Thinking of purchasing a 2006 A6 4.2 with 126,000 miles. Any thoughts?

[mt8667]

I'm currently looking at a 2006 A6 4.2, 126K miles, night blue/amaretto with tech pkg. Need the AWD for work. I drove the car, runs nice, MMI is functional. A good look at the engine revealed no flaws or red flags. The price (I won't say what it is) is good, and the dealership is willing to help me get out of my 2005 C230 Kompressor sedan. Any things I should look for with this car? Is there a chance that this could be a good car that will last another 50-75K miles? New to Audizine, thanks' in advance for the insight

[mt8667]

I must also add I do most of my own maintenance, so water pumps, coil packs, that sort of thing would not be a major issue.

[IanCH]

Do you have the service records? Are they complete? what is the oil change interval that has been maintained?

[mt8667]

No maint records, I would do an oil change immediately after purchase. Service history is a big?

[Lazlovision]

From what I've read here having maintenance history is a big must... Lots of people for example change the oil at the Audi suggested 10k miles which is pretty nonsense. Can't comment too much on other problems, but I'm guessing it might need new suspension components at that mileage. Also, early C6's may have timing chain / chain tensioner issues - it's been discussed in other threads recently and performing maintenance or repairs on the chain requires taking the engine out as it's on the back side near the transmission.

Then again, if you're getting a good deal it could be worth it.

[IanCH]

Personally, I would only buy a car with a chain driven engine at that mileage if it had it's oil changed every 5k or less and had kept with service intervals on parts. But I may be pickier than you.

Yes, service history is a huge deal when buying a car, if it has no service history I would just leave it and look for another.

[mt8667]

Well, I need AWD or 4WD for work, I also need something with a good safety rating with a child on the way. I don't like BMW styling, sick of MB, never been a fan of Subaru's, been there done that Honda/Acura thing, would never buy a Chevy (no offense to anyone, I think I'm safe on here). The A6 styling is nice, the thing drove like a tank, has a good IIHS rating. Its either an 06 A6 with some miles or a 07 Ford Explorer with some miles. A4 too small, just coming out of a C-class, also too small. Just have that fear of the CEL blowing up on day 2 of ownership, but that could happen to one with 80,000 miles on it right?

[IanCH]

Well, I need AWD or 4WD for work, I also need something with a good safety rating with a child on the way. I don't like BMW styling, sick of MB, never been a fan of Subaru's, been there done that Honda/Acura thing, would never buy a Chevy (no offense to anyone, I think I'm safe on here). The A6 styling is nice, the thing drove like a tank, has a good IIHS rating. Its either an 06 A6 with some miles or a 07 Ford Explorer with some miles. A4 too small, just coming out of a C-class, also too small. Just have that fear of the CEL blowing up on day 2 of ownership, but that could happen to one with 80,000 miles on it right?

You should look further away from you if possible. It would be worth it to go the distance for a car with a good service history.

I don't know about PA, but in Mass all used cars have a 30-90 day warranty mandated by the state covering any and all issues.

What's your price range?

[mt8667]

This car was about 65 miles from me. As far as price, let's just say 13000. There are a few within 50-75 miles of here but this particular one happened to be the color combo I like, w/ nav.

[SinCityA6]

The 4.2 motor and the Tiptronic transmission are basically bullet proof when maintained properly. Without any service records it is a hard call to make. At a minimum, get the "VIN" and take it to an Audi dealer. Have the service advisor/manager run the VIN. If the car has been serviced at ANY Audi dealer, it will show. Look for any recalls or TSBs that have/have not been done. Once that is done, get the car over to a quailified mechanic that YOU trust for an independent inspection. Then, take all the information that you have and make as best an educated decision you can with the facts you have.

[mt8667]

The 4.2 motor and the Tiptronic transmission are basically bullet proof when maintained properly. Without any service records it is a hard call to make. At a minimum, get the "VIN" and take it to an Audi dealer. Have the service advisor/manager run the VIN. If the car has been serviced at ANY Audi dealer, it will show. Look for any recalls or TSBs that have/have not been done. Once that is done, get the car over to a quailified mechanic that YOU trust for an independent inspection. Then, take all the information that you have and make as best an educated decision you can with the facts you have.

Very good idea, thanks!

[KAL]

+1 to what SinCity has said. Also make suuuuuuure you request a cold start when you go to inspect the car. That's when you will have the highest chance of hearing chain rattle (which is a symptom of chain guide failure) if it has any.


Kal

[mt8667]

Sent the VIN to my local Audi dealer in Mechanicsburg, PA. Awaiting their response. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Kevin1]

I am the original owner of an 05 4.2 with 123k miles. Been dealer maintained and has had the oil changed every 5k miles, the ATF and differential every 40k miles, and the coil packs and fuel filter at 100k, and is running like new. If maintained properly they are very durable.

[mt8667]

Audi service department in Mechanicsburg, PA tells me that they cannot look up service history with VIN. They suggested I get a Carfax and contact each dealership that may be listed on there?

