Hi guys.

I've gotten great advice before so here I go again.

I'm looking at an 03 Manual with 48K.

Dealer is asking $18K.

It has no warranty other than the laws that protect used car buyers.

One owner, from same dealership, and I have all the service records.

As far as I can tell everything checks out.

Dealer is also asking $3000 for a Audi endorsed extended warranty for 3 years / 36K miles.

Anything else I should look for in a final inspection of the car?

Thoughts on whether or not this is a good deal?

Thanks,

 

I don't think $18k is a bad price if the car is in great shape. I checked the listings in my area and found the '03s with 38k-55k miles were priced between $17k and $19k. You're coming in right at the mid point on both miles and $$.

Is it possible for you to drive by and see the car on the lot after it's been sitting all night and before the dealership opens? You could then tell if any of the air bags leaked overnight if it's slumped down.

What color? How did you like the test drive?

 

Any way to check it out on my test drive....

I have yet to actually drive the car....It is located at least 2 hours from me.

- On the test drive how could I test the bags? Other things like the turbos or clutch?

 

You can test the bags and suspensionto some degree by raising it up and making sure the suspension adjusts to all four settings. For a slow leak, the only way to really test is to watch it over time. Is it an Audi dealer?(they'll show you how to raise and lower the suspension)I'd ask them if they've checked it for leaks.

I guess with the clutch, just make sure it grabs and feels like it's grabbing at the right time. The ar has some decent torque, so you should expect to be able to feel the torque. I mean the car shouldn't feel weak or like it's revs are a little high for the amount of go your getting.

Ummm...turbos...I have no idea 'cause I haven't had any mishaps with 'em yet. Mine are relatively quiet I mean I def hear them come up when I step on it, but it's a whoosh and not a whine. I hear that burning smell under the hood can besign of bad seals on the turbos. Of course a burning smellcould meanlots of bad things.

Where abouts do you live? You gonna go for a test drive soon?

 

I live in NYC.

Do I need to worry about the bags if they are covered under the warranty?

If it is a slow leak then what does a "slumped down" allroad look like?

What about torque converter problems?

Any other questions for the dealer? It's an audi dealer so....

 

If there is a leak that causes one or more of the bags to drop, then it'll look like one of the suspension springs gave way and one corner of the car will sit lower than the rest.It'll look like its sagging(or one side, or the front or back will be dropped down)
Since its an Audi dealer, they'll have experience with the air suspension system and will be able to tell you if it has or had any leaks.
If the bags are covered under warranty, then I don't think you should worry. I had one replaced under warranty and the only hassle was the normal hassle of dropping the car off for a couple of days to get it replaced and to have them watch it for a day to see if it leaked.

I'm clueless about the torque converter, but I don't think that should be a problem given the mileage.

 

so.... Anything else to think about...

Not that I need more to think about but.

Warranty or no warranty?

 

Tough call on the warranty 'cause its a steep option at 3k. Still21k isless than what I paid for my CPO with 35k miles on it last summer. I've already used the warranty on mine to cover one replacement air spring and a modulator piece attached to the compressor. (both tied to the same problem and the only significant problem I've had in my 1 year of ownership)

I say the warranty is a good idea. Is an ar practical living in NYC?

 

Even though I'm a newbie...I'd say the warranty is well worth it. $3000 for 3 years/36k is worth it. I bought my 2001 Allroad with 77,000 miles on it. I've only had the car for 3 weeks and one of the air bags has already gone out on me. Just one new air bag retails for around $600...give or take+labor costs to replace.

Turbos should last quite awhile. Just make sure you keep up with oil changes and recommend using synthetic oil on Turbo car. Also, after long or hard driving, do not turn the car off right away after parking. Let it idle for 1-2 minutes before shutting down...not only does it say to do that in the manual, but it also is a given for any car that is turbo charged.

Since the car you're looking at has a Manual Transmission, you don't have to worry about torque converter problems...torque converters are on the automatics.

I've attached an image of what the car will look like "slammed" if one of your front air bags is leaking:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...6/DSC00592.jpg