[JT4k]

So i have an opportunity to pick up an 03 A6 with 113k on the clock for a crazy low price. The owner says it has a transmission issue (surprise surprise) but he said this about it:

Hi Michael - If you're driving the car normally, you'd never notice. If you're in a situation where it tries to shift at high RPM's, it will slip for a couple seconds.

I know this motor trans combo can be a headache but what are the chances this just needs a fluid change an filter to resolve it????

The car itself is beautiful and in amazing condition. The owner also said he had a shop (not dealer) recommend a new transmission but i know some shops simply just start there and dont try anything else.

Any thoughts are very appreciated.

 

[a4v8swap]

I would say get it, as long as you can swing replacing the transmission or swapping it to 6 speed. Since it won't exactly get better if that statement is true.

 

[123quattro]

It's hard to say that the trans is bad from what he told you. It could be the trans, or the MAF, or something else. You need to scan the TCM and ECM with VAG-COM and see what codes there are.

I love my A6 4.2. It has 182k on it and runs great.

 

[MikkiJayne]

what are the chances this just needs a fluid change an filter to resolve it????

Vanishingly small. At best its the torque converter, but most likely its started burning the clutch packs which means a full rebuild or replacement. Thats surprisingly low mileage for it to be showing problems actually.

If you do buy it then definitely budget for a replacement transmission or a 6-speed swap :thumbsup:

 

[JT4k]

Thanks for the replies.... The car price definitely reflects fairness for the issue. I am just not sure I want to get into replacing the trans or not because I am so sick of laying under cars right now lol. I was reading a lot on this topic and the mileage seems about right for the issues so I will ask if he could smell any burnt oil or anything like that when it happened. I know that changing the fluid is a hit or miss and may actually make it worse if it doesnt cure it so its a big risk and if I do end up getting it and have to swap the transmission then yes a 6 speed will be going in.... not even going to play around with the TIP at that point.

 

[Dr. Mike]

6 speed would be the solution.

 

[JT4k]

Is this one of those 6 Speed swaps where you have to tell the engine that it is not a stick???? This is why I love the older cars lol. Also I wonder how much modifying the tunnel there would be if at all???? Im not sure if these ever came with the stick in the US or in Europe.... I would imagine they did over there.

 

[Dr. Mike]

From my understanding you do have to tell the engine it is not stick, but it's plug and play otherwise. Here is a good write up https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mAJ ... F81Js/edit
the author suggests "Contact Bryan at www.audis4parts.com for all the parts you'll need."

Is this one of those 6 Speed swaps where you have to tell the engine that it is not a stick???? This is why I love the older cars lol. Also I wonder how much modifying the tunnel there would be if at all???? Im not sure if these ever came with the stick in the US or in Europe.... I would imagine they did over there.