A4 funky instrument cluster display

[Taka Mizutani]

That might be something that you could fix if you're willing to dismantle
the cluster, but otherwise, it's a replace the cluster job.

Timing belt should be done every 60k or 5 years, along with all the
tensioners, rollers, idlers and whatnot. It's doable, I don't know how
difficult, though- you'll need the special crank lock tool at the minimum.
Doing it at a mechanic is costly- the job cost me $900+ at my mechanics' and
they didn't kill me on parts or labor.

I can't help you with the transmission- I don't know if you're looking at a
2.8 or a 1.8, but the 1.8 and automatic combo is really terrible IMHO. I
strongly prefer the manual.

Taka