billr6

Hello All,
Well I have come to an end with my A4. This week my timing belt snapped, and my mechanic told me it would cost over $1,000 to fix and there still may be more ontop of that. I had been planning on selling it soon, and wanted to hear what you all thought I should do. I also have a fuel trim CEL as well which was preventing me from passing NJ inspection. I was going to try to get the Fuel trim problem fixed as well as a few other minor problems and then sell it, but this new problem throws a wrench in the whole idea. I now have a few options: I could sell it as is for well below what it would be worth fixed, I could go to another mechanic and see what he has to say, I could try to part it out on ebay. Here are my specifics:

2000 A4 1.8t Quattro
107000 Miles
Tiptronic
Silver Color with Grey Leather Interior
New Tires
New Brakes
Fog Lights

Minor Problems:
Needs new Washer fluid pump or tank
Needs new Auto-Dim or regular review mirror (current auto-dim mirror half dimmed half regular)
The Driver seat needs a row of stitching sewed back together
The Message Center LCD is shot - can barely view the messages on it


I did a lot of self maintenance and repairs thanks in large part to this site and forum. This car runs great when fixed, but I don't have the time or patience right now to fix such a big problem on my own. I wanted to get some feedback from people who were in similar situaitons and if any certain plan of attack worked out for them. Also, I am open to offers on the car and could e-mail pictures of it once I get it towed back from the mechanic. The car is in South Jersey right outside Philadelphia. Anyone willing to help with the major repair is more than welcome to contact me (billroseboro@hotmail.com) Thanks in advance for any help.

Bill

Joey T

I just bought a 99 with slightly more miles, and lots less problem, for $2100.


You will be spendiing wel over $1k. It bent eight exhaust valves at $65 each, plus a full timing belt kit ( what, another $300 ) and a head gasket kit with the head bolts.

The labor for the head swap alone is close to eight hours.


So, in short, the work sucks, the car isn't worth a ton anyway.

sjthomas

did you make it 107K on your first timing belt?

Solaris

what are the chances there was piston damage? Unlikely?

Joey T

But not to needing replacement.

RKA

How is it that you're considering parting it out on eBay?? Or that you're soliciting help with the repairs? I'm confused (or maybe you're trying to slide a for sale ad past a moderator).

You're going to take a huge hit trying to unload this car as-is. My advice...fix the TB, washer pump and mirror, and sell the car. You'll get at least $6K with those items fixed. You'll be lucky to get $2K as-is.

Joey T

Oh yeah.. e-mail me.

billr6

I am mainly at this point looking for advice from anyone who has experienced the same problem. I stated I have a few options that I am weighing and still have to make a decision

billr6

Yes this was my first timing belt

RKA

(too many premature failures)

and even Audi says 105K, don't they?