Any Audi Owners - Looking for Advice
Comments
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I would be very careful, get your mechanic to pull all the spark plugs to check for oil. I wouldn’t be surprised if this Audi eats oil like crazy. Unless he can verify that he had the extended recall for pistons and rings. If it doesn’t burn oil and hasn’t had the recall, then call it a miracle, and I bet it will start shortly after you buy it.
One of the reasons the rear main bill is higher than usual, is that the crankcase ventilation valve needs to be replaced, as higher than normal negative crankcase pressure damages the 2 piece rear main seal. And not only causes oil leaks, but lean faults stored in the ECM. The seal and valve are to be replaced together, otherwise you’ll find yourself doing another seal in a short period of time.
I’ve been a factory trained VW/Audi tech for 15 years. Only recently I’ve crossed to the dark side fixing BMW.
Get that car looked at by a tech that knows Audi, most non Audi techs miss half the stuff that’s wrong with these cars.2 channel:
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Mikey - that’s exactly what I’ve been finding researching the car. The PCV valve is almost always the cause of the RMS failure and should be replaced when the seal is replaced. Also been reading about the crappy rings and the fact that many owners had their engines repaired or replaced by Audi because of that. I will check to see what (if any) work has been done on those common issues.
My mechanic is going to check the pressure to see if the cylinders/pistons/rings are OK. So, he will be pulling the spark plugs.
Honestly, I’m losing interest in this car because of all I’ve been reading and the advice given here.
Haven’t heard from the kid yet today, so who knows if I’ll even be getting it checked tomorrow... -
Then engine codes is also printed on the vehicles option sticker in the trunk under the carpet, stuck to the body. I really like audi, but unfortunately they had a bad run in that time span. I’ve replaced a lot of pistons and engines in those cars. I’ve installed used engines for customers, only to find the used engine burned just as much oil. Only a leak down will tell if the rings are toast or not.2 channel:
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Theater:
Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables. -
Thanks everyone for the advice and comments. Update on the status...
The seller is a Penn State student from China. We ended up postponing the inspection by my mechanic due to him starting classes this week. He has been communicating regularly with me about the issues he knows about, and I appreciate his transparency.
He has only owned the car for about a year and a half and has put around 4,000 miles on it. He claims it has a 100,000 mile extended powertrain warranty. He said he's been trying to get the local dealer to look further into the oil leak/loss, but isn't having much success. I know there's a little bit of a language barrier, but he seems knowledgeable about the car and the issues. So I'm wondering if the dealer is dismissing him hoping he'll just go away.
He mentioned something about wanting the dealer to check the 'weight' of the oil to see if there's any metal particles in it. I assume that would indicate problems with the rings. He said if the oil is 'heavy' they should fix or replace the engine, because according to him, others have had similar issues and Audi covered the repairs or replacement.
At this point, I told him to take his time, see if he could get it resolved. I said I don't want to take on that burden (as the third owner) on his word. He is going to research the warranty and see if he can get it taken care of. So, we agreed to stay in touch. I basically told him I'm not interested in purchasing the car and taking on the issues. So he's going to see what he can do, and if he gets it resolved with Audi or the dealer, get back in touch with me.
My thoughts are that if he gets the car fixed properly that I might reconsider purchasing if I can get it for a good enough price. I doubt it will happen, but if he gets a new engine (with the problems addressed) and I can still get it well under book value, I may consider. Otherwise, it's looking like I'm going to be putting this one behind me. -
So, now I'm looking at other options. Obviously a used Lexus or Acura is high on the list. But @nooshinjohn has me really interested in the Jaguar XF. Yeah, the XFR is awesome, but not practical for me (RWD, gas guzzler).
Any thoughts on the XF? Looks like there are some pretty nicely decked out vehicles 3-4 years old with relatively low mileage priced around $20,000. AWD and decent fuel efficiency to boot!
I haven't done a ton of research, but it seems the engines are well regarded, however the electronics are the weak spot...
I've always loved the XF/XFR. Jaguar hit a home run with the body styling. -
Audi really drags their feet on the whole engine fix thing.
They do an extended oil use test before even moving to the next step.
They will monitor the oil level for 500 miles. They consider a quart every
1000 miles normal?!!!! Yeah, not going to cut it for me.
