big_dmg

Im just about to buy a 01 A4 1.8 Quattro. 98000kms.

I have driven it twice and love the car, but I have not had any time to research much.

Anyone have any pros and cons? Thoughts?

Cybersombosis

If you are diligent about servicing your car and checking your fluids every time you fill up, tire pressure ect. then the A4 B5 is a great car to purchase. If you are just going to put gas in it and drive then get a Honda. Being lax about maintenance with empty your pocket book. Learn to do some of your own servicing and it won't cost you any more than any other car. That being said, these are some things to keep in mind.

Make sure the timing belt and water pump are done. If it hasn't been done then get them to drop the price by about $800. I too recently purchased a black on black 01.5 1.8T Quattro manual with sport option with 97000km and got it done a few months later. Make sure all service history is available and make sure to ask for all records if you buy the car. A car's history should stay with the car. I bought mine from a dealership with only one owner. It came with 4 keys; 2 key fobs, 1 valet key, and one plastic key you can keep in your wallet just in case along with a tag with the key code on it.

Make sure they have the owner's manual along with the stereo booklet as this has the radio code in it. There should be a cargo net that comes with it too. Check out the jack storage unit and make sure all the bits and pieces are there. i.e. tow hook, screwdriver, jack, etc.

If the engine is a 1.8T it is important to ask the owner what kind of oil has been used. If they don't know then look on the service record to see what kind of oil was used. In a perfect world it should be a synthetic like Castrol 5-40w, the same they use at the stealership. Make sure to get it checked out by an Audi mechanic. Get them to scan the ECU it to see if there are codes stored.

All these little things can chip away at the price you finally offer. I paid a high price for mine as it was exactly what I was looking for in every way and it was serviced at the dealership so I ended up paying $11,900 back in November.

Good luck in your dealings. I'm loving my car and am about to get it chipped next week with APR software. I can't wait!!!

Doug

PS What engine is in the car?

Mr.Autobahn

How much are you going to pay for it i have a buddy who is selling his 07 i think a4 2.0T if you are interested.

kf3506

timing belt and water pump as mentioned above. Thermostat, coilpacks, steering rack, and control arms are something you should ask too.

SKYLINE_939

i bought mine 2 years ago having 129,000 kms now i have 165,000kms and ive had to replace coil packs ( audi recall covered it ) , wheel bearings and control arms ($800) , and some sensors got rusted out throwing off codes making the engine mis fire and not start ... other than that i really like the car...

kf3506

^^ yup those are quite common. Coolant temp sensors, ignition control module, even the breather part on the side of the engine tends to shatter. But overall, it's an awesome car to drive.