Hey all, I'm in the market for a AWD wagon and there's a 1997 Quattro Wagon for sale locally with 160K on it. It has new Tstat and Timing set as of April of this year, a bit of surface rust on the bottom of the door and bottom of the rear hatch. His daughter was using it to drive to college and she no longer needs it, he's asking $3,500.

I'm going to look at this week. What should I look for and listen for? Based on reading here in the forums, there are some issues with the timing set (which was just replaced) and some electrical gremlins once in a while. Anything else I should look for?

 

what engine? 1997 I think that was the last year of the C4, which means it could be the 2.8 V6. Check the electrics carefully and listen for rattles when cold that could indicate varn valve chain tentioners. Also check the steering make sure its tight and sides smooth. Also pay attention to the ware on the tiers.
hope that helps

If its a C5 (which I doubt) have a professional inspection done.

 

I believe it is the C4. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll write those things down to remember them when I'm taking a look at the car... what do you mean when you say:
?

 

If it has an automatic transmision, check when the ATF was last changed. Check the fluid level on the front, rear and center diferentials and look for leaks. If the car is noisy, then you could have lost too much gear oil.
Check all CV joint boots and boots on steering rack for cracks.
If you have a US 1997 A6 Quattro wagon, then you may have the 2.8L AFC engine with 2 valves per cylinder.