So the oil pressure light came on last week on my Audi. I parked it, thinking to take it in to the dealer the next day. The next day I drove it and the light was off. On saturday, before I can take it in, my wife takes it to the store, less than a mile away. She comes back and the car is running very rough and the check engine light is on. I immediately have her shut it off, and call the dealer. I then have the car towed on a flat bed to the dealer.

I get a call yesterday saying a new engine is needed at a cost of $10,300.

A little background. I bought the car last september with 63k miles, One owner, who I believed had the car serviced locally at both the dealers in town. Until 36k miles, we have record of oil changes according to factory schedule.

I had the oil changed immediately upon service and the 60k service inspection done. Since then I replaced the PCV valve, and had the oil changed. The oil was changed again about a month ago. Mileage is now at 73k.

Per the service writer, a lack of lubrication has caused excessive wear in the cam bearings and follower rod bearing. There is some sludging. I don't have any more information, as the tech had gone home and the manager was out, and they wanted to look into the cause of this some more. They believed an entire engine block, turbo etc (from oil pan to valve cover) was needed.

First question is what I should be looking for and what questions should I be asking about the cause of this failure?

Second - any alternatives? I know replacing with a used engine is an option - anyone have sources for this?

 

Did the guy you bought it from stop changing the oil after 36k?

This is the only reason I never buy used cars. The previous owner could have been a real idiot.

 

I don't think they stopped changing the oil. I have service records for other things, and they are enough to lead me to believe it was changed somewhat regularly. However, I don't have records showing it was changed.

The one dealer claims they only have records for warranty work. The other dealer has some for other work and is sending them to me.

 

This is why I only buy certified used. They give to a 100k warranty. Live and learn. See what they have on the lot to trade as that seems really high $$$$$$.

 

since getting my license more than a decade ago I have bought and driven more than 25 cars. Only one has been new. They have needed new transmissions, new engines, etc. The only time a warranty would have been worth it are this car and an s-10 blazer I bought in 1995. But even put all together, it has come out a wash.

Any specific advice for this car? Any TSBs I should know about? Supplier information?

 

I'm usually anti-extended warrranty myself...but with Audi/BMW, etc..., where repairs like this are big bucks I went ahead and got one on my A4. I know an engine on a 95 Blaizer is a hell of a lot less expensive than an A4.