oldAGE

Good Morning -
I am sort of forced into a situation to replace my beloved and beautifully well maintained Nissan Murano. I will miss "Murray."

I am looking at a few 2012/2013 A6 3.0 T Prestige Trim units and a few are "high mileage." All are CarFax 1-Owner and such reports dealer lease and maintenance. Went to my local Audi dealer and had a friendly Service Writer run Audi reports. They report that AudiCare was carried to the bitter end... And all scheduled maintenance was carried out nearly on the dot.

So with that, I look to the friendly experts here to help me understand what I might be in for pertaining to big ticket mechanical concerns - suspension parts, gaskets (head gasket, valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets), fuel rail issues, etc. I plan on contacting the dealers on Monday to see if they can tell me other wear/tear repairs done for wear items like brakes, rotors, etc.

Ultimately, I am looking to be an educated consumer in order to help me negotiate... "There is a common problem around 100K miles that costs $1000 Mr. Dealer, you need to drop your price by $500 so that I meet you half way."

The vehicles in question range from about 85K to 93K miles.

Thanks.
AGE

Acuransx

AGE, this is probably stating the obvious but a high mileage German car is going to be a very different (read: expensive) proposition compared to a high mileage Nissan, Toyota or Honda. I realize this is a generalization and there may be different experiences out there but there is enough information that confirms the foregoing. I've run numerous Acura/Nissan and Honda products well over 100,000 miles (the most being 175,000 miles) and the running costs even from 100K to 175K were minimal. Fairly simple cars with not much that went wrong and whatever needed attention was relatively inexpensive.


My A6 (which I love but have no intentions of keeping more and 6-12 months past warranty expiration) has only 16,000 miles so I can not speak to what happens at higher mileage but by way of example only, if the MMI poops out on you and Audi does not goodwill it for you, expect to shell out a number of thousands to get this fixed. I am thankful that my old Acuras were devoid of things like MMI/I-drive, etc. Brakes are another item that if done at dealer are frightfully expensive compared to the Japanese cars -- savings can be achieved if you have a good independent shop but still going to cost more than what you are used to.


Finally there is the possibility of catastrophic failure or things such as valve coking (suggest you read that thread thoroughly as it is very interesting and a bit scary) and timing chain tensioner failures that might tie you to dealer for repair which can be a very expensive experience.


If your circumstances permit, a CPO car with lots or warranty left is best way to go in my opinion.


Best of luck with your search.


Jeff

radarguy

+1

oldAGE

Jeff and radarguy... Thanks for the input. I am going into this endeavor with my eyes wide open. As an IT Professional and a Scientist, I research the snot out of everything (hence this silly question). Jumping into an A6 or BMW 535 is sort of an "emotional" decision. I lead my entire life by my head. I am absolutely aware of the potential "huge mistake" this might be.

My wife puts on about 26,500 per year. In my driveway I have about $67,000 worth of Subarus. Owned a couple of Hondas, a mess of Subies, some Fords -- the Murano (which is a vehicle that I have absolutely loved and expected to keep for another 5+ years as my "truck"). So I understand "late model, high mileage" concerns too. Our 2006 Outback from 105,000 miles onwards cost us about $3,700 in unscheduled maintenance before it became a problem that my wife didn't want to deal with (and away she went at 148,000 miles).

When I sat with my dealer yesterday, I came away with the feeling that dealer maintenance is about a 40% premium for some heavy lifting wear items -- lower control units, stabilizer linkage, axle (outer) replacement, etc. When it comes to brakes and coils and basic scheduled maintenance, I have the talent to do that. It would require about a $175 investment in a decent VAG-COM and hex/torq ends. And in the dead of winter here in WI, then someone else can do it for a price .

As it pertains to the guidance of thinking about CPO, I pose this question....

For a 2013 Prestige CPO, I am seeing about a $6,000 premium to prices in my region for similar mileage vehicles (not the high mileage units I was talking about. That premium equates to about $11,000). If I can find a dealer maintained 2013 Prestige and wrangle all the service records, I know that it guarantees me nothing.... but now I have a $6,000 of buffer. Would a headgasket, valve gaskets, MMI unit replacement, and inner axles cost $6,000? $11,000????

Thanks again, I love these forums. The community at large is better than any crappy white-paper!

