A4skier

I am looking at an absolutely immaculate 87 A4 1.8t Quattro w/ 39k on it. Only problem is that when I looked it over I found the coolant reservoir to have a white residue in it looking similar to oil from say a blown head gasket (no power lost or other signs of head gasket being blown). The owners have contacted the local dealer who believes it may be an oil cooler, has any one heard of this? I have committed to buying the car if the owners diagnose the problem as oil cooler replace it and have the coolant system flushed twice, plastic reservoir replaced and refilled with factory coolant. Any other suggestions, such as run the other way, look and a different A4 etc. Please HELP I don't want a lemon, but I Love Audi's and definitely need an A4.


Thanks
Ian

Anand@4Induktion.com

<p>- <a href="mailto:adhand@san.rr.com">Anand Dhanda</a>
'00 A4 1.8TQMSx Silver/Onyx
<a href=" http://sdaoc.sixmillion.com/aas/" target="_blank"><img src=" http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/adhandasigpic.gif" border=0></a>

Glenn R

Transmission died at the top of a hill in backed-up, rush hour traffic (people were pissed). Got out to find what looked like chocolate milk shake dripping out of the transmission. Turns out the transmission cooler in the radiator corroded, because former owner was using wrong coolant, and water/anti-freeze got into the transmission. That little problem cost me $1600 - yeah, I don't want to talk about it.<p>98.5 A4 1.8TQT Melange/Onyx

modernperf.

but see if you can get him to guarantee it, or he will pay for it if it is a bad head gasket. whay is this great deal, if you don't mind me asking

adc

I absolutely love those cars! I understand they even sold some turbo models over here in the US. I'd buy one if I found one in decent condition.

adc

John Force

<p>J.R.S.
99.5 A4 1.8Q
87 Grand National
12.6 @108

ARK

The oil to water heat exchanger is a common failure, but could be more serious!

A4skier

The only physical damage on the whole car top to bottom side to side is very small chip in window (not one scratch, paint chip, or door ding), which this guy's wife pointed out. The couple has all service records only repaired at dealer, no major malfunctions, oil changed every 3k, wife's car, good price, and just absolutely immaculate. They are the only owners also. Other bonuses are color, new tires, etc. Basically the problem is most likely Audi's responsibility, and will just need to be repaired. I just don't want a lemon.

A4skier

It appears that may be the issue, but, is this a tell tale sign of something else occurring, such as water in transmission, corroded coolant system due to incorrect antifreeze usage????

Glenn R

Needed new power window motors, CV joints, water pump, timing belt, transmisson all in one year, so I got rid of it. I loved that car though. It stuck to curvy roads like glue, and the engine, man was it smooth.<p>98.5 A4 1.8TQT Melange/Onyx