Hello,

My wife is in need of a new car, and currently the A4 is her preference. We are looking at 02/03 sedans around 40-50k miles. Don't worry, I have done some searches for common problems, and I see that oil sludge in the 1.8 and ignition coils are the most frequently mentioned. However, even after some additional searching, I haven't been able to find answers to a few follow up questions.

1. Is there any way to check for the sludge issue, or just check that the service records are good and hope?

2. If the original owner changed the oil at the frequency recommended by Audi (did I read 10k miles correctly?), is it already likely too late at 40-50k miles?

3. Is the ignition coil problem something that can be fixed with new coils or some sort of adjustment, or is it a chronic problem?

4. Does the 6 cylinder have coil issues as well, or is it just on the 1.8T?

Thanks, and I hope I have not enraged you too greatly with my n00b questions.

 

Well to address #2. Even if the manual says every 10k miles, I would HIGHLY advise against it. I change mine around every 3k. You want to do everything you can to avoid sludge. Check to see if Synthetic Oil was used in the previous oil changes. If not, even at good changing intervals, there may be a sludge problem.

 

synthetic oil every 5k and oil sludge wont be a problem. timing belt will have to be done in 30-40k too

 

1-2

Sludge can be a problem and is more prevalent on 1.8T than on 2.8, but both can get it. Oil should be changed with full synthetic around every 5k miles. If it was changed with synthetic every 10k, you will be ok, just start doing it every 5k when you get it. Easy way to check for sludge is to open the oil cap on top of the engine. Look at the underside of the cap and also down into the hole. If it looks nice and clean, you are probably ok, if you see sludge, then of course the car has some sludge. It can be cleaned out.

3-4
No sure, I didn't think the coils were a big problem.

Keep the 'noob' questions coming. If you do your research before you post, people are less likely to care that the question has been answered before. This forum is here to help everyone so post your questions and problems (after a little searching) when you have them.