Keep me sane!!!
AGE

Acuransx

AGE, I really have not been in the Audi camp long enough to give you any good information regarding cost of repairs. I have heard though that if the MMI takes a dump outside of warranty one is looking at thousands (not a couple but on the order of four or so if I recall correctly) if Audi does not "pitch in" and replacement is necessary. Personally, I could be very happy without MMI/I-drive/U-connect, etc. One less thing to break and create need for expensive repairs. If you can handle basic repairs/maintenance weather permitting you are well ahead of the game.


As for the emotional decision I understand that very well -- after so many years of Acura/Nissan I decided to treat myself. While I do enjoy the A6 (mine is a /15 3.0T Premium Plus) I will likely return to the Acura fold or try Lexus next time around assuming they have something to my liking. While I appreciate the driving experience of the German mid-size luxury cars I would prefer an ownership experience where I'm not afraid to keep a car 10 years/150,000 miles and for me doing so with VAG/Mercedes or BMW is outside my comfort zone. Purely personal preference.


I'm sure some of the other folks here will chime in -- highest mileage I am aware of is Calimus -- search out his posts which should provide some good info for you.


Best,
Jeff

KevinGary

My 2005 A6 4.2 had roughly $12k in repairs from the 130k mile mark to the 140k mile mark. I was the original owner. All of the maintence was done religiously. I even did 5k mile changes and the tranny and differential fluids every 30k miles. Despite "over maintaining" the car, it became expensive at the 130k mile mark.

oldAGE

Thanks Jeff. You and I might be in the same boat... Of a certain age, of certain financial standing but not stupid, etc.. You words are very helpful. Thank you.

Yeah, there's a post under How many miles... where a driver in Alabama has been running his 2012 at 165 miles a day. Something like 230K now. Might have to also hit him up. Thanks for the tip for Calimus.

AGE

oldAGE

Thanks KevinGary - $12K over 10K miles? Ouch. OK. But a different engine than the 4.2 too. So, other than cost... what cost so much? Axles? Headgasket? Tranny? Transfer case?

Thanks.
AGE

DanfZX14

It you don't mind please give us some elaboration as to the nature of the necessary repairs. Thanks!

KevinGary

I have pasted in below an old post of mine from a couple of years ago setting forth the service history on the old gal. You will see what happened towards the end. Granted it was a C6, but it will give you an indication of what may happen when these cars age.

I am getting ready to end my 9 years with my beloved 05 A6 4.2. She currently has 139k on the odometer. In order to assist my fellow owners in understanding the potential maintenance and repair issues with these cars, I am posting most of my service records, including prices paid and what was covered under warranty. When I receive delivery information on my factory order 2015 A6 TDI I may post the 05 in the classifieds. She has had over $20,000 in repairs in the last 10,000 miles and is probably only worth $7,000 so she may be a steal for a forum member who is mechanically inclined. Of course my wife says I will never sell it. We will see. I have really enjoyed the forum. Thanks.

Miles Service

884 Miles Warranty
1) MMI hardware replaced

5,283 Miles Warranty
1) 5,000 mile service

10,152 Miles $126.53
1) Oil Change

14,775 Miles Warranty
1) 15,000 mile service
2) tighten front passenger seat
3) tighten air vent outlets
4) update airbag software
5) tighten dashboard
6) update MMI software

20,059 Miles $112.74
1) Oil Change
2) tighten dashboard

20,685 Miles Warranty
1) Replaced pollen filter door
2) Replace tire pressure sensor
3) Replace Mmi control ****

24,727 Miles Warranty
1) 25,000 mile service
2) tighten dashboard
3) replace windshield wiper blades

28,506 Miles $204.97
1) Brake fluid flush
2) Repair front passenger seat frame
3) Replace license plate light bulb
4) Update MMI software
5) Repair ski sack
6) oil change

28,620 Miles Warranty
1) Replace all 8 coil packs
2) Replace throttle control valve

29,806 Miles Warranty
1) replace fuel door cover
2) update airbag software

32,254 Miles Warranty
1) Replace front brake pads
2) clean HVAC drains
3) replace pollen filter

33,926 Miles Warranty
1) Replace rear brake pads
2) Replace fuel filter
3) Lube steering column
4) Tighten dashboard
5) 35,000 mile service

36,129 Miles Warranty
1) Update fuel gauge software
2) Replaced power steering hose clamp

