Maintank

How are the engines. I suppose not many of the 2000 models have anything near 100K miles.

I have a 1993 90CS with 147,000 miles on it. After about 105-110,000 miles the engine seems to be a hurt box. It has torn through 2 sets of catalytic converters in 50,000 miles. Luckily they are covered under warranty but the labor wasnt arghhhh. The seals are shot. Which helps explain why it burns a qrt of oil every 600 miles.

I guess one of the questions I should be asking. Are the 2.8 engines in the A4s much different than the 2.8 engines in the 90s?

I am looking at picking up a 2000 A4 in the winter or possibly a 99 A8. But to tell you the truth I am not interested in buying catalytic converters every 50,000 miles after 100,000 miles.

My dads astro van has 600,000 miles on it and he has never replaced a catalytic converter. I expect the engines if you give them maintenance to last at least to 150K and more like 200K.

If you guys have any input on this subject please let me know.

Thank you,

P.S. if I destroy the catalytic converters would it harm the engine anymore than it already is? I was thinking about after the next time it is time to replace them to just take them off, clean them out, and run them without the honecomb insides.

Silver Streakin'

The cats in the 12v 2.8 were known to fail and AoA never did much about it. A short-list of a recall was about it, which didn't include me since I had a manual tranny. I replaced both of mine around 90-95k miles and sold it around 106k.

The 30v 2.8 engine is nice power plant, but it's not all that different from your 12v. I would suspect the same longevity. The nice thing about the A4 market is that you'll have a choice to buy an aftermarket exhaust system that will out perform and last the OEM.... as well as other parts.

I wouldn't recommend going the A8 route. It may be in the same price range for the initial purchase, but I can guarantee you that you'll spend more money maintaining it for the same types of parts and services vs the A4.

I would suggest the 99.5+ A4 2.8 Quattro manual (an Avant if you want more space, which I would like) with the least amout of miles on it that you can afford. Don't worry about the Sports package because you might as well save the cash for a better one. Plus, you'll get 15" or 16" OEM wheels that make nice winter wheels and you can upgrade to 17" or 18".

If you want more power, you have a aftermarket supercharger option. If you want to save some cash, buy the 1.8t and chip it. It's a different power delivery, which you may not want since you've been driving a NA 2.8 for so long.

my $0.03

Audi4orce

About the 2000 engine, Audi has perfected over the years. The 2000 engines have 30valves and are trouble free.........With the exception of the Timing belt premature failures. That's all u have to worry about the 2000 englines. Audi calls for 105,000 miles belt change, However, The water pumps don't last that long, The water pump is driven by the timing belt and when the water pump goes.....The timing goes, and then u chew up the valves...U Must replace the timing belt/Water pump every 60,000miles. If u don't mind that, then the engine is bullet proof. I see what your saying about the early 2.8 12v engines, They had all kinds of leaks....Cyl head gaskets would leak cooland in to the pistons.
About picking up a 99 A8.......Stay away....run away....From what i hear, they have all kinds of leak...Oil leaks. Every engine seal, tends to leak like crazy....and parts for the V8 4.2 are like platinum expensive....Just warning Ya!!
DG

Maintank

Yikes the 99 A8 was a nightmare huh? I guess that is why I can pick one up for 29,000 bucks hehe.

I have to admit the 60,000 mile timing belt issue kind of worries me. I had my timing belt replaced when I did the water pump at about 120,000 miles. Every 4 yrs I need to drop 1500 bucks on a timing belt install is daunting. Hmmm have these things been failing on a regular basis at 60,000 miles?

And most importantly are they warrantied under Audi?

Thank you for the help.

Maintank

Hmm then I guess the program is to get a low mileage A4 and sell it before 100K miles. That is kind of discouraging hmmmm.

Audi4orce indicated the 99 A8s had some issues with the engines. Have you heard the same?

Thank you,

Tthomas

should be able to go for much longer than that (not sure how long...).

newer models already have the new tensioner installed.

Silver Streakin'

I only sold my 90 because it was still worth about $10k when I sold it AND I was frustrated with the lack of available performance upgrades that didn't entail an engine rebuild. I wasn't about to spend the equivalent on mods of the car's worth, especailly with just over 100k miles. It was too much money to drop to put on a daily driver on the track. (However, look at me now...)

Thus, the 1.8t A4.

Audi4orce

and the other Bad part about owning an A8 is Auto insurance......U pay a Big Price. Why? From what i hear, About 8-10 Body shops around the country are certified to work/repair the aluminum frame.
So, Don't crash an A8.....big money to fix and all kinds of down time...
DG

Maintank

Oh I misread your post. Thought you said go for the A8 hehe.

I am just apprehensive about dropping money on a used car to have it last as long as the one I own now. Which is why I am trying to learn about the quality of the engines in the newer models.

Silver Streakin'

nothing lasts forever, but I would have to agree with the others that improvements have been made.