Considering 2012 A6 3.0T - Please advise!
01-22-2019, 06:36 PM
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Considering 2012 A6 3.0T - Please advise!
What's up everyone! New to this forum stuff and looking at buying my first Audi. Looking at getting some opinions. Here's where I'm at....
Looking at a 2012 A6 3.0T with 50k miles. He was asking a pretty reasonable price; but when I test drove the car It drove just fine bit I did get an error message "Do not exceed engine RPM of 4000" (something like this). I've read this is usually just a bad sensor. The other issue I saw was that the MMI screen is stuck in the out position (Not really a big issue, i can deal with that). With these issues in mind I shot him an offer a little under what he was asking, of course he countered. I was hoping to get a PPI but this guy is hard enough to work with (doesn't seam to have the time) and also probably wouldn't trust a stranger with his car for a few hours. He said he would be ok with a PPI basically if i gave him a few extra hundred on top of my offer, basically paying him for his time. Which i don't really think its worth.
Fastforward a week, I was ready to close the deal. I told him to come with all the documents, records, etc. We meet and I go through the records then I ask to take another quick drive as this time I had my girlfriend with me and its good to have a 2nd set of eyes and ears. Anyways, its that time and the car doesnt start!! He tries a few things but nothing works; he suggested we try jumping it as he states he doesn't drive it (seems to be true because the miles didn't go up at all over a 2 week period); jumping it worked but then the MMI screen stayed black, reverse sensors seemed to be acting a little funny and I don't think the side assist was working (has the mirrors with the indicators so I'm assuming it was equipped with it?) but im not sure if this could be some battery conservation mode? He later sent me a photo of the MMI working once he got to his house.
Besides basic maintenance, I noticed he did have the motor mounts replaced at about 35k miles (I've read this is common). The other thing I noticed was that he had some sort of oil leak, which was reported to be a damaged aluminum bolt for the oil cooler (around the same mileage and seemed that the dealer it was serviced at was at fault). These were repaired under the factory warranty and at cost of dealer, respectively.
The other factor is that he does have the Fidelity Platinum Extended warranty (~ 3 months left).
So, basically my concern is, is it safe to purchase without a PPI knowing I have about ~3 months of warranty? Should I pay for the PPI and pay him (~$600 altogether)? Should I buy, then get any issues repaired under the extended warranty for $250 (deductable)?
Oh yeah, he claimed CARMAX offered him what he's willing to take from me about a month ago; and if I dont tell him I want it before the wknd he is taking it back to CARMAX.
At this point I do want the car because its a pretty good deal and fairly clean.... and basically, I like it!! Are these issues anything I should worry about?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!
Looking at a 2012 A6 3.0T with 50k miles. He was asking a pretty reasonable price; but when I test drove the car It drove just fine bit I did get an error message "Do not exceed engine RPM of 4000" (something like this). I've read this is usually just a bad sensor. The other issue I saw was that the MMI screen is stuck in the out position (Not really a big issue, i can deal with that). With these issues in mind I shot him an offer a little under what he was asking, of course he countered. I was hoping to get a PPI but this guy is hard enough to work with (doesn't seam to have the time) and also probably wouldn't trust a stranger with his car for a few hours. He said he would be ok with a PPI basically if i gave him a few extra hundred on top of my offer, basically paying him for his time. Which i don't really think its worth.
Fastforward a week, I was ready to close the deal. I told him to come with all the documents, records, etc. We meet and I go through the records then I ask to take another quick drive as this time I had my girlfriend with me and its good to have a 2nd set of eyes and ears. Anyways, its that time and the car doesnt start!! He tries a few things but nothing works; he suggested we try jumping it as he states he doesn't drive it (seems to be true because the miles didn't go up at all over a 2 week period); jumping it worked but then the MMI screen stayed black, reverse sensors seemed to be acting a little funny and I don't think the side assist was working (has the mirrors with the indicators so I'm assuming it was equipped with it?) but im not sure if this could be some battery conservation mode? He later sent me a photo of the MMI working once he got to his house.
Besides basic maintenance, I noticed he did have the motor mounts replaced at about 35k miles (I've read this is common). The other thing I noticed was that he had some sort of oil leak, which was reported to be a damaged aluminum bolt for the oil cooler (around the same mileage and seemed that the dealer it was serviced at was at fault). These were repaired under the factory warranty and at cost of dealer, respectively.
The other factor is that he does have the Fidelity Platinum Extended warranty (~ 3 months left).
So, basically my concern is, is it safe to purchase without a PPI knowing I have about ~3 months of warranty? Should I pay for the PPI and pay him (~$600 altogether)? Should I buy, then get any issues repaired under the extended warranty for $250 (deductable)?
Oh yeah, he claimed CARMAX offered him what he's willing to take from me about a month ago; and if I dont tell him I want it before the wknd he is taking it back to CARMAX.
