Looking to buy a used A4...
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40
Looking to buy a used A4...
What questions should I be asking?
What maintenance records should I be asking to see?
What are common issues that I should be looking out for?
It is a 1996 Audi A4 2.8, 140k miles, AT.
How long should this last me? I need it to last a good 4-5 years, if taken care of properly will it last that long?
What maintenance records should I be asking to see?
What are common issues that I should be looking out for?
It is a 1996 Audi A4 2.8, 140k miles, AT.
How long should this last me? I need it to last a good 4-5 years, if taken care of properly will it last that long?
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40
RE: Looking to buy a used A4...
Yeah I've been looking around and the water pump/TB is the biggest factor, seeing as they're an arm and a leg to replace.
Any other specific questions about maintenance I should be asking for / records of?
Any other specific questions about maintenance I should be asking for / records of?
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 509
From:
RE: Looking to buy a used A4...
What questions should I be asking?
Anything you can think of.
But for starters.. ask how frequent the oil was changed, what type of oil, what type of gas. You can be sneaky with the way you phrase the questions. For example, ask.. "should I only use synthetic or is anything ok?" - if they say something like "nah, just use any regular oil.. it's fine" than you should be a bit wary. if they say something like "hells nah boy, use synthetic or i'll pop a cap in yo ***" then you know they probably took good care of the car. Same goes for oil changes.. ask something like, "how often do you suggest i change the oil?" if they say 3-5k, than thats good.. if they say something like "7-10k", that should throw you a hint as well.. I'm getting way too far into this, but I think you get my point. If you're going through a dealer.. they probably don't have a clue how the last owner treated the car, so just try to get every single record you can.
Get the VIN and get the car fax report, don't get one from them, look it up yourself, I've heard a few stories about people/dealerships manipulating car fax reports.
Drive the car, any weird noises, rough idle.. whatever comes up, ask about it (and search for it on the forums). Either it'll be bad enough that you won't want the car, or you can use it as a point to drive the price lower.
What maintenance records should I be asking to see?
All. Oil changes, timing belt, suspension work etc..
What are common issues that I should be looking out for?
Do a search with the word "buy" / "buying" or "common problems" or just "common".. be creative, you'll find many useful advice.
Oh.. and this one is important.. bring the car to an Audi Dealership (only if you're serious about getting it, otherwise it's a waste of money) and have them do a thorough inspection. Let them know you're thinking about buying the car and you want their opinion. I think it's about $150, maybe a little more or a little less, but it can potentially save you a lot of money down the road.
Anything you can think of.
But for starters.. ask how frequent the oil was changed, what type of oil, what type of gas. You can be sneaky with the way you phrase the questions. For example, ask.. "should I only use synthetic or is anything ok?" - if they say something like "nah, just use any regular oil.. it's fine" than you should be a bit wary. if they say something like "hells nah boy, use synthetic or i'll pop a cap in yo ***" then you know they probably took good care of the car. Same goes for oil changes.. ask something like, "how often do you suggest i change the oil?" if they say 3-5k, than thats good.. if they say something like "7-10k", that should throw you a hint as well.. I'm getting way too far into this, but I think you get my point. If you're going through a dealer.. they probably don't have a clue how the last owner treated the car, so just try to get every single record you can.
Get the VIN and get the car fax report, don't get one from them, look it up yourself, I've heard a few stories about people/dealerships manipulating car fax reports.
Drive the car, any weird noises, rough idle.. whatever comes up, ask about it (and search for it on the forums). Either it'll be bad enough that you won't want the car, or you can use it as a point to drive the price lower.
What maintenance records should I be asking to see?
All. Oil changes, timing belt, suspension work etc..
What are common issues that I should be looking out for?
Do a search with the word "buy" / "buying" or "common problems" or just "common".. be creative, you'll find many useful advice.
Oh.. and this one is important.. bring the car to an Audi Dealership (only if you're serious about getting it, otherwise it's a waste of money) and have them do a thorough inspection. Let them know you're thinking about buying the car and you want their opinion. I think it's about $150, maybe a little more or a little less, but it can potentially save you a lot of money down the road.