darkknight

I am looking to buy an 07-08 A6 3.2 quattro for the wife. Please advice on what potential problems should I be looking for when test driving the car.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

Worldwidebeagle

Buy a 2009 3.0T instead. IMHO, far better engine, facelift body , and used car prices are not that much more.

JustAnotherUsername

Belts belts belts... Make sure there's no squeaky noise coming from the front of the engine and that everything sounds smooth. What I'm talking about is the timing chain tensioners or what is it called.. I had that problem when I bought mine but I bought it from an Audi dealer and they fixed it for free...Pretty sure it cost them a lot; one of the very few dealerships that didn't try to f me lol

r1racer

The best advice I can give is to get it scanned for before you buy. This will tell you a lot. If you can, also check channel 93 in the engine module for potential timing chain stretch. Values should be +/- 10. If you are set on buying an Audi it would be a good investment to buy the vag-com cable now and use it before you purchase.

-Check for oil leaks as they are very common from just about anywhere you can think of
-Check for loud steering noises
-Make sure you have proof of maintenance with correct oil
-Listen for loud noises on start up with a cold engine
-check the dash for any warning lights
-make sure there is no hesitation and the transmission feels solid (hard shifts are normal when cold)

I agree I would buy the 3.0 over the 3.2. The performance differences are huge.

PhillyA6Fan

Agree with worldwidebeagle. Very happy with my '09 A6. 3.0T IMO as fast as 4.2 but decent fuel economy. I've heard to look out for water pump with the 3.0T as some failed early (I've had no issue).

Worldwidebeagle

There is a campaign still open on the early water pumps. It was a bad seal, not the pump. I am told most have been replaced. With any used Audi, head to a dealer and make sure all campaigns have been done.

raj99

Agree with everyone on this thread.

Get the 3.0T or I'd say get the 4.2. I'm biased, since I'm a current 4.2 owner, but I wouldn't go with the 3.2. IMHO, it's anemic and after you've test driven a 3.0T, there's no point going with the 3.0. Furthermore, the 3.0T has a number of mods which make it a real beast of a car.

I'd be eyeing a 3.0T if I were in the market today. But in my case, having driven a C7 S6 lately (thanks to a good friend), well THAT would be my ideal DD. 3-4 years from now, it may be an all electric vehicle.

darkknight

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

I went and got the A6 for my wife on V day.

2009 3.0 Prestige with only 19K miles, with 2 years of CPO warranty ensures to iron out potential problems without cost, except for $85 deductible.
The reason for the 3.0 is we are moving to winter climate so quattro is a must.
I am not planning on modding the car because it is for the wife, she is happy the way it is. I have my own TT 3.2 to play with.

Cheers.

Worldwidebeagle

Fantastic and congrats. You both will love the engine ..... And the car.