Purchased my first Audi, have a couple of questions/concerns.
Purchased my first Audi, have a couple of questions/concerns.
Hi all,
I recently just purchased my first Audi and I have a few questions. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I figured it would be best to try and seek people who might know what I'm talking about.
I purchased a 2005.5 A4 with 117k miles on it. I thought the timing belt/water pump would have been replaced by now, but according to Audi it has not been replaced. I know I need to work on getting that done ASAP. I found a shop in my area (the only one who was successful in changing my oil btw. Weird right?) that will do both replacements for $511 which includes both parts and 4 hours of work. When I spoke with Audi, their price was much much higher. But they also told me I had a little bit of time before I absolutely HAD to replace the timing belt/water pump. One of my friends suggested using strictly Audi replacement parts (which doesn't sound that bad, at all from the website I had found). Does anyone else agree?
My next concern is that when I start the car, there is a faint ticking sound. I had my brother-in-law (who used to do the mechanic work on my Taurus) check out the car before I purchased it and he didn't comment on the ticking so I assumed it was normal... The car is also a manual and happens to be my first manual. Is the ticking a manual thing? Or is it something I should be concerned about?
Oh, and another thing even though it hasn't happened in like a week or two. Sometimes my right headlight goes out and it flags on the screen saying "Right headlight dipped". I turn the lights off and turn them back on and it fixes it. Usually right before it goes out it kind of flickers, which happens when I either accelerate or go over some bumps in the road. Where should I first look for a loose connection?
When I researched the car I knew about the oil consumption problems, and the timing belt/water pump maintenance. Those things didn't really phase me, every car is going to require some type of maintenance. The car is in seemingly pristine condition other than the the normal glove box hinge being broken.
I recently just purchased my first Audi and I have a few questions. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I figured it would be best to try and seek people who might know what I'm talking about.
I purchased a 2005.5 A4 with 117k miles on it. I thought the timing belt/water pump would have been replaced by now, but according to Audi it has not been replaced. I know I need to work on getting that done ASAP. I found a shop in my area (the only one who was successful in changing my oil btw. Weird right?) that will do both replacements for $511 which includes both parts and 4 hours of work. When I spoke with Audi, their price was much much higher. But they also told me I had a little bit of time before I absolutely HAD to replace the timing belt/water pump. One of my friends suggested using strictly Audi replacement parts (which doesn't sound that bad, at all from the website I had found). Does anyone else agree?
My next concern is that when I start the car, there is a faint ticking sound. I had my brother-in-law (who used to do the mechanic work on my Taurus) check out the car before I purchased it and he didn't comment on the ticking so I assumed it was normal... The car is also a manual and happens to be my first manual. Is the ticking a manual thing? Or is it something I should be concerned about?
Oh, and another thing even though it hasn't happened in like a week or two. Sometimes my right headlight goes out and it flags on the screen saying "Right headlight dipped". I turn the lights off and turn them back on and it fixes it. Usually right before it goes out it kind of flickers, which happens when I either accelerate or go over some bumps in the road. Where should I first look for a loose connection?
When I researched the car I knew about the oil consumption problems, and the timing belt/water pump maintenance. Those things didn't really phase me, every car is going to require some type of maintenance. The car is in seemingly pristine condition other than the the normal glove box hinge being broken.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 685
Welcome! Get that timing belt done ASAP. If it snaps, you're looking at a full rebuild of the top portion of the engine. My dealership insists on changing it at 75k, Audi's website says 100k. 117k is LONG overdue no matter who you believe. Honestly, I would do it in the next week or two if it were me. $500 is very reasonable. I got a quote from the dealership I take my car to a couple weeks ago and it was around $1200.
The dipped headlight is a very common thing. Lots of threads on this forum and others (hit the Google for that one). I've never had it and only have the basic halogen non-adaptive lights which don't seem susceptible to the problem.
Is the ticking rhythmic and in time to the engine idle? If so, it's normal. The TFSI engines sound like a diesel.
