Just to update for those following.

Going to look at the car Friday, listen to it run and if the body/interior is clean, going to buy it.

Researching VAG-COM now and will probably be purchasing over the weekend to help troubleshoot the vehicle. As long as I don't hear bad engine metallic noises, seems like an interesting troubleshooting project that won't be too bad to fix. He'll take $2100 for it, so seems like it's worth a shot if it's otherwise clean.

 

Why don't you speak directly to the shop thats worked on the car? Maybe they can explain the problem better then he can, and possibly give you some better insight as to weather or not the car is worth it, just a thought. Oil leaks suck, if its a manual you might wanna find out when the clutch if ever was done. The typical list. A pre purchase inspection is NEVER a bad idea. You could also buy the car contingent on a good pre purchase inspection.

 

I cancelled the appointment.

Last call I had with him he suddenly started talking about problems he had with oil leakage and other instances that hadn't previously been mentioned. That scared me off because I no longer have a great grasp of what is truly wrong. I don't want a basket case when used Audi prices appear to be much lower then last time I was in the market.

Regarding the shop, it wasn't really a shop. It was a guy who worked at a 'shop' that did work on he side, so who knows who or what did the work. At this time, going to start looking at other cars.

 

You probably will be better off for it. I know around me there seem to be plenty of used Audis to be had, no sense chasing a car that will turn out to not be worth the hassle. Keep us posted!!

 

Looking at one of the 1.8's I saw earlier in the week with 133k on it. Once that caught my eye is an 01 5spd quattro that I think I can get for the low 3's. Needs a timing belt, but more along the lines of overdue maintenance, not that it's blown up or anything. Its in excellent shape and very well maintained otherwise. From what I've seen, looks like the 4 cyl timing belt change is an easier job anyway.

What killed it for the other one was after I started totally up the cost of what could possibly be wrong with the 99, it stated to put it closer to the cost of the 01 which seemed to be in much better shape. We'll see.

 

Agreed, get the 01'. If its in good enough shape. Under 3k is a great deal though. My 1.8 has 112k, and it runs GREAT! I bought it for $2,800 with a broken timing belt. Rebuilt the head and put it back together, I love the car. There are a bunch of fun mods you can do on your own if you want to get to know the car better. I personally love the key fob range extender trick, soooo worth it. Piece of advice though, ask a lot of questions, if anything seems fishy like this last go around, ditch it. I think by now you know what to look for and that others exist around you. Good hunting