What's up everyone?
I'm currently looking at getting a car as an upgrade to my old Probe. I like the A4s because they're small, fairly quick and AWD would be great for the MI winters. I found a 98 2.8 Quattro with 105k miles at a local dealer for $6k. I was hoping to get a 99 or 00, but I would be willing to settle for a 98 if the price was right. I'm a little worried because I used to have an 86 5000s and that car was nothing but trouble. What are some things I should look for when shopping for these cars? 98 is the first year for the newer motor right (2.8L)? Is that a good year and/or motor? What are some maintenance things I would be looking at? Getting a car like this with over 100k miles isn't a problem as they tend to go for 200k+. That's a decent assumption? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Sari

 

Has the timing belt been changed? That is a $800 job on avg. Check for control arm wear (push down on the front corner of the car to see if you hear squeaks, and listen for clunks when you drive the car). The 30v is a decent engine. Very little mods you can do for performance tho - a better engine for that route would be the 1.8t.

 

Hi Sari, welcome to the forum. Do you plan on any engine mods or are you usually content with stock cars?

 

I'd be keeping it mostly stock. As far as I would go it probably just simple bolt-ons.

 

Well the 2.8 model it is. Look for a 1999.5 model if you can, they have the updated projector headlights.

 

If you are not looking to mod the ride, then the 98 A4 will not be such a bad choice. From experience I will say if more than 70K Miles make sure timming belt as been changed. Also make sure that the ignition switch works well...(mine tricked me).

 

brrman...

what is control arm wear? Some of use newbies are still trying to learn the language.

 

konboy

because you're special - I just wrote a small FAQ on control arms...
https://www.audiforums.com/m_37829/tm.htm

 

That sounds like a good deal. Check the timing belt and the clutch if its stick those could be pricey to fix. I have a 99 and i love it.