Rust?
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: In the Cloud
All audi a6 c5 sheet metal is galvanized, so rust is infrequent. That said, check the upper fender curves, and trailing fender areas. Other areas may be rusted, but only if body shop repairs were poorly done.
The suspension crossmembers that are steel will rust, but not a structural problem in most cases.
The suspension crossmembers that are steel will rust, but not a structural problem in most cases.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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Correct as stated, all C5 sheet metal is double sided galvanized. So if original, and with minimal care you should be good. I believe the new car rust thru warranty was 12 years. There is an exception. The roof panel on C5 Avant's have been known to rust at the long car length seam / laser weld to the side panels. Not terrible. But I have heard of Audi re-painting Avant roof panels while the car was still within 12 year warranty.
Good luck!
Good luck!
AudiWorld Expert
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 27,196
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From: Lexington, MA
I'd suggest you take a close look at the gutter rails along the roofline, and look at the hinge area along to top of the hatch opening (had previous owner kept that area clean?), and the lower corners of the doors just above the door blades for bubbling paint (rust underneath). The 3.0 was not the best engine for the C5.
From Tech Guru 4Driver4:
From Tech Guru 4Driver4:
- The 2.8 engine is rock solid. The main complaint seems to be oil leaks; particularly from the cam adjuster seals. If you keep up with oil changes, do your timing belt services on time, and replace cam adjuster seals with each timing belt service, you will have no problems.
- The 3.0 engine utilizes a more complex valve timing adjustment system. 02 and 03 engines have seen lubrication issues to the bank one head. The torque converters in the 3.0 have seen internal seal failures.
Thread Starter
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I greatly appreciate the detailed advice, folks. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks bunches.
I've read quite a bit of 4driver4's thoughts on the 3.0, I've learned a lot from what he's had to say about a lot of technical topics here. I'm glad he's been assertive about it...I appreciate what I've learned. I'm not sure the engine is worthy of that strong of a generalization, though, as there are others who have very positive reports on their 3.0s.
I'm on the lookout for an Avant, though I don't want the jump in complexity of a C6, or a C5 Allroad, and I'd like a more usable rear seat than my B5 A4 has, so A6. Already means I'm targeting an old car, and it would be even more so with a 2.8. That narrows engine choices to a 3.0 for now, with inspection.
My biggest obstacle thus far has been emissions related, and sellers who clear codes to hide the work the car needs. Good thing I'm not in a huge hurry.
I've read quite a bit of 4driver4's thoughts on the 3.0, I've learned a lot from what he's had to say about a lot of technical topics here. I'm glad he's been assertive about it...I appreciate what I've learned. I'm not sure the engine is worthy of that strong of a generalization, though, as there are others who have very positive reports on their 3.0s.
I'm on the lookout for an Avant, though I don't want the jump in complexity of a C6, or a C5 Allroad, and I'd like a more usable rear seat than my B5 A4 has, so A6. Already means I'm targeting an old car, and it would be even more so with a 2.8. That narrows engine choices to a 3.0 for now, with inspection.
My biggest obstacle thus far has been emissions related, and sellers who clear codes to hide the work the car needs. Good thing I'm not in a huge hurry.
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