How much would you pay for this 2004 A4 w/ broken timing belt? What mods to do after?
 

A friend of my father's is selling his 2004 A4 1.8t Auto because the timing belt broke while driving, and I'm wondering how much it's worth.

It will be my first Audi, so I'm not really sure here. It has 110K on it, but had the tranny rebuilt at 90K, maintained perfectly (other than that belt) and was driven by a 60 year old woman.

I can do the engine rebuild myself, and can have the front bumper repainted (rock chips) for like $100 from a friend. While I'm at it, I also plan on: painting/replacing the plastic lowers, tint, rims, engine mods - possibly bigger turbo, chip, injectors, maybe intake etc.


I'm thinking that with the engine and tranny rebuilt, it will be in great shape after. The interior is perfect leather still, and I'll replace extra parts while I'm rebuilding.

Then I guess, what would you do in what order?

At that mileage with a broken engine, the parts are probably worth more than the whole car together. You should be able to buy it VERY cheaply. I'd get a quote from a reputable shop for what an engine rebuild would go for and then subtract that from the book value for the car and negotiate from there.

Thanks Olstyn.

It's likely going to be in the 1800-3200 range, I would guess - but I just was wondering what others think incase he comes with a 4-5k number. Now, I prob could go that high, as I can do the repairs in my free time, with maybe $500 in parts - but I don't know if I should.

I noticed something else in the pics that made me feel the need to give you an additional piece of advice. Unless it's been debadged, that car is FWD. FWD + AT = CVT. B6 CVT transmissions are known to fail very expensively, and seemingly at random. If you do buy the car, I'd rebuild it and sell it for whatever amount of profit you can make. If you find that you like it and want one, buy one with a manual and/or a quattro trans.

That advice aside, I think your estimate of parts cost is considerably lower than it should be. Where are you going to get a timing belt kit, a head, 4 pistons, 12 intake and 8 exhaust valves, and all the gaskets and seals you're going to need for only $500? What if you find that other stuff is worn and needs to be replaced while you're in there?

Admittedly, there are other places you can go for parts, but I looked up some items:

T-belt kit: $220-250

Intake Valves: $120-360 for a set, depending on which ones you select

Exhaust Valves: $160-560 for a set, depending on which ones you select

Pistons: $290 EACH, $1160 for a set

Couldn't find a cylinder head at that site, and you might be able to find good used items for some of your needs, but you get the idea. The T-belt kit alone eats about half of your proposed budget - $500 isn't going to be enough.

Thanks again for all the info man!

As for the CVT - I wasn't all that worried as it's been rebuilt recently, and should at least be okay for a while. I do thank you for that piece though.

I agree that that parts cost is a little lower than it should be, but not as drastically as you have said. Once he figures out the price, I'll be able to take a look at it, but guessing right now, the pistons rarely need to be replaced for this type of thing. Also, I'm going to have the head machined rather than buying a new one.

I'm sure it will end up being under $1000 for the valves, timing belt, and misc. gaskets and stuff. If I replace more, then that's a separate cost.

Thanks man!

You also want to poke around on the site to see if the CVT tranny can handle the mods you are looking for. I don't have a CVT so I haven't paid that close attention but want to say the CVT does not take the extra HP very well.

Like olstyn said, this might best be a flipper considering the CVT. And unless you really enjoy rebuilds, it might be better financially to part out with as good as it sounds like the interior is. Always people looking for well taken care of part out vehicles.

I know I have a wish list....

Good luck with whatever you decide!

I tend to assume the worst, simply because the valves and pistons probably smacked into each other in a rather ungentle fashion. Good luck though.