At this point I do want the car because its a pretty good deal and fairly clean.... and basically, I like it!! Are these issues anything I should worry about?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!
01-22-2019, 06:46 PM
#2
What's up everyone! New to this forum stuff and looking at buying my first Audi. Looking at getting some opinions. Here's where I'm at....
Looking at a 2012 A6 3.0T with 50k miles. He was asking a pretty reasonable price; but when I test drove the car It drove just fine bit I did get an error message "Do not exceed engine RPM of 4000" (something like this). I've read this is usually just a bad sensor. The other issue I saw was that the MMI screen is stuck in the out position (Not really a big issue, i can deal with that). With these issues in mind I shot him an offer a little under what he was asking, of course he countered. I was hoping to get a PPI but this guy is hard enough to work with (doesn't seam to have the time) and also probably wouldn't trust a stranger with his car for a few hours. He said he would be ok with a PPI basically if i gave him a few extra hundred on top of my offer, basically paying him for his time. Which i don't really think its worth.
Fastforward a week, I was ready to close the deal. I told him to come with all the documents, records, etc. We meet and I go through the records then I ask to take another quick drive as this time I had my girlfriend with me and its good to have a 2nd set of eyes and ears. Anyways, its that time and the car doesnt start!! He tries a few things but nothing works; he suggested we try jumping it as he states he doesn't drive it (seems to be true because the miles didn't go up at all over a 2 week period); jumping it worked but then the MMI screen stayed black, reverse sensors seemed to be acting a little funny and I don't think the side assist was working (has the mirrors with the indicators so I'm assuming it was equipped with it?) but im not sure if this could be some battery conservation mode? He later sent me a photo of the MMI working once he got to his house.
Besides basic maintenance, I noticed he did have the motor mounts replaced at about 35k miles (I've read this is common). The other thing I noticed was that he had some sort of oil leak, which was reported to be a damaged aluminum bolt for the oil cooler (around the same mileage and seemed that the dealer it was serviced at was at fault). These were repaired under the factory warranty and at cost of dealer, respectively.
The other factor is that he does have the Fidelity Platinum Extended warranty (~ 3 months left).
So, basically my concern is, is it safe to purchase without a PPI knowing I have about ~3 months of warranty? Should I pay for the PPI and pay him (~$600 altogether)? Should I buy, then get any issues repaired under the extended warranty for $250 (deductable)?
Oh yeah, he claimed CARMAX offered him what he's willing to take from me about a month ago; and if I dont tell him I want it before the wknd he is taking it back to CARMAX.
At this point I do want the car because its a pretty good deal and fairly clean.... and basically, I like it!! Are these issues anything I should worry about?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!
Looking at a 2012 A6 3.0T with 50k miles. He was asking a pretty reasonable price; but when I test drove the car It drove just fine bit I did get an error message "Do not exceed engine RPM of 4000" (something like this). I've read this is usually just a bad sensor. The other issue I saw was that the MMI screen is stuck in the out position (Not really a big issue, i can deal with that). With these issues in mind I shot him an offer a little under what he was asking, of course he countered. I was hoping to get a PPI but this guy is hard enough to work with (doesn't seam to have the time) and also probably wouldn't trust a stranger with his car for a few hours. He said he would be ok with a PPI basically if i gave him a few extra hundred on top of my offer, basically paying him for his time. Which i don't really think its worth.
Fastforward a week, I was ready to close the deal. I told him to come with all the documents, records, etc. We meet and I go through the records then I ask to take another quick drive as this time I had my girlfriend with me and its good to have a 2nd set of eyes and ears. Anyways, its that time and the car doesnt start!! He tries a few things but nothing works; he suggested we try jumping it as he states he doesn't drive it (seems to be true because the miles didn't go up at all over a 2 week period); jumping it worked but then the MMI screen stayed black, reverse sensors seemed to be acting a little funny and I don't think the side assist was working (has the mirrors with the indicators so I'm assuming it was equipped with it?) but im not sure if this could be some battery conservation mode? He later sent me a photo of the MMI working once he got to his house.
Besides basic maintenance, I noticed he did have the motor mounts replaced at about 35k miles (I've read this is common). The other thing I noticed was that he had some sort of oil leak, which was reported to be a damaged aluminum bolt for the oil cooler (around the same mileage and seemed that the dealer it was serviced at was at fault). These were repaired under the factory warranty and at cost of dealer, respectively.
The other factor is that he does have the Fidelity Platinum Extended warranty (~ 3 months left).
So, basically my concern is, is it safe to purchase without a PPI knowing I have about ~3 months of warranty? Should I pay for the PPI and pay him (~$600 altogether)? Should I buy, then get any issues repaired under the extended warranty for $250 (deductable)?
