My wife has a 2008 a4 S line Platinum package on lease. Lease ends next month, car has 45K. The buyout is 18K. Its using some oil, and seems to be leaking at the valve cover a little. We like the car, its been very good so far. He's my question:
Based on your knowledge, can we get 3 more years out of this car without too much cost to repair?

Is oil usage a huge issue? 1 qt between changes at this point?

Will resale at 80K miles or so be not worth keeping the car a few more years?

Just see many a4 for low money used, and repair cost seem high.

Thanks for your time

 

The leaky valve cover should be covered under warranty. As the car ages, you will incurr more repairs. It really shouldn't be too bad, but one never knows. Oil usage is normal for a FSI 2.0T. One quart between oil changes is well within acceptable levels. Three more years of enjoyment is not out of the question. You should base part of your decision on your history with the car. Some cars are problematic. If yours has been pretty free from frequent repairs, it should weigh more on your decision. What do you plan to trade the car in for? Maybe the dealer will offer you an extended warranty, abet for a price. This may make your decision easier if you are concerned about repairs. One last thing, make sure they take care of EVERYTHING covered under warranty if you decide to keep it. Good Luck.

 

That seems a fair price (unlike a lot of lease buyouts). If you like the car and it's been good to you so far, keep it. You know the history and know it's been well cared-for.

Get the valve cover fixed before the warranty expires. My 2006 isn't under warranty anymore and I haven't regretted it yet. More often than not, even if you have to pay for a few repairs, you'll end up spending less than an extended warranty that would have covered them. Just take care of the car.

 

I just dot have the 550.00 for a new lease. I know in the past Audi's have had repair issues. I must say this has been problem free for 3 years. A little turbo lag, or hesitation on hard takeoff, but thats it.

I guess the choice is buying a 18K Jap car (Camri,Etc) used with less maintainence cost.
Thanks for the response.

 

Depends on what you will do at 80K. You will most likey be upsidedown on your loan at that point. If trade value is not a big deal then make sure they cerify the car with 100k warranty. Otherwise now would be possibly your cheapest option for a different car.

I just traded mine and it seemed as the Blue Book was going down as much as my monthly payments in the last year. It was a 2006 with 85K at trade time. Good luck.

 

You should be fine...... and i'd take a used Audi over a brand new Camry any day off the week.

 

Coincidentally, I just saw a banner ad at the top of the page for a Corolla lease for $149/mo. Really? I'm pretty sure this forum isn't even close to their target market.

I happily picked up a used Audi over several other new options that were about the same price. You get what you pay for.

 

so why expect anything different for the next 10 years? mine's been problem free as well. the odd lag here and there is annoying but it's a small price to pay for such a great award winning engine. my lease came up and without hesitation, i bought it out.