So here is my situation:

I am a singer/songwriter who will be touring this summer. I had planned to buy another car to tour in but instead have decided to use that cash in my 2000 A4 Avant 2.8. The tour is under 5,000 miles of driving but I want to make sure my Audi is in tip top shape before we hit the road.

Recent Maintenance

• CV joints
• A/C
• Serp Belt
• Rack and Pinion
• ABS module
• Central Locking Pump

Soon to be done

• 034 Density Motor Mounts
• Cam Seals
• Valve Cover Gasket
• Rear Diff Fluid
• Brake Pads and Rotors (A8 fronts)
• 034 Transmission Mounts

I am also swapping the H&R coilovers for bilstein shocks and struts paired with H&R springs. Will also do strut mounts.

For added protection I have a Panzer skid plate, Stern Power Ring, and Polyurethane Bushings on the rear diff.

Clutch has a lot of bite. Was told control arms are in good shape last month when the car was in the shop (EPIC Automotive VW/Audi specialist).

Timing belt was done at about 100,000 miles and we are at 163,000 as of today. Not sure if I should get the full service or not, also if I do have the timing belt changed, I probably won't have enough cash for some of the smaller things on the To Do list.

Are ceramic brake pads worth it?

Any suggestions or advice?

Am I crazy for doing this to an 11 year old car? I justify it by telling myself I can get at least 70,000 more miles out of the car if I keep up with the maintenance. And that I will have an S4 in a few years as my city car while the A4 will be for traveling.

 

Your car is georgous man. I'd do the timing belt service on your own and save big time. It sounds like alot, but any ******* can do this, trust me. That, plus the other things you mentioned should put you in good shape to make the trip. If you are real worried about breaking down, or it will potentially screw up your tour, you could buy a few of the common parts to fail to just bring with you along the way, but parts for these cars arent hard to find anyway.