2007 Audi A6

Audi’s mid-line offering, the A6 is a nice car by most any measure. It’s got that European feel that many of us, myself included, really like. While it does seem to fall a little short of the sportiness of the BMW offerings, it also doesn’t have that certain stereotype that seems to be attached to BMW drivers. It also offers all wheel drive that is only offered in the 3 series sedans. This is a nice car, but there are things to look out for when considering a purchase. Like most European cars, when they work as designed they are nearly unbeatable, but when they fail they can become very costly and unnerving. Let’s cover some Audi A6-specific things first. In the 2005 model year, some cars were equipped with a faulty outside temperature sensor, or a bad connection at said temperature, both issues will result in an air conditioner that just doesn’t seem to cool enough. Replacing the sensor for about $100 will cure this. On 2005 and earlier cars the ABS (anti-lock braking system) may engage unnecessarily. The reluctor rings have a tendency to crack. This can get very expensive depending on the type of axles and wheel bearings you have, but figure over $1000 to set it right. I’ll tell you about one issue I had with a customer a while back that had me pulling what’s left of my hair out. She told me that the “oil level” part of the information center isn’t working. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong since I was following the user manual to the T. Well, the U.S. cars we not equipped with this feature but the owners’ manual says it is. Oops! If you can’t get the fuel door open on a 2005 model year car, the fuel release cable needs to be re-routed, expect to pay 1 hour labor for that. Now, if the fuel gauge doesn’t show full after a fill up, the instrument cluster needs to be updated at a VW/Audi dealership. Ok, all that stuff is fairly minor except the ABS issue, and most if not all of those will have occurred and have been repaired by now since the 2005 model cars are getting close to 5 years old now. Still dealing with 2005 models, the 3.2L engine may develop oil leaks at the timing chain upper cover. You may need to have the timing chain gaskets changed; this will be $400-$500 depending on labor rates and what gaskets need to be replaced. Now, something to be concerned about is that the timing cover gaskets may not fix it. The Camshaft plugs may need to be replaced, don’t be surprised if this creeps near $1,000, but expect to pay closer to $500. There are a few other issues I’ve seen here and there but they are not major issues and shouldn’t chase you away from an Audi A6. There are some costs associated with regular ownership (of any vehicle) and I’ll try to outline them here. As always, these are estimated dealer prices and will vary by state, dealer, lunar alignment and whim. The A/C compressor will eventually wear out and at today’s’ prices, expect $1300 to replace it. The alternator is quite expensive at about $900. Brakes on all four wheels are expensive in my opinion, figure $900. If you have a manual transmission and need the clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing replaced, expect to pay $1000-$1200. The constant velocity joints on the axles will wear out, all four of these is going to be pricey, but they don’t wear out all at once so at least the $1500 will be spread out over 4 installments. Now, that fancy suspension is nice with all its electronic wizardry, but that wizardry comes at a price. Almost $5800 to replace all four. As with any car built today, there are recalls. These are often serious safety issues and the Audi A6 does have its share of them so please have them checked out. Any dealership can do this over the phone for free.