I'm in the market for my first car. Really like the styling and options of the A4. Now I know it definitely isnt as cheap to maintain or would be a work horse like a honda or Acura. I lately found a deal on a 98 2.8L A4 with 125k miles with great paint job and well kept interior along with a good carfax report and the asking price is $4500.

My questions for you guys are:
On average because of age and milage how much maintanence issues can I expect?
How many more miles can I expect out of this beauty? (I am looking for a car that can do about 13k a yr and last me for atleast about the next four years).
Is the control arm issue an issue with all the 98 A4? If not on average how good is the quality on the control arms.

Once again the fact that this car isnt as easy to maintain as a honda doesnt bother me (I love the quality of the Audi's ride and am willing to give up on some reliability. Besides in 3-4 years I will definitely be looking for a newer car).

Thanks for your help,
Future hopful Audi owner.

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'98 A4 2.8 (153,000 miles at ownership)
To be a gentleman these days is hard but someone has to do it.

well I can tell you that the 30v V6 will if taken care of properly, last well into the 200+K range so it sould work wonderfully for you. the price of the car seems reasonable if not down right good. People will still pay that much for a 96' A4. I'm not to sure about the control arms but I can tell you that around 175K you'll be looking at a timing belt job (~800 if you go through a shop) and then you have regular and unexpected maintenance to consider.

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- Colin

12v Proud

"Okay you f**kers, I'm going to tinkle now." - George Carlin