Hi everyone,

So here's the deal. I live in California and have a 03 A4 3.0L cab w/111k (black / beige) that I bought in a private sale in March 2012. It shudders accelerating from stop (unless I use tip, in which case there's only a slight bump when first accelerating). There are no engine or other lights on the dash.

Audi dealership says the following:

1. Found 1 DTC P0301 misfire on 1 cylinder
2. Catalyst bank 2 (driver side) is defective
3. Transmission fluid found burnt smell and metal shavings in fluid

This is what they propose:

• Replace transmission ($6834 + $2015 labor = $8849 + tax)
• Replace catalytic converter ($1197 + $775 labor = $1972 + tax)

At best, the car is worth $8000 not taking into account the transmission issues. This is after I've sunk $2000+ into new brakes, new engine mounts, and new o2 sensors. It has a new convertible top, Bose sound system, and some external and dashboard cosmetic issues.

They told me that I wouldn't be able to pass a smog because the catalytic code won't clear. Therefore, I can't sell the car unless I fix the catalytic converter, but even with the cat fixed I can't see how the car is worth much with the failing tranny (presumably I have to disclose this even to a used car dealer..?)

So, what do y'all think I should do? Sell for parts? Drive it into the ground first? I'm pretty lost at this point on what to do.

Thank you for any suggestions...

 

Dude, I feel your pain.
My girl would probably love that car.
PM me-- I'm in Socal and might be interested in taking on the project.

 

That transmission sounds too iffie, I'd say keep driving it until it completely runs out, then get a decently used transmission and rebuild, then just swap the transmissions. Everything old will break. How many miles? also the catalytic converters the best way to do it is through the dealer, but for anything else you can use a local indy shop.