problem on the TDIs, with a bearing in the alternator that causes the poly V belt to vibrate viciously when on full lock either way while stationary. I don't know if the same system applies to the petrols, but it is common on the diesels.

Make sure everything electrical works too, there are many faults that can be caused by blocked drain holes (search Plenum Chamber) and try to make sure the air-con works well, because troubleshooting the air-con unit could begin to get costly.

Paul

[davo79]

Before you fall for the Audi trap I have a 2002 a6 2.4 done 107k. It cost me 8k to by three years ago and through problems cost me another three k. It's now worth 3k! I would either by a new one as it costs less or stay clear.

[MikkiJayne]

I'd guess a 4.2 with that sort of mileage is probably going for what? 4-5K tops? As long as the gearbox is ok thats a lot of car for the money, even if it depreciates by another £2K in a couple of years.

Thats the price of owning a big Audi I guess

[AdrianHewson]

Thanks for all of your help, I have taken note! I have paid sub £2000 for the car, however this is unseen. I will be going on Friday to pick it up, and will let you all know how I get on!

Thanks Again,

Adrian

[MikkiJayne]

Wow! You'd probably get more than that for it in bits! Even if it needs another gearbox thats still cheap

Good luck

[AdrianHewson]

I have now collected it! It has a full history, and had a £2000 service in Feb 08. Gearbox is very smooth with no horrible noises.

In Grey with Royal blue leather. Even has 7 Seats! All for £1250

Thanks again for all of your advice, so far, so good!

Adrian

[MikkiJayne]

Thats a very very cheap car - nice find! Grey is nice. Shame about the blue leather though

Post some pics up!

Best of luck with it