turbomark Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 I'm looking at an audi a4, it's a first generation (1998) 2.8 quattro a4. I'm just wondering what I should look for if considering this car. I know that they're generally reliable (although a lot of small shit goes wrong with them). I know that the ac isn't working although I don't know what's wrong with it. If anyone knows of any specific problem areas I should look for and how to check them that would be great. Any help would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 I dont know much about the exact model you are looking for but i know the b5 s4's have wheel bearing issues. And earlier audi's have electronic problem such as window regs and seat heaters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbomark Posted July 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 The windows worked and no wheel bearing noise to speak of. Didn't test the seat heaters though (it's hot outside and i've lived my entire life without heated seats) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boostedgtp Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 The front control arms always go bad, the timming belt needs to be changed around 100k, wheel bearings, abs modules, valve cover gaskets, coils..... If you get one of these cars plan on atleast spending 2gs in repairs, if you take it to a garage to have the work done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bam Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 its just little shit usually, but the front control arm bushings do need done on 99.99% cars by 75k miles. more importantly, how much is it? Because you can get them CHEAP nowadays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudiOn19s Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 http://www.audiworld.com for more information than you'll ever want. Board format sucks but it's a great resource. http://www.audizine.com is an OK source as well...not as good technical info as Audiworld though. As stated...Count on needing to do control arms. I think the 2.8's had a timing chain not belt and it was 100k ish when it needed to be replaced which is spendy. My 1.8T A4 has been very pain free for the 5+ years and 150K+ miles that I've owned it...Sure every car will have little things here and there but it's been a real pleasure owning my A4. I've been happy enough with it to where if / when it gets replaced it will be replaced with a newer A4. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokey Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 My 1.8T A4 has been very pain free for the 5+ years and 150K+ miles that I've owned it... I've been happy enough with it to where if / when it gets replaced it will be replaced with a newer A4. Andy haha. What about that front bumper to replace the belts? fun time there huh? I guess it's been good other than that...oh and the ABS module. Still gets compliments all the time though. I call BS on the second portion though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudiOn19s Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 haha. What about that front bumper to replace the belts? fun time there huh? I guess it's been good other than that...oh and the ABS module. Still gets compliments all the time though. I call BS on the second portion though. Like I said...little things here and there but I still managed to do the job myself...it was the origional s-Belt that should have been replaced long before 135k miles. ABS module would not have been an isssue if the car wasn't hit but some un-insured ASS. I'd rock a B6 or B7 A4...but every time I try to find a reason to replace the current A4 I can't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokey Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 it's just funny to see the car become "the family truckster" after you LOVED that car for so long Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 check for leaks (valve cover gasket, dipstick gasket, differential), check coil packs, front suspension kit as others said, abs control module, abs pump. My 1.8t has been trouble free for about 12,000 miles. Just make sure your up to date on the maintenance and you'll be just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ansonivan Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 Have any prospective purchase inspected by a qualified shop independent of the seller. You can easily dump 4k into an A4 which has not been properly maintained. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moe7 Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 I had a 99.5 for a few years.. Nice, fun cars, but make sure you have some decent $$$ set aside for repairs. The most common mechanical problems from what I've seen (I still frequent audiworld.com) are wheel bearings and control arms. The problem a lot of people have is that they are cheap to obtain nowadays, but the cost of repairs has not gotten any cheaper and they are showing their age. Make sure you learn up on them before buying one because they can be money pits if you do not stay up on your maintenance. Audiworld.com is a great resource, search and you will find more than you will ever care to know about these cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Maintenance is a BITCH! After this Audi is out of warranty /sold, I'll be buying another one. However, I would never own one out of warranty. Audi CPO cars are a great bargain. Get one thats a few years old, and your looking @ usually %50 or less of the original MSRP and you get a great warranty / service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Have any prospective purchase inspected by a qualified shop independent of the seller. You can easily dump 4k into an A4 which has not been properly maintained. So true, I dumped about 5K in repairs right after purchasing mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbomark Posted July 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I recovered my camry so I'm no longer looking at it... the salesman was a cockbag anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bam Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 So true, I dumped about 5K in repairs right after purchasing mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I've had about 15k of work done in the past year (under warranty thank god). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 So true, I dumped about 5K in repairs right after purchasing mine. Were you on sawmill yesterday afternoon by chance? Thought I saw you go by while we were having lunch @ Chipotle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vwjeff Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 generally reliable ..... :bs: seriously stay away from the car. it will be broken more than you'll drive it. and i hope your wallet is DEEP for repairs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbomark Posted July 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 I recovered my camry so I'm no longer looking at it... the salesman was a cockbag anyways. ^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 I have an 01 and I have no concerns. You have to maintain EVERY car, Audi's are no different Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Were you on sawmill yesterday afternoon by chance? Thought I saw you go by while we were having lunch @ Chipotle. Yep, I live off sawmill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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