vfilby

I am looking to replace my current vehicle and I am quite smitten with the Audi's. I am currently looking at some used 2006 A4's with about 60,000 km on them.

Assuming it has been (and will continue to be) well taken care of, how long do these cars last? Are there any major known issues that I will have to fix at a certain time.

Are there any particular things I should look for when test driving? Any things I should try to avoid?

artinmoTTion

If possible, look for a CPO (certified pre-owned) car and purchase the Audi Care service plan, which more than pays for itself, as it covers the timing belt replacement, and all the services through 75k miles. You will pay more for cpo's, but will have a lot better peace of mind. Most of these cars are excellent, but there are some issues out there. Some of them are being well taken care of by Audi with updates and fixes along the way as issues arise, others, like some coil pack failures, are not always as well picked up prophylactically. In any case, though you 'll enjoy your car a ton, you'll want to be covered if possible.

Avoid: CVT transmissions
Know: Tiptronic auto trans cars have a lot of vibration at idle, it's normal for them. Choose a manual trans if so inclined if you can.
Try to pick: S-line cars (improved suspension and transmission (if auto), technology package, bi-xenon headlights (things much more difficult to add later).

Understand that cars with some mileage may need some things, brake pads/rotors, tires, etc., which can often be replaced by better than stock parts at better than stock prices, and build that into your ownership cost. The CPO warranty would take care of other issues.

Check the ownership history and carfax report, and even search here regarding dealer reputation. Ask ahead of time if you have expectations of a loaner for service vs. a rental, etc.

Consider getting a clear bra put on if the front is still fairly pristine, to keep it that way. Get any accessories you want when you purchase the car; ask for a discount. Ask them to update the Nav software, if your car has Nav. Ask them to update the engine computer software to the latest version.

Hope that's a start.

Chinaski

I'm shopping too, and it's taken me out of state for manual AWD cars. I had an independent inspection done on a '07 CPO today and the report with pictures shows 4 paint chips, a 3" scratch on the rear trunk, entire rear bumper was repainted, 2 wheels curb scratched (one large 4"), and the real deal breaker for me a nasty chip and surrounding scratches in the windshield. Don't fall for the "picked from the best of the used" BS, it seems they will CPO just about anything that starts. Be careful shopping and have independent inspections done before wasting lots of $ and time traveling to see out of town cars.


<img src="http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/6623/1224027954dq014370030xz0.jpg">

TTGram

That car is going to be my Winter beater. I had just replaced lower control arms, sway bar links and a wheel bearing. My son took over our
1984 4000Q and replaced it when it had 220,000 miles.

XCELR8

paint left on them, car was vacced out and not even detailed, rearview mirror fell off in less than a week, and there was the prev owners garbage still left under the drivers seat. I had them repaint the worse of the scratches which ended up being whole pass side of the car, and they repaired the rv mirror. My wife and I spent two extra days detailing the inside and I bought silver paint and redid the center caps. The car was a bit messy, but in their defense, they addressed what I asked them too and the rest was negotiated off the price of the car.

Bought the car for the CPO 100K warranty and so far its been a great car and should be till I sell it at 100K. If it didn't come with the CPO I wouldn't have bought it.

Chinaski

However the car I had inspected the dealer wants $29k and that's $3k off his original asking price. He did sort of a price match to another car for sale elsewhere in a color I didn't want that was nearly identical otherwise. He still didn't match the price entirely because he commented the other car's condition must be terrible (compared to his it was pristine). There are just too many issues with this only 2 year old car for that money.

It just seems to me many times these dealers really mark-up the CPO cars and other than the extended warranty there is nothing special about them. In fact you can buy an extended warranty directly from Audi and backed by Audi for any still in warranty car. Since the CPO process is a joke IMO I will probably do that.<ul><li><a href="http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/FinancialServices/Vehicle_Protection/New_Vehicle_Protection.html">http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/FinancialServices/Vehicle_Protection/New_Vehicle_Protection.html</a</li></ul>

cgmiller63

When I went to purchase my car I was offered AudiCare. I was not sure it was worth the cost so I had the finance manager call the service manager and ask if the timing belt was covered under AudiCare. He was told "No, the timing belt is not covered."

If anyone has had their timing belt replacement covered under AudiCare please chime in. I'll go buy AudiCare right now if the belt is covered.

cgmiller63

Just spoke with AoA and was told the timing belt is not covered. I also found this on the
Audi website:

"The Audi Care Certified pre-owned Vehicle Plan. covers manufacturer-required regularly scheduled maintenance services at 55,000 miles and 65,000 miles, or 6 years from the original vehicle in-service date, whichever comes first."

The timing belt is suposed to be changed at the 75,000 mile service.

lhsa

from my own experiences CPO means nothing more than an extended warranty. i can guarantee that CPOs are not "cherry picked". in many cases, these CPO cars haven't even been cleaned, let alone inspected per the advertised 100+ or so point inspection.

like any other car purchase, you need to do your due diligence and an independent 3rd party inspection is always recommended unless you're willing to take the risk your buying a lemon, crashed, or otherwise undesirable vehicle.

PDXA4

Don't trust even a main dealer with a CPO on the car, or naturally a private seller...Always get the car inspected a Audi/VW independent shop...

Just be careful, while a great car - there is a lot that can go wrong...