Oh yeah, he claimed CARMAX offered him what he's willing to take from me about a month ago; and if I dont tell him I want it before the wknd he is taking it back to CARMAX.
At this point I do want the car because its a pretty good deal and fairly clean.... and basically, I like it!! Are these issues anything I should worry about?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!
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A665 (11-07-2019)
01-22-2019, 07:02 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Don't walk, run. Dodgy/difficult seller. Too many issues already known to you before thorough PPI for a car with 50K miles. Too much pressure coming from seller. Another bus will appear in due course. I would wait for a no issues car that has been well loved and is being sold by someone you have a comfort level with. Just my 2 cents. Best of luck.
PS -- excellent advice from Raj but I will add that you should be certain the PPI is done by an Audi specialist or a trusted dealer. You might want to ask the dealer if there are any open recalls or service campaigns and for a printout of the car's warranty history and any post-warranty history in case seller hasn't shared everything with you. However, again, I would walk away from this one on the basis of the seller's attitude alone.
Jeff
PS -- excellent advice from Raj but I will add that you should be certain the PPI is done by an Audi specialist or a trusted dealer. You might want to ask the dealer if there are any open recalls or service campaigns and for a printout of the car's warranty history and any post-warranty history in case seller hasn't shared everything with you. However, again, I would walk away from this one on the basis of the seller's attitude alone.
Jeff
01-23-2019, 06:54 AM
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As the others said, way too many problems for what little time you've tested the car. Also way too many problems for a car with only 50k miles. Think about how many more problems it could have in the next 50k miles. Best to be patient and wait for a car with zero issues, they're out there. My 2c!
01-23-2019, 07:21 AM
#6
IMHO, the issue with the power could simply be as a result of a degraded battery and considering these cars have a plethora of electrical drains, I'd say a 7 year old battery is about close to EOL. Our cars go in battery mgmt. mode when low, which impacts many of the none vital electrical systems in the vehicle. With a good thorough PPI, you'll be able to ascertain the nature of the issues and decide if you want to proceed. The issue that would have me concerned is the one you pointed out in your initial test drive - "Do not exceed engine RPM of 4000"
01-23-2019, 08:29 AM
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Walk Away...
Concur with the others -- too many issues. Unless you got a significant discount (and even that might not be enough), I'd wait until I found the right car.
Even considering that this is a first MY for the C7, this is not normal. My 2012 3.0T quattro has nearly 86K on the clock, and I have had only a side mirror motor replaced and the carbon removal done for the P0491 secondary air fault. Other than that, it's been a great car... arguably the best I've owned.
No reason you shouldn't expect the same. This car is not a gamble worth taking, IMHO.
Even considering that this is a first MY for the C7, this is not normal. My 2012 3.0T quattro has nearly 86K on the clock, and I have had only a side mirror motor replaced and the carbon removal done for the P0491 secondary air fault. Other than that, it's been a great car... arguably the best I've owned.
No reason you shouldn't expect the same. This car is not a gamble worth taking, IMHO.
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01-23-2019, 10:47 AM
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I wouldn't say he has been "dodgy" per se, he just sounds like he doesn't like the hassle of selling a car. lol
I did the Autocheck (i think) and nothing came up, and it looks like he has all the maintenance records.
Raj, thats what I was thinking! I feel like the 2nd set of issues I experienced was just a dead battery; after we jumped it, i think it was still low (I know for a fact he didn't let it charge enough before starting; only the time it took to walk and start the car).
It doesn't seem like its been cared for how I would have liked. But, judging from his reaction I dont think he knew about the issues until I presented them to him. lol
The "Do not exceed engine RPM of 4000" was only cuz I floored it on the test drive, which probably wouldnt happen in normal day-to-day driving.
But big thanks to all of you for your input. I will probably be walking away unless I can get a good PPI done. I agree there are more A6's out there, but waiting sometimes sucks. haha
I did the Autocheck (i think) and nothing came up, and it looks like he has all the maintenance records.
Raj, thats what I was thinking! I feel like the 2nd set of issues I experienced was just a dead battery; after we jumped it, i think it was still low (I know for a fact he didn't let it charge enough before starting; only the time it took to walk and start the car).
It doesn't seem like its been cared for how I would have liked. But, judging from his reaction I dont think he knew about the issues until I presented them to him. lol
The "Do not exceed engine RPM of 4000" was only cuz I floored it on the test drive, which probably wouldnt happen in normal day-to-day driving.
But big thanks to all of you for your input. I will probably be walking away unless I can get a good PPI done. I agree there are more A6's out there, but waiting sometimes sucks. haha
01-23-2019, 11:52 AM
#9
AudiWorld Senior Member
Unless you floored it stone cold I don't see why that message would pop up. I have no idea if it pops up normally when one floors car when stone cold. You are doing the right thing. No sense starting off on this footing. Be patient the right car is out there.
01-23-2019, 12:26 PM
#10
