Little help in buying 1997 A4 2.8

**02A4TURBO** · 01-19-2009 05:54 PM

Little help would be much appreciated....

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258635

THANKS!

**jpcallmotor** · 01-19-2009 05:58 PM

I'd strongly prefer the 1.8T if I was him, even if it cost a little more.

The 2.8 is not as good for modifications, but it is more reliable than the 1.8T due to longer timing belt intervals and no turbos, also working space under the hood is obviously limited.

**02A4TURBO** · 01-19-2009 06:03 PM

I appreciate the $.02 .... however, I think the goal of this car is reliable, AWD handling to get to / from the mountains of Colorado. No engine mods planned. Just looking for continued longevity and reliability.

**njm23** · 01-19-2009 06:05 PM

I did the timing belt, aux belt, water pump, thermostat etc at 69,000 miles.

now at 137,000 miles, the t-belt is going to have to get done again pretty soon. Doesn't say anything about control arms or tie rods, would def take a look at those.

**02A4TURBO** · 01-19-2009 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by njm23

now at 137,000 miles, the t-belt is going to have to get done again pretty soon. Doesn't say anything about control arms or tie rods, would def take a look at those.

Much appreciated -- good advice!

**danphines** · 01-19-2009 07:17 PM

isnt the 97 the 12v? and not the 30v? im pretty sure it is.

**Kronic Budz** · 01-19-2009 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by njm23

now at 137,000 miles, the t-belt is going to have to get done again pretty soon. Doesn't say anything about control arms or tie rods, would def take a look at those.

definitely! Sway bar end links as well... the suspension is prob pretty shot if its still stock.. brakes lines might need replacing down the road. same with a few other items but the v6 audi engines are def bullet proof. I have 126k on my 97 12v 5 speed and still runs real strong. Good compression and these things will last untill 200k no problem. My friend had a 12v with 185k and ran real well...

If he has no plans for engine mods def go v6, not to many people have them on the forums but they known to be more reliable and stock vs stock a smoother power band IMO, I like the way they drive compared to a stock 1.8t. More guts.

**02A4TURBO** · 01-19-2009 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Kronic Budz

definitely! Sway bar end links as well... the suspension is prob pretty shot if its still stock.. brakes lines might need replacing down the road. same with a few other items but the v6 audi engines are def bullet proof. I have 126k on my 97 12v 5 speed and still runs real strong. Good compression and these things will last untill 200k no problem. My friend had a 12v with 185k and ran real well...

If he has no plans for engine mods def go v6, not to many people have them on the forums but they known to be more reliable and stock vs stock a smoother power band IMO, I like the way they drive compared to a stock 1.8t. More guts.

Great information .... worst case scenario, if he did have to replace sway, end links and tie rods, how much $$ are we looking at? Also, an estimate (ballpark) on timing belt would be helpful too.

Is my brother crazy for spending +/- $5K on this car? Is it throwing good money at bad? Thanks again guys.