Going to look at a 96 A4 2.8 tomorrow - what should I look for?

[Ti Kan]

Tigran Varosyan writes:
> 96 A4 2.8L Q. 5-Speed about 135k mi.
> When is the timing belt supposed to be done on these? What does it cost to
> do if it has not been done?

I believe the factory interval is 90K but it would be prudent to
do it at 60K.  If the car is still on its original belt then it's
defininely running on borrowed time.  If it already had a belt change
it would be useful to know when it was done.

> What should I look for? Common problems?

The biggest problem area with the early B5s is the front suspension
control arm bushings.  I think Audi had a recall on those, check to
see if it has been done.  Other than that, there are some small
niggly things but nothing major.

-Ti