skipper

Hi guys,

I'm an audi noob, but I really love the car. I'm looking to buy one soon and I needed your help -

So it's a 2003 Audi A4 130,000kms
- timing belt and water pump have been recently replaced
- tight suspension
- 1.8 turbo

I wanted to know what other things I should be looking into if I were to purchase this car. It looks well maintained in terms of condition and appearance, but you never know.

What other costs should I be aware of if I choose to purchase this car? How expensive can spare parts of maintenance turn out to be?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!

labman

ball joint replacement is expensive, but you should be good for 40-50K yet. Get the codes read, service records, car-fax report. If there are big holes or irregularities in the car fax report dont' buy it, like any vehicle. There are a suprising number of cars with accidents, total loss, and odometer roll backs. If you want to find a good one, find one with original owner, all service records, and an average to above average price. Good deals usually mean garbage. If everthing checks out, you will really enjoy your new A4. These cars are engineered and built very high quality. Is the one your looking at FWD (A4) or Quattro (A4Q)?
Best of luck.

GCSC

Here's what I look for:
- leaking or sweating on the front and back trans-axle casing. If there may need gasket replacement
- Oil sludge in the valve cover may suggest a sludge problem or irregular oil changes
- ignition coil - was it replaced as part of the recall (in 2005?) VW/Audi had a huge issue with both Audis, golfs, Jetta for faulty coils

If you are unsure about the timing belt, like other's on this forum I would recommend getting it changed by 150K.

Then the usual stuff - wear on the tires, make sure it is even, any new paint on the vehicle, service records, oil leaks in the engine compartment, make sure the A/C, heater, radio, CD, Nav, headlight washer, etc all work.

Good luck - any of the A4s are great cars.

seanwg

Hi

I've been looking at a 2003 A3 with 130,000 KM at a off lease dealer. The price seems from what I can gather, about average. They want $14,500.

Looking at the service records, there are only marks in the book it appears for the first year - from an Audi dealer in Barrie. I'm in Calgary -

The car outside is in good condition; one dent on the passengers side. Seats a bit dirty. Looking under the hood; everything looks good.

After a test drive -

-Air bag light is constantly on - reading the manual in it Air bag likely has an issue; dealer says they will get that fixed
-Left flasher seems to be blinking 3* as fast as the right one. Again dealer says that will be fixed.

Any ideas? I am interested in it - friends tell me to take it to a mechanic to get it inspected - will any mechanic work? Reading this website has been interesting.

I recently came back to Canada after living overseas. I had for the past couple of weeks been looking at 2007 Yarris which are the same price but 1/100,000,000,000 the car.

1move

iTrader: (1)

I have a vag-com I can scan it for you I am in calgary and we can see if it throws any codes then

dsq

you should be careful when buying an audi with a poor or incomplete service history.

the dealer should fix the airbag issue, and give you a warranty that it will be fixed again at their expense if the air bag light lights up again in the next year or something like that.

also, make the dealer fix the dent before you drive it off the lot.

kevin99

Hi Skipper,

My wife is selling her 2003-A4 Automatic. Please email me @ kford@providential.ca
and I can give you the details. The only thing is - we are ordering a 2009 with a stick and it won't be here until March.

Kevin