Hey guys, Well in about 2 hours I'm flying to LA to pick up 1 of the 2 following cars. The problem is I'm not sure which would be better. I need some advice

I'm mostly just looking for the best value. They both have been taken care of pretty well. The only problem with the 2004 is it got in a crash in 2006. Seller says "Cosmetic damage. Side doors got hit and replaced by approved auto body shop through insurance. No frame damage"

2002 A4 Quattro 3.0
85K Miles
$8,400





or

2004 A4 1.8 Quattro
64K Miles
$10,500






Carfax and Pictures below. Thanks SO much!

2004 Audi

09/13/2004
5,261
Vehicle serviced

03/28/2005
Vehicle serviced

10/19/2005
Recommended maintenance performed
Washed/detailed

02/28/2006
Vehicle serviced

05/23/2006
Seatbelt buckle replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Seat or seat upholstery repaired
Headlight assembly replaced
Headlight bulb(s) replaced

12/20/2006
Amplifier/sub-woofer installed
Brake light bulb(s) replaced
Washed/detailed
Exterior light bulb(s) replaced
Tail light assembly replaced
License lamp assembly replaced
Recommended maintenance performed

• Police accident reports are required in California when the estimated damage exceeds $750. The date of this particular accident was not reported to CARFAX, but it likely occurred between Jan. 2006 and Jan. 2007.

05/22/2007
Washed/detailed
Brake light bulb(s) replaced
Tail light assembly replaced
Radio replaced
Lighter replaced/repaired
Console repaired

07/13/2007
Headlight switch replaced
Washed/detailed
Door handle replaced

12/31/2007
Anti-theft/keyless remote battery replaced
Front wiper blades/refills replaced
Recommended maintenance performed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Washed/detailed

03/12/2008 37,010
Front suspension serviced
Washed/detailed
Front wiper blades/refills replaced

04/15/2008 38,350
Washed/detailed

08/01/2008 40,853
Washed/detailed

02/28/2009 45,422 Pacific Audi
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated

09/19/2009 50,292 Pacific Audi
Washed/detailed
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Recommended maintenance performed

01/23/2010 52,701 Pacific Audi
Recommended maintenance performed
Ignition coil(s) replaced

04/02/2010 53,942 California
Inspection Station

06/19/2010 55,250 Circle Imports
Vehicle serviced

11/10/2010 58,190 Downtown Audi
Vehicle serviced

12/04/2010 58,480 Pacific Audi
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Brakes checked

02/22/2011 60,003 Pacific Audi
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Recommended maintenance performed
Tire condition and pressure checked

05/07/2011 60,990 Circle Imports
Headlight bulb(s) replaced

09/03/2011 63,918 Midas
Brakes replaced
Brake fluid flushed/changed

09/17/2011 64,107 Pacific Audi
Inspection completed

2002 Audi A4

09/15/2003 19,083
Passed emissions inspection

09/25/2003 19,104
Engine checked
Recommended maintenance performed
Maintenance inspection completed
Front wiper blades/refills replaced

09/28/2003 19,138 California
Irvine, CA Title issued or updated
Registration updated when owner moved
the vehicle to a new location

02/26/2004 22,558
Maintenance inspection completed
Rear bumper fascia replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked

08/06/2004 26,931
Brake light bulb(s) replaced
Fluid levels checked
Maintenance inspection completed

12/09/2004 30,940
Maintenance inspection completed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Cup holder replaced
Recommended maintenance performed

06/08/2005
Front exhaust pipe replaced
Tail light bulb(s) replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Tail light assembly replaced
Headlight assembly
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Horn replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Front bumper fascia replaced
Recommended maintenance performed
Tires rotated

10/31/2006
Front wiper blades/refills replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Rear brake pads replaced and rotors resurfaced

12/19/2007 61,073
Vehicle serviced

08/30/2008 65,164 California
Inspection Station
Irvine, CA Passed emissions inspection

03/17/2009 69,370
Vehicle serviced

11/13/2009 73,550
Front brake pads replaced

12/21/2009 74,250
Maintenance inspection completed
Front exhaust pipe replaced

09/06/2010 78,301
Irvine, CA Passed emissions inspection

07/27/2011 84,561
Maintenance inspection completed
Battery/charging system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked
Brakes checked
Ignition coil(s) replaced

08/03/2011
Title issued or updated
Duplicate title issued
Owner 4
Purchased: 2011

09/09/2011
Title issued or updated
New owner reported

 

both of them look pretty clean. appears that they were well cared for. not too concerned about the accident damage. seems that it was repaired properly. biggest difference I see is the '02 has the 3.0 V6 and the '04 has the 1.8T (4 cylinder). The 1.8T is going to be pretty under powered, stock but has the most modding/go fast potential. The 3.0 is going to be more of a stately cruiser. Not much you can to to make it go faster.

The most important thing I see is the neither car has had the timing service done (I didn't see it on the maintenance records anyway). The 1.8T is much easier to work on. Timing service at an indy shop should be ~$800. The 3.0 is the biggest PITA engine to work on EVAR! ~$1200 for the timing service. Both are considerably more expensive if you have the work done at a dealership. (prices are approximate. just using those numbers to give you an idea). The '04 can probably go for a while before needing the timing service but will definitely need to be done sooner rather than later. The '02 will probably be alright for a short time but the mileage is starting to get into the "worrisome" range.

just some things to think about


-not an expert. just an enthusiast

 

Perfect response. Appreciate it man!

 

+1^

Only other thing I didn't see is the trans in each vehicle.

I would prefer a manual trans and it will be less costly to repair than an automatic trans.

And if it is a manual trans you need to watch that t-belt service window a little closer. With a manual we put a lot more stress on that belt during 'spirited' driving. I did mine at 93k in a 1.8t quattro manual and the belt was cracking at each tooth. Helped a buddy with his 1.8t from a passat (same year, 90k) but it was an automatic and tbelt looked in much better condition. Was the first tbelt service for both vehicles.

Good luck and enjoy!