I'm interested in a 1997 A4 sedan with 130K, manual trans Quattro. The asking price is about $6000.00 private party. The Carfax checks out. I don't know squat about the cars but am very mechanical, 58 Mercedes, 83 Mercedes diesel, 89 Mazda 929 w/150K, Subaru Forester, and a nice 76 Jaguar XJ6. I know how to wrench a bit. My question, on the mechanical side, what shoudl I be most concerned with? Clutch, brakes? Are these engines (2.8 v6 I think) solid meaning if it's running smooth I should be OK? Any real sore points I should be aware of? I know to check for rust and body work but I am a neophyte as far as Audi/VW mechanicals. I will maintain the car like the previous owner, Mobil 1 every 3k (I'll probably go 5K). Car will be used as a 100 mile per day commuter. Is 25 MPG reasonable for this car? How does the Quattro system compare to the Subaru AWD system? The Subaru is like a billy-goat in the snow but it is my wifes car. Can I get 250~300 K out of this car with careful maintenance? Timing belt was changed at 90K.
Thanks for any and all advice.

 

it is a smooth running car. it is not mod freindly. i would replace the timing belt, water pump therostat and tenshioner every 60k. car would prob get 17-22 mpg half highway with some trafic jams/city. all highway cruzing (non stop) ya you might get 25+. more than likely you will get the common control arm prob. would recomend changing the fuel filter. in the snow it is unbeatable i only got stuck once( my stupidity) if taken care of i have no dought it it will last well into the 2 if not 300k

i have had my car since 60k and had done fine. it now has 138k no real prob except failed water pump and therostat (diferant times) had a prob with 1 gear not a very common prob would not worry about it. if you test drive it you will here it if it has a prob. clutch is very strong no probs. brake are good.. ez to change

only 2 other prob most of our 12v have is the idle control valve and oil leak from the vally pan gasket