I've just bought a 1998 A4 non turbo, non-quattro, automatic. It has 68,000 miles.

I understand the main items to watch for are: control arms, timing belt, and water pump.

At what mileage interval should I expect these to be replaced? Any other major items I should watch for?

Thank you. I'm mainly a BMW guy so forgive my ignorance.

 

Do the timing belt and water pump now. Recommended is about 60,000. As for the control arms, depends on how you drive it. I've got 115,000 on mine and they are fine, but I drive almost all highway. Hopefully someone else here can tell you exactly when you should change the tranny fluid, but I'd look into that too. Welcome to the forum!

 

Non Q / Non T vehicles can go up to 80K without the timing belt, water pump, fuel pump, fuel filter and tranny fluid needing to be replaced, but 60k is a good time, too. It depends on your maintenance budget. If you need to spread out the items, then do the T-belt and H2O pump together now. Then do the fuel pump and filter in another 5-10k, then the tranny fluid by 80K.

 

Could I get a heads up on a 99.5 1.8T Quarrto. I just got mine today with 67k. It sounds like it's time to do timing belt and the water pump. Anything else I should try to proactivley nab? Thanks

 

I'd replace the DV too. There is a myriad of choices for these from stock replacement to billet aluminum DV's. Plugs may not be bad idea if they have not been done yet. Chrck into the NGK iridiums, they perform like coppers and last like platinums. A little pricey though.