haylze

Hi

I'm about to buy a Audi however would like to ask on here for any advice if possible.

The car is a 2004 Audi Quattro Sline 190bhp but is holding 106000 mile with a full Audi service history. The car was previously owned by Arnold Clark and used as a fleet car, i was told it was driven by the same guy from Ac for 4 years but i take that with a pinch of salt. The car is imaculate and i took it for a test run and drives lovely. I thought i heard a slight droning noise(very slight) coming from the front which i stated and he said that they would get it checked out other than that it was beutiful. I just don't want to get blinkered by the look of the car though. V concerned about milage.

The price was on as £5995 which i got down to £5600 and 6 month free Road Tax. I previously had a mondeo and traded that in for £3000 so i've just got £2600 outstanding. I'm thinking that if i get two years out of that would be ideal,however i know repairs are pricey.

Can anyone give me there thoughts on it or any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Graeme

frob

I cant comment of the value of the car in Ireland, but Audi's last a very long time if properly maintained. a 2004 could easily make it to 2020 and beyond.
The caveat is that maintenance is going to me more costly than Japanese or american cars, even some European ones. Still for a 2004, you shouldn't have to spend too much to keep it top shape if it was well maintained. otherwise, you may have to spend several thousand over the next year to get her back in shape.
The humming sound could be the front wheel bearing, which is a common thing to break especially when driving regularly on rough roads. other suspension components are prone to wear as well.
The best thing you could do is ask around and find a reputable *independent* Audi /vw mechanic in your vicinity and have him perform a detailed inspection/estimate - including compression test and internal inspection/oil analysis, as these engines are prone to sludge buildup ( there was a recall, now covered under warranty...) If your buying used from a dealer, be aware that they are independent dealerships and seem very little regulated by Audi Inc- so caveat emptor- i.e. take everything they say with a large dose of salt. if they wont let you get an independent inspection, its a good sign they know the car has real problems.
In the end, if she gets a clean bill of health, then go for it! You'll fall in love with the car in no time after you get behind the wheel a little bit. Then all the lasses will be asking you for a ride

haylze

Hey - Thanks for the advice

I have since bought the car, couldn't resist it.

I done a bit of digging on the car before hand and contacted Audi re the servive history. They have a record of it being servivced and MOT'd through them up until May 2008. They also had details of various things that had been repaired e.g Air bag light, air con conditioning, oil pump tentioner and something about a cam chain but it hadn't had the timing belt done. When speaking to Audi they stated that when the car was manufactored the TB was due to be replaced at 115000 mile but they have since brought that down to 80000.

I have arranged to take her down to a Audi specialist for the timing belt to be replaced and for a inspection to be carried out.(stroke of luck a mate in my works mate work at the Audi garage)

I have heard that Quattro's need a speacial kind of oil change.When i spoke to the Audi garage they said that they do a long life oil chage that last 2 years or 20000 miles. If AC do an oil and filter change will this damage the car in any way? Would it be advisable to get the long life oil change done in the near future?

I can't wait until Monday to i pick it up.

Thanks again
Graeme

frob

Congrats!
I'm sure you'll stay happy about your decision.
Good deal on the TB change, she's overdue. while he's in there, maybe good to do the water pump and thermostat with a fresh charge of coolant and new belts to top it off. It wont add much to the cost but good prevention to do every 80k.

That "long life oil change" is pure bollocks. Use only synthetic and a high-end oil filter every 5000 miles- no exceptions- if you want to be sure she'll live a long and trouble-free life.

Cheers
Frantz