Things to look out for when buying an S6 Avant?

[Bad Sir Culation]

Hi folks, I've won an eBay auction for an S6 Avant and I've been after a fast tow car so on the surface it appears to be pretty much perfect.

The car is described as immaculate by the seller so I want to make sure it actually is. Other than giving it a test drive to make sure the gearbox isn't knackered, what else should I be checking when I go to collect it? I don't want to buy trouble and I'm aware of how expensive these cars can be to run. Maintenance is fine but I don't want to buy something that already has issues and a shopping list of bits needed!

 

[THQuattro]

I would make sure its got a very good service history from a Audi dealer or Vag specialist especially as its a S6. If its been serviced recently that would be good and check tyres,brake pads and disks are in good condition or have been replaced recently. A Rs or S can be money pitts if they have not been looked after properly.

 

[Bad Sir Culation]

Yeah it says it's got FSH so to me that means everything has been done on time etc. but I've seen many a car where it actually means "FSH until it stopped being serviced 20k ago..."

Just hope that's not the case here.

 

[THQuattro]

And the gearbox service is v important.
I hope its a good one mate.

 

[Bad Sir Culation]

OK, I've now heard from the seller that there's nothing in the history that notes when the cambelt was done.... But surely if it has full service history that should certainly be in there?

He says the mechanic that inspected it said that the belt looked new but I'm quite concerned now...

On the other hand, it's under £3k so if it all seems OK should I bite the bullet and get it done myself? I've just got a sour taste now.

 

[THQuattro]

I would look at the service history yourself and check with the garage who has been servicing it.

 

[Bad Sir Culation]

Yeah I've decided to go and check it out anyway and see how I feel.... Wish me luck!

 

[Bad Sir Culation]

Well.... I bought it

It seems very good indeed. Service history was full and meticulous up until 40k ago so while it's not exactly the full history he advertised with, for the money I can't argue too much, even though it does mean the first jobs will be full service and cambelt at a local specialist.

The cambelt was last done 40k ago if we assume it hasn't been done recently (despite the seller's claims) but that was in 2010 so it wants doing. I am quite impressed with the car though. For something I paid less than £3k for, it's not bad at all.

Once I get the head gasket and forged pistons done on my WRX STI, that will be put up for sale and I will then start looking at replacing some of the tired stuff on the S6, bushes, shocks etc. Thinking Bilstein B12 kit as coilovers would go against the character of the car. Bushes I may go Powerflex but they don't seem to list anything for the rear of the car? Anyone know why?

All in all, very happy.