pballwizard

Hello all, I'm thinking about getting my 3rd Audi. This one is a 2004 A6 wagon, 3.0, auto, 88k miles, one owner, $5k, local.

I'm not sure if this is the c5 or c6 platform, or what maintenance (ie TB) has been done yet. Anything I should be on the look out for? At that price, it looks like a bargain.

There is also a 1995 A6, 5-speed available in the area, 67k miles, very well maintained, but the 2.8 is fairly anemic. Any suggestions on the value of this model with the low mileage, there is a big disparity between kbb and the asking price?

the_duke

Do some research on the 3.0 motor. Not a powerhouse and not the most reliable.

jcman

Chances are that the car's owner did not do a timing belt service and 88k miles are about what I have on my 2004 3.0 so not only miles are the issue it's time on the rubber parts and seals, if you pull the trigger on it plan on doing a complete TB service and that cost can vary to the tune of $1,500 done right....Count on this.

The other main issue on 3.0's (but not with all) is the right side exhaust cam that has been known to wear down lobes but more so on the 02 and 03's vs. the 04, this has been my observation across the years being a member here and before that, if possible you might at least want to have the car checked out by a reputable VW/Audi indy that knows these engines to determine if the cams are good and the crank breather system is not slammed with oil crud along with the other usual items to inspect.

Generally this car should of had two major service bulletins regarding the coil packs and the roll-over safety valve for the gas tank, that's all I have had done since 08 when I bought mine, you should also check with the owner on this or the dealer it was bought at.

So far I've really not had any bad issues outside of the regular maintenance items like the original battery, plugs, brakes, oil &filter, steering fluid flush, trans filter/fluid.
I did replace both front axles that needed boots only to reboot them for the old 01 2.8 the daughter has.

I really like mine it has decent power and fuel economy for a car of it's weight and class along with the lightest V6 put in a C5 also including aluminum suspension uprights vs. steel.

jcman

BTW, That Avant year would be considered a C5 and the gas tank rollover service campaign may not of included Avants, and lastly I own a 04 A6q sedan with the 3.0.

pballwizard

Thanks for the replies and advice. I went a different way, I'm going with a low-mileage 2.7T with manual trans, 70K miles. It had 75K service already, but I was told the TB was NOT done, and I know it's time.

jcman

Nice! A fun car for sure with the M6 option and those miles, good for you.

Enjoy it!

pballwizard

This will be my second 2.7t, my first one was taken from me before it's time, so I'm really looking forward to it!

jcman

Looking forward for some pics and details soon, not seeing or hearing much of this on the C5 forum lately. At this point 80% of the threads are about keeping them running or exterior "bowling trophy" modding.