My older son used to underwrite aftermarket extended warranties.
Audi and Cadillac were both among the worst for claims."The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson -
sucks2beme wrote: »Audi really drags their feet on the whole engine fix thing.
They do an extended oil use test before even moving to the next step.
They will monitor the oil level for 500 miles. They consider a quart every
1000 miles normal?!!!! Yeah, not going to cut it for me.
My older son used to underwrite aftermarket extended warranties.
Audi and Cadillac were both among the worst for claims.
That's what I read as well. What BS! -
Subaru did the same declaring one quart per 1000 miles as normal. Owners brought a class action suit against Subaru, in 2015 I believe it was. Anyway, they agreed to repair engines that failed the oil consumption test. My son's 2013 Forester that he bought used Subaru Certified pre-owned received a new engine.
Sometimes class action suits are successful.
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Since we don’t know where we are going we have to stick together in case someone gets there….Ken Kesey
To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.
– Kevin Alfred Strom -
Audi (at least in North America) has a rather extensive reputation of, shall we say, showing less than optimal respect for its customers
Remember?
https://www.autosafety.org/audi-sudden-acceleration/ -
It's still a bad car even if Audi fixes the issues and you get it under book value. I'm so bored mostly driving my 14 RX and that's a good thing. If you want fun and unreliable buy a HellCat. The only good thing about that Audi is if you can flip it and make a buck. JUST SAY NO!!!!!!!!
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You may not find metal particles in the oil. I believe the issue is the oil control rings carbon to the piston.
Even if you did qualify, Audi wants you to have ALL of the maintenance records since it’s purchase.2 channel:
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Theater:
Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables. -
Even if you did qualify, Audi wants you to have ALL of the maintenance records since it’s purchase.
This is why I’m not even interested anymore. If the current owner can get something done I may consider it again, but it’s highly unlikely based on the advice I’ve gotten here. -
You mentioned wanting a convertible and you're a Toyota loyalist. How about a Solara? Basically a 2 door Camry with a drop top. Just a suggestion...
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If premature failure bothers you like it does me I'd find a more reliable brand. Trust me you'd regret this car in the long term.
I've had this for a year and couldn't be happier and no problems yet. -
ken brydson wrote: »You mentioned wanting a convertible and you're a Toyota loyalist. How about a Solara? Basically a 2 door Camry with a drop top. Just a suggestion...
or howzabout a (vintage) MR2?
@scubalab mentioned earlier he wants something good for winter (in PA). I think he's looking for AWD.
In some seriousness, I remember there was a little 2-door (2-seat?) VW convertible/roadster thing that was a morph of the Audi TT? What were (are?) they like, vis-a-vis one that actually has the Auto Union four circles and sez "Audi" on it?
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mhardy6647 wrote: »ken brydson wrote: »You mentioned wanting a convertible and you're a Toyota loyalist. How about a Solara? Basically a 2 door Camry with a drop top. Just a suggestion...
or howzabout a (vintage) MR2?
I was gonna suggest something like that but not sure if a roadster fits his needs. If so, S2000, Miata or even a low mileage Vette or Mustang. -
I think a Mustang'd be perfect -- albeit maybe not in the winter
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Ken - yes, considered a Solara, but I think they stopped making them quite some time ago. And an S2000 is a dream roadster for me! That car was perfect in every way. Wish they still made them. But, having kids, I’d like something with a back seat that is at least a little roomy.
Charlie - is that the Lexus GS350 F-Sport? When they first came out they were only RWD, but newer versions have been front or all wheel drive, correct? My brother had an IS-250 for a couple years. And it was too small and uncomfortable for his liking. The GS is actually on the top of my list, but I can’t swing the cost of the F Sport!
Mark - yeah, something good in PA in the winter is preferred. So, AWD or FWD is a must. Yeah, not as fun as RWD, but won’t leave me stranded. I think the VW convertible is the Ero maybe? But I think I’d be up against the same reliability issues since they share a lot with the Audi’s.
