Second opinion on a used A4?
 

Hey folks,

Looking at the following this weekend, would appreciate some A4-experienced opinions on whether this is worth pursuing, and/or potential pitfalls I should watch out for....


1998 Audi A4
1.8T FWD, 5-spd
145,000km

Cloth seats, stock wheels.

Service records show timing belt + pump were done at 100,000km, and the previous owner switched to Bilstein shocks at 120,000km.

Tires are at 60% in the rear, 40% in the front, brakes are at 70% in the front, 50% in the rear.

$8,000 CAD, marked down from $10,900, at an Audi dealer. They're telling me it's been on the lot 2 months and they want it gone.

I would be planning to keep the car about 2 years, and I drive about 10,000 km/year.

I had been planning to spend about $10-11k on a 2000, so this is a reasonably attractive deal.

Anybody care to pitch in their $0.02?

Thanks!

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

if they're looking to get rid of it.. have the VIN CHecked.
Also ask another mechanic to do a thorough check up.

lastly, negotiate... u will most likely be able to drop the price by another 1000 or so..
or even get some options on the warranty and such.
thatz jus my 2 cents...

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

You can get it way cheaper than 8G's it is 10 Years Old, 145k on it, Check if the timing belt was done and inspect it make sure it is newer, point out all the bad things about the car etc. and I would offer $6000 Cash and thats it. If they dont bite then its not meant to be, it is a FWD and a quattro usually sells for about 8-9k Obviously they are looking to get rid of it. I am not the kind of person that cheaps out and stuff but why give someone your money that you made with hard work so easily? My car was listed for 35.5k and i got it for 30k + Gst and all dealer related charges etc so $32k

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

Both good points, and definitely worth considering.

As far as the price goes, that's a bit tougher - here in Vancouver, car prices are a bit inflated across the board - no matter what you're buying, it's around 20% cheaper if you're willing to drive down to Seattle and then import.

VIN on this one is WAUBB28D2WA110330, if anyone's able to help out in that direction?

Thanks folks!

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

I agree that you coud probably get this one for cheaper, print out a kelley blue book valuation and bring that in as some leverage for the deal. I just imported an B6 from Colorado and SAVED close to $10K...

Take that VIN and get a CARFAX on it, it will give you a good "idea" about the car's history...even better, try to have the dealer pay for it. I suppose for piece of mind you can also take it in for a current pre-purchase inspection...? Plus to this deal is that 145k km is significantly low for a '98.

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

I'd say head down south, it might be more hassle, but you'll get more for your money...

I know Van is an inflated market, but cloth seats and no awd should not be 8k...

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

This is great information, thanks guys! Definitely interested in the car, but at this point I feel comfortable walking away if they want to stick on 8K.

Taking it for an extended test drive / visit to my mechanic on Wednesday, we'll see what comes up.

- Timing belt and water pump were done at 100K
- Bilstein shocks and 17" OZ wheels were put on at 132K
- Haven't seen a CARFAX report but the dealer has provided an ICBC report covering most of the same info. One glass claim for a break-in, and one bumper claim for what looks like a parking lot fender bender.

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

Gary,
I'll let you decide whether or not you're getting a good deal based on my upcoming purchase next week.

2000 A4 2.8 Quattro Tiptronic
Black on Black
124,000kms
Cold Weather Package
Sport Package
Conveniance Package
Xenon
6 disc CD changer
Local shop's wholesale price was $8,300.00
My cost - $10,500.00 to include timing belt and water pump change.

John

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

Looks like it's going to end up at $7000, plus a new timing belt/water pump since the dealer can't show paperwork for if/when it was done.

Can't wait to join the club!

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

I just picked mine up last Friday. What an excellent riding/handling car. I feel a bit spoiled compared to the econ-boxes I've owned in the past.
Judging by your value breakdown, I think I did fairly well. The final price was $11,200 due to a number of things done prior to delivery, namely,
New rotors and pads front and rear,
New rubber door runners (along bottom of all 4 doors),
New timing belt, water pump and thermostat,
New drivers side door handle assembly,
Lube, oil and filter,
Complete full day detailing.

Now I'm afraid to drive it and get it dirty, sheesh.

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

yeah carefull when dealers use the its been on lot for x time.. usually untrue.. for 4$ you can get the full pedigree when you go transfer it at least.. id pass if not a quattro..

i paid my 97 , a4 quattro , 4k... 200km's , lots of work done.. i didnt pay alot but it was street valued 7.5k

leather/heat/ac/ etc..

only bad deal it was is its not hte 30valve 190hp one..

and the supercharger cant fit.. so im swapping for a 1998 this week..

darn .. got 3 audis in last 4 weeks..

C100 94 for 2 weeks.. then swapped for
A4 1997 for 2 weeks now
A4 1998 .. till end of summer
then S4 or RS4 depending on how well my summer will go..

Re: Second opinion on a used A4?
 

I have a 2007 A4 with the Sport's suspension. I've test drove this vehicle with and without it. The dealership in Virginia that I purchased the car from only had A4's with it. One dealership told me that I wouldn't like it but I supspect that since he didn't have one with this option on his lot that he was trying to get me to buy from his stock. I think that the cost was around $250 more. I have to say that I thought that daily driving would be rough but that handling, especially with the quattro is very balanced. Driving entrance and exit ramps makes you feel like your driving on rails...no matter what the weather. I highly recommend the sport's suspension.