i just bought, sunday, a 1997 a4

its a 1.8 turbo with the 5speed manual, quattro too

has 190,000 on it, guy was second owner, bought it with 45,000 in 2001 and put 40,000 a year on as a salesman.

timing belt went at 115,000 got a new head and everything else to the tune of $3600

car is very clean with the exception of two piece of exterior trim missing. inside looks new, everything but the cruise control works

its gold with black leather, has a moonroof and the bose sound with 6disc

bought it for $3400


many of you have probably read my other post about the radio code


and my other question is.... how hard is it to do the timing belt?

Congrats. What a deal!

As far as the timing belt goes, it's not an easy job. Ok let me rephrase that. Its fairly easy, but EXTREMELY time consuming. I changed mine and it took me 10-12 hours.

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng31.shtml
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng35.shtml

this timing belt has 70-80,000 on it, but its all highway miles.... anyway to inspect it?

Yeah you can remove the timing belt covers and inspect it. Look for faded writing. Turn the belt over and inspect for cracks. I would go ahead and have it changed, as it is a time bomb after 80k miles. Even if the belt looks fine, there are more things that usually go wrong. ie: water pump, tensioner, idle pully. There is tons of info in the archives here, so search around a little for prices/kits.

Has the turbo been rebuilt or replaced? That's a lot of miles for a turbo to hold out. I'd keep some extra pocket change around to get that replaced...don't be suprised if it goes. The highway miles were probably very good to it, but never the less its getting old. Def. get the timing belt, tensioners, and water pump replaced...if that puppy goes..there goes the engine. Good deal though!

-T

turbo go? my turbo on my diesel jetta has 262,000 on it....

congrats on the new ride, ur lucky to get a deal like that but i bought my 2002 a4 for 12Gs a year ago

lol, ya..diesel engine = the miles! Just sayin don't be suprised..the 1.8T is a lot different than a TDI

-T

When you do the timing belt, tensioner and idler wheel, AND waterpump, make sure that you do the front engine seals. Parts are 15 dollars, time is 10 minutes additional.

With that number of miles, change every fluid in the car... brake fluid, PS, gear oil, rear and central differential, coolant. Your car will thank you with an extra 50K miles.

Splurge and spend 15 dollars at Pepboys for a haynes manual. Read it well, your car will thank you with 15K more miles.

Change the air filter.

change the spark plugs.

Check the CV boots.

Put away 1500 dollars for emergency repairs

Once all has been done, its time for a CHIP.