i_heart_my_DB8

Alright, posted a thread a few weeks ago looking for a car, and am considering a gently used 2006 Audi A3 2.0, 6MT. 70k miles.

I have a slight concern about what to expect from a maintenance perspective on a german car with 70k miles on it, and the last thing I'd need would be for something to break/need replacing and have a high cost repair. Unfortunately, I don't really have much experience or knowledge about what to expect. Is a high(er) mileage Audi something I should be concerned with as it approaches 100k miles? Or am I just overly concerned with no real basis?

Thoughts? Anecdotes? Or at the very least is there a standard "expected cost of ownership" site?

Thanks!

jpark

not an expert on this, but burning oil is a common problem with the 2.0t motors but nothing to worry about really. Diverter valves were also an issue with the early model a3's.

Also service the cam follower regularly (every 25k miles or so)

nofearofdanger

I would stay away from German cars all together.

Ted H

Well you certainly live up to your name...

As usual with the Audis I'd worry more about the electronics than anything else. I've heard of the oil issue... I'd research it more. I'd just be very careful to assess the condition of the electronics.

asrautox

I had one for about 3 years. It's a great car for what it is, but as with any older Audi they will start to nickel and dime you to death. I had the following issues at less than 60k:

2x interior door handles broke in half
2x center console plastic broken
1x rear window failure (mechanism ate itself)
1x worn window switchgear
1x clutch sticking issue
2x rear brake light failure
1x fog light failure

Overall though, the brakes, engine, and tranny were all pretty robust. Mine was a Stage 2 car with full suspension and RS4 replicas. It was great fun to drive, though a little nose heavy. I averaged about 28mpg with mixed driving and I beat the snot out of it daily. Regular maintenance included emptying your catch can with every oil change (required on these cars), replacing the cam follower every 20k, and getting the intake valves cleaned every 50k..

Presto123

If the last thing you need to worry about is something breaking, stay away from ze Germans.

i_heart_my_DB8

Eesh, sounds like I need to do some research, thanks for the input everyone.

The good news is that the car has been stock the entire time, and will remain stock if I buy it. Replacing the cam follower every 20k? That sounds expensive.

asrautox

Well, some people will tell you it'll last 60k, others have had theirs fail at 30k. It's a $50 part, and labor can be done by yourself easily so I played it safe and just did it every 20k.

bastanu

I got rid of mine 9 month ago. It was a 08 with 60k. The main issue was oil consumption, it would need a quart every couple of weeks, more if driven hard...The dealer was not caring about it, even if the problem started in warranty. I heard that others were ok with it for more than 100k, but some were not and they have to cough up the bucks for a new engine. For some reasons the AC seems very fragile, mine was fixed several times but it was still not working good. Every now and than some plastic trim will fall or rattle but that was no big deal...

madkimchi

+1.

i do drive audi (not with 2.0 turbo engine) and it's been real good to me actually. bout to hit 50k miles within next few days and had only 2 minor things. valve cover gasket (known problem) and armrest lid (also known problem). other than that no problem so far and i knew it will cost me a lot more if it does break down and will break down more frequently than japanese cars. but so far so good.