I just purchased an 03 A6 Avant 3.0 with 78k mi on it and need some advice as to where to go from here.

The car has spent it's life in Brooklyn and the front and rear bumpers as well as the side skirts and fenders all have significant paint damage to them



I'll add more detailed one's tomorrow once it's light out.

-My primary question is whether you guys think it makes more sense to get the car repainted if the scratches aren't too deep or just get a body kit while I'm at it.
And if body kit route any suggestions for the c5 Avant that doesn't break the bank?

-Also my 80k service is due up and I was wondering what your thoughts were on additional things to have a mechanic look at while I ease my way into doing self-repair.
The tranny had a full rebuild two months ago from PO catching something underneath and then getting stuck in nyc traffic.

-Mod suggestions are more than welcome.

This is going to be a daily commuter on the terribly potholed city streets of Worcester, MA and winter ski transpo in VT so I'm a little hesitant to get it lowered much, should I not be?

I was thinking of replacing the 6cd changer for an aux input and recovering my glove box space but the pricing on parts seems kinda steep compared to an aftermarket stereo, any experiences with either? I've got a Symphony1 I believe.

As a non-turbo does it make any sense to do a chip upgrade, performance air filters, and the like?

-There are some interior parts that need to be replaced such as the center console lid, ashtray, dash cup holder. Where can I easily find these part numbers to order replacements? Would the Bentley's guide have all that?

Sorry to load up on all the questions, I've just been looking at audi **** so much for the past week or so since I found this car, I'm just super excited to get it up to snuff.

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated,
E

 

Shokan and Force 5 are 2 recycled Audi parts near you

http://www.force5auto.com/

http://www.shokan.com/about.php

Chipped Tuning for 3.0L is Unitronic

http://www.unitronic-chipped.com/

Enfig Car Stereo in NJ for your Audio needs

http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GW16AC2.html

 

Much obliged for the reply and linkage, though I had already found them apart from the enfig one. I was more curious as to people's prior experiences with unitronics and it's value. Also the difficulty/price difference of a head unit swap vs. aux mod.

 

I you want a daily driver to keep for a few years start with the planned routine maintenance:
1) The timing belt service is a must and is not cheap, search this out.
2) Get vagcom and learn how to use it cause your going to need it.
3) Mods on a 3.0 are nix, nill and none, it isn’t built for that.
4) You should have an Symphony II system that has a five disc changer
in the head, are you saying you have one in the trunk too?
5) Be ready to spend money, it's just a matter of what’s really important
to keep the boat afloat for now while cosmetics should be the last thing.

Just my two cents, for what its worth.

Good luck!

 

You are 100% correct and my first priority is definitely the maintenance aspects. Since I'm at 78k now and the timing belt is scheduled at 105k to be replaced should I be worrying about it now?

I've seen Vag-Coms on ebay and the like should I be concerned about getting one second hand as opposed to directly from Ross-Tech?

I was mistaken and do have the Symphony II

Side note: I like the crest my family's is quite similar. =)

 

BTW radio upgrades are a bear but can be done, plenty of resources here from other members on this.

A great suggestion is to STF "search the forums" and use the resource tab on the top of the page, many years of great info from folks who took the time to share it.


Ah, the family Crest you noticed.
You must be related to a Maltese/Italian family root too.

 

Aux input on a SymphonyII is pretty cheap - I just did mine with these two parts:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330469566996...84.m1439.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390331919907...84.m1439.l2649

Simple plug in, and the adapter box comes in several flavors (for a generic 3.5mm plug, Ipod/Iphone, etc) You will also need 4 of the flat removal keys to take out the head unit - like these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-pcs-Audi-V...70acf8&vxp=mtr

Total price with shipping about $75.00 and it sounds great.

Jim

 

Oh I've been combing through the forums pretty much constantly the past 4 days. The bumper issue seemed unique enough to warrant a post and I tacked on the other questions in case anybody had new insights.

I do greatly appreciate the help regardless.

Scottish actually

 

Any realtives in Michigan? I know a Rick Carr in his fifties.

 

http://pamsauto.com/default.aspx