What should I look for before I buy?

[mar10]

The Engine blew on my 1996 A4, and I am looking to replace it with a B6 this week. My budget is Under $10K (not sure if I should even try at this price range). I found a few in the area, what issues should I check while looking?

[IVRINGS]

The Engine blew on my 1996 A4, and I am looking to replace it with a B6 this week. My budget is Under $10K (not sure if I should even try at this price range). I found a few in the area, what issues should I check while looking?

Main thing is that the TB is done by 70K. If it is not done just have it done before the deal or budget it into what you need to do.

[dangerouslaser]

make sure the check engine light is on, abs and epc lights are on, there are multiple dents dings and scratches, has never had an oil change, leaks oil, has a blown coil pack so it misfires under high load/boost, bad tail lights, no radio, broken glovebox, vacuum leaks, front wheel drive, cvt, sketchy stains on the carpet, and the front grills are missing. then don't buy it.

[mar10]

Thanks ivrings, Im paying for this car with cash that I have saved so I really dont want to be disappointed.

[dangerouslaser]

make sure it's quattro!!!!!!

[mar10]

I made the mistake of getting a FWD last time, thanks. I wanted a 5 speed this time are there any issues that i should note?

[IVRINGS]

If you have some time try to find a 6-speed if you can. I really wished I could of looked more, but having two people and one car was killer. After being around the site I also really started to love the Avant's. I almost sold mine to get one, but didn't want to pay more at the time. Also if you plan on tryin' to do anything to the engine find a 1.8T. You might even find a car on here in that price range ever so often.

[IVRINGS]

Also the 02 had some issues about chipping and different fuel maps that might make your life easier to get 03+, but there are some cheap 02s that look good. Here are a few on the site for sale.

$6,800 Stock 02
http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...o-sedan&cat=65

10,000 02 w/Big Turbo and Big Brakes
http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...-manual&cat=65

13,500 a bit higher but newer and 6-speed 1.8
http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...o-fx400&cat=65

But the best car I can find is this! USP 6-speed Quattro 1.8t 11,000 so worth 1,000 more then you have.
http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...-car-21&cat=65

[mar10]

I found one that is local but he installed a aftermarket turbo ( claims to have a warranty) what do you think?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/1981671371.html

[pondside36]

It honestly looks to be in very good shape appearance wise. It has a boost gage already, and aftermarket exhaust or at least mufflers or tips. I would ask about all the mods. It just says new turbo, not upgraded. I would bet it has been chipped due to the podi gage. Timing belt job done so that is a plus too.

[pondside36]

This one is nice as well, but not local and USP.

But the best car I can find is this! USP 6-speed Quattro 1.8t 11,000 so worth 1,000 more then you have.
http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...-car-21&cat=65

[dangerouslaser]

I found one that is local but he installed a aftermarket turbo ( claims to have a warranty) what do you think?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/1981671371.html

this looks good just make sure it's a genuine bw k03 and not some chinese ebay turbo and you should be good. has a podi so probably previously an enthusiasts car

[dangerouslaser]

ps dolphin gray isn't rare ;-)

[Soolman32]

I just recently got my 03 B6 1.8t with 69,5k on it for a lil over 10k. You can definitely get what you want in that price range. Things I paid attention to:
-Make sure all the switches and lights work
-Timing Belt
-get quattro
-check alignment on test drive
-scratches and dents round the interior an exterior of car. the shifter bezel is likely to have some but easy to fix
-Any weird smell and stains
-any squeaks or rattle

Mine must have been previously owned by a smoker coz it had a phunk to it. Nothing a full interior detail can't cure. If these check out ok then you'll most likely be fine.

[mar10]

Cool thanks everyone.

[102487thedude]

Do a compression test most important. the Compression tester is a 15 dollar iteam and well worth it. and you can do it in a parcking lot with the car owner.

[mar10]

thanks thedude I would have never thought to do that