2000 A6 4.2... should I buy it??? lookin for advice..

[Ricky Spanish]

Hello.. Never been in this part of the forum but have some questions you guys should be able to help me with... Long story short my B6 was vandalized and is being totaled... I quite experienced with VWs and Audis but mostly with the turbo models..

Now to get to the point.. I'm lookin for a new ride and I came across a 2000 A6 4.2l.. It has 130000 miles on it. All dealer serviced. Owner is the second owner but he bought it from a friend of his and has all the service records. New tires, battery and brakes. Timing belt done around 90000. He's selling the car cause its his wife's and she is going to Greece for a year (family crap) and he doesn't want it just sitting. He said inside and out the car is like new. He wants $5700 which seems reasonable and he said he's willing to deal a little..

As I said I'm well versed in the turbos but this is a whole new ball game for me.. Does this seem like a good deal? What are some of the issues these cars have? Anything in particular I should be looking for when I go check it out?? I have no issue maintaining a car. I know these cars are expensive and I accept that but I don't want something that is crushing my bank account every month... Any and all advice is appreciated... Thanks in advance..

[svirk2]

tranny problems, and you can search

[Ricky Spanish]

Yes I could... And I did.. That doesn't tell me if its a good price... I don't even know why I come here anymore... Go search is everyones answer to everything... Heaven forbid anyone ask a question that's ever been covered before...

[audinutt]

Go to quattroworld much friendlier crowd, but sounds reasonable, plan for the transmission to need a rebuild in the next 60k

Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk 2

[rollerton]

I'll guess that if you've been through a few VAG Turbo cars then the 4.2 will be the most reliable car you have ever owned. Maybe I've just been lucky- but I haven't had much trouble with any of the Audi's I've owned. The issues I HAVE had were fairly routine and nothing to get upset about~ Timing belts, a PS rack, control arms etc.
That being said....I have had exactly $0 in "repairs" to my wife's S6 (4.2) in the year or so we've owned it (it did need front pads and a battery when we bought it). It's been so good I bought ANOTHER one.
I've had mine about 6 months and in that time I've done front pads and the oil filter bracket seals~ $70 in parts and 5 or 6 hours to do it.
Being an AUDI it's bound to have an issue from time to time, but the only 4.2 specific issues I can think of are the trans (both my S6's have rebuilded trans's) and that oil cooler bracket seal. It's somewhat of a bitch of a job, but nothing an average guy who's cheap/determined can't handle.
$5700 seems like an average price, doesn't sound like a steal...it's really not even on the low side. Unless there's something that grabs you about the car I'd get hime down to under $5k. It's not a super desirable car to most people because of the fuel economy, so not likely to sell quick at that price- unless it's got some mods/ accessories.

[lucio_liu]

4.2 engine is generally reliable but for 130k mileage has been put to the car. you should expect some extra $$ for repairs.

let's say it conservertively $1000/year. obviously tranny rebluid will cost more, and you shouldn't be unaware of it.

[Ricky Spanish]

Thank you guys for the solid replies... I really do appreciate it... I dont give a rats ass about MPG.. Just not my style... Driving should be fun.. period.. I am aware of the tranny.. Next time I talk to him Ill see if its been rebuilt or what the situation is on it... Only reason it caught my eye is because he has every service record and its in mint condition... But he was foreign so I couldnt understand some of what he was saying over the phone... Ill go give it the once over in person so I can talk face to face with him..


thanks again...

[mithril]

I dont give a rats ass about MPG.. Just not my style... Driving should be fun.. period.. I am aware of the tranny..

Everyone says this until the reality of thinking of 14mpg as "a good day" sets in. I don't regret buying either the S6 or the 4.2L A6 before it, but the novelty of $100/week for only 150miles of driving does wear out pretty quickly ;)

[lucio_liu]

it's a good weekend car, good for road trip, very comfortable on highway.

14 mpg doesn't soundsgreat for a long distance daily driving car.

my 2.8 (17/22 or so. ) has a overall 18, I am ok with that.

[Ricky Spanish]

I drive 25 miles to work each day but its alllllllllll highway.. I live near the highway and my work is right off the highway..

[lucio_liu]

I drive 25 miles to work each day but its alllllllllll highway.. I live near the highway and my work is right off the highway..

25miles/day *360days=9000
if 25 miles is one way than approxmitaly total would be 15000~18000

all highways means you also save on engine, tranny and suspension etc..

[mithril]

If it's all highway expect to see 18 - 20mpg on average.

[Widebody4.2]

Price is decent better deals can be found, I just totaled one with 127k on it and insurance paid me 7200 for it. Tranny is a obvious issue on these cars, its truly a roll of the dice. Some blow up at 100k ilikeaudis is pushing 170k and is far from gentle.

Also if you goal is to tune and make faster the 4.2 is not the car for you. The aftermarket doesn't exist.

[ddillenger]

I would kill for a clean casablanca white 4.2 car with a blown motor/trans to put my stage3 2.7/6 speed into.

[DJPardy]

20 mpg highway is a little on the optimistic side. However, if you decide to buy the 4.2, not only is it one of the most bulletproof engines in a VAG vehicle but it will make you smile all the way to the gas station. The 4.2 A6, IMO, is one of the best balances between sport, luxury, and craziness. And the price seems great, but as with any car, just be careful. Check for any leaks, yadda yadda. I have a 2002 4.2 at 173k with tip, runs beautifully, came loaded and with the sport package. It's loved not only by myself, but by my family, friends, people I see on the road and all the techs in the Audi dealer (where I work so they may be biased or kissing my ass). I approve and I think you'll love it. Hope I helped.

[Widebody4.2]

I would kill for a clean casablanca white 4.2 car with a blown motor/trans to put my stage3 2.7/6 speed into.

I'd help you swap!

[mithril]

20 mpg highway is a little on the optimistic side.

Not really. I averaged 21-22 going up and mountains and 23 - 24 on flat runs in my old 4.2. Hell, I pull 17 hwy in my S6 with it's gearing that runs it at 1000rev higher than the A6. 18 - 20 should be more than attainable for the average car and driver.

[NuGGet_PuFFer]

I would kill for a clean casablanca white 4.2 car with a blown motor/trans to put my stage3 2.7/6 speed into.

This is what I'm doing! 2000 casa white 4.2 sedan with a blown trans I got for $1,750, and I'm swapping the 2.7, 01e, ecu, harness, and burgundy interior from my 2000 2.7 into it.

[AudiSport12]

Transmission went on my A6 4.2 a little after 100kmi. Sold it for broken for $3300. Before that I loved it.

[alterdcreations]

This is what I'm doing! 2000 casa white 4.2 sedan with a blown trans I got for $1,750, and I'm swapping the 2.7, 01e, ecu, harness, and burgundy interior from my 2000 2.7 into it.

Almost pick up that car...lol. Very clean exterior.

Honestly +$5000 is too much unless the tranny is covered for 25,000 miles or 2 years

[NuGGet_PuFFer]

Almost pick up that car...lol. Very clean exterior.

Honestly +$5000 is too much unless the tranny is covered for 25,000 miles or 2 years

This was a little while back, like late fall/early winter. Had to drive 6 hours down to Maryland and had it towed back, same car?

[alterdcreations]

No, The one I was looking at was in rhode island about 2 month ago....but I see them available almost to often

[AudiA4_20T]

Transmission went on my A6 4.2 a little after 100kmi. Sold it for broken for $3300. Before that I loved it.

surprised you got that much, I wouldn't pay more than like $1500