AvramD

Hey Everyone,

So, here's my dilemma: I'm totally in love with the Burgundy Pearl Effect color for allroads, but it didn't come out until '03.

To make a long story short, avg price of '03s is $39k, vs. $29k for '01s.

The question is, would I be completely insane to buy a silver '01 and <i>get it painted burgandy pearl effect?</i>

My take on it is that would probably cost $4k-$6k to have done *really* professionally, and it would result in a lot of dismantling being done not necessarily correctly, and risk lots of stupid little things not working correctly as a result. Right?

NJRickD

Just seems a little odd for an enthusiast like yourself. I would wait for the new 3.2L A4 and get another avant before an AR. Just my $0.02 of course.

AvramD

apples &amp; oranges - can't have an S4 the way I want, so not trying to.

MachtigAvant (v3.0)

The reason why I ask is that if you were going to go with a '01 2.7t, I'd be a bit worried about the condition of the engine. I would be very paranoid about buying an '01.5 S4 with the same engine because it's so hard to truly diagnose the condition of a turbocharged engine, especially something as easily "modifyable" as the AR with the biturbo.

However, that aside, I don't think you'd be crazy to paint it. If you wanted to spend the money, then you would 1) get the color you want, and 2) get a freshly painted car, much like it was new.

I wouldn't be able to stand a used car that has a messed up paint job; cracks, rock chips, bird crap stains, etc.

AvramD

Definitely want the stick.

These cars all have residual factory warranties, and many that I'm considering allso have Audi Assured extended warranties. It is probably advisable that I call AoA &amp; verify that nothing of a specific car's warranty is void before purchasing.

I'm not scared of turbos. I consider them a wear item. Warrenty for a good 30k miles, and then just budget $100 or so a month for the inevitability that they'll need to be replaced.

MachtigAvant (v3.0)

Sounds like you've got a good grip on the turbs, in that case, stroke on!

AvramD

Hey said that if you're doing a different color, you basically have to strip the car bare including removing the engine. I said how about if we said don't worry about the engine compartment?

He said that still, having to take every single piece of exterior trim off, I'd be looking at a neighborhood of $10,000.

My stepfather had an old mercedes repainted from scratch in a new color. He likes to drive older solid cars that are cheap, and fix them up, it's his thing. I believe it did cost him $10k. My bro and I think he's on crack.

MachtigAvant (v3.0)

I was told 8 grand for a custom re-paint of my old S4. So, I don't think the 10k mark is completely out of this world. But it is damn expensive just for a color. You don't find any of the two-tone variety attractive?

AvramD

I didn't find his estimate unreasonable. It just makes for an ineffective solution.

Miwa

Add costs of repaint, plus decrease in car's value, and you might as well just get the newer one with warranty that goes longer.