My girlfriend would like to replace her 04 Acura TL with a c6 some time this year. I’ve figured I would go with either an 07+ 4.2 or a 3.0t, after doing some research. Just wondering pros vs cons of each engine, and which one would be the better buy? I have seen the odd well priced 3.0t, but a lot of them are pretty pricey compared to 4.2s, and just trying to stay on a bit of a budget if at all possible, but i could just pay the extra cash if a 3.0t takes the cake hands down.
If it’s for your GF you really can’t go wrong with either.
The 4.2 is great and generally will run forever with little to no issues if you just do the maintenance.
The 3.0T is also a nice motor but lacks the obvious TQ that your going to see in the 4.2. Especially if you plan to leave them both stock.
Now if you plan to spend a little money and mod them with performance. JHM has a really impressive 3.0T program. Where you can basically have a mustang killer on your hands with a few simple mods.
I was definitely leaning towards the 3.0t since I know they have so much potential, but the 4.2s are generally listed for much cheaper. That being said, shortly after I posted this, someone had a 2010 s line 3.0t fixer upper for a price too good to refuse. The car has a misfire but these engines seem pretty reliable from my research so I’m hoping its just something like an injector or coil! I’m picking it up on Saturday
These cars have the same issues as the S6s and that is injector issues. I would do the injectors / coils and plugs. That would be a safe starting point.
These engines seem pretty reliable from my research. What are the odds its something major at 245,000km? Do they need a timing chain replaced at some point?
I don’t know that I have heard of any cars needing timing service.
From what limited info I know.
injectors for sure
make sure the water pump is done. That has taken out a lot of motors.
The crank pulleys tend to fall apart.
general stuff maintenance wise other than that.
I own a 2007 A6 with the 4.2l engine. I love the way it drives and the torque of a N/A engine. I would take a N/A engine over a super charged/turbo any day.
I also own a 2007 Acura MDX. With Acura/Honda’s most of the maintenance is fluid and filter changes.
With the Audi there are numerous oil and coolant leaks that you will need to account for ($). If you plan on doing your own maintenance then the cost will be low, if not then allocate $$ for maintenance.
My guess is that the misfires are due to needing a carbon clean, the 2007 4.2l is the first year for the direct inject engine. This is a time consuming job but can be done by an advanced DIY mechanic.
I’m not trying to talk you out of the Audi just trying to explain a realistic picture. Because of my Audi I have definately sharpened my DIY mechanic skills.
Most of the people on this forum are S6 owners who don’t blink about pulling an engine.
well, the car is home! The misfire is definitely coil related as the car was running on all 6, the owner said the car only did it during hard driving & warmed up. However, I can hear what resembles timing chain slap. It was extremely cold out, and it seemed to quiet down after the engine got more warmed up. From research this sounds like an upper chain tensioner/guide issue which there’s a tsb fo. The engine still runs fairly smooth. The car has been sitting for about 8 months, ill try doing an oil change to see if that helps at all. Anyways, for the price I paid I can afford to put some work into it
