[s-cars] 2004 A4, Avant, 1.8T, 6spd; insights?

[Taka Mizutani]

Matt-
A couple things I'd look at, may have already been said:

Depending on the mileage, make sure the timing belt/water pump/belt
tensioner has been done- I always do mine at 5 yrs. or 60k miles, whichever
comes first. I do not go by the factory recommendations on that job because
there have been far too many failures before 90k miles.

Check the front control arms for play- there are 4 of them per side IIRC,
and they're very expensive to replace if you need it- eventually, all of
them will need them.

Check for any weird whines from the turbo- that's a tiny little turbo- abuse
will show itself through weird whining (like a dentist's drill) often
enough. Also, make sure that synthetic oil is used, preferably at 5k
intervals, preferably the proper VAG 502.?? spec. I used to use Mobil 1 0W40
in the old B5 A4 1.8T.

Check the multifunction display in between the speedo and tach for dead
pixels, do the same for the radio display and the climate control displays-
these are common issues.

Make sure the sunroof operates smoothly and that the timing of the knob to
roof orientation is correct.

Check the ECU housing screws- easy way to tell if the car has been chipped.
I'm not sure with the latest flashloaders how you check this.

They're nice cars, but I prefer the 2.0T that comes in the 05.5 and newer.
Much nicer to drive if the car is left stock.

Taka


On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 9:39 AM, matt ludwig. <urs6avant at gmail.com> wrote:

> Thank you, thank you everyone who replied! Really great to hear your
> insights and thoughts on this. The specimin I am looking at is in
> immaculate condition and truely been service well. I am reviewing it
> again and will be sure to raise each of the items highlighted here
> with the service records.
>
> Would be fun to have another set of rings in the stable.... ;)
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
> matt.
>