Buy it or run away?!

[paddybrenn]

Hi

I'm looking at buying an 03 RS6 Avant and found a really clean, FASH one locally from a car dealer. The DRC has been done 15k ago, good amount of brake pads left and discs look and feel fine, cambelt changed 5k ago etc... One BIG problem - shift from 1st to 2nd has a huge jump in it - enough to cause whiplash!. Now the dealer is offering to fix it obviously before I commit funds and I can get a 36month (probably worth nothing) warranty covering electrical and mechanical, but... Worried about the warranty because they always try and get out of everything. There is a service invoice noting leaky seals on the gearbox that have been replaced, but to keep an eye on it... Warranty probably doesn't cover seals...

So, to those experienced owners, buy it assuming the problem is fixed, get the warranty in case it goes caput, or run to the hills and look for another?

Thanks in advance

[Rupert]

How many miles on it?

[Mr V10]

Well if he replaces/fixes the gearbox, I would rather buy this one then one that may have a problem with the box later down the line. Is it a main dealer?

[paddybrenn]

Cheers guys - 71k on it.

No, not a main dealer. I agree - you never know about a car, so if I go with another, it could pop in 1000miles and I'd have a hefty bill. In theory this one would be fixed and I'd have both the warranty from the fix and 36months cover... depending on whether they actually cover it!

[Golffather]

I presume it's not a main dealer as you refer to an aftermarket warranty post-purchase.

If the box is fixed/replaced make sure the repair is warranted so you can take it back to him if the problem resurfaces.

Also ask the dealer if he's happy for an independant inspection to be done post-repair. Depending on where you are have it checked out by either MRC, QST or Unit20 (or others).

[Shoppinit]

Unless it's a new or echange box from reliable source (ZF or Audi) that is put in by someone who knows what they're doing, then run away. Also, make sure the torque converter is replaced at the same time, too.

[HYFR]

Unless it's a new or echange box from reliable source (ZF or Audi) that is put in by someone who knows what they're doing, then run away. Also, make sure the torque converter is replaced at the same time, too.

yep, i'd run away, unless you have an appetite for a law suit somewhere down the road when the box goes KAPAOW

[Shoppinit]

"My RS 4 attracts a) Twats trying to race me b) Twats trying to steal it c) Police thinking I am one of the aforementioned Twats

My RS 6 attracted only respect"

Is that true? Doesn't sound good I quite fancy an RS4

[HYFR]

"My RS 4 attracts a) Twats trying to race me b) Twats trying to steal it c) Police thinking I am one of the aforementioned Twats

My RS 6 attracted only respect"

Is that true? Doesn't sound good I quite fancy an RS4

yes, at least in my experience, obviously cant speak for the whole of the UK

but been stopped by the old bill a number of times now, just to "check who I am" and had a chav S3 up my arse only on Sunday...also get alot more people generally displaying bad road manners to me

I think perhaps Darth instilled abit more Fear than respect....but same thing hay !

[RS6Dave]

Hi David,

Why don't you do a straight swop with Shoppinit!!!

By the way...... we have met briefly. You sold my mate Ian the S4!

I was the one sitting in the back hanging on for dear life on the test drive!!! And you've been stopped by the old bill??? mmmmmm I wonder why!!

[paul_23]

If the gearbox repair is done properly then it would be ok but check what is done or what is proposed as it could be costly.

There is a chance that is could be the valve solenoids for the 2nd gear engagement and vagcom could show if there is any faults. It could also mean the actual box is knackered so there are 'apparently' quick fixes to stop the jolt but will fail sooner or later if it is not done properly.

[estrop77]

ask them to change the gearbox at MRC or Grizz then you know its done properly.

Health check is also essential. 15k on the drc is a very good - must have the stage 3 (latest) version on it. Mine's done about the same and they have defo improved it