While starting my 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro wagon which was working just fine except for an oil leak, which I bought 2&1/2 years ago @80,000 miles for $14k + $2000 (for 2 year extended warranty), I heard a big screeching noise (like the sound when you try to start an already running engine. After that it wouldn't turn over. Took it to a mechanic who replaced the starter without determining if the engine was frozen (I told him I thought it was before he replaced it), and then discovered it wouldn't turn over. Sent to a real audi specialist, who eventually figured out that the exhaust valve mount on the #3 piston had broken and the parts fallen into the cylinder. I owe about $10,000 on the car. There may be other damage beyond that, but the mechanic estimates it could cost up to $6000 to fix and the same to buy and install a used engine. Not really worth it since the car is probably only worth $10,000 or less.

Any ideas - anybody interested in buying this car off me, or anyone have some ideas how I can avoid paying $10000 on a car that is toast, or investing another 5k in it which I don't have, or fix it on the cheap? Go ahead, laugh!

- Joel

 

the problem may be avoided if you get it on the real mechanic so you wouldn't pay a lot of damages. this is hard to fix though.

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Audi A4 Quattro Exhaust Valve - 12-month Or 12,000-mile Warranty by AE Parts

 

Doesn't your warranty cover your engine? All the ones I've seen do.

 

He bought the car 2.5 years ago with a 2 year warranty......

 

hmmph, I missed that.

 

ok, this might be a long shot but I've done this before and it saved me a few $$$. Seek out a local community college or tech school that teaches auto repair. Long ago I was very broke and had major car problems (warped head on a VW). I went to the local CC who did have a tech school that fixes cars. I had the car towed there and only had to pay for parts which was around $300. It was labor intensive as they had to mill down the head etc to get it fixed and it would of cost me around $2k had I taken it to the dealer.

Another option, buy the parts on your own and have your guy do the repair. I've noticed parts are half of what the dealer or local shop will charge. While they will honor their work they make no such promises for the parts.

Final option - part it out on craigslist you just might break even.

Well, thats how I would approach it.

BTW - no one's laughing we know how painful this is.

 

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