so im looking at a4 quattros right now. ive been reading up on these forums for a couple months now and have come to the conclusion that i would like a 2.8 because they seem to be more reliable. i like going fast and installing mods, but thats what my mustang is for. although im looking for a 2.8, i wouldnt be dissatisfied if i came out with a 1.8t. my question is, what should i look for in each specific model? i know theres a timing belt issue- is this specific to the 1.8 or common in both engines? also im hearing a lot about oil sludge issues- again is this specific to one or both models? any other pointers in terms of what to look for, signs of abuse, etc.? thanks a lot guys (and girls)
-alex

 

oh and obviously im going to run the vin# to check that everything legit (milage, title, owners, stuff like that)

 

anyone?

 

1.8t had a bad timing belt tensioner design up to 1999.
All engines get sludge. The 1.8t engines have a stupid oil pick up screen/tube design that gets clogged easily with sludge and cuts off supply to the engine. Using fully synthetic oil and large oil filter is a great way to help prevent sludge.
An oil pressure test is the best way to check for sludge without taking everything appart.

 

so the timing belt issue isn't a problem if i'm looking into an 01?

 

The tensioner design isnt a problem for 00/01, but they arent invincible, it should still be replaced along with the T belt/T belt roller every 80kish miles to be safe.

 

oh ok, i'm still waiting to hear back from someone with 89k miles on their 1.8 so i'll be sure to ask whether that was replaced or not. how hard is it to get under the hood myself? ive been messing around with mustangs and if it comes off then its possible to take it off...is it the same deal with audis or is it usually a job for the shop?

 

Belt replacement service at Audi (timing, serpintine, water pump, etc) will set you back around 1200. I just bought my 01 A4 and haggled the guy down by about that much since he had never had the belts changed and it was pushing 96k... needless to say I didn't really have the time to do them myself, and I wanted it done right.

As far as DIY on the A4, I've actually found it to be a lot easier in many ways than my old Saab. I don't have a whole lot of experience with domestic vechicles, though..

 

take them for a test drive on slight bumpy roads (roll down windows) and listen for clunks/squeeking. (means bad control arms).

drive it on a highway(windows rolled up) and listen for high level wind noise just by the b-pillar(may need to replace the weather stripping even if it may look ok)

test the cassette player(they check-in, but never really check-out)

check the DIS display(the center box in the cluster) for any missing pixels...$400 repair they say.

side view mirrors may have some brownish colour as if its rusting from the inside. its due to heated mirrors.

if the car has been sitting there for a long time. start the car and you may hear a high pitch sound. if it seems very excessive, secondary air pump is on its way out.

check for cracks on the brake lines.

its usually the small things that get over looked.

 

hoses, tires, brakes, timing belt, good luck