Can i start another one of these threads? Seems like there are a lot out there...

So I'm going to go take a look at a 2004 A4 Avant 1.8t. My wife currently drives a Kia Sorento. One of things that I don't like about it (aside from being an SUV) is that it is an absolute pill to work on. Take spark plugs for example. I've only done it once myself and it took me 3 hours to change just 3 of them. Yeah read that again, 3 hours for 3 plugs = an hour a plug. and its a V6!!! and just to save some face here, I did a lot of research on the internet just to see how to do it and most people were at the same pace. You have to dig through lots and lots of stuff to get to them. I digress...

So i'm thinking about going Audi. I love the styling of the Avant and the interior is really nice (I'm a subaru guy myself so this interior is amazing). I don't need something super fast though it looks like there is hidden power in the 1.8t. I just have a few questions for the Audi community.

-How hard is it to do maintenance work on these cars? the 1.8t in particular. I'm not afraid to turn a wrench and actually prefer to do it myself because it tends to save quite a bit in labor. I've done maintenance on the Subarus I've owned (except timing belt) as well as suspension work, brake work, exhaust, and stereo. So I'm not afraid to learn a new car, but does anyone find it difficult to do their own maintenance?

-How hard is it to do the timing belt? saw somewhere that it could easily cost $1k for the timing belt. That seems to be typical for most cars. How hard is it to diy? Again, i like to save $$$. The car i'm interested in is sitting right at 70k miles so its primed for the TB replacement.

-What's the reality of the electrical problems that Audis have a reputation for? Is it just the bad apple or is it the bunch? Is it just a few loud people on the internet complaining or is it most vehicles? What are some common problems and how hard to fix (i think i saw a sticky for this, i'll take a look at that). Does it feel like there is always something happening or is it just drop some money and then that's it?

-I haven't looked around much, but i'm fairly certain that I'm going to want to do some modding. It would likely just be wheels, springs, rear sway, and endlinks. maybe struts. Did i come to the right forum to learn how to do that or is there some other site that has a lot of that. I may also think about doing exhaust and an ecu reflash/chip. Are Turbo exhaust systems typical? i.e. headers>up pipe>turbo>downpipe>catpipe>catback? Is there a lot of aftermarket support for the 1.8t?

My biggest concerns are really being able to do the maintenance myself and the electrical problems. I've always loved the a4 wagon because i think its the perfect blend of size and space.

-joel

 

If you go with the 04, please get all the body panels painted the same color. Not sure if that one is like it, but I have the grey panels on the bottom. I personally love the avant style also. Im trying to get my girl to get an 01 s4 wagon Ive found, but she doesnt want a "grocery getter". She doesnt understand that the groceries wont last in the car once you mat the throttle, but anyway. TIming belt I was quoted at my dealer was about $800-$900, and from what I hear that about normal for most cars.

 

I'm on my phone so I won't be very thorough...

The timing belt can be done diy, there's a write up with pics somewhere. Try audidiy.com.

I haven't really had any electrical problems with mine.

Maintenance is easy, oil changes are straight forward, and spark plugs couldn't be easier. They are right on top, about a 5 min job.

One thing that is a big problem with 1.8s is oil sludge. I would recommend finding a car with good service records and regular oil changes.

Don't get a cvt car. If it is fwd auto it has a cvt. Just find a quattro, you'll love it more anyway.

That's all for now, I may add more later.