Buying a 2002 1.8T, what should I look for?
 

I am new to Audi and the forum.

I have couple of 5 digit checks coming and really need a new-er car.
I have been driving around in a rust-ish 89 4-runner that has 235K on it.
The thing is awesome in the snow and off-road but I feel like I am pushing my luck on the Aspen to Denver marketing runs, not to mention really embarrassing in front of clients that are paying me $175. an hour.

So, I am pretty set on a getting a clean 2002 or 2003 A4 1.8T. I would like to spend between 17-20K if possible but wonder what the clutch, auto transmission and engine issues are to be aware of at what milage.

.....And yes....I would love to do some mods as the mountain roads up here are great drives.

ChEeRs

RE: Buying a 2002 1.8T, what should I look for?
 

I'm sure you'll like the turbo above 5000 feet. The transmissions are all good. Timing belt needs replacing around 90K. Control arms should be checked.

RE: Buying a 2002 1.8T, what should I look for?
 

Many people like to change the timing belts at 60-70k because the A4s are notoriously bad with them breaking, full engine rebuilds are definately no fun.

RE: Buying a 2002 1.8T, what should I look for?
 

Do not buy ANY 1.8T that does not have full service records. It's a good engine, but it needs to be babied with an oversize oil filter (to compensate for a badly undersized oil sump), good synthetic oil, and frequent oil changes. I recommend changing the timing belt at 60K miles, and, if you have a tiptronic, flushing the ATF at the same time. Also, the coolant is NOT lifetime, so that would be a good time to flush the cooling system, as well.