Trade it or Keep it ?
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Trade it or Keep it ?
I've got a 2001.5 B5 1.8TQ with 66k miles on it. I still like the car but I know it needs some work. Right now, I've got to do the timing belt (water pump too, I guess) and cam shaft seals. Its going to need new brakes soon too. My concern is that this is just the stuff I know about. A lot of reviewers on Edmunds claim to have had lots of costly maintenance issues beginning now. I'm thinking of upgrading to something newer ... Any long term B5 drivers who can speak to the on-going maintenance costs ?
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the way I look at it ....
If you can afford a new car payment, I think it is always cool to get the newer technology ... but, a timing belt, water pump, cam seals and brakes let's say cost $2000 ..... that is approxinately 5 car payments, then you are free and clear. Whereas with a new car, you are looking at car payments for 48-60 months. YMMV.
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Do you like the car?
I have entertained selling mine a few times, but I really connot find anything else I might like more for a reasonable cost. So I am sticking with it. I know what you mean about the tip of the iceberg - you never know. I know my cars history/tendencies and am willing to go thru the love - hate relationship. It is still cheaper to keep it in the long run, and I really do enjoy it.
I would guess about $1,500 per year for maintenance (brakes, fluids, tires, unexpected stuff) is a decent estimate.
I would guess about $1,500 per year for maintenance (brakes, fluids, tires, unexpected stuff) is a decent estimate.
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it seems you are dealing with just maintenance items...
if you were repairing things that were out of the norm; i'd suggest selling.
If all you've had to deal with is just maintenance and the car has been reliable. I'd keep it
if you aren't modifying the car, keep oil changes regular, and don't drive like a racecar driver... there is no reason your car will start killing itself.
once something "major" hits outside of maintenance... i'd fix and sell
If all you've had to deal with is just maintenance and the car has been reliable. I'd keep it
if you aren't modifying the car, keep oil changes regular, and don't drive like a racecar driver... there is no reason your car will start killing itself.
once something "major" hits outside of maintenance... i'd fix and sell
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Member
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: PA
with such low miles, and the car worth basically nothing, repair it. find a indy shop or someone
here local that has done the TB already. yes, do the water pump, which is driven by the TB on an '01 (AWM) motor.
PureMS for the ("full") timing belt kit
tech articles to do it yourself.<ul><li><a href="http://www.purems.com">http://www.purems.com</a</li></ul>
PureMS for the ("full") timing belt kit
tech articles to do it yourself.<ul><li><a href="http://www.purems.com">http://www.purems.com</a</li></ul>
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,592
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a comment.....
It really depends on what you want. Without going into a long diatribe of economic modeling and opportunity costs, its less expensive to keep the car in the long run(ceteris paribus). You might talk to the tech you use(unless its yourself) about your long term plans and what you want out of the car. He(or she) might give you a good idea(based on your service history) of future or expected costs/repairs and modify repairs in the future for better/improved gains in the car's service life. Audi's are definitely not the most inexpensive car to own, but the B5 is one of the better ones they've come out with in many respects. Frankly, I think currently Audi's pricing structure makes it a disincentive to purchase again with the manufacturer(and I like Audi).
Having said that, I can understand the want or need for a new model and that other's factors can alter the paramters in keeping a car.
Regards
Having said that, I can understand the want or need for a new model and that other's factors can alter the paramters in keeping a car.
Regards