BTW, I see you're in GA. What part? Where'd you get the $511 quote from?
The dipped headlight is a very common thing. Lots of threads on this forum and others (hit the Google for that one). I've never had it and only have the basic halogen non-adaptive lights which don't seem susceptible to the problem.
Is the ticking rhythmic and in time to the engine idle? If so, it's normal. The TFSI engines sound like a diesel.
BTW, I see you're in GA. What part? Where'd you get the $511 quote from?
Aww yay! Thanks for the response! I did not expect anyone to respond, lol.
I keep telling my father that it needs to be done. I currently don't have the funds to do so ASAP, and I was foolish enough to think that it had been replaced previously. He doesn't believe me because I am his only girl out of six sons, and I happen to be the youngest. His response is "Well, if it breaks the worst that could happen is that it goes through your oil pan." Um, how about no, and you're an idiot.
When I spoke with Audi they looked up what belt I have in my car and told me that those don't need to be replaced until 110K and that I had a bit of wiggle room. While I have that wiggle room, I know I need to get it done ASAP. Everyone else keeps saying "If it isn't broke, don't fix it." I'm getting a little exasperated over the entire ordeal. Audi's quote was roughly the same as yours which is why I was so shocked at the price. I'm from Villa Rica, Georgia which is about 30-45 minutes outside of Atlanta depending on the traffic and how you drive. It was a Napa store, but was also a garage? Um, I believe it was called Westend Auto. Sadly, the price for changing my oil was $78. :[
I have tried googling everything and I haven't been able to come up with much. I tried finding YouTube videos like the one you posted and I've come close but nothing sounded exactly like what happens with my car. But yes, when I am idling that is the noise my engine makes. It isn't like jerky or anything it is just a steady tick. I've actually had someone ask me if my car was a diesel because of that... Now I know why.
I also need to find some tag screws because my dealer tag (second one because the dealer I used was shady) expires tomorrow! I read online that 6MM screws should work. I also need new tires. Other than that, and the timing belt/water pump I am so happy that nothing else is on the verge of messing up.
I keep telling my father that it needs to be done. I currently don't have the funds to do so ASAP, and I was foolish enough to think that it had been replaced previously. He doesn't believe me because I am his only girl out of six sons, and I happen to be the youngest. His response is "Well, if it breaks the worst that could happen is that it goes through your oil pan." Um, how about no, and you're an idiot.
When I spoke with Audi they looked up what belt I have in my car and told me that those don't need to be replaced until 110K and that I had a bit of wiggle room. While I have that wiggle room, I know I need to get it done ASAP. Everyone else keeps saying "If it isn't broke, don't fix it." I'm getting a little exasperated over the entire ordeal. Audi's quote was roughly the same as yours which is why I was so shocked at the price. I'm from Villa Rica, Georgia which is about 30-45 minutes outside of Atlanta depending on the traffic and how you drive. It was a Napa store, but was also a garage? Um, I believe it was called Westend Auto. Sadly, the price for changing my oil was $78. :[
I have tried googling everything and I haven't been able to come up with much. I tried finding YouTube videos like the one you posted and I've come close but nothing sounded exactly like what happens with my car. But yes, when I am idling that is the noise my engine makes. It isn't like jerky or anything it is just a steady tick. I've actually had someone ask me if my car was a diesel because of that... Now I know why.
I also need to find some tag screws because my dealer tag (second one because the dealer I used was shady) expires tomorrow! I read online that 6MM screws should work. I also need new tires. Other than that, and the timing belt/water pump I am so happy that nothing else is on the verge of messing up.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 685
I know exactly where Villa Rica is--I'm in Dallas. If my car has to go to the dealership, I take it all the way to Roswell to Audi North Atlanta. I bought it there and they've treated me pretty fairly (although, they're always pricey). Otherwise, it either goes to Patton's Auto in Dallas (I know the owner very well and have for years) or to German Auto Repair in Marietta (they saved me about 30% on replacing my thermostat when it went bad).
