I am considering buying a 97-99 Quattro 1.8T and just had a quick question. I have read the sticky posts and have gathered that the timing belt is the A number 1 maintenance to do. I was just wondering what other things should I look at while shopping for my first Audi.

A little about me. I have been working on cars for about 16 years and have rebuilt or replaced almost every part on a car, so mechanical maintenance on the car will be done by me. I couldnt afford to have the "odd" (read:78 Jaguar XJS nightmare for one)cars if I couldnt do repairs myself,LOL. Im sure this a common question but I searched (a little) and decide to post it anyway. If anyone adept at these cars is in the Joliet/Chicagoland area and willing to maybe look at a perspective car with me when the time comes to buy it would be greatly appreciated. Look forward to joining the Audi owners crowd and hope I cancontribute to the forum.

 

I have a 2.8 but i've been on here enough to offer a little help. The 1.8 engine is sludge prone so your going to want service records of oil changes and preferably synthetic oil. Wheel bearings tend to go but those will be checked if you take it to shop for inspection. They probably don't go nearly as often as they do on new englands dirt roads but regardless... Good luck