Liquid Smoke

I'm looking around to buy a 2002-2003 A4, but just wanting to know a bit more about Audis before I seriously look into it.

First I'm just wondering how reliable are they? If I buy a used one with +/- 100k miles, how reliable will it be? How much would I be spending per year let's say to maintain and repair? How long can it go before breaking down?

Also what's a good price range for one? I'd be alright with a 1.8 model so it doesn't have to be the 3.0 or high trim versions, even the lowest ones, what's a good price range I can get one in?

KBB value is around $5500 or something like that, but everywhere I check the lowest I found was for like $7500 and most are around $8000-$10,000.

Liquid Smoke

*bump*

PDX04a4

audi's can be hit or miss, especially at high mileage. with an audi at 100k miles or more you must make sure the maintenance has been done regularly. make sure the timing belt and water pump have been replaced and that the car has gotten regular oil changes every 5k miles with a new filter. sludge on these cars is deadly. make sure the turbo is good or that it has been replaced, if it makes loud whistling or "dentist drill" sounds than its on it way out. preventive maintenance is the key with these cars, you get things done on time and the car isnt *that* expensive to own. if you get a good car it could only cost 100-200 a year to maintain with oil changes and basic things. i just dumped 1k into mine this year and that was to change the water pump/timing belt and some pcv valves and hoses. i have a leaky steering rack that needs to be replaced, that will run me 1,200.

you just never know what could happen over 100k, could be a good car or the turbo could crap out and you could be out 1,500.

value wise, with 100k miles an 02-03 shouldnt cost more than 9,000. if i were you i would look for a slightly newer car with lower miles. i got an 04 with 31,000 miles on it for 14,500. you can find a good used audi with less than 50k miles on it for 10-12,000. look on the audizine classifies.

Papachristou

thats some good advice from the poster above. Its luck of the draw really. and even then stuff can happen thats unrelated.

but i spend the few extra bucks for a 04/05 model for a couple reasons:

02/03s had fuel pump issues

02/03s initially used a itty bitty oil filter. there was a TSB to use a new large oil filter, its probably 3x the capacity of the smaller one. that started around late 03 or 04 i think. so those earlier year models even if they were dealer serviced can still be more prone to sludge.

04s should have a later revision of coilpacks(not that it really matters either)

04/05s all came with six speed trannies i believe?

if its near 100k make sure the Timing belt and water pump has been changed. its a very expensive job.

a4love

what is considered loud for the turbo whistling? I have to turn my radio down and really get on it before I can hear it whistle. even then you have to pay attention.

1991audi200

well anyways it doesnt matter what you do just look at signs. look if the car is clean especially under the car. if there is build up its been leaking. if its clean it was probably fixed. plus if the car is clean someone probably cared about it. i mean real clean though like no acid rain spots in the paint. condition that showed the car was washed often and ask for service record even then any car you buy could be a piece of junk. like in the year i owned my old audi i put 2000 into and its only worth 3000. a friend had the same car and only put tires on it and a tie rod end. so you never know what your going to get especially the older it is just look for signs that whoever owned it loved it and treated it well.

Papachristou

stock turbo/software only makes 8-9 lbs of boost so you are lucky to hear it at all... usually just more when you boost near a wall or something..

bnr32_coupe

hearing a turbo whistle can be a sign that its on its way out.

a4love

I would be upset about needing to replace a turbo, but I think that's the only way I could convince the girlfriend that It's time ot upgrade

Papachristou

now you are thinking like a man!