I just got my 98 1.8TQ tiptronic with 80,000miles.
I got a sweet price because the car needs some suspension work.

I called my mechanic to get an estimate to replace the tie-rod ends, control arms,
and put in racing struts and springs. The estimate was $3500 plus my struts and spring.

Is this ridiculous or is the a4 already eating my wallet?

 

Well, thats not to bad, just when you lower your car a significant amount the camber changes alot, same with the toe. Right now im pretty low, and they can fix the toe in the front but the only way to fix the negative camber i have is to get adujstable control arms. The only downside is you will wear tires uneavenlly, and they will not last as long.

 

That is a VERY high price. Getting all of that should cost less than 1500.

 

holy crap - $3500 is an a$$ raping.

tie-rod ends: $150 plus install
control arms: depends on how many ($200 each installed on avg)
racing struts and springs: avg of $200 springs, $600 shocks (plus install)

 

Thanks. I guess I'll be getting a second opinion.
Anybody know of a trustworthy mechanic in northeast Indiana?

I know this has been debated before a while ago...
Should i get the heavyduty tie-rod ends from ECS?
or use whichever the dealer/mechanic chooses?

 

NE? You in Fort Wayne?
I'm in Indy. Go to http://www.indyaudi.com and sign up for the yahoo forums.
There are a few northerners in the chapter that might be able to point you to a good mechanic in your area.

ALWAYS buy and bring your own parts if you go to an independent mechanic.. Then you know what you are getting quality-wise, and you know you have not overpayed for them.

 

Might as well get the Myele kit with the heavy duty tie rod ends and replace everything.

The kit is about 600 at ecstuning, a bit less on ebay for the Myele kit.

3500 plus your parts is way too expensive.