Ok, I tried the search and I browsed through about 8 pages on this forum but did not find anyone who had a similar problem. First, this isn't my car, it's my mom's and she just bought it a week agofrom the Audi dealerso I'm going to either get the dealer to fix it right or find her a different car.

It's an 01 A4 Avant 2.8 Quattro,auto,56K miles.

Problem:
Strong smell of coolant when running and for awhile after shutting it off. It seems to be made much worse when the A/C is being used. I can't see any puddles under the car nor could I see any wet spots under the hood near the radiator. There is a line that runs along the radiator that is usually wet but that one looks like it goes to the compressor.
Audidealer where she boughtthe carhad it today and they said that they pressure tested the system and found no leaks. I am not ignorant about cars but Ireally don'twant to get my hands in this one since she's only owned the car for a week. I'm just hoping that someone here has had a similar problem and can help me to guide the dealership to fixing it right.

Sorry no pics, I know how much everyone on car forums love pics.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Jeff

 

My friend Ben bought an 03 a4 1.8t with about 58000 miles on the clock and he too had a coolant problem. When he ran the car for more than 15 minutes he got clouds of white smoke and a puddle of coolant fluid underneath the car. He had the coolant hoses replaced and that solved the issue. If I were you I would walk away from this car. Tell her to buy a 1.8T avant instead. They're cheaper, faster, and get better mileage. From what I hear from other Audi afficiandos, the 2.8 is a dog. Ditch this lemon and pick up a cheaper, faster, better 1.8T.

Good luck,

JPF

 

That's the funny part, there are no clouds of white smoke nor any puddles. As far as the engine, it's my mom's car, she's not that concerned about how many HP it has, the car's a good size for her and from everything I've read and even in talking to a couple of the techs at the dealer the other day, the 1.8T's had an oil sludge problem.
The dealer offers a 30 return policy on all cars so if it doesn't get fixed we will be walking away from the car.