Hi there and I'm new to the Audi Forum. I'm contemplating purchasing a 99 A4 Quattrowith116k and need some advice. Long story short - apparently, a mechanic was replacing a serpentine belt and knicked the timing belt.He started it and the timing belt broke. Therefore, the top half of the engine hasbasically been rebuilt including new belts, tensioner, head, etc. I believe it also had the gaskets on the turbo replaced. I almost bought it but the check engine light came on right as I test drovie it. He just text'd me and said it was the gas cap and bought a new one.

The vehicle is in excellent condition (body, leather interior, etc.) but am a little hesitant with all the maintenance horror stories I've been reading. I drive a 135 miles roundtrip daily (in the snow) and would like to have the AWD.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

If the work that was done was done correctly, you're getting a rebuilt top end motor & turbo... that's a perk. As far as the check engine light, I'd have another shop give it the once over. Even a $75 1 hour diag will pay dividends if there is something hidden going on. I'd try to get receipts for the machine work on the head, if they can't provide them it may be a transplant from a mystery junk mobile with god-knows-how-many miles.

Given that it sounds like you're buying from a mechanic, be careful and just do your homework and research, as they can be the best and worst to buy from. they can fix most things, but can fix "certain" items as well... no offense to any mechanics on the board. That's a shot as less than reputable mechanics.

-Ryan

 

Thanks. I'm buying from a person who had the work done by an Audi Certified mechanic. The head is apparently rebuilt. I'm waiting for them to fax me the recipts to see what was all done. I ran a carfax report.It seemed to have allot of maintenance done around 20 -50 k and then sent to an Auction.





01/13/2001
25,382
McKenna Motors Norwalk, CA 562-868-3233www.mckennacars.com
Vehicle serviced Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed Wheel(s) replaced Brakes serviced Lubed oil and filter changed



04/21/2001
31,739
McKenna Motors Norwalk, CA 562-868-3233www.mckennacars.com
Vehicle serviced Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed Lubed oil and filter changed



07/30/2001
36,629
McKenna Motors Norwalk, CA 562-868-3233www.mckennacars.com
Vehicle serviced Console replaced Radio speakers replaced Electrical system serviced Lubed oil and filter changed



10/29/2001
40,449
McKenna Motors Norwalk, CA 562-868-3233www.mckennacars.com
Vehicle serviced Front brake rotors replaced Catalytic converter replaced Instrument cluster replaced Tie rod end replaced Engine/powertrain computer/module checked Brakes serviced Emissions system serviced Suspension system serviced Electrical system serviced Lubed oil and filter changed



01/31/2002
44,019
McKenna Motors Norwalk, CA 562-868-3233www.mckennacars.com
Vehicle serviced Fluid levels checked Wheel(s) replaced Rear brake pads replaced Transmission serviced Brakes serviced



03/23/2002
45,796
McKenna Motors Norwalk, CA 562-868-3233www.mckennacars.com
Vehicle serviced Evaporative emissions vent purge valve replaced Engine/powertrain computer/module checked Cruise control switch replaced Steering wheel replaced Wheel(s) replaced Front brake pads replaced Electrical system serviced Emissions system serviced Brakes serviced Suspension system serviced

 

Wow a replaced ECM at 40k miles? Question for the Board Mechaincs, is that a common? All the work looks to be as scheduled and done at a dealer... the same dealer as well. It looks pretty solid given the head was properly serviced and replaced. How many miles are on it at the present time? Is there a gap in the service history?

 

i was gona say buy it but after seeing that carfax report, dont buy that lemon. the guy before was taking good care of it, doing regular oil changes and the car has a brand new head and everything. but if you look at 36k it started having electrical problems and only got worse. and when audi's have a few electrical problems, they always seem to only continue, and they are costly. not to mention the cat, transmission, and a bunch more electrical problems also occured all within 10k miles. skip this a4 and look for another

 

Thanks Chaos and RSR! I appreciate your advice and will dump this one. I have a buddy who owns a used car dealership. He said that he can get melease returns at the audi/vw auctions. More than I want to spend but may be well worth it in the long run. Again thanks for your valuable advice.