Hi!
Just joined today and have been reading up on the forums for the past 3 weeks.

Will be picking up a CPO 2005 A4 1.8T Dolphin Gray Special Edition with 40k on the odo this week, as a replacement for my wife's gas guzzling Jeep Commander.

Saw the car immediately after it was turned in and did initial inspection. Other than minor surface scratches and worn rear tires, everything looks good as well as drives good. Since it will be CPO'd, I expect it to be in a clean and better shape when I pick her up.

Had it stipulated on the contract that purchase of the car is pending final inspection just so I'm protected somehow.

The engine bay isn't that dirty but not really clean as it was just turned in so not easy to spot any leaks. I asked the sales rep if they will clean the engine bay really clean so leaks can be spotted easier and he said that the A4s have ignition coils that may be damaged or cause damaged if the engine is cleaned or hosed down.

Only reason I asked them for it is because I test drove another A4 and when I popped the hood, the engine is sparkling clean. I mean like it's really clean. I can see through the reservoirs and such.

Is it a bad idea to clean the engine bay as stated?

Also, any more things to look out for on the day I pick up the vehicle?


Thanks in advance.

 

That line about not being able to wash the engine due to the coilpacks is a load of B.S. That right there would send me looking at another car at another dealership. Is this an Audi dealership telling you this?

 

I dont have underbody belly pan on my car, so my car gets dirty pretty fast. Its not that hard to clean up the engine bay... It prolly depends where this car was driven.
Look for any coolant/oil leaks... Look at diffrentials (oil leaks). Test drive it of course... Ask for every possible receipt.
05 was the last year, so all the major issues were fixed. Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the input!

Yes, this is an Audi dealership but the sales person assured me that they will get the engine bay as clean as possible as I indicated that I really wanted it clean so I can check for leaks.

Already test drove the A4 a couple of days after it was turned in (at lease end) and it already felt/looked good. I'll ask if they can have it on lifts so I can check the undercarriage.

 

You're on the right track with your requests. Be sure to post pics when you pick it up. I have an 05' 1.8T Quattro in Dolphin Gray also. But what is the Special Edition?

 

So I stopped by the dealership today to arrange the financing side and their business manager came back to me offering different services.

1. Audi Care - I believe this is the maintenance plan to 100k
2. GAP 60 - insurance to cover difference between market value and loan balance
3. Resist All - Paint protection and fabric protection

Anyone who bought a CPO bought any of these? Or should I just pass up on these?


Thanks

 

Not exactly sure what it's got for being Special Edition but it has 17" wheels, rear lip spoiler, dual power front seat, sat radio, leather, heated front seats, moonroof, ski bag, and maybe something else I missed.

 

Its prolly just the Sport verison. There Base, Sport/Ultra Sport.
I say get a Gap insurance for sure... Others is up to u. If u plan on modding, ask your dealership if they still gonna cover some parts under warranty, cause most likely if something brakes, they will blame it on an aftermarket part(s).

 

Thanks audiprotein.

I'm definitely getting the GAP due to the rapidly declining market value of cars these days.

The Resist All Paint and Interior protection, I'm not sure about. They claim to put another layer of lifetime protectant on the entire paint surface. Business manager even told me that I wouldn't need to wax the car, ever. Not sure if BS or not

The Audi Care maintenance plan is what I'm thinking twice about. Probably not worth it if I'll do all that's needed to be done during the 55k and 65k service interval.

 

U never know how ur car is gonna be running in the future. If u think u gonna mod it, then prolly skip it (unless Dealer is Mod friendly). Otherwise, if they can give u a good deal for that (shop around) then think about it.