A4 purchase, input?

[Holman, Scott]

Dan,

I would recommend finding someone in your area that owns a VAG-COM tool bef=
ore purchasing this car.  The VAG-COM tool can be used to diagnose exactly =
why the check engine light and airbag lights are on.  You need a computer (=
preferably a laptop) to connect to the diagnostic output on the A4.  You ru=
n the software and you get lots of diagnostic options.  I have used this so=
ftware to reset both the airbag and check engine lights on more than one oc=
casion.

If you can't find someone in your area who has a VAG-COM, you can buy the s=
oftware and interface cable for $200 (http://www.ross-tech.com/).

Also, I would not say that the airbag light being on is common on these car=
s=2E  In fact, the only time that I know of that the light comes on without=
 there being actual airbag problems is if you turn on the ignition without =
the instrument cluster being in the car.  This could be a sign of tampering=
.  Be sure to check the CarFax very carefully for any type of odometer frau=
d=2E

Scott

-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Andrews [mailto:randrews at sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2002 3:20 PM
To: 'John Lajza'; 'Dan Sinclair'; quattro at audifans.com
Subject: RE: A4 purchase, input?

$1500 a side!  That is rape!  That dealer isane....
Check out zmotors.com.  You can get control arms much cheaper.  The A4 so
far has been my most reliable Audi, compared to the 90s,90, 200, 100, 5000,
URQ....


> -----Original Message-----
> From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
> Behalf Of John Lajza
> Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2002 2:09 PM
> To: Dan Sinclair; quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: Re: A4 purchase, input?
>
>
> 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
>
>