I justlosttheprivilegesof my parent's 2006 gti.I have to sell my motorcycle, andwith the 4500 i getfrom selling my bike andmy dad agreed to pay the other 6500 for a used audi 2000 to 2001 a41.8t with a 5 speed.Like my friends, but he knows nothing about cars. So do you guys know what to look outfor?

 

[ul][*]make sure the timing belt was replaced around 60k miles. if not get it replaced asap.[*]ask for all maintance records.[*]look underneath the car for rust, damage, oil leaks[*]check the cv boots for tears[*]check the oil cap and dipstick for oil build up - ive heard that if there is buildup its a indicator of oil sludge[*]how often was the oil changed? 3-5k? synthetic? - if not when (you should to help avoid oil sludge) you switch to synthetic you will probably have leaks since conventional coats seals causing them to dry up and shrink.. when you switch to synthetic the coatings made by conventional oil are burned off and you will leak oil like crazy[ul][*]not sure if oil sludge is a issue in the 2000+ models?[/ul][/ul][ul][*]look down the car from the back and make sure all the panels line up.[*]test all electrical systems - windows, on board computer, climate control, heated seats, power mirrors, sunroof, etc - pixels missing/dim spots on displays[*]check to see if ac blows cold and heater hot[*]turn speakers up loud to listen for vibrating/crackling[*]after the car is warm shift it hard - any weird sounds?[*]engine bay clean? anything look like its missing or out of place?[*]is the coolant a pinkish color? audis need a special coolant for some reason -- thats what i hear at least
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IMO the best thing to do is go to the local audi dealership or a reputable dealer and drive a 1.8t to get a feel for it and how it should act and what everything should look like - pay close attention to the gaps in panels.


--most importantly get a quattro.. you dont want fwd

 

Thanks, i have a few that i am looking at right now, and i will check these things when i look at them

andI am never geting a nother FWD again

 

[ul][*]Take a flashlight with you.[*]While you are looking at the CV boots also check the front end suspension control arms. They are expensive to replace. To do it turn the wheels all the way to one side and you will get some clearance. Check the rubber boots on the control arms and the bushings on the engine and subframe side of things.[*]Check the A/C auxilery fan. When the A/C is on the fan should turn (You can hear it). It's located on the inside of the engine bay on the back of the radiator.[*]If it has a driver's display then check it for lines. Most of them die. The cost to re-build it is $500 at the dealer.[*]Check the tires for uneven wear and if the car is pulling to one side while driving.[/ul]
That's all the extra things I can think of right now.

 

Timing belt at 70k, not 60. No need for undue paranoia.

 

I hate to disagree but timing belt sooner then later, mine broke at 62,000 i believe cost about $4000 to fix everything. Just watch out for any where or warning signs.