Newbee on the forum but 10 year Audi owner needs a reality check. My daily driver for the last 4 years has been a '96 Saab 9000 Aero, manual trans (my wife drives the Audi). I'm at 210k miles on original engine/transmission/clutch/turbo/etc. and no suggestion of anything wearing out. A close friend has been drivingan '03 A4 Avant 1.8T 5 speed manual and is at 215k on original engine/.... (the same).Almost all his driving is on new england turnpikes at 60 to 80 mph.The only known problem is the cat converter which must be replaced to renew inspection. Although he owns the A4, it is company maintained and he is very conscientious and willing to spend the company's money on maintenance - oil/lube every 3 to 5k using mobil-1 and regular services called for in maintainence book. The timing belt (and related items) have been replaced twice (last was about 25k ago). Amost new tires, 4 snows and 4 summer roads. It rides like new, tight and quiet. It's mine for 8K, add the converter and I'min for a total 9K. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

215k is about 133k miles. If this guy is the maintenance freak you say he is, then you shouldn't be as scared of the miles. Its prob a decent price for an 03. I say go for it.

 

thanks tdrill. My fault on the mileage.... the 215k is miles (215,000). Change of opinion?

 

See, I thought 215k miles would be a joke. 215k kilometer would be ok.

Yea so at 215k miles, I give it a hell no. I would put $8-9k into a low mileage 00 or something.

IMO, don't buy any car with over 150k miles (especially an Audi), unless it has a deisel engine. Your maintenance costs start skyrocketing even on well maintained vehicles.