Hello folks,

I am posting here for the first time. Had an '84 Audi 5000S many years ago. For the past several weeks this independant used car lot I drive past often has had this S4, and today I suddenly got the bug again. Plus I need a real car for dates and clients. So I stopped to take a look.

2 Owner car, Silver exterior (call it an 8, but see below), black leather interior (call it a 9), wheels have some curb rash, new Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tires, automatic trans, 96k miles. Clean Carfax. Previous service work was done at local Audi dealer.

The car dealer let me take it for a PPI. The wrench (Ryland's) is a very reputable independant Porsche and Audi shop here in Atlanta. Their list of items found include:

Right front - front & rear upper control arms
Left front - front & rear upper control arms
Right front - lower rear control arm
Left front - lower rear control arm
Leaking valve covers - rt & left
Differential input shaft seal leaking
ABS control unit (this was supposedly fixed by dealer a few days ago, so they would/should make it good if it is still not working)
Have not yet determined if timing belt/water pump service has ever been done. (no manual or service book in car).

Also has some body work on passenger side, both doors and rear fender. It's not perfect but you have to look very close, I can live with it. Body work doesn't show up on Carfax, Hmmm.

I'm going to assume that I will want to replace the shocks with the suspension work too. (yes, I am familiar with the proverbial "slippery slope", see my two project cars below)

Basically it looks like about $6k worth of mechanical work if done at the shop. Maybe (?) subtract out the ABS unit ($1800) and maybe (??) the timing belt/water pump service ($1500) and your looking at $2700 for the remaining. I can do most of this remaining work myself for the cost of the parts. I'm going to guess the valve covers are a PIA to get to!

Car dealer asked $12,500 originally, is willing to go to $11 - $11.5k in light of the needed repair items.

So what do you think!

Thanks,
Andrew

 

Why get an S4 if its got an auto, seems to contradict the whole point imo.

 

Yeah, I know. It's a Tiptronic (is that what Audi calls them), but yes it is still a glorified automatic. But you know, I have two other cars and a truck and they are all manuals, i can live with the auto if this is a good deal price wise.

Thanks
Andrew

 

Skip. Spend a few grand more, get less miles and less headache--and a manual. Go get a Mitsubishi Galant if you want an Auto