22nd Sep 2008, 19:48

I own a 2001 Audi A6 2.8 Quattro for nearly 2 years has 73k.

I recommend having the timing belt and water pump replaced before 80k. Make sure you get a water pump with a metal impeller, not plastic - they will break! Maintenance guide says 90k...do it sooner before it fails. Cost about $750-$900 at a reputable Audi/VW Mechanic at an independent garage.

Notice I said Audi Garage, stay away from the Audi "Stealerships"!!! I got a quote on tie-rods, cv boots, from "Stealership" for $1500-$1700 my mechanic said his cost would be less than $500.

Love the car and plan on driving it a long time. Handles great in any weather. Stay on top of the maintenance and expect repairs along the way... it's well worth it. German attention to detail and quality cannot be beaten!

1st Feb 2009, 15:24

I have no idea what you guys are talking about. I bought a 97 wagon with 140000 on it and now have close to 200000. Not a single problem! Best car I ever owned!

5th Feb 2009, 15:37

I bought a 2002 A6 2.8 Quattro with 47K on it and have regretted it ever since. I finally dumped the car as at 76K I have poured in over 5K in repairs. Some were independent dealer induced, that cracked the exhausts undertaking warranty and servicing work, charged for the replacements!!! CV Joints boots, both sides, and numerous small repairs always coming to $400 to $500. Now the oil leak that is reported above, drivers side. Front end off replace the seals and also the timing belt etc. The car was always in the shop, every time it was touched something happened. Between the cost of purchase and the cost of dumping it and getting a replacement, I could have bought a new and reliable Toyota/Mazda/Honda/vehicle. Agree with all comments about old Mercs, 190E was a stunning car. I will never buy another Audi. When it worked it was stunning but those spells were short. I regret the flirtation and am disgusted that Audi allow such abysmal cars to sully their once good name.

1st Mar 2009, 16:44

I have read everybodys comments on here, and they were very helpful, thank you!.. but now I have a question...

I'm looking into buying my wife and newborn son and 2000 Audi A6 Avant Quattro wagon. It has 120,000 miles and on it, but everything about the car looks brand new. and it is loaded with power everything, navigation, and Bose stereo. Does anybody think that buying this vehicle with is a mistake?.. The seller is asking 5500 and I looked up the Blue Book and it's close to 6500. We are looking to buy a car that will last 200,000 plus miles... I would appreciate anybody's feedback.. thank you!

20th Apr 2009, 17:55

Hi All.

I am looking at a 2001 Audi 2.7T Quattro with just over 50,000 miles for $4,000. One owner, all dealer work, but recently the owner (who is a friend) has become increasingly frustrated with the rash of problems as of late. Any opinions on the likelihood of getting this car to give me 4-5,000 miles a year for the next 4-5 years and not spend a fortune? I understand the problems posted on the board - any preemptive solutions out there that would help control costs, or is this model just so temperamental that there's no way to be sure?

Thanks!

13th Jul 2009, 22:39

Wow.. great reading... I was just given a 97 quattro wagon for free.. now I know why.. he replaced the timing belt, water pump and radiator.. I'm looking at repairing the valve cover gaskets, cam gaskets and rear brakes... but now I think I should just donate the car.. it's a shame.. it's pretty and really nice to drive... Can I drive the thing with the leaky oil or is it going to catch on fire?

20th Jul 2009, 09:43

I own 4 cars and a bike and maintain my kids 3 cars. I am not a mechanic, but know my way around cars.

Just bought a 1999 A6 2.8 Quattro Avant - 75K. Needed new BRAKES. I knew it when I bought it. I replaced the pads and rotors (with really good, non-Audi rotors and pads) myself. The Audi rotors were extremely bad, rotted, cracked, warped. For all you out there that keep having warped rotors, I had the same problem with my two Jeeps. On the Jeeps, it is caused by poorly designed calipers, which cause uneven pressure, wear on the pads, and warping of the rotors. This is a documented problem, with a published service bulletin on the Jeeps. You need to REPLACE the calipers with a new design. Jeep refuses to repair (out of warranty) or recall, even though it is a documented engineering problem. I suspect the same problem exists with the Audi if rotors are always warping. Check service bulletins with Audi.

While working on the brakes, I noticed an OIL LEAK (yes oil) behind the transmission. Can't imagine what it is, but all the posts re:oil leaks are really making me nervous. What the heck is behind the transmission with oil?

CHECK ENGINE light has also come on, and turned off. I will replace oxygen and other sensors before taking it anywhere.

Oh yeah, car gets awful gas mileage, is underpowered, and drives like a tank. Beautiful interior. Great Bose stereo. But never, ever again.

Btw, all this within 1 month!

I have an '86 BMW with fewer/no problems, other than expected repairs and maintenance for 275K miles.

5th Jun 2010, 20:55

I am a former owner of an Audi 2002 2.7T. The car was prone to a lot of headaches, and stress. It chronically needed one repair after another. There was more visits to the mechanic, than with any car I previously owned.

I will say one thing about the car; with its intermittent check engine lights, gas tank leak, turn signal switch and relay failure, brake switch failure, expensive maintenance, and a slew of other problem, on the days it wouldn't give me or my pocketbook a migraine, it was truly a magnificent car to drive.

I am now in an economy sporty car, and I really miss the feel, the power, the handling, and all the little touches Audi puts in their cars. It was an excellent ride, and I don't think I can ever be happy with another car.

If you are mechanically inclined, or have a large checking account, it will give you one of the best rides of your life.