I've been searching for a used car for a few weeks and just last week a coworker told me he was selling his Audi; $5,000 (he may bring the price down a bit for me). It has 106k miles, timing belt and water pump have been replaced. Exterior and interior are in perfect condition. VIN is clean.
I have a number of questions I hope to be assisted on:
What else should I look for in the car?
He said he hasn't had any problems with the car, what should I expect to repair within the next 50,000 miles?
I understand they aren't the most reliable cars, and I understand they are 'more expensive' than other cars, but exactly how much money on average, should it take to maintain and repair compared to a Honda/Toyota?
Also, I'm interested in fixing and maintaining the car myself, I don't have any prior mechanical experience but I'm a calm person and am willing to sit, read, think and get my hands dirty --- is it a good idea?

I have spent the last week religiously researching the Audi A4 2.8 in my free time. These are the questions that I have been trying to find answers for, but I can't find solid answers. It seems unavoidable to post my concerns. I've heard that they are extremely unreliable, I've heard they *are* very reliable, I've heard all sides. So, what is the final verdict?

I really hope to be better educated about this car and find that it will be practical with a few exceptions.

Thanks in advance.

 

Bottom line: If you're looking to hot rod, get a 1.8T. If you're looking to have a sweet DD with nice paint and big system, get a 2.8. Of the 2.8's the 30v is preferred because it has a little more power than the 12v. They are more expensive to maintain than the Jap cars but they pay you back for the maintanence. In my experience the German cars just have better overall quality than the Jap cars. My 2.8 handles like a beast! Look to replace wheel bearings, tie rod ends, and the ABS module may have to be rebuilt eventually. Mine does. I might just order the parts and do it myself though. I also have a '98 2.8 and as long as you keep up with the vehicle it can last you up to 400,000 miles.

 

I love this car. There's something about an Audi that gets into its owner.

As for maintenance, well, I've been lucky and this car has been pretty economical. In the next 50,000 miles, look for pretty much all of your control arms to go bad. The labor is astronomical for that kind of work, but a complete kit from a reputable brand can be found for around $300, so if you have the tools and patience, no problem. Control arms are a major weak point in the B5 chassis, but still, you'd expect to have to replace some parts like that on any car with 106,000 miles. Your valve cover gaskets will probably start leaking. Those are cheap and easy to replace. A lot of people have problems with their ABS modules. I have none, so I can't really comment. Cruise control probably doesn't work and if it does, it won't for long. Repairing it will almost always require replacement of the combination switch which sells for about $130 new. I don't recommend a used one since losing cruise is the least of your worries from a failed combi switch (Where'd my headlights go?!?!). If your SAP (basically the car's gallbladder...it's there for a reason, but you're fine without it) isn't bad already, it's probably on its way out. It's only worth repairing if you can't pass inspection. Probably $150 new.

The 2.8 doesn't really have issues with engine sludge. There's no turbo to fail.

So. Money. I bought this car in July of 2007. Since then, I have replaced both valve cover gaskets, both engine mounts...twice (save yourself some heart ache and buy from 034motorsports the FIRST time), and had a control arm replaced as part of the repairs for an accident I was in last month (it was a wear issue unrelated to the accident), and replaced the combination switch. Man...can that be it? So total cost out of pocket...like $200. I don't know how much the control arm would have cost me, but I think with labor it might have been like $150-$200.

I have been luckier than some, but that still gives you an idea. Plan on parts costing anywhere from 25%-50% more than our JDM counterparts'. Labor will be at a premium, too, since a lot of mechanics pretend not to want to work on our cars. These cars are very forgiving and easy to learn on (though not necessarily easy to work on due to space constraints).

If you're like a lot of us, you'll spend WAY more money on personalizing the car and upgrading it than maintaining it.

 

Since late July-early August of '08 I've had 2 wheel bearings, outer tie rod end, fuel filter, and complete back brakes. Cost: approx. $1400 because I didn't have the time or tools to fix it myself. Edit: Now a third one is going. I still drive the car like it's the S1. Tanner Foust eat your heart out.

 

All I have to add is whatever Audi you end up getting, get Quattro. That is all.

 

Thank you for the extensive reply Sineo, it helps a ton. I certainly hope I don't start personalizing the car, I'll go into debt if I do that . It's also very nice to know it's a good car to learn on --- I may turn my garage, into a garage.

Thanks Airguard, my coworker has a 1998 A4 2.8 Quattro AWD, that's what I'll be getting!

A few more days to think about it and then I'll buy it.

 

I think hot rod is overly generous/ambitious...more like...more readily able to be made peppy...

 

Stop bragging.... haha jk. So far I have done when I first bought it: Timing belt tensioner pulleys, drive belts, stub mount, right rear wheel bearing, tie rod ends, plug wires, and valve cover gaskets. The clutch on mine was bad and still is so I need to do that, my cruise works most of the time but not always, and my transmission makes a loud noise and should be replaced when I do the clutch. My car however has 136000 miles on it and much of these items were simply neglected. I wish the previous owner had been more honest w/ me he talked it up like he took excellent care of the car when indeed he didnt. It helps that you know the guy. Now all the stuff I have done I did myself and I think ended up about 1k in parts but I am looking at another 1k for a clutch and transmission.