Hi, i just joined the forum cause i really like audi's and am looking into buying an 97 a4 2.8L. I just have a few curiousity and technical questions to ask. First off i live in Sioux Falls, SD. I did a few searches looking for a4's with a manual transmission and a 2.8 liter cause i hear from a couple of people that the 1.8s have alot of problems. A few questions that i have; is there any major points in the milage that i will have to replace alot of things? Is the upkeep pretty expensive? Any other info and help would be very helpful and appreciated, thank you. And here is the link to the car: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

 

make sure that the timing belt has been done, because if it hasn't you'll need to do that asap, and to pay a shop to do that is anywhere from $700-1000.

 

What do you mean exactly by make sure the timing belt has been done? An is there anything else i should look for specifically? It has 87,500 miles.

 

the timing belt and water pump with the thermostat should have been replaced. otherwise it will have to be asap. I would also see if you can get to take it for a test ride and bring it to autozone to scan for codes.

 

it also wouldnt be a bad idea to run a carfax on it. As for the expense... like everyone told me when I was deciding to get an audi or not: Its not a honda, you have to pay for the perks that it comes with but if the previous owner/s took good care of it and you do the same it should last long and not give you any major problems. I bought mine with 153,000miles on it and she runs really good and even though I know its going to cost me a bit more when repair time comes around, the ride of the car, performance and appeal is definitely worth it. Like I said just see if you can find out if the previous owner/s took care of it (carfax is a decent start for this but dig deeper).

And hey if there is something wrong with that one just hold out for a bit man the wait is worth it when you find one thats just right instead of jumping to another car.

GOOD LUCK HUNTING!