1998 A4 Mileage Question

[crusininda944]

Hey,

I'm shoppin' around for Audi's, and one of the few I'm looking at is a 1998 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro.

I'm not really familiar with the reliability/durability of these cars, but the one I'm looking at has 145,000 miles on it and my dad is concerned that the miles are just too high for the car and it's not worth looking at.

They're asking $6,495 for it, which includes a brand new set of Bridgestone Potenza RE950 tires and brakes....Basically, the main concern is the miles. Anyone have any advice for this car?


Thanks in advance ~

[veedubmechanic]

at this mileage the suspension can be a big problem. IF the car rides rough or makes alot of thumping sounds then it just means money that your going to have to spend.

Also timing belt, waterpump, ect. should be replaced if not done within the last 20k miles.

Also oil leaks from cam seals are spendy to replace ( $1,200) Pull off the timing engine covers and timing belt covers to check for oil leaks.

[Talibangunner925]

I have a 1997 2.8 with 150000+ miles on it if all the proper matince was done before like mine then everthing will run great. I have had beraly any problems with mine at all if you think the price is right then go for it

[crusininda944]

Okay - I've run into a few problems finding the car that fits me, but I seem to have found one.

1996 Audi A4 Quattro - Cobalt Blue Metallic with Oyster Leather with 117,000 miles.

They're asking 6,995 for it, which includes brand new brakes and 4 brand new Goodyear Tires.

I'm really fond of the car, but my Dad, once again has his reservations about the mileage. I'm not sure yet if the timing belt has been replaced, but I will be sure to ask about it when the dealership calls me back.

Is there anything else that I should really know about the A4 cars? My Dad is constantly saying how wary he is about buying a car with over 100k miles on it, and how in the past his (crappy GM & other domestics) have just shutdown at 100k miles. I'm really fond of Audi's, but I would hate to be defending them all this time, get a car, and then have something happen to it, you know?

Also, the car is in Michigan and I live in Pennsylvania. I was told that even if the car is Michigan inspected, I will have to get it re-inspected when it crosses state borders. Is this true? Does anyone have any more information concerning this?

Thanks.

[Talibangunner925]

My dad had a volvo that went up to 500k miles and was still running that was about 10 years ago. If you do all the proper matinence to the car then that car will run forever

[MikeLee2484]

my 96 has 84k miles on it and it still runs good. though youve got to be cautious, the 96 was the first model year for the A4 so there are going to issues with it. i mean you can keep the car up and do all the regular oil changes and stuff, but you will run into problems as the car gets older. well of instance, i had found an oil leak right after i changed the oil pan and gasket. looking at the leak they said it was the head gasket, $1800 (and thats from a very trusted mechanic, so no i wasnt getting jerked around). it didnt end up being the problem, but if it were, at that price my dad was pushing me to sell it so i wasnt getting raped with other repairs down the road. i mean its a 9 year old german car with relatively low miles, it SHOULD run for a long time. however, you might find it will be expensive to keep it running. dont get me wrong i love the car to death, but just be careful if youre buying 9 year old car that has 100k plus miles.

ps...i checked out edmunds.com and entered the car with the info you provided and priced it out with all the options. heres the run down, buying from private party: $5924; from a dealer: $7871. of course kelley blue book is much higher, but i like edmunds a lot more anyway.