Looking for my first Audi a4 quattro

[tjfonville2]

Background is that I'm looking for a car in the $15k range with <80k miles and seen a few in my area. I really like the B8 but it's just out of my price range, but the 2008 A4 is pretty high on my list too. I have no history with Audi's so its a new experience for me learning these vehichles. Looking for some help from the forum. I test drove a 2008 A4 2.0T quattro with 17" y spokes I was looking at today. Body and interior were in excellent condition, but some other issues that needed to be addressed/negotiated. Familiar with driving and maintaining BMW's which are fun cars, the A4 quattro is a different driving experience and fun in its own way. Different cars and both very fun to drive.

1. At idle the car sounded like a diesel, I've heard mixed messages that it is normal on the 2.0T but I don't have enough experience to say what is normal vs an odd sound. I think I need to test drive a few more. Driving the engine was smooth, but every time I came to a stop it was pretty rough. Vibes through the steering wheel. Should this concern me?

2. Also noticed the belt tensioner pulley was bouncing which I assume means the alternator or other accessory pulleys need replacing. Maybe snub or motor mount?

3. I think the thermostat was stuck open because I started the car and even after 10 minutes running in idle the coolant temp was barely moved. It was fine once I got driving. Probably go ahead with timing belt, thermostat, and temp sensor.

4. The brake sensor was on and looking at the pads only about 3/16" of pad left on all 4. Not sure about rotors as I didn't have any way to measure. Assuming I have to do pads, rotors, sensors I'm guessing this is $800+ in parts alone.

5. Very slight amount of oil around the cap, which I believe sounds like PCV valve based on what I've read? Not sure about cost or difficulty for this one as I haven't had time to research enough.

Car only had 63k miles and just came off CPO at 50k so it seems to have all service and priced at $13.2k but I'm thinking I'm going to be racking up several thousand in cost from the start and may as well find one in better condition for slightly more and save myself the work. What do you guys think? Am I better off just spending $15k and getting one in better condition. Just requires me waiting around for another one in this mileage range for a 2008 (like the s-line look)

[BASARAB]

Looks like the car has just been driven and not really maintained, get yourself another one and you are not gonna have all that headache repairing it

[Dregalia91]

Yeah that's too much for all the work that needs done

[tjfonville2]

Thanks for the feedback guys. That's what I thought, but the waiting is killing me. Also, what do you think of individual issues? Any comments on my assumed diagnosis of the issues in case I see this on other vehicles?

[Dregalia91]

Just PM me, I have a solution for you

[aluthman]

If you want to modify the car for more power, get the 2.0T. Otherwise, the 3.2 might be a better option for you (no cam follower to worry about). DO NOT buy a CVT car, they are nothing but trouble. The tiptronic cars are much better, but the torque converter gives some people trouble. Get a manual and enjoy. If I were you, I would look for an '08 with the titanium package, bi-xenons, and heated seats. They can be hard to find (especially if you're looking for an avant), but it would be worth the wait.

[audi49]

Here's one that looks like a great deal... may not be too far from you either.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=29650&endYear=2015&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=AUDI&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&mmt=%5BAUDI%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=356033472&listingIndex=9&Log=0

[tjfonville2]

If you want to modify the car for more power, get the 2.0T. Otherwise, the 3.2 might be a better option for you (no cam follower to worry about). DO NOT buy a CVT car, they are nothing but trouble. The tiptronic cars are much better, but the torque converter gives some people trouble. Get a manual and enjoy. If I were you, I would look for an '08 with the titanium package, bi-xenons, and heated seats. They can be hard to find (especially if you're looking for an avant), but it would be worth the wait.

Yeah. First choice is a manual, but I just can't seem to find any around. I know all about the CVT issues and will avoid. As far as the cam follower issues, it was my understanding this was addressed by the 2008 models and Audi was extending warranty coverage of this issue up to 100k. I might be mistaken, but what I had read. As for the 3.2 I like them but again prices seem to be even higher than the 2.0T and also cost at the pump as I'm going to drive this car daily.

[tjfonville2]

Here's one that looks like a great deal... may not be too far from you either.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=29650&endYear=2015&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=AUDI&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&mmt=%5BAUDI%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=356033472&listingIndex=9&Log=0

I'll have to take a look at that one. Is it me or does the price seem oddly low? Like salvage title low. Maybe just a good deal, but almost seems too good.

[JPT]

I suggest you get the 2.0T. Even if you think you might not tune it, if you're already here you will at least do stage 1. I wish I had manual, but I'll live with my Tip. Be sure to find one with factory HID's, and navi (color display). Be sure to check the cam follower before you buy it, and if you get one 2007+ it is an easy 15 minute job (no banjo bolt).

[tjfonville2]

I suggest you get the 2.0T. Even if you think you might not tune it, if you're already here you will at least do stage 1. I wish I had manual, but I'll live with my Tip. Be sure to find one with factory HID's, and navi (color display). Be sure to check the cam follower before you buy it, and if you get one 2007+ it is an easy 15 minute job (no banjo bolt).

