Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a 1996 A4 2.8Q with just under 100k miles, and I was wondering if you guys could tell me what to expect from the car. It's in great cosmetic shape, and has had the timing belt, water pump, 4 ball joints, and brakes (front pads/rotors, rear pads/maybe rotors) replaced recently. If I drive the car for, say, 2 years and 30,000 miles, what can I expect to have go wrong with the car and what might I be able to sell it for if it's in good shape after that? I know the ball joints are a common problem - how much is it to get them replaced? I'll probably have to do the clutch at some point, which is like $1000, right? What should I look for when I drive the car? Where are common rust points and stuff like that? Do the diffs go? Are all three torsen? Are any of them?

Also, what octane should I run it on? I see that 87 is possible, but is 89 or 91 actually better for reliability, mileage, or performance? So many questions. I was never really a big Audi lover, but this car is gorgeous and I'm not gonna pay twice the price for a Bimmer, so now I'm desparate for info. Help!

Thanks,
integrale

 

if it's a good price, buy it.

re-sale value is really irrelevant once you get into the 150k-200k range, the floor will be hit by then.

and as far as what will go wrong with it post 100k, i don't really know, but i would imagine it would fall in line with what happens to any car that reaches super high mileage. The 2.8 is a reliable engine, and the audi is a very well built car. Good luck.

 

when was the timing belt/water pump etc replaced? its suggested to do the timing belt every 60k miles so you might have to do that if youre keeping it for the 30k miles. bentframe has his original post on common problems so if he doesnt post it soon ill look for it. always use premium gas.

 

We just had a thread about this a day or so ago....

https://www.audiforums.com/m_123244/.../tm.htm#123252

 

Thanks for the link Jestnomen, I didn't realize the comp. ratio was that high. I'll start with 91, but if I get cheap, I might see what happens with 89.

The timing/water replacement was <30,000 miles ago, so I might be safe. That's only $300 or so anyway, right? I'm more concerned about the ball joints. I've heard it's $2500 for all-around replacement. True?

I'm off to search for bentframe's thread now. Thanks!

 

well timing belt is about 300 for parts but labor is a huge cost, which usuallydoubles that cost at least.

for general info, search for "common problems" and you will find plenty of information.