mannyo1221

What is actually wrong with the exhaust, my 2004 is still on the original one at 157K miles.

mishar

This cars have sense only for DIY-ers, or at least guys who can ask right questions. For everybody else they are too expensive to maintain and repair.

In my opinion trading them in has no sense. Some effort to sell them directly will make quite a bit more money. One from this tread, with all "problems", should go for more than twice than offered.

dvs_dave

Dealer is trying to scam you into buying a new car from them by scaring you with a ridiculous maintenance estimate. Common tactic used all too successfully unfortunately.

I'd very much doubt any of that work is needed, so get a real opinion from an Indy if you don't particularly want to sell it, or get completely hosed on the trade in.

97urS6

+1 on that... get a second opinion from a good independent mechanic.

awdinut

you've got mail in your PM box...

Sci-fi_Wasabi

jro,
I have the same year and model, with 110,000 mile on it.
Have you actually noticed any drivability issues/syptoms?
I'm sure all of our FSI engines have carbon buildup, probably not worth the $$ to get those few extra horse power back.
If there have no drivability issues, even if an independent mechanic says there is a very minor loss of pressure possibly from the head gasket I may consider driving it till it fails rather than taking that trade in loss you mentioned earlier. If you like the car, you can at least keep enjoying a great car, and spend the year or more saving up or not paying a for a new car.
Different story if it is having drivability issues.

SaltyIrishman

I would never be taking a D3 to the dealer to work on...their mechanics probably haven't seen one in 5+ years as well, they service the new stuff and get rusty on the old. Also, most dealers are of the "guess a part and replace" variety rather than the "take the time to troubleshoot" variety just because of the sheer amount of warranty work they end up performing and getting reimbursed by the manufacturer for.