Hopefully you can convince your dad. These are interference engines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_engine) which means if the timing goes off, the valves can and probably will hit the pistons. This will just destroy the valves if you're lucky. If you're not lucky, it will take some cylinders out with it.
Good luck and enjoy the car. As to the tag screws--they're a pain. I had to order some from ECS tuning because I wanted a nice fit and most of the ones you find at auto parts stores are too long. There's a very short amount of space inside for the screw threads. These are the ones I got: Home Page ES#250766 "Flush Line" Stainless License Plate Bolt - 6x12mm - Priced Each - NB12-1
Hopefully you can convince your dad. These are interference engines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_engine) which means if the timing goes off, the valves can and probably will hit the pistons. This will just destroy the valves if you're lucky. If you're not lucky, it will take some cylinders out with it.
Good luck and enjoy the car. As to the tag screws--they're a pain. I had to order some from ECS tuning because I wanted a nice fit and most of the ones you find at auto parts stores are too long. There's a very short amount of space inside for the screw threads. These are the ones I got: Home Page ES#250766 "Flush Line" Stainless License Plate Bolt - 6x12mm - Priced Each - NB12-1
Oh wow, you're super close to me! That is wonderful that there is a foreign auto shop in the area. Supposedly there is one in my town but I haven't been able to find it.
I know I'll be able to afford the timing belt within the next few months, but my dad is pushing me to come visit him in Florida and I refuse until the timing belt and pump are replaced. He did mention replacing my tires in the voice mail he just left, so I guess there is that.
I bought some screws at the store earlier, and they were definitely too big/too long. I'll probably end up using the link you provided. Thank you so much for that!
I started out at Jim Ellis Audi in Marietta. I drove a 2009 A4 and fell in love, but they wanted $19k for it. I bought my car in Roswell from a tiny dealer who was less than welcoming. I had to stay on him about sending my title off, and I even went through two temp tags! From what I've been told I did really well for purchasing my first car. (Only 21) I put $3k down and financed about $5.7k, the interest and the fact I'm so young with no credit (even though my score was 644) really kicked my teeth in plus all of the dealer fees and bullshit like that.
I know I'll be able to afford the timing belt within the next few months, but my dad is pushing me to come visit him in Florida and I refuse until the timing belt and pump are replaced. He did mention replacing my tires in the voice mail he just left, so I guess there is that.
I bought some screws at the store earlier, and they were definitely too big/too long. I'll probably end up using the link you provided. Thank you so much for that!
I started out at Jim Ellis Audi in Marietta. I drove a 2009 A4 and fell in love, but they wanted $19k for it. I bought my car in Roswell from a tiny dealer who was less than welcoming. I had to stay on him about sending my title off, and I even went through two temp tags! From what I've been told I did really well for purchasing my first car. (Only 21) I put $3k down and financed about $5.7k, the interest and the fact I'm so young with no credit (even though my score was 644) really kicked my teeth in plus all of the dealer fees and bullshit like that.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 860
From: St. Louis, MO
Not many enjoy the car buying experience so you are not alone there.
If you can try and save money and get that belt and pump changed. Although there is no set time that it will snap (heck it could go 200K miles and not fail) when it does it can (and most likely will) cause serious damage and that $1k replacement cost can become $3/4K repair job. The good thing is that once it is done you really do not have any major regular maitance to do.
Oil change cost is right. I just paid $79 for mine.
If you have an questions or concerns post them here. Sometimes it can take a few days or longer for a response. If you see a lot of views and no responses that is simply because no one has a good anwser.
Enjoy the car!
If you can try and save money and get that belt and pump changed. Although there is no set time that it will snap (heck it could go 200K miles and not fail) when it does it can (and most likely will) cause serious damage and that $1k replacement cost can become $3/4K repair job. The good thing is that once it is done you really do not have any major regular maitance to do.
Oil change cost is right. I just paid $79 for mine.
If you have an questions or concerns post them here. Sometimes it can take a few days or longer for a response. If you see a lot of views and no responses that is simply because no one has a good anwser.
Enjoy the car!
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