the dealer tells me I have "detectable play in the front control arm joints" and gave an estimate of $512 each side. What parts are they replacing, they would not give me a straight answer. I'd rather buy the parts mysself online and bring it to another mechanic. Thanks.

 

Get a second opinion from an independent mechanic.

 

BlauParts sells a control arm kit for about $550 which includes left and right sideupper and lower control arms, tie rod ends and hardware. The '96 to '02 A4's have premature wear of the control arm bushings, top and bottom. A good mechanic can determine if some or all the control arms are bad, but it's good practice to replace all of them since you'll have the suspension apart anyway.

 

that doesn't make any sense...

the dealer should have provided you w/ a full price quote on paper w/ detail of all labor included.

its places like that, that make the rest of us look bad