buying a used A4??
04-18-2005, 02:01 PM
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buying a used A4??
Hello,
I am thinking of buying a 97-99 AUDI. I have heard mixed reviews on how these cars hold up - what are your thoughts? What should I look for as warning signs or things that may cause problems?
Thanks for your help
AJ
I am thinking of buying a 97-99 AUDI. I have heard mixed reviews on how these cars hold up - what are your thoughts? What should I look for as warning signs or things that may cause problems?
Thanks for your help
AJ
04-18-2005, 04:33 PM
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reliability seem to range somewhat greatly... I have been generally very happy with my car [more]
My A4 is actually MORE reliable than my previous car, a Civic (the Civic was still great, just required more stuff fixed than my Audi).
You should definitely find a car that has as much record as possible... and CALL the shops where work was done. Mechanics can be brutal when reporting the condition of the cars, and they will feel obligated to tell you every little thing wrong with it.
Before you buy, certainly bring the car to a indy shop of your choice for pre-purchase inspection (absolutely crucial). And it's a buyer's market really for A4's that age... so take your time in test driving and get a good feel of the car before pulling the triggar.
Finally, keep in mind that even when running perfectly, the A4 do cost relatively more to maintain. Also, there are known parts that NEED to be replaced... tb, c-arms, tie-rod ends etc... and these parts are not cheap to repair/replace.
Timing belt is absolutely crucial for the 1.8t models.
Anyhow, search the forum for more info, this question gets asked once every week...
God, we need a tech article for this...
You should definitely find a car that has as much record as possible... and CALL the shops where work was done. Mechanics can be brutal when reporting the condition of the cars, and they will feel obligated to tell you every little thing wrong with it.
Before you buy, certainly bring the car to a indy shop of your choice for pre-purchase inspection (absolutely crucial). And it's a buyer's market really for A4's that age... so take your time in test driving and get a good feel of the car before pulling the triggar.
Finally, keep in mind that even when running perfectly, the A4 do cost relatively more to maintain. Also, there are known parts that NEED to be replaced... tb, c-arms, tie-rod ends etc... and these parts are not cheap to repair/replace.
Timing belt is absolutely crucial for the 1.8t models.
Anyhow, search the forum for more info, this question gets asked once every week...
God, we need a tech article for this...
04-18-2005, 04:37 PM
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not to rain on the parade but my A4 has been a nightmare
From what I understand. stick to the 1.8t's They seem to have less problems than the 2.8L. I'm actually selling my 2.8 because it almost put me into bankruptcy. Now im going the completely reliable route of a honda or toyota.
04-18-2005, 05:40 PM
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If you want reliability, try to go 2.8. If you want Mod-ability, go 1.8T
Like they said, reliability can vary greatly. I've had my car for 18 months, and the only reason its been in the shop other than mods has been standard maintnence ie timing belt and tie rods. Other than that, it has been a great car.
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