siberian

I found an 03 Dolphin 1.8tqm sport with ebony interior, xenons, winter package, everything I want except power seat... which isn't a big deal because I set it once and leave it... It's Audi Certified with 22k miles. Still haggling price but so far I got them down to $26k.

It's about 350 miles from home, so it's going to be a road trip if I decide to take it. They're holding it for me until later today if I decide to go ahead with it.

Whaddaya think? Sound like a good deal? I've been searching and this seems pretty fair. I was hoping to find one with 15k or less miles... but since the certified warranty goes to 100k, I guess 22k is okay. The only reason I'm willing to overlook a few extra miles is that this one is EXACTLY what I want. And finding a used one exactly the way you want it is usually very difficult. Also, I was almost willing to buy a black one (not my first color choice) with 28k miles. I passed on it though. Besides, the last one I bought was one year old with 25k miles... and at that time the audi certified warranty was only 75k miles. So I'm doing a lot better this time methinks.

bhvrdr

It has the premium and sport package with xenons. Bought it with 11K miles on it.

fourwheelslide

...dolphin is pretty hard to find as well, especially how you want it! I say HIT IT and enjoy! Just make sure the coil packs have been replaced...I'm assuming they have since it's Audi Certified! Good luck...keep us posted...and most of all...PICTURES!

ex-quattro PETE

:-)

siberian

I had another major breakdown and had to get towed AGAIN last week. This time it's the clutch. Fubar. That's four, yes FOUR tows since November... each time the repair bills were $$$.

Not to mention, I can't for the life of me, solve this electrical glitch that keeps erasing my OBD code data, thus preventing me from taking the emissions test. I'm sure I'd pass emissions, I just can't take the test cuz they can't get any readings from my car.

So I'm done with this one. Ironically, I'll bet now that just about every major mechanical component has been replaced in the last year.. including radiator, turbo, battery, clutch, rear rotors/bearings/brakes, timing belt/water pump... I'd bet the car will be fine now. But I just don't want to take the chance. I can't risk another $1000 dollars sunk into the money pit for another repair bill to fix god knows what.

So I'm going to de-mod it over the next few weeks and sell the parts, then sell the car. I'd be happy to get $3-$4g on it and call it a day.

siberian

the only thing is I feel like I'm cheating on my dealer. I bought my last car at Laurel Audi in Illinois, and I have always kept in touch with the salesman... promising that I'd be buying my next Audi from him. Well, he is no longer in sales... (got promoted to finance manager), and they just don't have the car I want. At least I still give them a lot of service business.

I know he'll understand, since I'm not buying a new one. It's used and I have to go where the car is. They can't do dealer transfers on used ones.

GeneralZod

At least they were a recall on the 02's...
Not sure about the '03's although I think it is just the "version" of coils that were bad will all get replaced with the "fixed" ones.

A4muletStL

I bought an 02 Amulet/Ebony 1.8tqm sport, cold, xenon with 21xxx for 23.6k certified. For a dolphin 03, I'd take it!
Congrats!