After several years of promising that my next car would be an Audi the opportunity has arisen for me to make the purchase. I thought I would opt for a 1.8T or 2.0T A4 or even a 2.7T A6 but have found a nice 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro Auto locally and would like as much info as possible before I make a purchase.

Initially, I'd like to know of any reasons why I might wish to reconsider buying the 3.0? Obviously, it has lower MPG that the turbos but are there other elevated running costs...? Also, are there any common issues that I need to look out for on my next viewing...? Electrics...? Leaks...? Mechanical faults...?

On my initial viewing I took the car for a short test drive and it seemed very firm and tight, especially considering it's 8 years old and has covered almost 100k. Power was a little down on what I'm used to and all my previous cars also had a standard shift so it didn't feel like a rocketship by any means. Auto seemed to shift okay but I'm not sure about all the features... is S for sport...? Should it behave differently in S mode...? What about the manual shift feature... what is the best way to test it's fully functional..? Engine check light went out after engine start as it should but I'm not sure if there are any other lights I should be on before engine starts and then extinguish once running. Engine oil seemed pretty new and coolant was red and clear. Tyres were same all round with even treadwear. AC seemed to work fine. Cambelt, waterpump and tensioners/pulleys are due and they are being done before I buy.

Anything else I may have missed...?

 

It's always smart to have someone who knows Audis inspect it. You've done the basics, but getting it up on a lift and looking at the suspension, brakes, exhaust, and for any damage is smart. Check for rust around the lower edges of the doors. Test all the controls and options. I purchased a 2003 A4 3.0 MT6 for my daughter and it is a very nice car. It is a better trim line than the 1.8T, on par with my A6. It has reasonable power, but it does not take off like a turbo engine. On the other hand, you don't have to worry about blowing the turbos. I find the acceleration curve to be more linear than the turbo and therefore more predictable in snow, ice..which was a consideration because a 17 year old was driving it. Frankly, if it was not for having to carry 3-4 passengers on trips, the A4 size is more to my liking.

 

One unfortunate thing about the 2002 model year was the camlobe wear, your camlobes start wearing out and you get a weird almost diesel sound like, that means your camshaft is done for. Other than that everything else is the same, expensive but the same as any other car nonetheless. Your Catalytic converters are 2 and 400 bucks each is no joke, also control arms, make sure that the timing belt was done, check for oil leaks around the heads and if possible pull the coilpacks and check inside the wells for presence of oil, make sure that the windshield washer works, the same thing with the headlights washer to identify leaks, turn the car on and leave it running for a bit and then go to the engine compartment and smell for coolant, make sure all of the gadgets inside work, make sure the trunk release works on the trunk, the driver's door and the remote, make sure the sunroof works, the seats move about freely, roll all four windows down and then up and listen for any cracks and crunches on the travel, make sure you got no lights on the dashboard, check the ESP light comes on when you press it and goes off when you press it again. Also ask the owner if the fuel pump and the coilpacks got the recall.

 

Thanks for the info. Seems the windshield washers don't work. I take it this is a common problem? Is it an easy fix? Everything else seems pretty good.

I'm intrigued about the camlobe wear though. Was this just on 2002 models? What sort of mileage does it become apparent? Is there a replacement camshaft available?

Cheers...

 

It happenned on certain models, so far I haven't really seen a pattern and just the other day a member showed up here with a 2003 model and he had that problem, he said he just needed a new cam and lifter and follower, it was around 600 buck I believe.

 

Sorry, I also meant to ask... How pronounced a ticking are we talking about...? Would it be audible from inside the car, out of the car or only with the hood up...? I'm now feeling a little paranoid. My previous car had hydraulic lifters and used to tick when cold but sounded smoother after warming up. You could hear that easily from inside the car and outside with the hood closed.

Would there be any other symptoms to confirm this issue...?

 

You will notice it, is definetly abnormal and you will have no question of if that's the noise, if you have to double check you will know is not. It sounds like an F250 POWERSTROKE under the bonnet trying to jump out.

 

Thanks for that. It helps ease my paranioa... Hopefully, I'll get to pick the car up later on today or tomorrow after they have sorted a few minor niggles and done the full cambelt/waterpump/tensioner change.

 

a carfax report might find a hidden fault.

 

I thought carfax just covered things like major damage/accident info, outstanding finance, mileage and previous usage, not technical faults...?