27/09/2026 7:35 am
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Found this 2016 A6 Prestige with the 3.0T supercharged engine and honestly Im super stoked about the spec. The thing is, it has 145k miles on the clock. Ive been driving German cars for years, mostly sticking to DIY maintenance on my old B7, so Im not totally terrified of the wrenching, but this seems like a different beast with all the electronics. The guy is asking 9k which feels pretty fair if the service records are legit, but Im worried about the timing chain tensioners or the DSG service history since those get pricey fast.
My situation is:
- Budget is strictly under 10k so I can keep a reserve for repairs.
- Need something reliable enough for a 40 mile daily commute in Ohio, so winter capability matters.
- Really just want that solid Audi interior feel again without breaking the bank.
Am I crazy for thinking this is a good daily? I know the 3.0T is supposed to be one of their better engines but the mileage is really making me second guess if this is gonna turn into a massive money pit by next winter. Think its worth pulling the trigger or should I keep hunting for something with lower miles?
3 Answers
12
27/09/2026 7:35 am
Honestly man, that 3.0T supercharged engine is an absolute beast! If you have experience with the B7, you already know the drill, but the CREC engine in the 2016 models is way more refined. 145k is definitely up there, but if the water pump and thermostat have been swapped, you are looking at a solid drivetrain. Just make sure the previous owner was anal about the DSG fluid because those shifts get clunky if you neglect it. Before you commit, definitely grab a decent scanner like the OBDeleven NextGen Bluetooth Diagnostic Tool to check for hidden codes. It makes life so much easier when you are tracking down electronic gremlins in these newer chassis. Also, keep this stuff in mind for your maintenance stash:
- Check the PCV valve and coolant crossover pipe since they are notorious for leaking at that mileage.
- Upgrade to Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 Motor Oil for your changes to keep that supercharger healthy.
- Swap the spark plugs for NGK BKR8EIX Iridium IX Spark Plugs to keep it running smooth under load. Winter in Ohio? With a good set of Michelin X-Ice Snow Winter Tires, that Quattro system will eat the snow for breakfast. If the records show the tensioners were addressed, I would say go for it! Just keep that reserve fund ready, because German luxury never stays cheap for long.
11
27/09/2026 8:40 am
^ This. Also, you really need to be scanning those modules constantly with a OBDeleven NextGen Bluetooth Diagnostic Tool. In my experience, these 3.0T motors are solid, but cooling system components are the real weak point at that mileage.
- Replace the plastic thermostat housing immediately.
- Upgrade the PCV valve to the latest revision.
- Use Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 for longevity. It beats my old B7 in refinement, just keep that repair fund ready for the pcv/water pump combo.
3
27/09/2026 8:10 am
Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, 145k is a lot for a daily driver in Ohio winters. You gotta watch the control arm bushings and those pesky electronic parking brakes, which usually start failing around this mileage. If the previous owner skipped the supercharger oil service, you might be looking at a rebuild soon. Maybe hold off and look for a lower mile A4 if you really need reliability for that commute.