Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

Hello all,

I am planning to buy a used 2000 a4 quattro. What are known problems
with this vehicle? Does it have high maintenance ?

It has around 70K miles on it. I test drove it and it seems really
good. I am also getting an inspection ($165) from an Audi dealer to be
safe.

Any opinions/suggestions ?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

Check and see when/if the control arms in the front suspension were
replaced, the B5 A4's were known to have problems in this area. Also,
the 2.8 has had issues with oil leaks. Personally, I would get an
inspection done by an independent shop. Are you buying it at the dealer
that's doing the inspection?

Maintenance is not inexpensive on these cars. If you can find out the
service history (regular oil changes, timing belt changes, etc.) you'll
be much better off. Don't go into it expecting it to be Camry or
Accord-like.

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

Check and see when/if the control arms in the front suspension were
replaced, the B5 A4's were known to have problems in this area. Also,
the 2.8 has had issues with oil leaks. Personally, I would get an
inspection done by an independent shop. Are you buying it at the dealer
that's doing the inspection?

Maintenance is not inexpensive on these cars. If you can find out the
service history (regular oil changes, timing belt changes, etc.) you'll
be much better off. Don't go into it expecting it to be Camry or
Accord-like.

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

Check and see when/if the control arms in the front suspension were
replaced, the B5 A4's were known to have problems in this area. Also,
the 2.8 has had issues with oil leaks. Personally, I would get an
inspection done by an independent shop. Are you buying it at the dealer
that's doing the inspection?

Maintenance is not inexpensive on these cars. If you can find out the
service history (regular oil changes, timing belt changes, etc.) you'll
be much better off. Don't go into it expecting it to be Camry or
Accord-like.

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

Check and see when/if the control arms in the front suspension were
replaced, the B5 A4's were known to have problems in this area. Also,
the 2.8 has had issues with oil leaks. Personally, I would get an
inspection done by an independent shop. Are you buying it at the dealer
that's doing the inspection?

Maintenance is not inexpensive on these cars. If you can find out the
service history (regular oil changes, timing belt changes, etc.) you'll
be much better off. Don't go into it expecting it to be Camry or
Accord-like.

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

<ramandeep.ahuja@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1131389360.587633.269420@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hello all,
>
> I am planning to buy a used 2000 a4 quattro. What are known problems
> with this vehicle? Does it have high maintenance ?
>
> It has around 70K miles on it. I test drove it and it seems really
> good. I am also getting an inspection ($165) from an Audi dealer to be
> safe.
>
> Any opinions/suggestions ?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>

I would echo everything Dan has said. The 2.8 v6 apparently was designed
with an external lubrication system patterned after English cars and
motorcycles from the 1960's and 1970's ;-). There's a pretty good chance
that the A4 you're buying has already had the $400 or so oil leak repair
done but if not, then you'll likely be looking at doing that within the next
20K miles. There's also a good chance that you'll need brakework unless it's
been done recently. And, as is typical for Audi, if the pads are in need of
replacement, likely the rotors will need replacing too - worn Audi rotors
are rarely machinable. If you do need pads get a decent aftermarket brand
such as Mintex if you want to avoid the massive amounts of brake dust
deposited on the wheels by the stock pads.

The other thing you want to make sure of is the cooling system condition.
Coolant temperature sensors ($200 or so to repair) are problematic on that
vintage (I've replaced two in 80,000 miles on my '98 A4) and if the coolant
has not been religiously replaced on schedule, then you could be looking at
a radiator replacement soon (at least $600 at the dealer). Be wary of any
vehicle where the temperature gauge needle does not settle at the midpoint
of the gauge when the car is running and has fully warmed up. As Dan said,
this vintage frequently also has control arm problems but an honest
inspection should pick that up.

The BIG thing that may be looming for you right now is the timing belt and
ancillary items that should be replaced at the same time. You are right at
the mileage when that job should be done and if it hasn't, then count on
spending right away upwards of $1000 (or significantly more if done at a
dealer).

