Howdy Audi People,

So I am looking at two different A4's both 99's V6's, Auto's, and Quattro's. One has 132k on it the other 157k on it. Both going for a little under $4,000 here in Oregon.

My question is, are they really the wallet raping money pits that some of the online reviews say they are?

I have read quite a few and they all suggest yearly repair and replacement costs of $750 to $3000. Now I figure those have to be inflated by people going to dealer repair shops and their ilk but the parts all seem to be the same that people complain about, axle parts, timing belts, oil leaks and whatnot.

I have really liked the a4's for a long time, but I'm selling my 98 Volvo XC for the very same reason that I am leary of committing to an a4.

So whats the verdict? Money pit or are these people just whiners? Thanks guys.

 

They can be extreme wallet-rapers in some cases, other people have been lucky.

Personally I've spent ~$2100 in maintenance costs over the last ~1.5 years I have owned my car, and have put on ~22,000 miles (at 132k right now). I do all the work myself, but tend to be extremely proactive about maintenance. The car has yet to break-down on me except for a couple times that were completely preventable (I don't blame the car in the slightest).

Seems like in general if this car has an automatic tranny it will likely cost more to maintain, at least in the long run. Cars at that kind of mileage are far more prone to transmission failure/damage if they still have the original transmission. Just some food for thought.

 

Have had my 96 2.8 V6 (manual quattro) for 5 years now and I must say she has treated me well. I replaced the creaky suspension ($800 Control Arms, Shocks, Struts), tires (2 sets $650 for summer tires and $500 for winter) brakes ($149), plugs ($70), and radiator ($135) and a bunch of other small stuff (regular oil changes, improvements....) and I'd say I've spent about $3000 over the course of 5 years, about $600 a year.

As long as you can get a maintenance record for either car.....you can estimate what may need to be done as far as service intervals are concerned. As others will also tell you, so long as you are inclined to do the work yourself, you can save yourself a bundle.

I am determined to not let the cost of owning this car turn me off the brand. This car has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. This car has saved my life in more instances than I care to share, and I have a great sense of confidence that when my family rides in it.

Point being, do all the necessary research, test drive, and have an Audi Mech. inspect the car. Be proactive with maintenance and you can avoid having to deal with a "wallet-raper".

 

What I learned after 3 years and $3500 in maintenance: If the previous owner neglected the car you'll be playing catch-up forever. I always tell people this isn't some Chevy truck that you can ignore and it'll love you anyways.

 

Words after my heart lol

 

I would advise anyone away from the auto transmissions. They are usually more neglected (lifetime tranmission fluid anyone?)
I'd say look for a manual with a decent record history.

 

My car has 180k on it and is running great, i just put a new timing belt on and a couple other things, had to have the master cylinder to the clutch replaced, its been about 1200 dollars but the car is still immaculate, i got it from another audi enthusiast and he garaged it and gave it what it needed, try to find an audi enthusiast, they might charge you a little more but it will be worth it in the long run for a car thats taken care of