Looking for a '98~'00 A4 Avant. Comments on problerm areas

[Bhatti, Mohammed]

some snippage....
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It's time to upgrade and I have narrowed it down to a A4 Avant, late 90's
seems to be in my price range. 75~100K miles.
A few questions that some of you may be able to answer for me.
1. What are the weak points of this model?
2. There has already been a long discussion on the V-6 vs. I-4T and I could
live with either one. (I do like the taller gears that come with the V-6)
3. Tiptronic vs. 5 speed. This is a BIG Question. I have never owned an Audi
with a auto. I will be driving this car for another 100,000 miles, will the
auto last?
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Here's my experience with a 97 A4 1.8tqa.  I've had the car since Sep 03.  Bought it with 71k miles.  I've done the TB and associated seals, air filter (much easier than my 88 80q) changed the ATF and rear brake pads (went with Pagid since they're supposed to reduce amount of brake dust).  
 
The rear transmission tail pipe seal and rear diff seals have minor leaks which I need to take care of.  There was also a recall on the ignition switch which the dealer fixed.  Their also is a ringing noise (vibration) that comes from the rear exhaust.  Appears to be touching part of the underside.  Seems an easy fix. 
 
Changing the oil filter is a royal PITA since you have to remove the front left wheel and then use a long extension to get at the filter.  You end up with scrapes and scratches on your arms after you are done.  Very tricky IMHO.
 
I won't comment on the performance since we've been through that in a recent thread.
 
I find the car to be easy to drive, good in inclement weather and comfortable for me.  I like the firm seats and the fact that I can fold down both rear seats which allows me to stuff my road bike in there.  The HVAC system has been good so far and no problems to report there.  It has very little body roll and is very stable in corners.  Really like the brakes.  They have a quick response, car doesn't nosedive, even under heavy braking pressure.
 
I'm a little worried about the auto tranny.  It hasn't been a problem so far, but auto's just worry me.  I figure if I keep up with the maintenance on it, it should last me 100k miles as is your requirement also.  I don't drive it hard and the 1.8T engine suits me fine what with gas prices the way they are.  
 
Overall, I'm very happy with it.  It has a good solid feel to it and has been a good commute car; comfortable and solid (rather like my old Volvo 740 GLE (with 225k miles on it) dare I say it.  Their, I said it.).
 
Glad to see that folk are stepping up to the "newer" Audi models.  
 
hth
 
mohammed
97 A4 1.8tqa