Hello! I am a current 2016 Q3 owner, and I'm seriously looking at a 2004 A4 1.8 Turbo with 134,000 miles. Hoping you all with experience with this model can steer me in the right direction (no pun intended!).

So, the CarFax looks pretty good, up until 10-22-15 when it indicates "Engine/powertrain computer/module checked" and again, the exact same thing on 11-11-15. Does that indicate a problem?

The car appears to be well cared for, has had three owners, and is on a reputable dealer's lot. It drives nice, has a few cosmetic interior issues, like the slide out cupholder is broken, ***** worn off, etc.

The other red flag is the battery, and the potential for issues bigger than just the battery. Battery was replaced on 5-29-15, and when I went for a test drive yesterday, it was dead. They said they would replace the battery. But does this represent a bigger problem? On 5-29-15 when they replaced it last, it also states "Battery charging system checked."

Any advice you can give on the overall reputation of this car, as well as the specific issues mentioned here, would be greatly appreciated!

Price of vehicle: $4500.

THANKS!!

 

I can only comment on the battery. That most likely is not an issue. Cars on dealer lots can sit for sometime without being started. After days or weeks of people opening the doors for a look inside, short test drives, it is not unusual for the battery to be drained. Have them put a new one in and check the charging system again before you buy it.

I have a 2.0 so don't know much about the 1.8. Only I heard mentioned is to watch for sludge in the engine. If it has been taken car of that shouldn't be an issue.

Good Luck!