Ok, I plan on getting a 2000 or 2001 A4 1.8T Q this summer as my signature states. I plan on doing some preventative maintenance when I get it. The list of things that I am going to do is:

Continental A/C Belt,
Continental Water Pump Belt,
Continental Serpentine Belt,
Continental or Dayco Timing Belt,
German Water Pump,
OEM Thermostat w/ O-Ring,
OE Tensioner, OE Idler roller,
OE Updated roller kit

Is there anything else that I should do? Any feedback would be awesome. Thanks

 

Make sure the ignition coils were changed (recall). Use synthetic engine oil like Castrol Syntec 5W-40 or Mobil 1 0W-40.

 

check the service history as many of what your going to do might have already been done

 

Get a 99.5 A4. They are more mod freindly.

Check tie rod ends. Check control arm bushings. If you're going to have the front of the car off, replace the seals.
And good luck with the thermostat that biocth is just about hidden.

 

Are there any recalls or anything major or minor to look for with the 1999.5's. How are they more mod friendy? Thanks for all the input

 

Also what about the 98's. Basically I am looking for the model year A4 that is the most mod friendly.

 

The '99.5 is drive by cable. The 2000 and '01 are drive by wire. The software for the drive by cable cars is/can be more agressive.
If you search on here, Audiworld, and Audizine you will find that most everyone agrees that the 99.5 model is the best mod year.

 

That just made my mind up right there. Thanks for all the advice guys. Also, should I maybe replace the oil pump right away too? I'm all about preventative maintenance

 

I can't say anything about the oil pump. I never looked into replacing it. I'm thinking that I may drop the oil pan on mine this summer and I think you have to drop the oil pan to get to the oil pump.

 

Do the front end as you plan at approximately 80K miles. While you are in there, change the front engine seals. ECStuning makes a kit that contains all the parts for timing belt replacement for the ATW engine. It is cheaper that buying the parts separately

Depending on the mileage, other maintenance would be to swap out all the fluids, including power steering fluid (use Pentosin 11S to refill only), front and rear and center differential oil, change transmission gear oil/transmission fluid.
Check the electrolyte level in the battery and top up to the appropriate level with distilled water.
Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years.

Invest in a VAGCOM

Buy a Bentley manual.

Before you buy the car, have it checked by an independent VW/Audi mechanic.

Spark plugs, air filter, cabin filter.

Get the maintenance records if possible.

If you are getting a manual, you may want to have an aftermarket snub mount installed while the front end is being done. Purem makes one. Do not install one if you buy a tiptronic transmission