krazzz

I have owned many Audi/VWs in the past including A8, A4, Passat, Jetta, Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type III, and Bus, buddies, etc. So while I'm no stranger to these Germain cars, it has been over 10 years since I have owned one and I am totally out of the loop. I'm looking to spend about $7500 so it will likely be something 10-15 years old with 100-125k miles or so. I am a shade tree mechanic and never take my cars to a mechanic. I have most tools needed to work on these including a VAGCOM and a vehicle lift. In the past, I have done several timing belts and control arm jobs, including on the A8. I will likely try and get a southern one as I am in the rust belt. I would like to keep this vehicle for at least 10 years and I only drive about 7,500 miles a year. I don't mind doing routine maintenance but I don't want to be doing "all weekend" type jobs costing $2k or more. (I consider timing belts and control arms routine maintenance.) Would you be afraid of one with higher miles (150-175k) if they are clean with all service records?

1. Which years should I avoid?
2. What engine is the most reliable? (with normal maintenance)
3. I see the 3.2 has a rear timing chain?!?! How often do these go out? The job looks like a huge pain so I'm not sure I want one with the 3.2 unless you guys say it really isn't a concern.
3. How many miles are these engines/transmissions good for these days?
4. Anything specific I should look for in a '05-'14?

Sverige

For the kind of money you mentioned, you’d be at the newer end of the C6 range, or an S6 which will happily keep you busy with maintenance tasks!

The 3.2FSI engine does have rear timing chains and they are a pain in the *** (and back) when the chain tensioners fail any time from 80k miles onwards and then maybe again a while after that.But it’s not an engine out job.

But the C6 is a great car. If you’re not afraid of DIY fixing it I wouldn’t advise you against purchasing. This forum has been a life saver for me with advice on various things and I hope it continues that way.

I don’t think there are certain years to avoid, but the experience of @kelisko suggests you might be better sticking with this generation than the newer C7s.

G-Can

for 7.5K he wont get a C7 series (A6,A7 models)

A6 with 3.0 superchargerd would fit in that number, and then put aside, 2-3k in parts and labour is your time to have your self a nice car.

krazzz

Thanks, it's good to know it isn't an "engine out job" as I thought it was. What a terrible design. I don't mind doing the work but I don't want to kill myself doing or spending hundreds of hours. If every 4-6 months I need to spend a day and a half I am fine with that. I have a lift so it makes many jobs easier. I just sold my diesel truck and every job on that was a nightmare. I'm not looking to repeat.

Sallad

I would personally get at least a 2009 and up A6, for the Supercharger alone!

As you can see from below, I've owned both engines. 09 and up with the 3.0 SC is a nice smooth engine.

I've done the timing adjusters on my 09, and it wasn't too bad of a job. Just need the right tools. Amazon for that.

AudiAllTheWay

There are four chains with guides and tensioners. The two upper tensioners can be replaced with engine in but the rest are engine out when the time comes. Engine out is inevitable so if your not up to it or dislike the design then 🤷‍♂️

kelisko

Sverige is spot on. If you are looking for a good project car that is relatively reliable, go for the 3.2 FSI. The 3.0 TFSI is less reliable, adds complexity and is lifeless compared to the 3.2 FSI. The only positive thing you get with the 3.0 TFSI is additional power that you don't really need. Here are few points that make the 3.2 FSI powertrain a winner:

Air intake
3.2 - A very light and easily removable intake manifold.
3.0 - A heavy supercharger that is super complicated to remove.

Power steering
3.2 - Fluid fed, reliable despite leaks to fix at some point.
3.0 - Electric, requires total replacement in case of failure.

Engine heat and pressure
3.2 - Low heat and pressure so less stress on engine components.
3.0 - High heat and pressure, coolant pump fails all the time.

Engine and exhaust sound
3.2 - Naturally aspirated awesome sounds.
3.0 - Forced induction muted sounds.

Handling and steering
3.2 - Good handling and great steering with feedback.
3.0 - Nose heavy and lifeless steering.

AudiAllTheWay

Some things are incorrect with the above comments.

All NAR C6 have hydraulic steering. The chassis after C6 is electric steering rack.

Supercharger can be removed in half an hour by one person without breaking a sweat. The SC is a few pounds heavier than the 3.2 intake but it’s worth it for additional power on a 4100+lb car.

The 3.0T engine is built for the extra heat and pressure of forced induction.

Coolant pumps do not fail all the time. Mine is 13 years old and original.

This pic is 2011 C6 A6 3.0T with hydraulic steering reservoir visible

Sallad

Yup, I can have my SC off pretty quick. Just the belt, two hoses, three plugs and two vac lines. 6 nuts and its off with 25 mins

Plus i gutted my intake tube so I can hear the SC whine. Love it!


Just did the factory water pump last weekend. 261,XXX kms. Seems pretty reliable to me.

G-Can

I would with no doubt go for 3.0T, I really cant see how 3.2 can be a better engine in anyway.
It is lazy, it burns fuel like crazy, it sounds rough at acceleration, its full of issues that are common on all of them (most of the issues are on 3.0T as well... so, if u r picking, pick one that is more powerfull...
a remap on thos alone will get you to 330-350hp, which makes it a seriously perky car for its size.