Hey,
I'm looking at an Audi A4 1.8T Quattro 5spd w/ 78K miles asking $8,000. I test drove it and it was great. However, I noticed a couple of things. Airbag light was on, and the display between the tachometer and speedometer was messed up. When I first started driving the car, the numbers and letters that was supposed to light up was messed up. It was like horizontal lines were not lighting up and then a couple of minutes on the test drive the only thing left was the three horizontal lines that separate the sections. If you understand , then what can be done?
This is a great deal on a great car so if any of y'all can help me out I can go out and pick it out. Oh by the way, how high is the normal catch on the clutch? Cause this is is pretty high.
Please advise!
Thanks.

 

wellits obvious that the displayis messed up there should be 2 horizontal lines in btween should be radio info, outside temp and mpg info... What year is the car?

 

oh and airbags are no joke def have them look at that

 

It's a 2000.

 

air bag light means something is wrong with the air bag system, most likely they wont deploy is needed... and the clutch on these cars catch EXTREMELY high, so thats perfectly normal.

its a good price, offer him 7 cuz that air bag thing could be pricey

 

Ok, so as I'm sitting here thinking about what I may be getting myself into refreshing this thread every minute. I'm checking out the DIY section and other misc. topics on repairs and such. I have this double edge sword about this purchase, I want this but the maintenance is scary. Like if I get this car I already have to work on the air big light and the display. But at the same time it's such a great deal~! What to do what to do!??!??!

 

Doesnt sound like that great of a deal to me.

Both things you mentioned wrong are $$$$$ to fix.

Also, at 78k, this car is due for a timing belt replacement, another good 700-1000 if you dont diy.

Maybe for 5k its a good deal, then you've got some money to lay out to fix the problems. Like 2k or so to fix all 3 problems.

Is it a dealer, or private owner? Any service records?

Run Forest, Run! away from this deal if they wont fix it first, or sell it real cheap.

 

Search your area for someone with a vag-com and getthe car scanned before you buy it. The air bag light could be as simple as puting a zip tie on the connectors under your seats.
The display.....most of ours is shot too. But hey...it works at night and when it's cold out, which just so happens to be the best times to drive your car anyway.

 

the display does that on most cars that year. its normal just ride with it turned off thats what i do. get the records for service for it or have it looked at by a "good" mechanic that knows audis. then low ball him and let the negotiations begin.

 

good advice on the timing belt..... I doubt it is at a dealer if they are selling it with the airbag on.I don't think a dealer could get away with selling a car that has an obvious safety issue. If they can....well that is just messed up.