Keep or sell my low mileage 98? (Or, how long will it really last...?)
 

Hi all.

I have a Brilliant Black '98 2.8QT with 52K on it. It's got Bilsteins and H&R Sports but other than that it's stock with the sport/winter package. It's had its share of repairs over the years, most recently the entire steering mechanism (not cheap) as well as engine and tranny main seals, belts, etc. The car runs great though the fit and finish are really starting to show their age and I may even take it in this summer to get two doors repainted as they've been wacked up pretty bad by parking lots (or maybe even the whole thing repainted if I planned to keep it long). The ride is also getting too rough for me so a next expense could be new shocks/springs.

I think I could only get something like $5K (how sad) for it. I could certainly afford a new car, but financially it's hard to justify UNLESS I think it's likely going to start having major repair expenses over the next few years. I know based on miles alone the car should have a lot more life left but am wondering if the car's age will cause it to head into more serious repairs in the coming 5 or so years. At some point it's dimishing returns to keep dumping $ into a 10y/o vehicle (unless you're really in love with it, which I'm not so much after 10 years).

Would appreciate hearing any thoughts/experience on this situation.

Thanks

Brian

At that mileage and what you have done, I'd keep it.
 

I have a 99.5 1.8TQMS with 133K miles. The cars runs great so I'm just now throwing in a bunch of $$$. I just installed new shocks, bearings, CV boots and repaired the ABS unit. My last Audi, a 4000CS, ran for a good 300K, and I'm hoping for close to that with this one.

My questions regarding your car would be reliability of the 2.8 & the Tip transmission. I figure the 2.8 should be good but I'm not sure about the Tip tranny.

From your post's tone, I think the really questions is are you OK with keeping it or do you truely just want a new car? I'm getting the sense it's the latter.

This is weird
 

Did I get the only B5 A4 that just seems to work ok? No coil pack woes, no steering problem, wheel bearings still just fine, no control arm squeaks...

I've spent money on 'toys' like the K04 install, and extra rims for real snow tires but aside from gas and mobil one oil changes, there's been nothing to go wrong on my car. Some brake pads here... timing belt at 60k or so is the plan and that will cost...

Does it mean it's lurking or are some cars just 'Monday' cars? And I didn't get one?

(knocking on wood here)

How much do you think you'll have to spend to be happy with it?
 

Add that to the $5K you'd get for selling it. Then think how much you'd have to pay for a new car that you like. Think how much more the insurance will cost for the new car. Subtract.

You'll probably find that the difference results in a new debt of at least $20K. So, in the end, will a new car make you $20K happier?

2nd

I'm just like you with out the major repairs and only 56K miles.
 

I plan to keep mine for my daughter

Not weird at all...
 

I'm the original owner of a 2000 A4 1.8T with 113,000 on it and it is still in perfect shape. I replaced the TB at 60,000 and Shocks and control arms when it hit 110,000. Other than replacing some vaccum hoses here and there, nothing. Maintain it and keep on top of things and they will last. I love my A4.

Did your power steering pump give you any notice before it gave out?
 

I think mine might be on the way out, its making loud noises while the car gets warmed up.

keep her

glad i'm not the only one with good luck!
 

and/or good maintenance :)