A4 purchase, input?

[John Lajza]

Hi Dan,
I have pretty much the same car.  With about the same mileage.
Yes the airbag light is on for the second time.  First time it was still
under warranty.
The check engine light, could be a problem.  Likely it is just time to
replace the ox sensor.
The following is hearsay;
I have been told (by my parts dealer) the A4 has problems and will be
expensive to maintain.  The front suspension has issues with the ball joints
that cost about $1500 per side to have repaired.

I have owner my A4 for about 2.5 years (aprox 30k miles).  I have had no
major problems.  It is a great car.  I hope my luck continues.

You can call any Audi dealer with the VIN and they can tell you what service
has been done.

John Lajza
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Sinclair" <dsinclair at icare.snalf.com>
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2002 1:15 PM
Subject: A4 purchase, input?


> Hi all,
>
> Well, the recent bugs in the CQ have me debating a purchase that I already
> passed on, but it's still available...
>
> 1998 A4 1.8T, 5speed, 70,000 mi., red, all options (all - sport seats,
pkg,
> bose, ski boot, seat heat, you name it).
> - Evidence of repainting, but doesn't look like heavy body damage.  Tough
to
> say.
> - Maintenance book empty.  Delivery stamp in Michigan and nothing else.
> - Rear diff a little greasy.
> - Airbag light on (common bug on these cars according to Audiworld forum)
> - Check engine light on.
> - Bumper rock chipped.
> - Runs and drives great.
>
> I offered $13,000 as-is and they said they'll take it.
>
> This would be a replacement for the CQ.  I can't afford to maintain both
> cars.
>
> Input?  Suggestions?
>
> I like the CQ a lot, it's a unique and eye-catching car.  But with 102,000
> on the clock and the latest stalling fit on vacation and now floating RPM
> issue, I'm starting to get gun shy.  Am I just trading one Audi in need of
> ongoing $$ for another Audi in need of $$?
>
> -Dan