2001 Audi A6 from North America - Comments

I purchased a 2001 A6 Avant Quattro 2.8l with 86k going on about two years now, All I have had two do to it was brakes and the timing belt and water pump (All for $1050). It is such an amazing car to drive and spent time in on the long hauls. I hit a deer with it at 75 on the passenger side front, it took out the head light, and the driving light below it, but the amazing part was the I barely felt it, the car barely moved and it was a light thud and I was able to keep driving it to a lighted exit off the desolent hwy I was traveling on at night. nothing was obstructing the wheel and I was able to travel on home. I took it into the body shop and was given a brand new car with 6k miles on it, all I can say is, my car drove out far better!!

I agree with the guy a page back, there are certain things to expect to repair on a car like a Audi, but I would rather put it into this than a ford that drives like it has the miles on it. my car just rolled to 115k and I am amazed at how like new the ride still is.

No regrets so far with this purchase, but it was all about doing the homework. I traced the vehicle back to the originating dealer that serviced it up until 6k miles before I bought it. It was a one owner car, and all the recommended service has been done.

I hope to drive this car beyond 200K!!

I have a 2001 A6 2.7T; the best car I have ever owned or driven. It was a certified car, purchased in 2004, now out of warranty. The check engine light came on 20000 miles ago saying I had a bad torque converter. I then bought an aftermarket warranty to cover the defect. The light went out when I took it back in. When I picked my car up from the dealer, the light came on the next day. After reading about the code, I decided it was FAKE...

20000 miles later, no engine problems, no transmission problems, the check engine light comes on and goes off on it's own and I drive, drive, drive my A6. I now have 123000 miles. Bought it with 45000 miles.

I do worry now that my warranty has expired, but I think this car has at least another 20-40k miles, as smooth and quiet as it is.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

I bought an A6 quattro 2001 in December of 08 with 68k miles on it for $13,000. I've had nothing but major problems with it. I bought an extended warranty at the time and finally exceeded repair work on the car that reached the value of my purchased vehicle.

Repairs included replacing secondary coolant pump, CV boots, major oil leaks around engine and transmission, cam shaft, both turbo engines, all O2 sensors, and now the torque converter to mention a few.

Oh, forgot to bring up the catalytic converter too. Every two months I've had the vehicle it's been in the shop. The check engine light always pops up with something new. Great ride, lousy car. Can't wait to get rid of it.

Oh yes, the instrument cluster light is fading

and I could go on and on. I would never recommend this car to anyone.

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?

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.