Hi Everyone --
I have a '99 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L V8 Sport (automatic)with 98.5k miles I'm considering trading for a 2000 Audi A4 1.8T 5spd with 156k miles. I've done a lot of reading online the past couple days and it sounds like people love their Audi's. Consumer reports said good things and I haven't read too many complaints. The major thing I see is expensive repairs and parts. Apparently the 2000 model had an issue with the ABS braking system but that doesn't seem to be a problem with this one.

However, despite what I've found, I figured there's no one better to ask than other A4 owners. What do you think of an A4 with 156k miles? Am I asking for trouble? It looks to me like it's been immaculately taken care of. The owner told me he's replaced the battery, belts, wheel bearings, brakes, wipers and alternator. Pretty standard stuff I'd say and I'm hoping he's replaced the timing belt as I hear that needs to be done at 100k, I plan to ask him. So, let me know what you all think. Hopefully, if I hear good things, maybe I'll be on this site more often Thanks a ton!

Chris

 

labor will be much more but parts aren't too bad (there are some crazy exceptions tho) so if you can wrench your own machine it will help on costs.

156k on a 1.8T is a little high but nothing the engine can't handle. has he done the timing belt for the second time? it should be replaced every 80k, so its due in 4k and will cost anywhere from 300-1200 depending on who does it.

you could get it checked out by a shop. a compression test will tell alot about how the vehicles been maintained. common problems on the 1.8T are tie rod ends, control arms, oil sludge, wheel bearings.

if it was maintained correctly you should have little to no problems with it, but if it was poorly maintained it could be a headache

 

Thanks for the response chaos! I'm pretty mechanically inclined, it's been a long time since I haven't done anything myself, so I'd probably do most of the work myself. I emailed him about the timing belt so I'll find out about that soon. I started looking online about how to do it in case it needs to be done. I've also seen lots of write ups on here about it; I'd just need to find where to order the rebuild kit, I think I've seen links on here too...

My experience with most vehicles has been if they're taken care of, they'll last about forever. Sounds like the same case for this. Although, I must admit, this would be the most high miles vehicle I've ever purchased... Thanks again!

 

timing belt- http://www.purems.com/products/product.php/II=1417 (just make sure to click the dropdown menu and select full kit)

writeup- http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng35.shtml

 

You, Mr. Chaos, are amazing Thank you again!

 

no prob, glad i could help