I bought my 97 2.8 quattro 5speed last summer with 125k on it for $6,300

It had a bad catalytic converter that the dealership told me about (that's why it was soo cheap)
I know the owner of a Muffler shop and he said he can fix it with a non OEM part for $300 (he said that OEM would have been $1,500+ since one cat is about $450 his cost)

Look at the manual in the glove box. Here, the Audi service stations stamp when they worked on it and what they did. If you find one, call the service station up and say your looking at this car and they will tell you whet they've don to it. Mine had the timing belt replaced at 87k

I do know that the 90k tune-up is more extensive than most (as is the 120k that mine had done before I bought it)

Good luck, I love mine.

 

Look for:

Timing belt replacement
Check front tie-rods, control arms, if there is play or noise in the steering, then probaly these components are needing replaced - very common.
Make sure everything seems tight, steering, ride, no exhaust leaks, no strange noises.
Good Service history is a huge plus on these cars.

If all that is good, then you should be in pretty good shape! Good luck!

 

Ok thanks guys sounds good. I found one with 83k on it with a new clutch intsalled in December 05. Im going to look at it. He says he has full service records from a well reputable audi dealership near me. So Ill check it out. Also when are the scheduled tune ups and maintaince? 90k tune up? 120k tune up?

 

The timing belt officially is 90k, but everyone reccomends doing it every 60k.

There is a maintanence schedule in the manual.

I would say if this guy has good service recs, and the timning was done, then go for it.

Otherwise, use the timing belt and any problems as reasons to talk them down on their price. Timing belt usually runs 800-1000 if you dont do it yourself.

 

what were they asking for it?

 

Kinda of repeating what's been said, but make sure u check the timing belt maintenance; water pump and thermostat are usually replaced at the TB service - which should be done between 60k-90k. Also try to get one of the 98 and after engines. I can't really tell you why but I know the performance tends to be a little better after 97. I saw that information posted several times, although can't really confirm you that. Some people here owned a 96-97 audi and then a later version like 2001 - they can probably help you with that information.

Also control arms and tie-rods; someone said before that it usually needs replacement and it's true: check service records.

Other than that can't remember about anything else, except to make regular oil changes always using Mann/Bosch filters and Mobil 1 0w-40 fully syntethic (or other specs - check forum) or Castrol.

Good luck in your car hunt!!

 

She is asking 9250 for it. It is a 1998 2.8 quatro and a five speed. New clutch too. But yeah I will have one of my friend help me install a timing belt though. One other quick question are the 2.8 audis (12 valve and 30 valve) interference motors?

 

Your answer is yes: all 4cyl 1.8T, 10V, 20V, 6cyl 12V, 6cyl 30V, and 8cyl V8 Audi/VW models have interference engines (valve and piston clearance)

 

So then if the timing belt breaks I am in trouble then right? Only reason I ask this is because your response is a little confusing (valve and piston clearance).

 

If your TB blows, say goodbye to your engine, which should be anywhere between 3-4k dls + labour. I wouldn't recommend it lol