looking at C5 A6 avant?

[toplessvw]

So I have decided to sell of my GLI in the summer and pick up a 2000-2005 A6 Avant with a 3.0 is there anything I should be looking for as far as known issues. Is the auto trans on these reliable.

[Parts Erik]

Re: looking at C5 A6 avant?

Trans is ok on the 6 cyl cars. The 3.0 timing belt is pricey on them if done properly and they require special tools. The 3.0 we have been seeing torque convertor internal seal faults, which require a new torque convertor which is $$$. It will throw a CEL for the lock up torque converter, it can be cleared so take it for a decent test drive on the highway so it is in top gear for a while it should pop back up while on a long enough drive, just make it shift into high gear a bunch. Also catalytic convertors are becoming more and more of an issue.

The 2.8 5v in the earlier cars is rather tractor like in reliability it does suffer from oil leaks in our climate, mostly valve cover gaskets and cam seals t-belt is simple and in-expensive compared to the 3.0.

Erik

[VW337]

Re: looking at C5 A6 avant?

Control arm bushings are often worn out on the C5's, if you hear the "diving board" noise going into driveways or driving slow over small bumps then they need to be replaced. ABS modules also frequently fail, you can buy a new OEM one for $500 or have yours rebuilt with warranty for $100. The LCD screen in the gauge cluster is also notorious for going dim and having lines burn out, a new screen can be bought for $30 online.

I just bought a C5 A6 Avant about 2 months ago and other than being a bit sluggish with the 2.8 I love it. If you want to drive mine to see if you like them then feel free to shoot me a PM.

[toplessvw]

Re: looking at C5 A6 avant?

Control arm bushings are often worn out on the C5's, if you hear the "diving board" noise going into driveways or driving slow over small bumps then they need to be replaced. ABS modules also frequently fail, you can buy a new OEM one for $500 or have yours rebuilt with warranty for $100. The LCD screen in the gauge cluster is also notorious for going dim and having lines burn out, a new screen can be bought for $30 online.

I just bought a C5 A6 Avant about 2 months ago and other than being a bit sluggish with the 2.8 I love it. If you want to drive mine to see if you like them then feel free to shoot me a PM.

Did you look at the A4 as well? I am torn as the a6 has a little more room but the engine choices seem underpowered both in 2.8 & 3.0 form.

[sillysod]

Re: looking at C5 A6 avant?

1+ for the 2.8L, have it in the wifes passat wagon and it's rock solid.

[VW337]

Re: looking at C5 A6 avant?

Did you look at the A4 as well? I am torn as the a6 has a little more room but the engine choices seem underpowered both in 2.8 & 3.0 form.

To be honest I was casually looking for a new winter car and I found the A6 for a price I couldn't pass up so I never really looked at any A4 avants. One thing to note is that some of the A6 avants have a 3rd row seat. Mine has all the mounting points and the seatbelts but the seat is missing :( .

[R_Ethug]

Re: looking at C5 A6 avant?

yea 3rd row in the avant makes no sense.. not sure who thought of that.. you face backwards.. crawl in via the hatch.. its totally chewbacca theory