Shopping around, new to Audi's, need your expert advise
01-31-2002, 06:15 AM
#11
oh, and you want a 99.5 (yes, the .5 matters) for the updated toys. here's how to define a 99.5 -
<ul><li><a href="http://ctny.a4.org/mark/a4/diff/diff.html">http://ctny.a4.org/mark/a4/diff/diff.html</a</li></ul>
01-31-2002, 06:35 AM
#13
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Super Bargain:
I'll be selling my car in a month or so... It has 39k miles on it. (so that means 11k of factory warranty left)
book value = $23k... I'll let it go for $20k (car has $5k in mods too!). If you are interested, send me an email, I live very close to western mass.
book value = $23k... I'll let it go for $20k (car has $5k in mods too!). If you are interested, send me an email, I live very close to western mass.
01-31-2002, 06:36 AM
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I wouldn't buy a 1.8T unless I planned to chip it.
The 1.8T quattro's up to the 2000 model year were slooooow. For the 2001 model year, they upped the horsepower to 170, so they are reasonably peppy. If I was planning on keeping it bone stock, I would consider an older 2.8 (1998 or newer, which come with a 190 hp 30 valve engine).
01-31-2002, 06:39 AM
#16
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I don't believe Audi recognizes a 99.5 designation, so you'll have to follow the visual cues that
are mentioned in Silver Streakin's link. Audi made some changes halfway through the year, and us car nuts give those cars a +0.5 designation.
01-31-2002, 06:45 AM
#17
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Thanks for the feedback guys! Another question:
Is there a mileage maximum I should look for? Like 30k for a '99, or 45k for a '98.....stuff like that?
If I find a 53k one that appears to have been taken perfect care of, would you think it'd be safe to buy? Or is there a mileage level when things have been known to go bad. Do A4's have to go through the timing belt change at 60k miles? If so, maybe something near 60k would be bad unless the change has been done?
Thanks for the help again! Between all of you, and researching myself, I've come a long way in the past week or so.
Pete
If I find a 53k one that appears to have been taken perfect care of, would you think it'd be safe to buy? Or is there a mileage level when things have been known to go bad. Do A4's have to go through the timing belt change at 60k miles? If so, maybe something near 60k would be bad unless the change has been done?
Thanks for the help again! Between all of you, and researching myself, I've come a long way in the past week or so.
Pete
01-31-2002, 07:00 AM
#18
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I think it's more important to find a car that's been well cared for. Absolute mileage is not the
best indicator of vehicle condition. And definitely have it looked over by a mechanic. You don't have to have a "personal mechanic". Talk to the owner of a local garage, tell them you're considering purchasing a used car, and ask them what kinds of things they might be able to check for you, so that you don't find yourself in a lemon. Search these forums for people's advice, or just post the checklist that your mechanic plans to go through.
FYI...the last car I sold, I had to bring to a mechanic for an inspection at the request of the potential buyer. I gladly did so, and when I dropped the car off, I was very impressed. This was one of their "regular" services they offered for their customers. I asked what they would be doing with the car, and they ran through the standard checklist that every used car is subjected to in their shop. He charged less than $100 for it. If you found a mechanic and asked the same question...and found the guy scratching his eyebrows while he thinks about things to check, run...that's not the kind of shop that will help you!
You are right though...if you're purchasing a car near 60K, I would expect that there is evidence that the timing belt was done. If there is no receipt, then you should assume it was not done, and plan on the added expense. On the 2.8 engines, you'll also be replacing the water pump while you're in there.
FYI...the last car I sold, I had to bring to a mechanic for an inspection at the request of the potential buyer. I gladly did so, and when I dropped the car off, I was very impressed. This was one of their "regular" services they offered for their customers. I asked what they would be doing with the car, and they ran through the standard checklist that every used car is subjected to in their shop. He charged less than $100 for it. If you found a mechanic and asked the same question...and found the guy scratching his eyebrows while he thinks about things to check, run...that's not the kind of shop that will help you!
You are right though...if you're purchasing a car near 60K, I would expect that there is evidence that the timing belt was done. If there is no receipt, then you should assume it was not done, and plan on the added expense. On the 2.8 engines, you'll also be replacing the water pump while you're in there.
