Audi 80 V6 - Anyone have any experience with them?

[vicsmith]

One of these has made an opportunity of itself, specifically a lateboy, M-registered Audi 80 2.6 V6 petrol, I know nothing of 6 cylinder Audis, wondering if there are any obvious banana skins I need to know about, I can imagine these cars would be very good at seeming alright when in actual fact a giant bill is scheduled as soon the next digit clicks over on the odometer. Just want to know if there are things these engines are notorious for, if there`s something due at 130k that`d cost a fortune, any big things these are known for failing the test on (which is short), that kind of thing. Any input would be much appreciated.

[Milford Cubicle]

Yes, that engine is a bit of an odd one, is it a smaller VR6 or something of Audi's own creation, maybe a chopped down version of their V8?I wouldn't say no to a nice 80. One of the last 'proper' Audis with a slabby dash, spartan spec and substance over style.

[r.welfare]

If I recall correctly, the 2.6 was the first of the Audi V6 "family" units, which later encompassed the 2.4, 2.8 and 3-litre in the A4 and A6.I can't help you on V6-specific items, Vic, other than to say that the 80 is an old-school Audi, i.e. the engine is pretty much mounted in front of the front axle line, and hence access might be fun for maintenance like cambelt changes. That said, I'm pretty sure that the A4 and A6 aren't too bad to do once the headlights, bumper and front panel are removed, and the radiator is swung out of the way. Sounds worse than it is, apparently! I believe the cambelt interval is 60k, so if it's been done then that's a bonus - I'd check the waterpump has been done at the same time though.Otherwise the B4 80 is a nice old thing; my brother ran a late '91 2.0E a few years back, and it was both impeccably well-built and supremely durable. It was spartan, as Milford says, and the ventilation was poor (always an "aero" Audi weak point from that era), but it was comfortable and went well, if a touch ponderous in corners due to the engine placement. Provided it has been well-looked after I'd say it is worth a punt. The galvanising on these was of very high quality, and there shouldn't be any rust - unlike the similar-aged 100 models where the front wheelarches tend to get grotty over time.

[vicsmith]

Cheers fellas, it`s certainly a weird one, never even knew 80s came with 6 cyl engines until now. Don`t know what to make of it, really. I know what you mean about 80s being slightly unwieldly due to the engine position, and I can only see that being exacerbated by what must be a heavier V6, however that wouldn`t bother me its, running problems etc that I`m concerned with, and yes we`re into A4 style cambelt changes aren`t we, with this being pretty much an A4 engined 80.On the one hand I think another 10v 90 would be the ticket really, but then I recollect thinking I was walking into some sort of cunning trap when I got one of those cheap, and that was one of the finest most reliable items on the planet, could be the same with these.

[Pete-M]

I recently sold the A6 quattro which had the 30v version of the 2.8 V6 in. It was still fine and dandy at 188k miles. Belt is easy enough once you've got most of the front off (which is easier than it sounds).The 2.6 was a bit gutless but very smooth. Bit oil fussy, so if there's a tin of 20/50 in the boot run like fuck.

[Rocket88]

If it's an auto, gearboxes are a bit fragile. The engine itself is a honey, although coil packs are a common [but not expensive] pain. They have a weird power steering/abs set up though.

[alf892]

I had a diesel 80 for 10 years......brilliant piece of kit. The only weak point I found was the front bottom arm bushes did not last long. Replacement is easy and cheap. Also the handbrake can give problems - they have rear discs and the handbrake operates the main pads. The (external) operating lever tends to stick very slightly but eventually you will have no operational travel. Happens more to autos as the handbrake tends to be used less. Plenty of silicon lube around the operating arm when you service it will help stop this happening. Other than that and a battery I had ten years cheap motoring!

[504GL]

I had an Audi 80 for a few weeks back in 2007 and had a love hate relationship with it as in I loved to hate it. It was monumentally crap. It would just stall at random times and seemed to choose the most dangerous places to stall like places where there wasn't a hard shoulder The heater matrix went and because the engine was hot instantly fogged up the interior of the car. I really hated that car!!!!! The engine didn't want to do anything, it didn't seem to handle, it wasn't reliable, it wasn't economical and it was simply the worst car I ever drove.

