Ston3r

Hey Audi world new member long time watcher.

I know this has been beaten to death (but I'm digging the grave)

Switching from an e500 4matic

I want to buy a 2008 4.2 S line that appears to be in pristine condition I just want to know what the main problems this car has. I don't care about the little bull**** like a rear sun visor rattle.

I want to know mechanically is it worth buying this car (and be honest people)

What are the things I have to check for right before purchase

I made this into a new thread because the old ones are.... Well old lol. And most of the a6's have near 100k or more. So this should be a good buyers guide

raj99

As you said, this has been beaten to death, but you failed to include some basic info:

Mileage
Original owner
How complete are the maintenance records
What options does it have
Where was it serviced

When you buy a used car, you are buying the owner as much as the vehicle.

LarryJa

Before I bought an '06 A6 w/151k miles, I picked out the service shop that I'd be using. Then, I was set to have them inspect any vehicle I was interested in. I picked their brain, & they were a big help in getting the right car.
I decided on a 3.2, over the more lusty 4.2, because they are much easier to deal with concerning upper timing chain tensioners. On the 4.2's, you have to pull the engine to change them. Since I knew that I'd be buying a higher mileage car, I always thought that would be significant.

raj99

Hey Larry, the big issues aren't the tensioners as much as it's the chain guides which can crack and deteriorate - THOSE require full engine removal/access and applies to both the 3.2 and 4.2.

BTW, are you certain you need to pull the engine to chain the timing tensioner on the 4.2? For the record I have a 06 4.2 and although I'm well within tolerance on block 93, it doesn't hurt to ask where you found out that "On the 4.2's, you have to pull the engine to change them".

KevinGary

Raj, when the dealer did the guides, tensioners and chains in my old 4.2 they left the engine in the car and dropped the transmission. They let me take some pictures when it was up on the lift. I hope this ends some of the myths that get created on the Internet.

KevinGary

Additional pic

KevinGary

Bumper pic

LarryJa

The upper tensioners & guides seem to be a more common issue on both engines. While the V8 does place higher stresses on them, the 8's are usually maintained better &, so, last pretty well. We all know, vigilant oil maintenance is essential on these engines.
Since my budget was at the bottom end of this market, I decided not to risk a 4.2 & it's more complex maintenance procedures.
I still lust for a 4.2, but the 3.2 does pretty good.