05audiA6

I have a 2005 A6 3.2 with about 102K miles on it. I was told yesterday by a very reputable mechanic here in Brentwood TN that the tranny was shot- (took it in because it was shifting hard in 1st and 2nd and would go into limp mode) and that I should get rid of it. I love this car and everything else, except the sensors on the left rear light pack work great. I've done some research and figure a new/rebuilt tranny is about 5 to 6K to get done completely. What is the opinion of this group? Trade it or fix it? If fix it, does anyone that lives in or around Nashville TN have any suggestions on who to get to do this type of work.

One more wrinkle - I've thought about parting it out if I don't fix it. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Thanks in advance!

milan_o

Let's assume you want to continue driving an A6.

You will be spending a minimum of $5k to rebuild transmission or for a replacement A6 (either lease or finance), more money out of pocket if you don't finance.

When I look at the cost to own a car, I use maintenance/repair + depreciation + interest + fuel + insurance.

The decision is really trading the $5k for maintenance/repair for the higher depreciation/interest/insurance of the new A6. If you feel you have more repairs coming, use a larger number instead of the $5k. You might want to add $2k for other stuff (sensors, tires, oil changes) to be conservative.

My point is that $5k of depreciation on a newer car can happen pretty quickly (less than 1 year). If you can be comfortable keeping your current A6 for a minimum of 15-24 months after you fix the transmission, you will have probably spent less money overall.

Now if that isn't very important to you, and you just need a little justification for a new A6.....

aTOMic

Hey bud, I am right up the road in Hendersonville! I have heard good things about German Performance Options (GPO) on Lebanon Pike near Fesslers Lane, tell Jerry aTOMic Tom sent you.

If I were you I'd be sure there was not a TSB on this. On my A8L, which is a 2004, there is a known issue with the trans "hooting" and shifting funny, especially when cold; it is cured with a (very expensive) flush and fill using different (improved) fluid and a software update for the trans shifting. I am putting it off for now, as it's only bad when it's really cold out and the car isn't warmed up.

I would also advise to only go to shops which enthusiastically work on VWAG stuff. "Transmission specialists", small shops and non-VWAG-specific garages seldom have the right computer interface since it costs $10k+ and it is a VW/Audi/Bentley specific device. Shops which encourage swapping the trans to cure the problem will lie to you ("Yeah, sure, we gots attair Awdee 'pyooter, o'course!") because it is THEIR only cure - since they don't have the experience or tools to do it RIGHT, i.e., cost effectively for the car's owner. Only cost effective for them. And of course a new trans'll cure it, but even the dealer would charge "only" $1200 for the flush and flash necessary!
Stay away from "Eurofixx"; I have heard some recent horror stories, including one from a close friend who was screwed royally there. Crooks.

If you ever get to Knoxville I think there is a ZF trans specialist there. ZF is the company who makes the transmissions for VWAG and others.
Hope it works out economically for you.
Tom

05audiA6

Thanks guys. I'll give GPO a shout. I really love this car..first time in a very long time that I've been 'attached' to a car.

I also second the Eurofix warning. DO NOT EVER GO THERE!! They are a ripoff.

KevinGary

The ATF lifetime myth may have claimed another one.

odoboyusa

I sent you a pm, might be interested in the car.