[hobo]

I had an Audi 80 for a few weeks back in 2007 and had a love hate relationship with it as in I loved to hate it. It was monumentally crap. It would just stall at random times and seemed to choose the most dangerous places to stall like places where there wasn't a hard shoulder The heater matrix went and because the engine was hot instantly fogged up the interior of the car. I really hated that car!!!!! The engine didn't want to do anything, it didn't seem to handle, it wasn't reliable, it wasn't economical and it was simply the worst car I ever drove.

so you wouldnt recomend one,then?

[Pillock]

Conversely, I had a 20v 90 and rate it as the second best car I've ever owned. They hardly rust, the interiors are hardwearing, gorgeous sound when you're in a hurry and they're bloody cheap for the amount of car.Maybe I had a good one, I didn't need to spend any money at all on mine. The last owner before it was stolen (I bought it as salvage) did spend a few quid on a complete brake overhaul (4x new calipers for a start), full new exhaust, shocks and stuff. I'm told that lot would have cost triple what I paid for the car....

[504GL]

I had an Audi 80 for a few weeks back in 2007 and had a love hate relationship with it as in I loved to hate it. It was monumentally crap. It would just stall at random times and seemed to choose the most dangerous places to stall like places where there wasn't a hard shoulder The heater matrix went and because the engine was hot instantly fogged up the interior of the car. I really hated that car!!!!! The engine didn't want to do anything, it didn't seem to handle, it wasn't reliable, it wasn't economical and it was simply the worst car I ever drove.

so you wouldnt recomend one,then?

I probably just had a bad one. But I wouldn't go back for more!!!!

[strangehighways]

I currently drive an Audi A4 2.6 V6 auto.I got it for £500 with full MOT and service. It is a pretty bland car overall but it does seem to be well built. No interior rattles at all and everything works. Awful steering and brakes though. Totally unnatural feel.Anyway, regarding the engine......I think it's a fairly good unit. Not massively quick, but enough to make reasonable progress. It doesn't sound very nice if you floor it though, certainly no Alfa V6. The great thing about a V6 over a typical 4 cylinder petrol car is that it usually is at less revs on the motorway making cruising quieter. Mine is at 2.5k at 80. Economy wise..... sitting on the motorway at 75-85 will return 30-32mpg.Combined cycle is between 26-28. I imagine the manual is a little better around town.

[harvest gold mg]

I owned an Audi 80 2.8se for six years and wish i never traded it in on the A6 2.8 Quattro i have now.The 80 was very fast,very well built and very sturdy.The only thing i would say to look out for,would be the drive shafts.The weight and power of the V6 put a lot of strain on these and if the car has been previously owned by someone with a tendency to accelerate harshly from a standing start (wheelspinning etc.) they can give trouble.

[scrappylad]

I've had my Audi 80 Avant 2.6 auto for 2 years now & apart from a few teething problems when I first got it (clicking cv joint, stuck open thermostat) it's been okay. The fragile box is indeed fragile & mine is not without fault, but I've lived with it for the past 25 thousand miles & it just keeps going. The PAS on mine whines & again I've just learnt to live with it. Apart from servicing, I've also replaced the cam sensor.The V6 engine has a propensity to leak oil, so check everywhere throughly. New gaskets will cure this though, but not without time and expense.It is okay to drive & fast on kickdown... my last V6 was a manual Coupe & I thought on reflection that it seemed slower than my auto 80. The coupe had 200 thou miles on it when I sold it almost 3 years ago. It was on the road until late last year when it became subject of an insurance total loss apparently.

[vicsmith]

Thanks again to all who contributed, certainly enough to give me an overall, impression, not as complex an engine as I thought, but perhaps not quite the weapon the guy who`s trying to get me to co-own it with him is hoping for. Think I`m more in favour having read this.

[meggersdog]

Yesterday I acquired a '92 Audi 100 2.8 V6.It's a nice enough old thing I suppose but very bland.Just whacked it on ebay as for the 350 quid I paid there must be an earner it,surely?A mate of mine has got an 80 2.6 convertible but it's been sat on his drive so long I can't remember what it drove like,wasn't very quick from what I recall.