Funny you mentioned Mustang. That’s actually what got me on the kick. Rented one for a week with my daughter in June in Southern California and rented another for a day a couple weeks ago in Texas. Only complaint about the Mustang was the very tight back seat and the poor wind diffusion for back seat passengers. Otherwise, we really liked it. -
... duplicate post
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I worked at the Audi, Porsce plant in Heilbronn Neckarsulm Germany for a while after I got out of the Army on a European out. If you can afford a new Audi then most would trade them in not long after the warranties would run out. Buying a used one means having spare change to repair them especially stateside.
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Have you considered an Infiniti G37 convertible? You should be able to find one with AWD, the G37X.
Didn’t know the G37 convertible came in AWD. All I’ve ever seen were RWD. I’m not finding any G37x in a convertible. -
Ken - yes, considered a Solara, but I think they stopped making them quite some time ago. And an S2000 is a dream roadster for me! That car was perfect in every way. Wish they still made them. But, having kids, I’d like something with a back seat that is at least a little roomy.
Charlie - is that the Lexus GS350 F-Sport? When they first came out they were only RWD, but newer versions have been front or all wheel drive, correct? My brother had an IS-250 for a couple years. And it was too small and uncomfortable for his liking. The GS is actually on the top of my list, but I can’t swing the cost of the F Sport!
Mark - yeah, something good in PA in the winter is preferred. So, AWD or FWD is a must. Yeah, not as fun as RWD, but won’t leave me stranded. I think the VW convertible is the Ero maybe? But I think I’d be up against the same reliability issues since they share a lot with the Audi’s.
Funny you mentioned Mustang. That’s actually what got me on the kick. Rented one for a week with my daughter in June in Southern California and rented another for a day a couple weeks ago in Texas. Only complaint about the Mustang was the very tight back seat and the poor wind diffusion for back seat passengers. Otherwise, we really liked it.
Yes. GS's only come in RWD or AWD. Mine is RWD. Love the styling of the IS but it's just too small for me. Maybe check the used market on them? Maybe a CPO so you could get some warranty with it. -
Yet my 93 4 wheel drive Toyota 4X4 is still running, and the wife's 2005 Camray we sold to a friend is still running strong with 270,000 miles burns a little oil but it sure is rusted out. I think its hit and miss with all vehicles.Home Theater
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I don’t subscribe to this notion that it is possible to avoid problems by switching brand.
Completely avoid? No. Drastically reduce your chances of? Absolutely.afterburnt wrote: »They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
Village Idiot of Club Polk -
All makes have issues and some more than others. Look at Dodge, I saw one on the side of the road and another one on a tow truck. And that was just driving to dinner and back tonight. Before buying both of mine I spent a lot of time on discussion forums reading the real world problems people were having with them. I don't believe Consumer Reports,Car & Driver... on a car recommendation.
Not tooting my horn but, my 14 RX with 50k on it has had ZERO issues since purchase in Dec. of 14. Show me a BMW,MB,Audi... that goes problem free for the first 5 years?????? -
50k and 5 years is peanuts, I have to agree.afterburnt wrote: »They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
Village Idiot of Club Polk -
Brakes,tires,oil changes... are different. The cars you mention that lasted all those years were better made cars. Will not happen with new ones today. Planned premature failure is designed in most cars today. Look at the appliance industry. Toyota/Lexus is still at the top for reliability. Sooner or later they will start dropping quality.
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50k and 5 years is peanuts, I have to agree.
I know people with Dodges,Chevys and Fords that are always having something warrantied with much less than 50k on them. -
Older son worked at a Dodge/Toyota dealership about 13 years ago.
Sold about 50/50. Techs, also about 50/50. Dodge techs we always busy.
Toyota techs were standing around waiting for the next car.
You can't come up with a better head to head comparison than that.
Yes, I know all brands have issues. But Toyota normally responded to dealer
high repair items and made adjustments to production. The big three would
not change anything for years. my 2002 Mountaineer was gone at 100k.
That's after three transmissions, new intake, new computer, new ac,
and countless front wheel bearing assemblies. And it drank gas like crazy.
Other than the water pump, the Mustang has been pretty good.
At 80k, it's been through a couple of water pumps. The second time
the dealer ate the cost of replacing it. Horrible design.
In recent years, yes, the Japanese have had some big issues come up.
New gas milage and emissions standards have forced design changes that aren't
good for long term reliability. That affects ALL cars."The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
