'98 A4 2.8Q -- To Keep or not to Keep?
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
'98 A4 2.8Q -- To Keep or not to Keep?
That is the question.
I have owned the car for half of its miles, currently ~120k. Timing belt at 80k. Car has been well maintained however there are general areas that could use improvement. I ride the motorcycle in the summer and it reduces the miles on the car quite a bit.
Interor and exterior are almost perfect.
Mechanically, I am looking at the following to make it perfect (as far as I know).
1. New rear wheel bearing (scheduled for replacement)
2. Lower control arms drivers side
3. Transmission work or replacement to remedy pitted first gear (clutch replacement when this is done)
I really like the car, but who knows what else may go on it. I havent had a whole lot of suspension work done as I have been fortunate not to have problems so far.
Any thoughts? What else is likely go to? Electrical system? Suspension? Steering rack? Exhaust system?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
I have owned the car for half of its miles, currently ~120k. Timing belt at 80k. Car has been well maintained however there are general areas that could use improvement. I ride the motorcycle in the summer and it reduces the miles on the car quite a bit.
Interor and exterior are almost perfect.
Mechanically, I am looking at the following to make it perfect (as far as I know).
1. New rear wheel bearing (scheduled for replacement)
2. Lower control arms drivers side
3. Transmission work or replacement to remedy pitted first gear (clutch replacement when this is done)
I really like the car, but who knows what else may go on it. I havent had a whole lot of suspension work done as I have been fortunate not to have problems so far.
Any thoughts? What else is likely go to? Electrical system? Suspension? Steering rack? Exhaust system?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Re: You also have to figure out what you would get if you sold it and
Yeah, it seems to be difficult to find a replacement for the A4. I enjoy the handling, moderate power, and its a comfortable car. I would likely trade in for a newer CPO A4. Anyone have successes with Audi CPO? Failures?
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,668
Likes: 0
With 120k you are talking about ANY car regarding maintenance and
replacing wear items. I've decided to keep my '99 A4 (99k miles) and keep replacing wear items and save up for a rebuilt transmission when the pitted input shaft becomes an issue. Its been making the "diesel noise" for over 5,000 miles when in first gear now so it doesn't actually bother me at all.
Are you ready for a new or newish car ? Maybe that's what's really going on.
dunno....
Are you ready for a new or newish car ? Maybe that's what's really going on.
dunno....
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
I'd keep it, unless you just feel the urge for a newer car.
Wheel bearing is not too big of a deal.
LCAs are kind of an ordeal.
The trans is a big one dollar and labor wise depending on whether you are a DIY type person and have workspace/tools.
On a pre-facelift V6 car, though, you really won't be facing any more issues than you would have with any older car. In fact, German solidity really shines through on the earlier A4s.
If bikes are your thing, then I'd keep the car, and push money towards that passion. But then again, I just love B5s. Sometimes I think I'd prefer a nice post-facelift PES-blown 2.8 Avant to the 1.8T I have, especially with Porsche 944 sugarplums dancing in my head.
LCAs are kind of an ordeal.
The trans is a big one dollar and labor wise depending on whether you are a DIY type person and have workspace/tools.
On a pre-facelift V6 car, though, you really won't be facing any more issues than you would have with any older car. In fact, German solidity really shines through on the earlier A4s.
If bikes are your thing, then I'd keep the car, and push money towards that passion. But then again, I just love B5s. Sometimes I think I'd prefer a nice post-facelift PES-blown 2.8 Avant to the 1.8T I have, especially with Porsche 944 sugarplums dancing in my head.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 0
Same situation here. Like others said, wear and tear will happen on any car.
I've had a crap load of repairs over the summer, since then (knock on wood) it's been a stellar driver again. The main thing is my engine and transmission have been working well. Other things break on any cars.
What I say to myself is the longer my car lasts, the sweeter the new one will be, since they seem to improve year-to-year. I haven't been following cars for a while - just didn't need to - but I recently took a look at the new A4 coming next year and I was smitten. Comparing to mine (as much as I love it) it's a dream.
What I say to myself is the longer my car lasts, the sweeter the new one will be, since they seem to improve year-to-year. I haven't been following cars for a while - just didn't need to - but I recently took a look at the new A4 coming next year and I was smitten. Comparing to mine (as much as I love it) it's a dream.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Robert Paulson
S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
18
Jul 15, 2008 12:55 PM
a8silver
A8 / S8 (D2 Platform) Discussion
5
Jun 30, 2003 03:23 PM
