Bad Luck A4: Large Repair Bill...Sell it or Keep it?
12-05-2010, 10:31 AM
#11
AudiWorld Super User
You haven't mentioned what engine or trans. I assume a V6 from your comment about "valve cover gaskets". If you have an automatic, a fluid change is recommended unless you know this has been done. Regarding the rubber heater boot, I would expect that it should pry and pull out. See if you can find a crack or pinhole, which the hose could cover if clamped further in.
12-05-2010, 10:52 AM
#12
Audiworld Junior Member
Sorry to hear about your B5 troubles, Traveler. I can definitely say that my B5 had more issues than my current B6. As far as easy to work on, I wouldn't exactly describe it as such. The engine cabin is quite cramped and many other components are difficult to access as compared to some other vehicles. That said, there are things you can do on your own, even given that you're not "allowed" to work on the car in your community, that is simple preventive maintenance.
I surely feel your frustration with the car though but I think you're doing the right thing in addressing all the issues now. It'll cost a little bit of money, but in the long run, you'll have a healthy B5 that will last you a long time.
I surely feel your frustration with the car though but I think you're doing the right thing in addressing all the issues now. It'll cost a little bit of money, but in the long run, you'll have a healthy B5 that will last you a long time.
12-06-2010, 02:17 AM
#13
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Atlanta (North OTP)
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You haven't mentioned what engine or trans. I assume a V6 from your comment about "valve cover gaskets". If you have an automatic, a fluid change is recommended unless you know this has been done. Regarding the rubber heater boot, I would expect that it should pry and pull out. See if you can find a crack or pinhole, which the hose could cover if clamped further in.
12-06-2010, 02:18 AM
#14
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Atlanta (North OTP)
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry to hear about your B5 troubles, Traveler. I can definitely say that my B5 had more issues than my current B6. As far as easy to work on, I wouldn't exactly describe it as such. The engine cabin is quite cramped and many other components are difficult to access as compared to some other vehicles. That said, there are things you can do on your own, even given that you're not "allowed" to work on the car in your community, that is simple preventive maintenance.
I surely feel your frustration with the car though but I think you're doing the right thing in addressing all the issues now. It'll cost a little bit of money, but in the long run, you'll have a healthy B5 that will last you a long time.
I surely feel your frustration with the car though but I think you're doing the right thing in addressing all the issues now. It'll cost a little bit of money, but in the long run, you'll have a healthy B5 that will last you a long time.
12-06-2010, 04:54 AM
#15
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Traveler, I see you are in ATL, I am also a ATL resident and alos had sime trouble finding a good Audi repair shop in the past and had tons of problems with so called "specialists". Send a PM and we can exchange some information, maybe my latest discovery on the subject can help you out as well.
12-06-2010, 05:04 AM
#16
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Atlanta (North OTP)
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Traveler, I see you are in ATL, I am also a ATL resident and alos had sime trouble finding a good Audi repair shop in the past and had tons of problems with so called "specialists". Send a PM and we can exchange some information, maybe my latest discovery on the subject can help you out as well.
I haven't mentioned the names of these shops in any of my posts because my experiences may not be reflective of their total service in general.
The one exception is shop I had to use when my car was towed and I was in a tight situation. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone, but my impression is that they just don't know Audi's.
12-06-2010, 05:40 PM
#17
Audiworld Junior Member
Now...to answer your question...YES! As much as I liked the B5, I personally prefer the larger, more luxurious, slightly heavier B6, believe it or not!
12-07-2010, 06:39 AM
#18
AudiWorld Newcomer
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: East Alabama
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I feel the same for the first garage, but not so sure about the second.
The first garage I was in a pinch, and had extremely limited options. They will never get my business again.
The second...VW Audi only, and they come highly recommended. They did make me comfortable in the fact that everything was very well explained, all the old parts were shown and explained to me in detail when I picked it up, and they were very good at communicating the problems and my options.
Regarding the VCG and CAS', I phrased that wrong. Yes, the valve cover gaskets were leaking, yes it was done twice incorrectly, but no, no other garage even noticed or mentioned them while they were doing the job right under their noses. I shouldn't have written "caused" but more like "underlying problem that nobody else caught".
DIY...it would have been possible in the past, but due to a recent move I no longer have a garage, and it's not allowed to work on your vehicle in our new community.
But the main questions...
-Are these common issues, am I unlucky with the car, or is every garage giving me the shaft?
-If it was yours, would you keep it?
The first garage I was in a pinch, and had extremely limited options. They will never get my business again.
The second...VW Audi only, and they come highly recommended. They did make me comfortable in the fact that everything was very well explained, all the old parts were shown and explained to me in detail when I picked it up, and they were very good at communicating the problems and my options.
Regarding the VCG and CAS', I phrased that wrong. Yes, the valve cover gaskets were leaking, yes it was done twice incorrectly, but no, no other garage even noticed or mentioned them while they were doing the job right under their noses. I shouldn't have written "caused" but more like "underlying problem that nobody else caught".
DIY...it would have been possible in the past, but due to a recent move I no longer have a garage, and it's not allowed to work on your vehicle in our new community.
But the main questions...
-Are these common issues, am I unlucky with the car, or is every garage giving me the shaft?
-If it was yours, would you keep it?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Trucku
A4 (B7 Platform) Discussion
5
07-17-2018 07:04 PM
saintor1
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
13
07-01-2003 12:13 PM
EuroJettaGLi
Audi 90 / 80 / Coupe quattro / Cabriolet
12
12-28-2001 10:08 PM