You would also be wise to change the oil and filter religiously according to
the Audi recommendations although a serious sludge buildup problem seems to
be more associated with the turbocharged 1.8T. You may want to use synthetic
oil just to be safe. Oh and use a good filter (e.g. VW/Audi, Mann or Mahle.)
If you do buy the car, there's a lot of info at audiworld.com as well as
this newsgroup.

Good luck!

Ian

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

<ramandeep.ahuja@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1131389360.587633.269420@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hello all,
>
> I am planning to buy a used 2000 a4 quattro. What are known problems
> with this vehicle? Does it have high maintenance ?
>
> It has around 70K miles on it. I test drove it and it seems really
> good. I am also getting an inspection ($165) from an Audi dealer to be
> safe.
>
> Any opinions/suggestions ?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>

I would echo everything Dan has said. The 2.8 v6 apparently was designed
with an external lubrication system patterned after English cars and
motorcycles from the 1960's and 1970's ;-). There's a pretty good chance
that the A4 you're buying has already had the $400 or so oil leak repair
done but if not, then you'll likely be looking at doing that within the next
20K miles. There's also a good chance that you'll need brakework unless it's
been done recently. And, as is typical for Audi, if the pads are in need of
replacement, likely the rotors will need replacing too - worn Audi rotors
are rarely machinable. If you do need pads get a decent aftermarket brand
such as Mintex if you want to avoid the massive amounts of brake dust
deposited on the wheels by the stock pads.

The other thing you want to make sure of is the cooling system condition.
Coolant temperature sensors ($200 or so to repair) are problematic on that
vintage (I've replaced two in 80,000 miles on my '98 A4) and if the coolant
has not been religiously replaced on schedule, then you could be looking at
a radiator replacement soon (at least $600 at the dealer). Be wary of any
vehicle where the temperature gauge needle does not settle at the midpoint
of the gauge when the car is running and has fully warmed up. As Dan said,
this vintage frequently also has control arm problems but an honest
inspection should pick that up.

The BIG thing that may be looming for you right now is the timing belt and
ancillary items that should be replaced at the same time. You are right at
the mileage when that job should be done and if it hasn't, then count on
spending right away upwards of $1000 (or significantly more if done at a
dealer).

You would also be wise to change the oil and filter religiously according to
the Audi recommendations although a serious sludge buildup problem seems to
be more associated with the turbocharged 1.8T. You may want to use synthetic
oil just to be safe. Oh and use a good filter (e.g. VW/Audi, Mann or Mahle.)
If you do buy the car, there's a lot of info at audiworld.com as well as
this newsgroup.

Good luck!

Ian

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

<ramandeep.ahuja@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1131389360.587633.269420@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hello all,
>
> I am planning to buy a used 2000 a4 quattro. What are known problems
> with this vehicle? Does it have high maintenance ?
>
> It has around 70K miles on it. I test drove it and it seems really
> good. I am also getting an inspection ($165) from an Audi dealer to be
> safe.
>
> Any opinions/suggestions ?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>

I would echo everything Dan has said. The 2.8 v6 apparently was designed
with an external lubrication system patterned after English cars and
motorcycles from the 1960's and 1970's ;-). There's a pretty good chance
that the A4 you're buying has already had the $400 or so oil leak repair
done but if not, then you'll likely be looking at doing that within the next
20K miles. There's also a good chance that you'll need brakework unless it's
been done recently. And, as is typical for Audi, if the pads are in need of
replacement, likely the rotors will need replacing too - worn Audi rotors
are rarely machinable. If you do need pads get a decent aftermarket brand
such as Mintex if you want to avoid the massive amounts of brake dust
deposited on the wheels by the stock pads.

The other thing you want to make sure of is the cooling system condition.
Coolant temperature sensors ($200 or so to repair) are problematic on that
vintage (I've replaced two in 80,000 miles on my '98 A4) and if the coolant
has not been religiously replaced on schedule, then you could be looking at
a radiator replacement soon (at least $600 at the dealer). Be wary of any
vehicle where the temperature gauge needle does not settle at the midpoint
of the gauge when the car is running and has fully warmed up. As Dan said,
this vintage frequently also has control arm problems but an honest
inspection should pick that up.

