I need some helpful consumer advice...

Currently I'm the proud owner of a 2000 A4, with 106K miles. It has been well maintained and has had a good run, overall, considering maintenance costs on these vehicles. It had a T-Belt replacement (all belts actaully) 10K miles ago.

The car seems to be aging well; read on for a detailed description, or skip below for my question.
It runs excellent, dare I say that the CEL rarely comes on, suspension components are firm, and the exhaust was replaced almost two years ago with a Borla stainless steel, supposedly good for 1 million miles. Over the years I have put thousands in maintenance into the car. Audi's need a constant flow of parts it seems.
However, I don't really need a newer car.

(below)

I have the opportunity to buy a 2004 with 40K miles at a good price (with snows on Audi alloys!) and I know the complete service history of the car (buying it from my sister). It's quattro, black on black and beautiful!

If I make this "upgrade" what maintenance surprises should I expect in the coming months? Any improvements in reliability that were made in the B6 that would justify the purchase? Am I going to open a new can of worms as soon as the 2004 hits 50-60k miles?

General thoughts and comments appreciated. Thank you.

 

I think you can search for most of your needs. The timming belt is going to need to be done at 80k on the B6. Its just about the same car, just safer and in my opinion looks better. I would buy it..

 

easy choice 2004 a4. Just change your oil regularly and have your timing belt water pump done at 60 to 80k And ask if the coilpacks have been replaced and if not tell them to get it done before you buy it. Oh yea check for any signs of leakage in the rear part of the engine. Search coolant flange and you will know why i say this. And if u take it for a test run really punch of that gas and see how it reacts. Do it more then once to see if the hoses and all can stand up to the pressure. If not they will burst and u will have a studdering car.

 

I thank both of you very much! So, routine maintenance, the timing belt will need replacement by 80K miles, $20 coil-packs tend to go bad, and a $25 coolant flange. Plus any vacuum hoses that may have rotted in the 6 years this car has been on the road. I think it has new brakes, new exhaust components and religious oil changes. (my brother-in-law has a lift in his garage, why not...)

Just worried that the 2004 had some sort of seriously expensive problem lurking. It's a quattro btw, I suspect the transmission issues were only with the front wheel drive models?

 

quattro should last you a long long time. FWD hit and miss.