RE: 1997 A4 1.8T for sale-any salient problems?

[Rocket Science Racing]

OK, have a seat, take a breath:

1. Control arms (really the just the joints, which are available separately,
but not from the factory).
2. Wheel bearings. If they aren't howling already, just start a "planned
replacement program" as soon as you get the car.
3. It will probably be leaking oil everywhere: front seals, rear seals, oil
pan. Make sure to drop the undertray and take a look. The undertray really
only exists to keep oil off your driveway :-)
4. It's a miracle the timing belt made it to 90K. You will need to do it
again at 140K (every 50K).
5. Check all the hose related connections, i.e. power steering leaks, even
windshield washer fluid leaks. The OEM crimp style hose clamps don't account
for hose compression over time and get loose.
6. Random electrical problems, especially the dreaded "air bag light". Most
of these are caused by rising resistance levels in the affected circuits due
to oxidation of the contacts in the connectors. Don't ask me what kind of
plating they used on the contacts, but it gets worse with time.
7. The cruise control stalk switch really suffers badly from item 5 above,
worthy of it's own separate item on this list.
8. Oxidation and delamination of the side-view mirrors. An easy fix. Also,
check that the heated mirrors still work, if so equipped, they burn out
quickly.
9. If the car has the fancy trip computer display, these are prone to
failing (dim, then gone).
10. If the car has a sunroof, check for proper operation. Electrical
problems with the control switch and mechanical problems with the track are
common.

My car is a 98 with only 70K miles and it's already seen items 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
and 8 above. Normally I would think "lemon", but given the amount of traffic
on the A4 list about this stuff it seems par for the course.

Audi engineers have done a remarkable, indeed admirable job in terms of
trading acquisition cost vs. component life. It's clearly not a car designed
for the secondary market, i.e. past 50K miles and the original factory
warranty. Of course, the Audi demographic is a new car every 50K, so they
are all set. For those of us who love the good things about Audis: style,
luxury, power and AWD, but can't afford a new one, then we better like
working on our cars! And boy do we ever-from Team Door Handle to "team air
bag"! IMHO, it's not worth torturing yourself if you aren't at least buying
a Quattro.

Good luck,

Scott
98.5A41.8Tqm

> From:	"superba" <superba at comcast.net>
> Date:	Tue, 7 Oct 2003 10:52:13 -0700
>
> Hi All,
> I'm interested in a 1997 A4 1.8T FD with Automatic.  It seems to be a very
good deal;  one owner, bought in California, lived in Wisconin > for awhile,
looks good, looks clean.  I haven't driven it yet.  Mileage is about 125K,
timing belt changed about 90K according to owner.  > > Bumper dinged and
replaced once.
> Anyone know of any nagging problems with these?
> TIA.
> Cheers!
> Jim Jordan