I am looking at buying a 98 A4 1.8 Quattro. It seems like a good deal ($1100) even though the timing belt is broke. What are the chances of just having bent valves and no other damage? I am comfortable working on all vehicles but have never worked on an Audi. What kind of trouble would I be getting myself in to here? Is there anywhere besides a dealership to get parts for this car?

 

Well, if I were you, I'd ask the seller what RPM range the car was running when the timing belt broke. If it was idling, odds are that it is just bent valves... If it was at a higher speed, you'd be lucky to have only bent valves. But you could buy it and pull the head and if you think you're in too deep, part it out. You could make way more than 1100 for parting it out.

 

Buy it. The wheels and tires I bet could go for $400-500

 

Yeah, no brainer to buy it for that price if the car is in otherwise good condition. What's the mileage on it?

 

I havent seen the car personally yet. It is suppose to be in excellent condition. It has 115000 on it. It also has the triptonic (spelling?) trans. Supposedly the timing belt broke at idle/low rpms. Is there anything I should look for on this car that could be of concern? Common rust places, bad parts, etc. Any and all advice is welcome.