gestalt77

Hi guys,

I am new to this AW forum. I am considering buying a CPO A6. My options are 08 3.2FSI Q or 09 3.0TFSI Q. I prefer 09 to 08 because of some cosmetic updates, besides a new engine. However, I find it a very tough decison for me due to the following issue:

Q1. 3.0TFSi engine reliability issue. I hear that the water pump problem is prevalent... Will 3.2 FSI be more reliable than 3.0 TFSI? I also heard that 3.2 FSI also had many problems, but 08 models should have fixed problems that existed in 2005-2007, right?

Q2. not many 09 CPO are available on the market now... Should I wait until September or so?

Q3. A local dealer asks 3.5k for a 08 CPO 3.2 Quattro. 37,382 miles on it... not many options loaded... plain. What would be a fair price?

Thank you very much for your knowledge and wisdom, in advance!

dokebi1221

If you can buy the 09....then you should go with 09. I like 09 rear more than 08. If you have problems with the car later on, you have extended warranty anyway, so you should be fine.

Good luck with your purchase!

gestalt77

Hey, thanks for your opinion. 3.0 TFSI engine sound seems to be better!

Even if repairs are covered with extended warranty I would hate to go to dealership frequently to fix powertrain.

Based on JD power reliabilty survey, Audi is not so good in terms of powertrain reliability. I would be patient in repairing small electric problems. However, I would not accept powertrain problems, in particular being stranded due to power train problem.... That's what I am concerned about.

NR04

I've owned 2006 3.2Q for three years before replacing it with 2009 3.0T. Night and day. Get the 2009. The earlier versions had issues with plastic water pump. If it's CPO, you can ask for service records to see if it had the plastic one replaced with a steel one. If not, you can have the dealer check it for you. As a bonus, you get the LED daylight driving lights. You can also upgrade the chip and get close to 400 HP. Do you need more reasons?

The G Man

I traded in my 08 3.2 for the 2011 3.0T, once you drive the 3.0T, you will not consider the 3.2 again, thats how much better the 3.0T drives. Relaibility is about the same for both car, its basically the same engine with a supercharger added to it. Some 09 have the water pump issue as well, but its all covered under a recall.
3.5k for a 08 CPO 3.2 Quattro is too high, maybe around $30K.

Ynnekdude

Chances are the '09 has already had the water pump replaced. If not, request that it be fixed or you will not purchase the car. Other than that, my 3.0T has been great. Only other issue I had was that my DRLs went out but they were replaced with the updated headlight version under warranty.

The 3.0T is far better than the 3.2 in my opinion. By no means is the 3.2 a bad engine but the 3.0T and its massive amount of torque is quite addicting.

A6Gary

$3,500 ($3.5K) for an '08?? Buy, buy buy!! If nothing else, you could resell it and make a chunk of change.

dokebi1221

Probably he meant to say 35k.

Audi S5 TC

The 3.2 had problems for 2005 and early build 2006. Mid build 2006 onward 3.2s are very good in the dependability, durability, quality, reliability, satisfaction and service areas (outside of some North Americans on message boards, that is).

Audi S5 TC

You can't go buy what JD Power & Associates has to say unless they are 100% a match for Consumer Reports and True Delta.

Here is the truth about Audi from 2005 onward once again:

In dependability, durability, quality, reliability, satisfaction and service, the following is what dragged down Audi in Consumer Reports-or CR for short and True Delta-or TD for short.

There are a lot of problems with all versions of the 2005 and early build 2006 A6s as well as the 2009 to 2011 A6 3.0T. These 2005 to 2011 A6s are 80% of Audi's North American A6 sales (and, therefore, 80% of CR's and TD's North American A6 data). Otherwise, the A6/S6 is one of the best since mid build 2006.

There are a lot of problems with the 2005 A8 4.2 and 2004 and 2005 A8L 4.2. These A8s and A8Ls are 80% of Audi's North American A8 and A8L sales (and, therefore, 80% of CR's and TD's A8 and A8L data. Otherwise, the A8/A8L/S8 is one of the best since 2006.

There are a lot of problems with the 4.2 and 3.0T versions of the Q7 for all model years. These versions of the Q7 are are 80% of Audi's North American Q7 sales (and, therefore, 80% of CR's and TD's North American Q7 data). The Q7 is also near the bottom of it's class in most areas of performance. Otherwise, the Q7 is one of the best (since introduction).

There are a lot of problems with the 3.2 version of the 2009 and early build 2010 Q5. The 3.2 version of the 2009 and early build 2010 Q5 are 80% of Audi's North American Q5 sales (and, therefore, 80% of CR's and TD's North American Q5 data). Otherwise, the Q5 is one of the best (since introduction).

There are a lot of problems with all versions of the 2007 to 2009 A3. All versions of the 2007 to 2009 A3 are 80% of Audi's North American A3 sales (and, therefore, 80% of CR's and TD's North American A3 data). Otherwise, the A3 is one of the best (2007 and 2010+).

There are a lot of problems with all versions of the 2008 to 2010 TT. All versions of the 2008 to 2010 TT are 80% of Audi's North American TT sales (and, therefore, 80% of CR's and TD's North American TT data). Otherwise, the TT is one of the best (2008 and 2011+).

The steering and front suspension issues with the 2009 and early build 2010 A4s, 2010 and early build 2011 S4s, 2008, 2009 and early build 2010 A5s and S5 and the water pump issues with the early build and some mid build 2010 S4s and S5 convertibles are nowhere near as bad as North American Audi financiers, leasers and owners on AudiWorld and other Audi message boards would lead (or mislead) people to believe. However, these problems are enough to only allow for average instead of above average or much above average ratings from CR and TD for the 2009+ A4, 2010+ S4 and A5 and S5 that they would otherwise get.

Like most other Audis from 2005 to present, the 2009+ A4 and 2010+ S4 have safety and security at or near the top of their classes. The 2009+ A4 and 2010+ S4 are recommended by CR and TD. Until there are crash tests for the A5/S5/RS 5 in North America, CR and TD cannot recommend the A5/S5/RS 5.