audijim113

Many years owning a 98 (wife's car) and 2000-L (my car) have "educated" me on a lot of common "stuff". I love my 2000 but it's got 230000 miles and will need another t-belt service soon, probably tension shoe on left bank (had right bank done a yr ago, also fuel pump). New tranny when I bought it at 130000 miles and has been flushed per schedule. All control arms are up to snuff.

I do not do my own work anymore. If I were 10-20 yrs younger and 50 lbs less, I wouldn't hesitate to do the belt, tensioner and other stuff.

So I'm posting here to ask, what I should be aware of before making the move?

The 2004-L I'm looking at has 140000 miles. t-belt was done at 120000. Apparently, the cam tension shoes continue to be a problem because the shoes were just changed. I'd love to see complete mechanical history but this is as much as I know from the mechanic who is getting it ready for sale for a dealer. He is going to do some research through the Audi dealer where it was serviced by original owner.

Transmission may be original. I understand D3 does not use same tranny at D2 and MAY not be as prone to fail. (Any confirmation on this?)

Fuel pump might be original

Some observations:

I am a big guy (ok fat). the 04 roof line seems a little lower, requiring more bending of my inflexible body to get in and out.

Mechanic who has owned both D2s and D3s says the D3 doesn't get as good MPG as the D2 even though the D3 has a 6 speed. Any confirmation of that or reason why?

MP4.2+6.0

Can't resist though. Read the sticky and do some background searches and reading.

On cam drive: maybe your own experience, but to me that it isn't common. Not unheard of, but not routine either. No issues out to 150K w/ it on my 2000 A6 4.2, and still in family.

Tranny: long term the 5 speed from the D2/C5 was a piece of crap reliability wise. Other than, reliably, at about 100K they will have some major internal issue that costs thousands. D3/6 speed is the other end of the universe comparatively. Generally quite reliable and no longer an obvious weak spot like several Audi transmissions of yore. Well matched to D3 motors in general and they got rid of a lot of the lagginess and shift down hesitation the 5 speed 4.2's had.

Mileage: some guys here have come from D2's into 4.2 D3's. See what they say. W12 obviously is more gas than 4.2. I came from C5 4.2, which was essentially the D2 drivetrain wise with a steel body and about the same weight. Net, my mileage cost is the W12 and 100 HP and a bunch of torque and smiles. 6 speed helps both get up and go, and economy. There is a bit more pork from D2 era (although more Aluminum too), and the tires and brakes both grew. But the car is very slippery and six speeds of course cut the average engine revs some.

mishar

+1 on that and, as better qualified (270 lbs) for this part, you will not have any problem getting in and out D3. Lowered seat, raised steering wheel and big door makes it as easy as it generally is for big guys.

dvs_dave

Plenty of room to get in and out for big guys. I'm 6'8" and 300lbs although I suspect younger (mid 30's) than most fellow D3 owners on this board so not yet afflicted with old guy stiffness.

The D3 is much more complicated than the D2. Electronics and air suspension the main areas. The electronics are generally reliable, but if playing up can be tricky to diagnose. Also the air suspension introduces a new set of challenges, especially at higher miles, although easy enough to diagnose and fix.

MPG wise official figures suggest D2 4.2 is same as D3 4.2 so any perceived differences would be negligible at best.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

The ride is not as good as D2 regardless with hi-tech suspension, IMO.
Gas mileage: A8 D3 Gas Mileage Log - AudiAudi
If you drive stop and go like I do now, average mph = 19 mph, you will get only 16-17
Besides the transmission problem in D2, it's solid and reliable.
D3 is very reliable so far for me - 28k miles without a hiccup. 101k miles now with original Tbelt. I don't worry about it much, I'm in CA where the weather is optimum for Audi... :-)


Cheers,

Louis

audijim113

Thanks for the answers guys. Regarding size, I mentioned "if I was 50lbs less". When (wishing) that happens, I'd still be 10 lbs more than Mishar at 270. If you saw me get in and out of my D2, you'd think I was an old man. (you'd be right).

But all of this may be moot. I see a "Whooping discounts on 2014 Audi ad on this screen. Naturally, that means I could have a 2014 for "just a few bucks more than a 2004". Yeah, right!