Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

Hello,

I am new to the board and am considering purchasing an Audi A4 to replace my current car (1994 Acura Integra LS). The Integra is getting up there in mileage, about 158K.

I have been reading the "newbies" posting in regards of what to look for and etc. I see that some people are saying that the cost of maintenance will not be as much if one was to do their own work. Why type of maintenances are we talking about? Spark plugs, oil, filters, and etc. is something that is def. doable for me. But what exactly is considered something that can be done by the owner? I want to calculate how much I will be spending to maintain the car yearly.

Also, the Audi that I am going to be viewing this coming Weds. sounds to be a gem, but I am not too sure. The price is a bit high but the owner said that the price is NOT firm, and he can work it out a bit.

The current specs of the car I am looking at:
1997 Audi A4 in Excellent Condition is for sale by the owner.

Specifics of the vehicle:

1997 Aud A4 - $7500
Engine: 4-Cyl. 1.8L Turbo
Transmission: Automatic
Drive train: FWD
Mileage: 98,250


NEW TIMING BELT - Worth $900 including Parts and Labor

NEW MICHELIN PILOT XGT H4 - Worth $350 (Costco Tire Center Warranty) - The Michelin® Pilot® XGT® H4 provides an exceptionally high level of performance characteristics in an H-performance rated all-season tire. Designed for drivers looking for tight, responsive handling in nearly any weather condition, the Michelin Pilot XGT H4 offers long, even tread wear and a smooth, quiet ride.

LEATHER - Exceptionally Maintained (Not a scratch on the car seats)

SLIDING SUN ROOF

Other Standard Features: Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Tilt Wheel, Cruise Control, AM/FM Stereo, Cassette, Dual Front Air Bags, ABS (4-Wheel, Power Seat, Alloy Wheels

3rd Owner, and he has all of the maintenance records for the past 3 years.

So what do you guys think?

Thank you,
Alex

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

Hi welcome to the forum, that looks like its not that great of a deal, being that it is a 97, that it has high mileage, and is Quattro, and is also an automatic..

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

There have been several posts about this topic. Searching could give a lot of information, but here's what you should look out (at least the most expensive):

- Timing belt service is arguably the most important maintenance of all. If it's done, excellent, but make sure that the thermostat and water pump were replaced (they usually combine with the TB service). Do it at 70k in the 1st time, and every 90k after that (they should replace the stock roller with a newer version that lasts an additional 90k). You don't want a TB failing.

- Control Arms tend to fail at about 70k, but this is an open-ended issue. I've had mine stock for 98k and still no problems, but this has been issue for many owners. A set (a good one) will go for 500$ + labour (about 300 i think) unless you DIY.

I think these are the 2 major issues about audi's. Other than that is just your regular maintenance, although I'm sure you can get some more input from other members. I think most people will agree that audi's are somewhat temperamental and will ocasionally kick you in the nuts (mine is working fine until now :P, but who knows), but any audi is a joy to drive.

One major point though. I think the 97 engine is substantially different from the next version 98-01, so make sure that you get good information about it in terms of reliability. The 2 maintenances i refered apply to the 98-01, so I don't know if they hold for the 97 version.

And I agree with the dude before me: 7500 for such high mileage and 97 is not a great deal. I think you can knock at least 500 out of the price.

Good look in your car hunt!

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

The price is negotiable. I will be asking for $6500. If he cannot do that, I am going to walk. However, I wanted an Automatic because I have been driving standard for about 5 years and frankly, living in San Francisco with a standard has its downside. This time I am 100% sure that I want an Automatic, that is also why I am looking for a nicer type Sedan, hence the A4.

I will def. ask about the timing belt, water pump, control arm.

I just love the look of the Audi sooo much.

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

In your first post it says the timing belt has been done so your good there, Id look for a bit newer on with less miles and and tip auto

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

and try to pick up a quattro they will be around the same price in most cases

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

90K+ is really a lot of mileage? I haven't seen one around my price ranger with lower miles tho.

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

there is nothing wrong with automatic. Being FWD I dont think that price is worth it, but go to www.kbb.com and check the actual value.

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

how often will he really need quattro in san fran tho?

RE: Cost of Maintenance - B5 A4
 

well it makes a difference in any situation, especially rain and snow. What if he decides to go skiing? or if its raining out? or a hot sunny day on a spirited drive? or hell just DD. AWD makes a difference in more situations then people care to think of. having it masks the limits of fwd or rwd.