Elmak: Good day Siena,

Seasons greetings, Trust work and the family are fine.

I need your professional advice, i am looking to buy a 2004 Audi A6 C6 2.4l V6, However, I am not sure about the car reliability and performance, even though my mechanics first advice was that the parts are expensive, but for a well-designed car not too common in Nigeria like that I expect that.

Siena, my question go thus:



i. Is the car good and reliable?

ii. What are the maintenance tips you can advise and where can I get the manual for the car.

Thanks

redcliff:

I dont have a particular model in mind. Maybe 03 or so. Wanna get it for my mother. Im definitely not going for anything v6. I ve started putting my eyes on the s3 as it has alot more prestige than the a3.

Siena:

Hey bud!

All's well with me and mine.

The '99 Audi A6 C5 is reliable enough. It's mechanically similar to the Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat, just bigger. Automatics can fail, manuals are very robust.

Brand new, the A6 is a lot more expensive than the A3, but depreciates faster. So a 7-year-old A6 could be bought for the same (or less) money than an A3 of the same year. I prefer the A6 though, medium-size hatchbacks with transverse engines don't appeal to me in the slightest.

The Audi A6 C5 is available with I4, V6 and V8 gasoline engines, or I4 and V6 diesels. If it's a Quattro, the I4 isn't an option, leaving you with V6 or V8 engines. No great loss, the 1.8T is a slug in a car as heavy as the A6 anyway.

Parts are readily available, and maintenance is not expensive. At least, you're not in Nigeria. The most expensive single item that is prone to failure is the ZF automatic / tiptronic transmission. The rest is built to last.

Lol. I actually plan to ship it home o and the one i saw is manual. I like manual cars but my friends are asking me what kind of person i am. Actually, when i got my first car, Mk3 from switzerland, I was in a hurry to just get any transmission and the manual was readily available at the time and I had a hard time getting used to it but when I did, It was a blessing. Lol. Since i would be getting it or my mother, maybe I should still stick with the auto although I am sure she wont mind also but I want it to be a surprise until the vehicle is in our compound. This ZF automatic/tiptronic transmission bla bla, I would google it up to know more about it. She's not an everyday driver so I don't think it would spoil quickly in her possession.

egesie: Siena, please I need your help..my boot won't open...dunno what to do. VW Passat B5 1.8T 1998

Siena:

1998, so pre-facelift.

Have you tried using the key, as opposed to relying on the Central Locking?

deltree: Is there a way to make my factory fitted RNS 315 unit in my Volkswagen CC (2012) work here in Nigeria.
Is there some work around or tweak or is it toast when used here?

Mr. Sienna, I remember we spoke about some octane boosters before the nairaland blackout. What's the procedure in getting those, usage, delivery etc.

Also is there a way to do a DIY DSG firmware update?

Siena:

1998, so pre-facelift.

Have you tried using the key, as opposed to relying on the Centr.al Locking?

Seguneji: Hi sir siena, my vw golf4 is not starting, what happened that I started it dn d key opened and all d element inside it fell off, I offed d car and replace all dt fell out and tried 2 restart d car but it only starts and cuts off immediately and its showing a light like a car wit a key. Pls what can the problem be what can I do to fix it. Thanks

cne010: Hi Siena are those wires supposed to be exposed? Abi naija clowns don edit the factory settings.

Would it be a good buy? I'm particular about the 2.5 i5 engine cos it runs on regular unleaded.

Siena:

The red wires by the battery are normal.

Would it be a good buy? Much would depend on the technical prowess of your mechanic, and if you're willing to pay top dollar for a proper Volkswagen franchise. If you're looking to patronise roadies, then a Volkswagen built after 1998 is not for you.

Siena:
...Would it be a good buy? Much would depend on the technical prowess of your mechanic, and if you're willing to pay top dollar for a proper Volkswagen franchise. If you're looking to patronise roadies, then a Volkswagen built after 1998 is not for you.[/color]

Siena:

Engine immobiliser is active.

Get a replacement key, and get it coded.

Bant:
Looks like Siena is saying roadies (road-side mechanics) in Nigeria can't adequately handle anything Volkswagen since 1998.

alienvirus: Hi Siena.

I have VW Vento. It developed a problem and it has not been stopped since two weeks ago.

It jacks and stops while on motion. It won't start.easily until I press down d turtle for a long time. Air filter, fuel filter, plugs etc have been changed. Please help.

Thanks.

Issyman: @siena and others. I just want to know d reliability of a 2001 VW jetta. Thanks

Bant: @Siena: Is it something I said? I'm new here so if so, please kindly correct me so I know how to talk to people next time.

ukandi1:

if it was a toyota, i wil have suggested u check ur carburretor/ injector, ur fuel pump. These two are common causes of such challenges with toyota. Did i also mention ur plugs?

Issyman: Otunba Siena, well done for the good work on this forum. I appreciate of you guys-you, ikenna,car doctor, lomomike and all the gurus in the house that have been sharing their knowledge with us. I can proudly say that I now challenge my mechanic views on repairs. I now know more. when you ask all these our mechanics about your observations on your car, they will always tell you "oga leave am like that, nothing go do am or it will go away".
I have always been a Nissan user and now a Toyota user (03 camry). Otunba Siena, [b]I will need ur sincere advice on 2000 Volkswagen Passat cos I am contemplating on getting one instead of carina E. my fear on the Passat is the durability, reliability, cost of maintenance and availability of the spare parts.
[/b]pls, can you enlighten and advice if I should go for the car.
Note: I want to buy for my madam and location is Abuja. atleast there are good roads. expecting your prompt response.
thanks.

damyde:

I would benefit from the response to this above query especially the highlighted part.

Many thanks