Help Debating Possible Trade

**TKO ACE** · 01-24-2009 06:34 AM

well im new here and was just wondering if this is a go or not, first lmk start off my name is Jeremy. I currently drive a 2002 Nissan Sentra Ser Spec V with 64,xxx miles nismo header full catless nismo exhaust and a P.O.S intake lol well the car had major recalls but everything is well take care of by the dealer still have the papers to prove it,and might i add not one single drop of oil in the engine bay. well i wanted to get out of the whole racing theme and just get something for a nice luxury cruise type of stuff im only 19 years old and i have a son already, (i know babys having babys) but anyway i found a guy who is willing to trade his 1999 Audi A4 wit almost 108,xxx miles for my car he just recently changed the Timing Belt, Water Pump, Belts, Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket, and New Tires. only thing wrong with it his Quote "The tiptronic is acting funny,it wont up shift but only downshift.I was told by a dealer that there are magnets under the center console shifter that could have moved and be causing the problem" honestly the car looks really clean from exterior to interior engine bay from the pictures looks good any help would do and please dont be Biest cause its an audi. Thanks -Jeremy

**Seerlah** · 01-24-2009 07:14 AM

Welcome to Audizine. My intitial thoughts were you will appreciate the A4 a lot more if it were a manual. The nicest models to get is the 1.8t Quattro in manual transmission. The 2.8 version leaves little room for improvement, unless doing a complete engine swap or supercharging it. But as already stated, these cars are not nearly as fun nor can really be appreciated unless you have a manual and Quattro (1.8t preferrably). My suggestion is you read up more about the Audi scene before purchasing. You will learn the pros and cons of each vehicle and what modifications can be had. For example, with the mods I have so far I am maybe 15-20 less chp than the 2.8. And I plan on adding a lot more. Just need funds to get there. Decide what you really want in your vehicle, then decide on purchasing. Too many people get dissapointed with thier Audi purchase after learning of the correct model they should have gone with. There are a lot whom end up selling the one they purchased to get the one they learned suits what they want after some searching/reading. In your original post, it said that you just want a luxury cruiser. These are more of mid-size mid-luxury sport sedans. So, they can be dirven in many different aspects with many different specs that suit your personality and what you want. My suggestion is to look into a 1.8t Quattro w/manual transmission

**TKO ACE** · 01-24-2009 07:40 AM

Thanks I appreciate the response its a 1.8T Quattro w/ Auto Trans im honestly kind of tired of driving manual idk just me, I read about it and msn gave the car a 3 out of 5 reliability and their were quite a few cons thing is im pretty sure these cars can be pricey when repairing but another question is what typically goes wrong for these model audi's?

**Seerlah** · 01-24-2009 07:57 AM

You will have a Tiptronic, so I don't know as far as transmissions go. But the things that go are coil packs, control arms (simply replace when time comes and it will be fine), oil sludge (make sure to always use synthetic oil and change no longer than 5000k), vacuum lines can be old and brittle (once again, simply replace and call it a day), hoses rip easy (just do boost leak tests periodically to test for leaks), cv boots on the axles, and then electronic glitches. Things can be pricey when it comes to repairing, but most can be done by yourself (parts can be had for cheap or fair price, it is labor of mechanics that kill the pockets). Just keep the car maintained, check and change fluids as needed, and you should be fine.

**TKO ACE** · 01-24-2009 09:56 AM

thanks alot man i honestly think im going to go through with this trade i love more car its real reliable, but just really want this car so i guess out of everything you listed what would be the most exspensive i know 1 coil pack for my spec v is $72 and of course i have 4 of them. but anyway tomorrow ill take a look and thanks alot for everything you are a big help

**biketsai** · 01-24-2009 10:11 AM

Honestly, if the A4 is maintained well and you continue to do so, you shouldn't have to be spending more on maintenance than you do now. But as usual, most European car parts are a little more expensive, but its not too bad if you just know where to look. I myself have a Tiptronic and I love it (although I wish I had a manual, it might not be for everyone). Let us know how it goes, and remember to always SEARCH, you'll find pretty much 95% of your answers by doing so (a guesstimation)

**Seerlah** · 01-24-2009 10:12 AM

All 4 can be had for ~$110. But people upgrade to Hitachi E coil packs as they are more reliable (~$125). I tried the OEM revised "R" versions, but one already crapped out on me after 2 month ownership. I will get the Hitachis soon, hopefully.

But basically, give the car a good inspection. If it has a boost gauge installed on it, go WOT before purchase and monitor the gauge (if owner permits). It should peak ~7psi (chipping brings it to 15+). See if the tranny slips, any weird noises (forgot to mention wheel bearings. those go too), all lights work, cluster functions, gauges are accurate, etc. Ask for all paperwork, if he used synthetic oil, what mileage does he change it, etc.

**TKO ACE** · 01-24-2009 10:26 AM

well thats sounds great for the coils where would i go to look for those online of course the wheel bearing shouldnt be too hard i know i helped my friend change his out on his toyota.

**Seerlah** · 01-24-2009 10:48 AM

Most things can be fixed by yourself. As for purchasing the items such as ignition coils, don't fix it if it isn't broken. I was just listing the common isues the car has, and more than likely you will encounter down the road. When that time arrives, the search button becomes your best freind. But ECS has Hitachi coil packs. Yet they can always be found cheaper.