Can't find 2002 LLBean, instead got 2002 Audi A6 AWD wagon

[bigdadi]

Now in New England, it is diffficult to find a good 2002 LL Bean H6 with decent price. I find a nice one white color $6000 with 130k mi and the owner sold it at asking price in 2 days. Actually a few buyers were fighting for this one. Of course the higher bidder got it, not me.

Few days ago from Craigslist, I found this very clean 2002 Audi A6 3.0L V6 AWD wagon sunroof, leather seats, all powered, with 120k mi sold by owner. After $80 pre-purchase inspection (garage specialized in VW/Audi, Porsche) indicating good bill of health, I bought it at $5,500. It is roomier, a few more features but lower ground clearance with ESP (kind of VDC in Subaru). The service and maintenace are no doubt more expensive. To lower the bill, I'm trying to find independent repair shops and probably Audi mechanic who does weekend garage as side job.

Side by side with my 2007 OBW Ltd

[OCRentAPopo]

TRAITOR!!!!!


.... I mean good luck with the Audi and let us know what you think compared to the Outback.

[CNY_Dave]

Well I guess ****'s got room for one more!

Drive what works for ya, that's my motto.


Dave

['98LGT->'04LLBean]

I love the Audi's for their performance and finish, but I hate them for their electrical gremlins and cost of ownership. You'll definitely have fun driving it; and I wish you the best of luck when it comes to those gremlins. Hope they never crop up for ya. This coming from a major Audi fan and former owner of a '91 20v coupe quattro (which I still wish I had even with all of its gremlins).

[bigdadi]

2nd days after plate issued, insurance covered ... the CEL was on and ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor needs to be replaced ... luckily not so expensive: Parts about $25.00, Labor about 1 hour : $80.00.

Audi has TSB out (2 yrs ago) to extend warranty to 100k mi on certain 01-04 Audi but mine is over that mileage. This shows this ECT is a common defective parts.

It is little green color sensor one end stick to coolant (with o ring and plastic clip) and the other end connector to send signal re coolant temp thus to control the flow of air and gas to engine. Mechanic cleared the code, ask me to drive another couple of days to see if codes come back.

Another common problem for this car is crack/broken vacuum hose(s), and plugged drain tube to cause water backup to flood interior. Hopefully i don't collect all these.

Latest Recall - ignition coil(s)

[blur911]

Originally Posted by '98LGT->'04LLBean

I love the Audi's for their performance and finish, but I hate them for their electrical gremlins and cost of ownership. You'll definitely have fun driving it; and I wish you the best of luck when it comes to those gremlins. Hope they never crop up for ya. This coming from a major Audi fan and former owner of a '91 20v coupe quattro (which I still wish I had even with all of its gremlins).

I'm just about to hook up the trailer to reclaim by '90 90q20v sedan. I was on my way to work last night and had just pulled off the highway and stopped at the end of the off-ramp. When I let the clutch out there was a clunk and I had no drive. I think I can hear the drive-shaft spinning, like it's not connected or something. (u-joint?)
Left it at the side of the road, one of the few times in years of crotchety Audi ownership. Usually the quattro drivetrain is pretty bulletproof, I'll have to see when I get it home.

I have an identical parts car and also a '90 coupe quattro 20v to drive, I'll figure something out.
Our VDC is great for fetching parts for my german cars. F150's are great for fetching the whole car. Gotta go.

[BadBart]

Originally Posted by OCRentAPopo

TRAITOR!!!!!


.... I mean good luck with the Audi and let us know what you think compared to the Outback.

Wow, my exact thoughts.

+1 on that.

Enjoy the Audi! Have to do a running comparison of the two over the years of ownership. Total up the cost of ownership, and cost per mile etc. Would be interesting.

[bigdadi]

Just had oil change Special at Ira Audi for the A6 for 6 cyl $72.00 (incl 6.25% sale tax) Castrol synthetic oil and next oil change is set at 10k mi.

Subaru oil change Special at Metrowest Subaru for the OBW 4 cyl $24.95 (fought if tax is incl), 'not' synthetic oil and next oil change is set at 3750 mi. (that is $66.53 for 10k mi)

I heard in Audi dealer that their best seller now is Q5, very LOW in stock.

[bigdadi]

I bought this Roadi 49.99$ scan/reset code reader RDT45 is special for Audi/VW RDT40 is universal that can save me some money for paying indy garage $80-85/hr or $110/hr Audi dealer the scanning.

[bigdadi]

I am going to sell my Subie 2007 OBW 2.5i Ltd (Silver/Black, 47k mi) next week; extra/options: Subie Gold+ B2B extended warranty 7 yr/100k/ded$100, extra set snow tire in alloy rims, Husky liner, OEM amplified subwoofer, OEM XM radio, OEM bug deflector, OEM Remote Engine Starter, new Front brakes (300 mi), 4 new tires (2k mi).

Update on Audi ...
Replace center piece in 1 wheel, Cargo liner, rear wiper, pair front wipers : 192.00
Replace headlight w/Sylvania SilverStar Ultra H1 (pair) : 26.00
Tranny service : 363.00 (no tranny stick, Audi said this is lifetime fluid, but tranny maker ZF recommends to change fluid/filter after 60k mi. The date stamped 2002 on the tranny filter pulled. After this service, I feel very noticeable, faster performance.)
Diffy service : 212.00 (After this service, feel the car a lot quieter, only hear the wind noise on highway)
K&N air filter (permenant), Cabin filter (charcoal): 62.00
O2 sensor fix : 140.00

Dropped about $1k to condition and maintenance the Audi. It drives like a new car now ... fuel consumption 3.0L V6 fulltime AWD ... (avg) 18.7 mpg in (avg) 26 mph driving / 3 weeks period.

Just bought a couple disinfectant 1Z Einszett Klima Cleaner ($14.95) for cleaning HVAC a/c system -> mildew, bateria, cigarette odor. DIY is easy, dealer may charge like > $150.
http://www.detailersdomain.com/1zein...iacleaner.aspx

einszett Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Odor Remover#