So I am in the market for a new car and I have happened upon a decently priced 2002 audi a4 3.0 6-speed. However, on the add, the guy clearly stated the car was in need of some minor fixing. I emailed him with some questions about the car and as for the things in need of repair he said that the windshield would need to be changed and that there was, in his words, a vacuum problem which caused the car to misfire every 500km or so. I would estimate the windshield to run me somewhere around 500-600$ but as far as this other issue have any of you guys encountered anything like this? I have some knowledge about cars and engines but I'm in no way an expert. How much would something like that cost to have repaired and would it impact reliability?

I did a quick google search and I got stuff like vacuum leaks, coils/sparkplugs needing to be changed, etc...

If I decide to purchase the car I will definitely have it checked out by a reputable mechanic but I was hoping to get some input from you guys.

Thanks in advance.

***EDIT***
BTW, I hope it's not a problem that I posted this here, as this is my first post.

 

misfiring is usually the coilpacks and i'd bet my money on it thats the issue but it could very well be a vaccum leak. I feel like that would just cause loss of boost though.

However your best bet is to ask the guy if you can take it to a mechanic for an inspection. If he says no then just dont buy the car, simple as that (And you should do this with any car you ever buy used)

Take it to someone that is audi/vw specific and they will charge you about $80 for an inspection. They'll let you know exactly what the issues are with the car and if they think you should buy it or not.

"If I decide to purchase the car I will definitely have it checked out by a reputable mechanic but I was hoping to get some input from you guys."

you should have the car looked at before you buy, always before. Regardless if its a used dealership or private sale. Most people will be more then willing to have you take it to a shop for an inspection and they will usually even go with you.

edit: nobody on here is going to be able to give you a real good answer as to what the vaccum issue is because it could be a hose, valve, any number of things.

 

Yeah, I will definitely have the car inspected before I purchase it.

Out of the things you mentioned, valve leaks, valve problems, coilpacks, would any of these be deal breakers for you when buying an Audi? Are they relatively easy fixes or are they signs of further issues I probably don't want to be getting into?

BTW, thanks for the quick response.

 

What's the mileage on that car. Make sure that the timing belt was done. That job is $1000 + on it's own.

 

It has 145000 km and the guy recently had the timing belt and water pump done.

 

It is not a boost leak, as it is a 3.0, not a 1.8T. Boost and vacuum leaks and coils plague the 1.8T engine, but for the most part the 3.0 is reliable and fairly bulletproof- which makes mr curious as to the misfire issue. Coils will not cause a misfire every 500km.... It would be far more often.
There could be a vacuum leak, but on the v6 it should be easy to find, because unlike the 4cyl it does not have a gozillion vacuum lines.
If he has a k&n filter, he may have over oiled it which could in turn get oil on the maf sensor, causing poor running issues....
As was mentioned, have a shop do a good inspection (including compression test on all cylinders!)
also, ask him if the fuel filter has been changed, as they tend to get a little clogged after 60k or so.

 

can you post up all the specs and photos of the car?