im thinking about buying a 02 A4 1.8t with 136000, it has a CVT and ive heard they are known to have problems or go bad way earlier than that, so im assuming it has been swapped or repaired? do some of them actually last this long?

 

I would think the seller would have a record of its replacement if it has been replaced. Your location being "mi," which I assume to be Michigan, you're in the snow belt, so why not look at a quattro anyway? Yes, it'll cost you a bit more, but it'll be better in the snow and you'll have no CVT worries. Beyond that, 136K is a lot of miles. At that mileage, I sure hope the car is cheap. You'll want to know quite a few things about its maintenance history before you commit to it.

When was the timing belt last done? It's a $1000 service and should be done every 70-80K miles. I wouldn't be surprised if the owner is trying to unload it before they have to do that. Does it need new tires? ($500-600) Has it had all of its normal maintenance done on schedule? (Synthetic oil at least every 10K miles, preferably more frequently.) Does the turbo need replacement/rebuilding?

Basically, records are super important when buying a car with that many miles, and so is an inspection. If the seller can't or won't show you the service records and/or is unwilling to let you get the car inspected, just walk away and don't look back.

 

Ya the lady took increadibly good care of it and showed me a 2" thick folder of records. she says she had it serviced by audi every 2 years and took to the local german mechanic every time she thought something was wrong. the car is spotless inside and out and she always used synthetic oil, and the car is only $4100 and if it wasnt for the CVT i wouldnt hesitate to buy it...

 

I bought a car with a TCM problem by mistake.
only found out about the common problem caused by CVT then trying to figure out why the PRNDS was flashing red.

If you have an OBD2 cable try to do a diagnosis on the car ur self for errors, hopefuly the dealer will let u.

You can buy them on ebay very cheaply which come with a free ware version of VCDS-Lite


edit after ur price post
try to contact an warranty company ask how much they would charge have a warranty cover try to get the price down by that much making sure the warranty will cover u for ECU / TCM

 

I have an A4 Cabriolet, 2004 with 109,000 miles and the TCM needs replacing according to the dealer for $2200. Are the rebuilt units reliable and can I replace it myself?

 

I would be wary of a high mileage CVT. Mine has 109,000 and about to go in the shop for a TCM change. Not having the PRNDS flashing yet, but check engine light for Transmission Speed Sensor. Check out www.europeantransmissions.com You can get a rebuilt TCM for $550 with 1 year warranty. My mechanic quoted me 1k for TCM change and flush CVT fluid Or can get a entire rebuilt CVT with 1 year unlimited mileage warranty for $3200. That price is good for that car, just plan for one of those repairs sooner than later.

 

Yes they should be reliable, and no you cant do it yourself. It is inside the trans. You could probably install it yourself, but then would have to tow it to Audi, or a Very good audi mechanic for progamming. Have to be able to access audi's servers in germany for progamming the TCM. Its not just a mechanical job, it also involves some computer progamming, since it is your transmission computer. I am buying mine from www.europeantransmissions.com for $550 with one year warranty with exchange, and my mechanic Carroll VW and Audi Repair in Carrollton GA quoted me$344 for labor. $933 Total, adding about another $60 for full CVT fluid change. There are a few other things i am having them do while they are in there, such as open rear covers, and change filter, and replace seals to valve body. Dont have a price on that yet, but shouldnt be much, since they are in there already. PM me and I can send you the link for those other things.
I am getting a rebuilt TCM from eurotrans. They are supposed to be really good, but this will be my first experience with them, and they are local to me in GA. there are other places that do it, and some a tad cheaper, but most are in europe.