36,739 Miles Warranty
1) Replace interior light in driver's footwell

37,715 Miles Warranty
1) Update airbag software

40,759 Miles Combination Warranty/$341.74
1) Transmission fluid flush
2) Replace fluids in differentials
3) oil change

44,754 Miles Warranty
1) Replace steering column
2) convert front brake pads
3) 45,000 mile service

49,419 Miles Warranty
1) Replace head cover gasket
2) Oil Change

50,283 Miles Warranty
1) Replaced rear sunshade motor

54,659 Miles combination warranty/$891.32
1) coolant system flush
2) replace coolant temperature sensor
3) replace fog lamp
4) replace trunk latch
5) 55,000 mile service

56,440 Miles combination warranty/$110.29
1) update ECU module
2) replace tire air pressure sensors
3) replace windshield wipers

60,168 Miles combination warranty/$241.49
1) oil change
2) brake fluid flush
3) replace rear seat air bag ignitor

61,040 Miles $1,186.67
1) replace front brake pads and rotors
2) replace rear brake pads and rotors

65,209 Miles combination warranty/$323.54
1) 65,000 mile service
2) replace coolant temperature sensor
3) replace parktronic speaker

65,635 Miles $435.50
1) replace thermostat

66,553 Miles $168.85
1) Replace light bar in front passenger door

66,848 Miles $268.20
1) Replace wood trim on driver's front door

69,020 Miles $123.55
1) Oil change

70,741 Miles $287.34
1) Replace rear right tail light assembly
2) Clear air bag codes

75,099 Miles $761.88
1) 75,000 mile service

75,762 Miles Warranty
1) replace center rear seat air bag sensor
2) replace rear seat bracket

80,187 Miles $1,223.61
1) oil change
2) flush transmission fluid
3) replace brake fluid

85,450 Miles $320.44
1) 85,000 mile service
2) update airbag software

87,879 Miles Warranty
1) replace rear seat air bag sensor connector
2) readapt tilt wheel steering column

90,746 Miles $826.97
1) oil change
2) replace oil pressure sensor
3) re-adapt steering column
4) replace rear brake pads and rotors

93,793 Miles combination warranty/$315.09
1) Replace steering column
2) replace front brake pads

95,964 Miles $720.33
1) 95,000 mile service
2) replace battery

100,600 Miles $1,529.52
1) oil change
2) replace all 8 coil packs
3) replace fuel filter
4) replace brake fluid
5) coolant flush
6) replace supplemental rear passenger air bag

103,924 Miles $1,191.74
1) 105,000 mile service
2) replace passenger tailight assembly
3) replace right side motor mount

110,515 Miles $2,277.12
1) oil change
2) replace all 4 upper and lower control arms and tie rod ends
3) replace both side sway bar links

115,704 Miles $861.73
1) 115,000 mile service
2) 4 wheel alignment
3) replaced left side license plate bulb
4) replaced passenger side running light

120,490 Miles $1,105.50
1) oil change
2) replace transmission fluid
3) replace differential fluids

124,683 Miles $2,303.08
1) 125,000 mile service
2) replaced front brake pads and rotors
3) replaced rear brake pads
4) replaced satellite radio module
5) replaced battery

127,496 Miles $552.87
1) replaced rear passenger window regulator
2) replace passenger sider amber light bulb

133,383 Miles $1,516.17
1) replace jet pump valve
2) replace engine temperature sensor
3) replace both radiator hoses
4) coolant flush
5) brake fluid flush
6) 135,000 mile service

133,600 Miles combination warranty?$502.96
1) replace right side combi valve
2) replace passenger side adaptive headlight assembly

133,714 Miles $225.52
1) fuel injection service

134,585 Miles $1,977.74
1) replace vacuum line under manifold
2) replace temperature sensor
3) replace driver side adaptive headlight assembly

135,880 Miles $493.54
1) replaced thermostat
2) bled coolant system
3) replaced rear passenger side seat latch

137,015 Miles $1,540.46
1) replace drivers air bag
2) replace wiper blades

138,250 Miles $849.93
1) replaced radiator

138,682 Miles $9,116
1) oil change
2) replace torque converter
3) replace timing chains
4) replace timing chain guides
5) replace timing chain tensioners

138,939 Miles Warranty
1) replace intake manifold
2) replace all coil packs
3) replace all fuel injectors
4) replace fuel distributor rail
5) replace front heated oxygen sensor
6) replace combi-valve