khiyasu

Hi guys,

I am looking to buy an 2001 Audi A4 1.8T tomorrow. Everything looks good except for the guy just sent his car to the garage because there has been a knocking/ticking sound in the car. Mechanic diagnosed it as the hydraulic chain tensioner that is making the sound. However, he does not have enough cash on hand to fix it right now and offered to lower the price for me to a really attractive price so I can fix it myself.

My question is if I fix the hydraulic chain tensioner, how much do you think it is going to cost? Also, is the faulty tensioner a sign of bad maintenance and a sign that things are starting to go wrong with the car?

I think what I will be getting is a really really good deal if the tensioner problem is just a minor thing and is a common problem. Please help cause I would like to get this car before it is too late!

Thanks so much guys!

mikeh

Really difficult to give solid advise on this without more info. Do you trust the mechanic who diagnosed the tensioner problem? How much did he say was the repair and how much is the reduction on price? If they are the same or better then why not have him fix it before you buy it. Its a red flag for me.

Is there an opportunity for you to take it to a dealer and have them look it over. The dealer may charge you something for it but it may also save you a ton of money later.

I wish I could be of more help and perhaps others here may have additional opinions.

silva52@live.ca

i would be really worried if i was in your situation comes the thing the comes to mind are a few things
If he made the price to good to be true, then there gotta be some good stories that will be coming with the car espically i'm pretty sure that helps with all fluid pressure on the car so how long has the knocking been happening
Hows the service history on the car ?

My recommendation maybe take to shop for a quick view

mark767

Its time to step back and go through the proper steps. Take it to a dealer or Audi mechanic for a thorough look over, even if it costs you some money. You will then have a full idea of what you are dealing with and are likely to be able to bargain the price down even further. This step should only add a few days or a week to the process and you will know exactly where you stand.



Mark.

audimontreal

You can give him a deposit. However especially with any German car I would simply take it to a local or nearby Audi dealer spend $200 and have piece of mind

adamstasiak

If this noise is during driving it is transmission $7000.00 plus labour

mikeh

SOOOOO.......what did you end up doing?

audifutbol

I bought my audi for for very cheap, because it had a very loud ticking noise. And it was a lifter. I had it inspected and they did 2 engine flushes and reverse flushes, and that helped a bit. But they ended up taking the whole head off and checking the valves, and one lifter was very bad ( due to lack of oil). The person who had the car previously used silicone and not a new gasket when they worked on it and a piece of silicone got into the by-pass or pressure release valve and clogged it up, which starved the left engine bank almost dry. So that chunk of silicone came out with a third flush and its been fine since then. But if it is your lifters cost plus labour is about $1100 , and they usually do your timing belt as well since it makes sense to because your engine is apart. And thats another $700. But lifters is a common problem. Get them to check that out. hope that helps you. Mikasa and Das Auto Haus in red deer are very good shops and specialize in audi.

adamstasiak

Thank you!
Now you said it. It was a very loud noise. You engine was screaming for help.
Make sure you use Castrol oil and it will not happen again.
Esso and Petro Can are you gas stations now.
Sorry, forget the rest.
The lifters are not a common problem. The problem was the owner.
Thx Adam
PS
You are family since I am from Calgary

audifutbol

No i mean the lifters are a common problem when the correct oil is not used and maintenance is done wrong. Both mechanics knew it was the lifters right away because they do it often on older audis. And mobil1 is very good as well.