Should I buy it?

[stubbs]

I'm looking at a 1997 a4, 2.8 Quattro, manual trans. It seems to be in really good condition, but I don't know much about audis and how long they last. It has 150,000 miles on it. The guy is the second owner, since about 80,000 miles, and he can't remember ever replacing the timing belt and tensioner. It still has the original clutch, too, which engages pretty high. Is this car worth getting? I love the way it feels, although it could use new struts. How long do the B5s last? If I get it, how long might I have before I need to replace the timing belt and tensioner (I'm assuming it was done before 80,000, since it hasn't died yet...). Any advice is appreciated. I do plan on having it checked out at the local dealer for any problems before buying. Thanks!

[stubbs]

also, at low speeds (<5mph) the steering assist seems to die, has anybody felt this?

[VTAudiA4]

Well if you would like to mod you A4 then the 2.8 is not for you. The 1.8T is the one your looking for prefebly with an AEB head and 99.5 model year because its the facelift model. But if you would like DD then the 2.8 is for you. As for the milage, it looks like it would need another timing belt. As for the milage, if you take care of the car then it will last you another 100K. Check with the previous owner on what other maintenece has been done to it.

[stubbs]

Yeah, I'm in college and looking for something fairly reliable. The 2.8 isn't fast, but it gets around, and I don't have the funds to be modding anyway right now. Thanks!

[Nebone]

Be ready to invest at least $1000+ into it when you buy it. That car will need a timing belt w/ tensioners and most likely all the valve cover gaskets since those heads must be soaked with oil. Struts will not be cheap either w/ installation, and if youre doing struts, might as well get lowering springs with it as its one of best things you can do for Audis both visual and performance wise.

[stubbs]

is there a DIY guide for the timing belt and tensioners? I saw the one for the 1.8T, is that about the same? I'm hoping that I could do that myself and keep the cost down to $200-300. Is there a good site that sells these parts so I can get some prices? Thanks a ton.

[le91688]

I got my 2.8 with 130k on it, and it had a fresh belt and no oil problems... just check it out yourself before you buy it, get a carfax from the seller.

[Seerlah]

Here is a link to the service manual which should have the timing belt procedure in it. As for places to pruchase the kit (timing belt, thermostat, water pump) there are many advertisers on this site that offer great deals on items you would need to keep your car in running condition. Another place is on ebay, seller name foreigncarpartsonline.

As for if you should purchase that particular car or not, is all upon what your intents are with the car. If you just need a daily driver with no intent for modification, then the 2.8 is the way to go. But if you are the type of individual whom would want to mod your vehicle sometime in the future and have 250+whp, then the 1.8t is the way to go. And get the Quattro either way.

And with 150K on the clock, expect to dish out some dough for miscalaneous mainatance that will pop up. Because it will.

[Nebone]

I got my 2.8 with 130k on it, and it had a fresh belt and no oil problems... just check it out yourself before you buy it, get a carfax from the seller.

You have a 2000 and he is buying a 1997. Newer 2.8s dont have oil leak problems.

FYI My buddy bought a 1998 2.8 w/ 90k miles and I was disgusted that an audi motor could be so nasty and leaky at that young age. Got hit and we found a 1999 w/ way more miles and in GREAT condition.

[stubbs]

the engine looked pretty good as far as oil leaks, I didn't see anything. Then again, he could have had it steam cleaned, so even that's no guarantee. I really want the car, I just don't know if I can afford the maintenance as a poor college student...

[stubbs]

the seller just told me he had the timing belt replaced at 88,000. So it should be good for another 20,000 or so, right? (for me, that's probably at least 2 years)

[Ewok_Fetus]

If you don't mind asking, how much is the car?

[stubbs]

he's asking just $4400, which is what he owes on his loan. It's a good price, I think.

[Seerlah]

Not so good of a price. Considering it is a 97 w/150k miles on it. And most people would recommend timing belts jobs arounnd 60k, 80k tops. So, a timing belt would be in order when you get your car. I think the owner's manual recommends 90k, but not too sure.

I would try craiglist, ebay, autotrader, Audizine classifed (old and new), cars.com, etc and browse for a better deal. That is my advice. Click on this; just to give you an example of what I mean.

[black99.5a4]

def not a good price.

i picked up a 99.5 a4 1.8t with 167k on the clock.. new belt, water pump, tb, tensionors, tires, alt, plugs, oil change, new turbo about 50-60k ago, new o2 sensors, no leaks, all new belts and hoses, EVERY fluid changed/flushed.. like i said not 1 leak or even residue of a leak

got it for 5k from an enthusiasts.

[stubbs]

what would be a good price, supposing that it needs a few repairs to the stereo system, and I don't think he has the remote keys?

[black99.5a4]

if he cant prove any maintance, then 2000-2500 i would say.. if it truely is as clean as it appears and all the records show its been really kept up, then i would say 3000-3500 tops. and what is wrong with the stereo?

[stubbs]

well, he's put in some aftermarket stuff, but poorly installed at Best Buy, so the speaker grille from the driver's door panel is missing, and there's a constant squeal from one of the rears. However, if I look for one online, I'd have to ship it; how much does shipping usually run?

[black99.5a4]

depends where it is.. from middle of the US to either coast is around 1000-1200.. so coast to coast can be 2500 and up.

grill missing would bug the shit outta me.. as for the squeal, that is generally caused by a crappy ground and its getting engine noise through the speaker.

[stubbs]

yeah, that's my guess on the squeal too. So essentially, even if I can find a similar car online for $3500, I'm still gonna pay more...
how much does an inspection at the dealer usually run? I think I'll have them go over it to make sure the valve covers aren't leaking or the differentials or anything.

[Seerlah]

You could save a bunch on shipping if you used Uship.com. Place what car you want ship, price (or leave it open and wait for offers), address, shipping date, open or closed trailer, whether car is runing or not, and a whole bunch of shippers bid. You accept which one you want to go with, but be sure to take into account the person's reviews and ratings. Very important.

With that being said, I would keep an eye on this one. But we all know how ebay works with the bids. So, keep an eye on it, that is if you still want the 2.8.

Edit: Scratch that. Even though that is a good deal (the link), you should def do some more searching as better deals always arise.

[Nebone]

Ha ^. He mentioned all the ebay stuff that was installed and the supercharger is not mentioned anywhere.