I found an A4 in my area that I like and is in good condition: http://tiny.cc/LObSE (see large pictures and video)

Dealer is asking just under 10, with a 3-month warranty. I test drove it today and it is really fun to drive. I prefer the 2001 body more, but the 2003 definitely felt good.

My biggest concern is that I asked them about service history (timing belts, water pump, etc) but they don't have those records, unfortunately. Carfax is clean, though. I popped the hood and looked all around and in with a flashlight and everything "looked" to be in pristine shape. Hoses all seemed intact and I couldn't see any obvious wear... but I am not a mechanic. There is an issue with one of the rear lights, so I'm going to get them to either fix that or drop the asking price so I can fix it. The shape of the engine and the warranty bode well, my biggest concern is the lack of info about the timing belt. Is this as big an issue on the b6's as it was with the b5's?

What do you guys think? Buy now? Consider? Walk away?

 

looks nice and clean. If you're worried about the T-belt (which should have been done but some people slacks) you can take the cover off and look in there, if the belt looks really worn out then it hasn't been done, if you the lettering on the belt then it has been done. I paid 13K for my '04 with no T-belt done, and I have the 3.0!! Someone here told me to do that after I bought it and I ended up dishing out 1200USD to get it done.

 

Great, thanks. I'll check out an engine diagram and locate the timing belt tomorrow. Hopefully they'll make a good offer for my trade-in (which, interestingly, is worth more than the audi I want to buy...).

Also, is there any way for me to check for oil "sludge" built up on the engine do to poor oil use/maintenance? Or do I have to take it to a mechanic?

 

Ah, noob question, but where is the timing belt cover and can I just pop it off?

I can't seem to find any engine diagrams for this engine...