The BIG thing that may be looming for you right now is the timing belt and
ancillary items that should be replaced at the same time. You are right at
the mileage when that job should be done and if it hasn't, then count on
spending right away upwards of $1000 (or significantly more if done at a
dealer).

You would also be wise to change the oil and filter religiously according to
the Audi recommendations although a serious sludge buildup problem seems to
be more associated with the turbocharged 1.8T. You may want to use synthetic
oil just to be safe. Oh and use a good filter (e.g. VW/Audi, Mann or Mahle.)
If you do buy the car, there's a lot of info at audiworld.com as well as
this newsgroup.

Good luck!

Ian

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

<ramandeep.ahuja@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1131389360.587633.269420@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hello all,
>
> I am planning to buy a used 2000 a4 quattro. What are known problems
> with this vehicle? Does it have high maintenance ?
>
> It has around 70K miles on it. I test drove it and it seems really
> good. I am also getting an inspection ($165) from an Audi dealer to be
> safe.
>
> Any opinions/suggestions ?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>

I would echo everything Dan has said. The 2.8 v6 apparently was designed
with an external lubrication system patterned after English cars and
motorcycles from the 1960's and 1970's ;-). There's a pretty good chance
that the A4 you're buying has already had the $400 or so oil leak repair
done but if not, then you'll likely be looking at doing that within the next
20K miles. There's also a good chance that you'll need brakework unless it's
been done recently. And, as is typical for Audi, if the pads are in need of
replacement, likely the rotors will need replacing too - worn Audi rotors
are rarely machinable. If you do need pads get a decent aftermarket brand
such as Mintex if you want to avoid the massive amounts of brake dust
deposited on the wheels by the stock pads.

The other thing you want to make sure of is the cooling system condition.
Coolant temperature sensors ($200 or so to repair) are problematic on that
vintage (I've replaced two in 80,000 miles on my '98 A4) and if the coolant
has not been religiously replaced on schedule, then you could be looking at
a radiator replacement soon (at least $600 at the dealer). Be wary of any
vehicle where the temperature gauge needle does not settle at the midpoint
of the gauge when the car is running and has fully warmed up. As Dan said,
this vintage frequently also has control arm problems but an honest
inspection should pick that up.

The BIG thing that may be looming for you right now is the timing belt and
ancillary items that should be replaced at the same time. You are right at
the mileage when that job should be done and if it hasn't, then count on
spending right away upwards of $1000 (or significantly more if done at a
dealer).

You would also be wise to change the oil and filter religiously according to
the Audi recommendations although a serious sludge buildup problem seems to
be more associated with the turbocharged 1.8T. You may want to use synthetic
oil just to be safe. Oh and use a good filter (e.g. VW/Audi, Mann or Mahle.)
If you do buy the car, there's a lot of info at audiworld.com as well as
this newsgroup.

Good luck!

Ian

Re: Buying 2000 Audi a4 quattro 2.8L
 

Ian and Dan,

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! YOU WERE RIGHT !!!

The inspection revealed that it has two "minor" oil leaks one of which
the dealer suggested getting fixed - the one near rear camshaft.. ??
The other is somewhere in the valve gasket. The service mechanic
mentioned that it is "minor" because the oil is not hitting the floor.

I am buying from a private party. I only got the inspection done from
the dealer. I did not know how to find an independant Audi dealer - How
do I find one ?
+ the car is located 60 miles aways from where I live and so I am not
familiar with all the repair shops.

The approximate cost of getting the two things fixed is around $400
each = $800. This is a quote from a dealer which means I can probably
get it done cheaper if so how much? Will this problem come back ?

Secondly the coolant was low on the car and the indicator with water
and a X shows when it starts up - is that a problem or just the fact
that the coolant is low ?

The dealer suggested the timing belt change at 90K. (currently at 70K -
the car was last serviced around 55200 miles according to the Carfax
report)

The brakes are okay at this point. The rest of the inspection revealed
that it needs minor maintenance such "surpentine belts" and brake fluid
flush. The report did not say anything about the control arms for the
front suspension.

Thanks once again and thanks in advance.