steveq

guys wonder if you could help me?
looking at upgrading my a4 1.8t sport avant 96 ( u.k) for a 2.8 sport tip tronic a8 96/97 any advice on the pro's and cons? more worried about mechanical issues rather than insurance and servicing which have already been assest. thanks in advance for any help offered
steve

JimR

General mechanical issues, control arms and tie rod ends are sometimes an issue once you get a car above 50k miles, though I expect less so with a 2.8. And of course front outboard CV joint boots need to be watched, once you get into higher mileage, but that's the case with any front drive car. Every now and then someone blows out a steering rack. That probably covers the high points for potential mechanical issues.

Regarding the 2.8, you should read up on general issue on that engine in the A6 C5 forum, and in Stoney's FAQ. It was the only, then later the base, engine for that car, here. I guess I should ask if the car in question has the 30V engine; it's old enough that I guess it's possible it has the 12 valve 2.8, in which case you should ask around in the C4 forum. In either case, timing belt/water pump replacement is an issue with higher mileage cars.

V8growler

I'm in the uk!
Have you actually driven the 2.8? I tried one before going for the V8 4.2.
As far as reliability goes the 2.8 is ok, it's the standard V6 VW/Audi lump, just a bit light on power for such a big car so it has to work rather harder, that could bring with it problems.
I went for a 2000 model 4.2 with higher milage based on the theory that the bigger motor doesn't have to put in so much effort. Be warned though, once you've tried the 4.2 you will not be happy with the 2.8. I've had mine for two years now with nothing at all gone wrong yet.
As far as economy goes, I'm getting about 25mpg to and from work with over 35mpg on the motorway at 80-90mph (traffic permitting)
Interested to know if you've tried the 4.2 (or 3.7 of course)

steveq

haven't tried the 3.7 or 4.2 yet ( bit worried about fuel and insurance) got a quote for gas converstion £1600 the cheapest so far and not elligable for goverment grant ( more than five years old and not a diesel!!)
thanks for the reply.

JimR

Surely so.

matrixabc

Hi I am in the UK too, I bought a 3,7 V8, 1996, I dident try the 2.8 as I thought it would be a bit under powered, im 39 and the insurane was only a bit more than the A6 2.6 I had before.if it has an Audi service history then there shouldent be to much to worry about, mainly suspension, and trany problems, i get 23mpg around town and 28+ on the motorway, and thats at 80-100mph, and watch out for the cam belt change at 70-80,000 miles, it will cost you at least £550.00 ( recent quote)

steveq

nice one thanks for the good tips/ and advice , all i have to do now is persuade my wife who upon last comment said " it looks like a hurse!!" ( no taste)