[IanCH]

Getting a carfax is highly advised, for my car everything down to wash and detail done by the dealership was on there. Sounds like they are putting you on the right track.

[SinCityA6]

Audi service department in Mechanicsburg, PA tells me that they cannot look up service history with VIN. They suggested I get a Carfax and contact each dealership that may be listed on there?

My SA says that the dealership should be abler to pull up history of any warranty work/TSB work done regardless of dealership. As long as it was done by an Audi dealership.

[Kevin1]

My SA says that the dealership should be abler to pull up history of any warranty work/TSB work done regardless of dealership. As long as it was done by an Audi dealership.

That is my understanding as well.

[mt8667]

Here's the CARFAX, looks like Serpentine belt, battery, fuel sending unit and Valve cover gasket were replaced so far: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=ATD_U

[mt8667]

I bought the car and love it so far! Looking to buy VAG-COM / VCDS. Do you need to get the $600 kit from Ross-Tech or can you get the $200 ebay kit? Is it the same thing?

[IanCH]

Look on amazon for the 80 dollar usb hex+can cable.

[SinCityA6]

I bought the car and love it so far! Looking to buy VAG-COM / VCDS. Do you need to get the $600 kit from Ross-Tech or can you get the $200 ebay kit? Is it the same thing?

Congrats! Pics or it didn't happen!

[mt8667]

Here's a pic, I'll post more once a wash/wax is finished!

[IMG][/IMG]

[eazy211187]

Nice!!!!! First order calls for tinted windows and not too dark or too light. Just in between.

Did you buy an extended warranty?

Just buy it direct from ross tech :http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html
It comes with a yr of tech support.

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ross-tech-VC...be4a54&vxp=mtr

[mt8667]

No Extended warranty, unfortunately. However the car seems to have been very well maintained and I will continue to do that, hopefully I can get 5 more years out of it!

[holywater]

I have 90K on my 4.2 C6 and it runs like an energizer battery it keeps going and going. The C6 V8 is a tank (in a good way...tough car) and runs great. Only weak area was a leaky radiator around 8XK miles but $750 later we were all good again. I would definitely recommend this car.

[mt8667]

Anyone know if A5 wheels will fit on this A6 without spacers/rings? I think I need something around 18x8 ET38.

[AudiSport12]

Parents got rid of their '05 A6 4.2 because it was 'falling apart.' A new light on the dash every day it seemed and the transmission was on its way out. Traded it in to the dealership at 105k mi and got 9k for it. Pops was an Audi tech for 12 years and was the Service Manager at the Audi store for another 10 years so it wasn't neglected at all. He just wanted out of the problems!

But then again we've always had bad luck with the trannys bolted to the 4.2.. the parents '98 A8's tranny had to be replaced (common in older A8's), I sold my '00 A6 4.2 with a toasted tranny (first year of the 4.2 in the A6), and then the '05 A6's was about to shit (first year the 4.2 was in the C6 chassis).

Anyways, hopefully you have better luck!

[Scotty@Advanced]

The C6 4.2 A6 has the cam chain engine and has the same problems as the S4 with cam chain guides and the chains themselves. Also the cylinder walls have been known to scuff, resulting in low compression and an engine replacement is required.

Repair of the cam chains is a ~$5000-$6000 bill.

[KAL]

There is an application to stop chain rattle. Accusump prw oiling systems. This doesnt repair the chain components obviously but it prevents the action of chain rattle by pre oiling the engine which stops further deterioration of the components due to the chain slapping slapping around before building oil pressure. Canton racing has recently made a set up specifically for the 4.2 mpi. There are already two guys in the s4 section that have custom fitted the accusump for about a year now with Zero issues. Check it out in the thread the solution to chain rattle. Id have posted the link but im on my phone

[SinCityA6]

Anyone know if A5 wheels will fit on this A6 without spacers/rings? I think I need something around 18x8 ET38.

I am running A5 S-Line wheels on mine. 19X9.5 et32. Dont need spacers, but do need hub centric rings!

[mt8667]

I am running A5 S-Line wheels on mine. 19X9.5 et32. Dont need spacers, but do need hub centric rings!

Thanks for the info!!! No problems with my timing chain at all, no rattle. Only issue I have found with the car is an occasional "stuttering" after decelerating and then accelerating again slowly. It has happened 3-4 times in 350 miles. Maybe a tranny fluid change would help? I've also heard a tranny fluid change could make things slip worse.

[KAL]

That could be your torque converter engaging and disengaging.

[mt8667]

I ordered an oil change kit from blauparts, anyone have a good DIY for the 4.2 (C6)?

[mt8667]

Oil change complete. Took off the skid plate, saw the hole, shrugged my shoulders. There was a small metal washer included in the filter kit (not the drain plug washer), anyone know where that goes? Even sucked the residual oil out of the filter housing and still couldn't find a place for it.

[Quattro_2.7tt]

We have an 05 A6 3.2 with 110K its been very solid car. Just normal maint., ebrake module failed, MMI failed, and tire pressure light comes on a lot but thats it. I know its not a 4.2 but I think both the 4.2 and 3.2 are solid vehicles if taken care of.