Audi 3.0 V6 TDI?

[GrantP]

I'm looking to retire my wife's 16 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee (I'll never buy one of those again) and have been eyeballing the Audi A6. I was wondering if anyone here has any first, or even second, hand experience with this diesel. I'm primarily concerned with dependability and repair/maintenance costs. Thanks for any info you may have.

 

[DHayden]

I know a couple guys on another board that are very pleased with them. Havent asked for specifics since thats not the focus of that particular forum.

 

[Ozymandias]

The 3.0 is pretty reliable to my knowledge.

 

[Wayne M.]

Lease it. Friends son is a Audi tech. I’ve seen stuff.
If you haven’t seen a Grand Cherokee in 16 years, I suggest looking at a current one before you plunge.

 

[GrantP]

Lease it. Friends son is a Audi tech. I’ve seen stuff.
If you haven’t seen a Grand Cherokee in 16 years, I suggest looking at a current one before you plunge.

Thanks. I was thinking more along the lines of a "gently used" A6. My sister has a 2015 5.7 JGC from new and has had nothing but problems with it. I'm done with Jeep (well...except for my Scrambler) and my local Jeep dealer. If I stay on the SUV path, and I might, I'll just get a 4Runner.

 

[Wayne M.]

Double vote on the 4 runner. Unfortunately.

 

[JR]

Well, used is the only way to go as VW/Audi no longer sells TDI in NA.

I've got a pre scandal TDI and it's been phenomenal. I would like to get her into a newer model in the near future but Reports on the fix has been largely discouraging. Total remap of the engine tune has led to turbo lag and hanging higher rpm in an effort to reduce PM and NOX. I suggest checking out these guys. Tons of info and first hand experiences from alot of savvy owners.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/forumdisplay.php?f=99

 

[GrantP]

Thanks JR. For some reason I guess I just assumed that the scandal was only the VW 4 bangers. I don't think I want to jump into that EPA mess.

 

[mwilson]

I owned one Audi, it was ok but bizarre...sourcing parts was a nightmare when trying to find reasonable prices...had to try the dealer, parts stores and online sources every time...you never knew who would be the cheapest..

They are great cars, even better when under the factory warranty. Big difference in value after the warranty expires and there are good reasons for that..

 

[mwilson]

They also make common repairs a complete nightmare. We have a tech that owns an A6 gasser, alternator went bad and part of the front fascia had to come off, radiator had to come out, etc...you get the idea..

 

[GrantP]

Thanks Mike, I think I've heard enough to stay away. The Audi's I had in the 80's gave us zero problems but they were much simpler vehicles back then. The A6 is a great looking car IMO and would be fun and capable of winter travel with all wheel drive. But hey, you're doing just fine in Maine in hoopty deux so what do I know...

Wife and I are headed to the Toyota dealer today, we'll see what she thinks about the 4Runner.

 

[mwilson]

I wish Cadillac had made an All Wheel Drive DTS, that thing would be as capable as a 3/4 ton 4WD truck!!

 

[mwilson]

Can’t diss a 4 Runner at all, nice vehicles!!!

 

[mwilson]

DTS is a Level 4 finger puzzle when doing repairs...

Audi would be a Level 9 for certain repairs...

 

[JR]

Thanks JR. For some reason I guess I just assumed that the scandal was only the VW 4 bangers. I don't think I want to jump into that EPA mess.

Audi is essentially high end VW cars. VW owns Audi and many of their common drivetrain components are common. Many of the parts on my VW are stamped VAG - Volkswagen/Audi Group. Porsche is also included here, the 3.0 TDI Porsche used is the same engine Audi used supplied by VW. None are available as a diesel model anymore. The scandal was very unfortunate And has had far reaching consequences regarding passenger diesel engines.

Completely agree with Mike's assessment on VW/Audi designing their vehicles to another standard than we are accustomed to. My car is old enough it is still pretty simple but there are alot of "special tools" needed to perform semi routine maintenance. But on the other hand it is coming up on 18 years old and the body and underside is still in excellent condition as is the mechanics. I see domestic vehicles half its age and less than half the miles in far worse shape. So they do somethings quite well.

 

[mwilson]

Yes, the anti corrosion properties in both VW and Audi are impressive!!

But also take note that high end Domestics such as a true Lincoln and Cadillacs never rust as fast as the lower end counterparts..

Better paint, sealers and steel I suspect..

 

[Wayne M.]

I didn’t want to have to do this, BUT, this is the AUDI V8 timing chain drive. I can’t trust engineers who would produce something like this.
I agree the ‘80’s European bodies were built very well.

 

[GrantP]

That looks like a nightmare. Makes you appreciate the simplicity of the older american V8's.

I just got back from the Toyota dealership, the 4Runner feels too small and the Sequoia fits nice but spendy. I either need to increase the size of my budget or shrink the size of my body. I'm 6'2" and there would be very little room for a passenger behind me in the 4Runner but the Sequoia had plenty of room. Decisions...

Thanks guys for the info on the Audi.

 

[Wayne M.]

That’s why I wound up in another Durango. And though I bleed Mopar, I went in with a open mind and a certain budget. Looked at all the 3 seaters.

 

[JR]

I have really come to appreciate our 3 row Merc. Body on frame, rock solid V8 (3 valve 4.6), primary rear drive AWD with a true traction control disabling system. It's had its quirks over the years but all in all its been a great vehicle.