I agree on the HID headlights but is the factory nav display worth it over the standard. It would have to be pretty damn good to be a 'must' item.

[M0E7]

I agree on the HID headlights but is the factory nav display worth it over the standard. It would have to be pretty damn good to be a 'must' item.

I would pass on the factory nav if the car meets the other requirements..

[JPT]

I agree on the HID headlights but is the factory nav display worth it over the standard. It would have to be pretty damn good to be a 'must' item.

You can always sell the factory NAV, but you will not get the color dash display with out it. (At least I believe so) I LOVE my factory NAV, and even if given an aftermarket one I wouldn't take it. Nothing beats the factory integration on the dash of the factory Nav. Turns and instructions show on the display.

[tjfonville2]

I suggest you get the 2.0T. Even if you think you might not tune it, if you're already here you will at least do stage 1. I wish I had manual, but I'll live with my Tip. Be sure to find one with factory HID's, and navi (color display). Be sure to check the cam follower before you buy it, and if you get one 2007+ it is an easy 15 minute job (no banjo bolt).

Is there any way to legitimately diagnose a worn cam follower without disassembly? I can't imagine too many people letting me dismantle their engine during the inspection process.

[swaggerwagon]

Is there any way to legitimately diagnose a worn cam follower without disassembly? I can't imagine too many people letting me dismantle their engine during the inspection process.

Besides a CEL being present for it, nope.

OP, I was in your shoes a while ago. NC is very short on Quattro A4s, and even more so on 6MTs. Wait around for a bit, that's what I did when I got mine, and it ended up being one of TWO 6MT Quattros in the state for sale at that point...

Good luck!

depending on where you are in NC, I can point you to some good shops if need be.

[tjfonville2]

Besides a CEL being present for it, nope.

OP, I was in your shoes a while ago. NC is very short on Quattro A4s, and even more so on 6MTs. Wait around for a bit, that's what I did when I got mine, and it ended up being one of TWO 6MT Quattros in the state for sale at that point...

Good luck!

depending on where you are in NC, I can point you to some good shops if need be.

Yeah, apparently everyone in NC forgot Audi made cars or they just hold on to them and never let them go. I'm in the Hickory region just north of Charlotte, so if you know of any good shops around definitely let me know.

[swaggerwagon]

Yeah, apparently everyone in NC forgot Audi made cars or they just hold on to them and never let them go. I'm in the Hickory region just north of Charlotte, so if you know of any good shops around definitely let me know.

Yeah, my family has 3 VAG vehicles now, looking to get a 4th. They're good cars to keep on to.

I went to school in Charlotte and Eurowise in Charlotte is definitely my go to shop. Labor rate is $80/hr. Look them up, they handle anything and everything Euro. Mike and I have mutual friends and he started the shop from the ground 5 years ago and now it's grown immensely. He's done all my big work that I couldn't do because of being in school. He's also very active in the local Euro scene.

There's also Dynamic Auto Tune in Charlotte and AutoHaus Lake Norman in Mooresville. Both of those shops are good shops that I have had friends from the local Charlotte scene use.

EuroEnvy is new to me, in Concord but all the BMW guys seem to like it.

[tjfonville2]

Yeah, my family has 3 VAG vehicles now, looking to get a 4th. They're good cars to keep on to.

I went to school in Charlotte and Eurowise in Charlotte is definitely my go to shop. Labor rate is $80/hr. Look them up, they handle anything and everything Euro. Mike and I have mutual friends and he started the shop from the ground 5 years ago and now it's grown immensely. He's done all my big work that I couldn't do because of being in school. He's also very active in the local Euro scene.

There's also Dynamic Auto Tune in Charlotte and AutoHaus Lake Norman in Mooresville. Both of those shops are good shops that I have had friends from the local Charlotte scene use.

EuroEnvy is new to me, in Concord but all the BMW guys seem to like it.

Thanks. Autohaus Lake Norman is just down the way, I haven't used them yet but I'll have to make a point of it to check them out. I'll see where Eurowise is relative to me, but I haven't come across them before. Again, thanks.

[aluthman]

Yeah. First choice is a manual, but I just can't seem to find any around. I know all about the CVT issues and will avoid. As far as the cam follower issues, it was my understanding this was addressed by the 2008 models and Audi was extending warranty coverage of this issue up to 100k. I might be mistaken, but what I had read. As for the 3.2 I like them but again prices seem to be even higher than the 2.0T and also cost at the pump as I'm going to drive this car daily.

They didn't fix shit. They just changed the cam out for one with a harder lobe. You can still burn through a follower just as easily as on an earlier model. The warranty for the cam follower is actually out to 120k or 10 years, but it's not something I would rely on. If you end up buying a 2.0T, check the follower immediately after buying it. If it's all ******ed up, put everything back together and take it to an Audi dealership and have them replace it under warranty. This is best done before you do ANY mods to the car, as some dealers will refuse to cover it under warranty. This is especially true with aftermarket hpfps and tunes.

[atlfokus]

I'll have one for sale in a few weeks hopefully. Located in Atlanta.

PM me if interested.

I'm not a spammer, just joined the site early this morning[:D]