Should I take the leap into ownership?

[TBangin23]

I've been for a while thinking about jumping into an A4 Quattro and love the styling of the B5. I recently stumbled upon a 1996 A4 Quattro 2.8L V6. Now I know everyone loves there 1.8T but I don't think the turbo's for me. (Plus I've already got a turbo-ed car. MINI Cooper S) Anyways, I used to have a 1998 A4 Quattro and miss it dearly. Now with this option falling into place i'm not sure what to do...

Good:
Body is in great shape.
It's "fully loaded" Has leather seats, heated, sunroof, yada yada.
Car has 125,000 miles.
5 speed manual, clutch/transmission are great.
Recently had water pump, timing belt replaced.

Bad:
Steering pump makes a noise, most likely needs replaced.
Rear passenger side wheel bearing needs replaced.


To me those issues aren't very "big" issues. Anyone have a little advice? Maybe something I should be looking for?

Price for me was offered at $2,000.

[Seerlah]

From what I read, that engine is rather bulletproof (the 12v in particular). And those issues are very minor. Plus $2,000 is a decent price for the mileage. I say go for it, if it's what you want.

[Silverstreak98]

2nd on the good price if it's in alright condition.

The 2.8 isn't fast, but it is an excellent cruiser!

[Seerlah]

Wow, South Korea? That's why you have posted in so long?

OP, pardon for the thread jack!

[walky_talky20]

12V V6 with the 5-speed is the most reliable B5 by a pretty long shot. As long as you don't want to add horsepower, that is an excellent choice. Of course there are lots of failure points on the B5 to be on the lookout for, some of the big expensive ones you can cross off the list (sludge, trans fluid changes, t-belt, water pump, even lower door moldings). Being in PA you may want to look for rust, although the B5 is pretty much the most rust-resistant car I've ever seen (and I'm in NW PA). The places to watch are the coil springs (especially rears), rear upper shock housings (these rust on the inside, and aren't really a big deal anyway - not structural), and that's pretty much it. Other minor rust spots are License Plate lights (cheap) and trans cooler lines (doesn't apply for you). That really seems like an excellent car for PA road salt winters as long as it has been taken care of.

[TBangin23]

Yeah, i'm not all that into modding it for power. More of a daily driver/snow vehicle. (MINI's pretty well tuned for power, lowered, so not very comfortable for a daily driver anymore.) Alright well, I plan to call the guy today and see if we can set things up. I had already planned on getting the car, just needed a little assurance I wasn't getting myself into a complete money pit. I don't mind spending the money to fix it up, I just want to make sure it's going to last the cost of fixing it up (which doesn't seem to actually be that much anyways.)

[Silverstreak98]

Wow, South Korea? That's why you have posted in so long?

OP, pardon for the thread jack!

Haha yup, thanks for noticing!

Just got back from spending a year over there teaching English, so I should probably change my local.


OP, post pictures when you get your new ride.

[TBangin23]

Picking it up on Monday morning. Here's a little preview. I've got a few little ideas on things I wanna do, nothing set though on what I'll be doing for sure.

[Seerlah]

That orange side signal stick out like a sore thumb. I would def replace those with ebay Depo smoked ones. What mods you plan?

[walky_talky20]

^Definitely needs a better lift kit. Current kit is weak-sauce.

[TBangin23]

First things first, needs a detail, BAD. I'll most likely look into something that lowers the car a tad, just way too high. But I don't want a bumpy terrible ride either, like my MINI with that being lowered. Tint all around is a must. Hopefully I can find something to replace the lights, give it a little different look from the boring "classy" look. Maybe a nice set of rims if I can find something I like. Anyone have any input on mods they feel are a must? I'd love input.