Audi A4 1.8T

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:06

Hi,

I've seen a black 2001 Audi A4 1.8T Sport on 60k miles for £4995 with the rare full black leather. The part-exchange value the trader offered for my 1998 Astra 2.0 SRI on 92k miles is £800. Does this seem about right?

This would be the first car I have bought with a turbo which does worry me slightly. Is there a certain mileage or age at which the turbo will need to be replaced? How much would a new turbo cost for this car, including fitting?

Also, anyone have opinions or experiences with this car?

Thanks

[TW]Fox · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:08

If you are that worried about the turbo is this a good idea? It's a 9 year old car, there is plenty of potential for bills. As the car gets older your depreciation worries vanish but this expense is replaced by maintenance costs..

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:27

Thank you for your response.

There is the potential for big bills with almost all cars and I recognise there will be further risks associated with this type of car. Hence I would like to know the costs involved so that I am prepared.

Do you have any specific experience or knowledge relating to the questions in my original post?

[TW]Fox · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:31

I dont think turbo failure is a huge issue on this engine, there are other more pressing faults which I'm sure some of the owners on here will be along to explain shortly

Shure · 2 Apr 2010 at 21:10

Cambelt inc waterpump will soon need replacing if it hasn't already. Tbh the turbo wouldn't be a concern for me on these engines at 60k. I would expect these turbos to last at least 150k unless mis-treated.

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 21:44

[TW]Fox;16288583 said:
I dont think turbo failure is a huge issue on this engine, there are other more pressing faults which I'm sure some of the owners on here will be along to explain shortly

Oh dear, that doesn't sound too good. Please explain as I'm going to view the car early tomorrow morning!

chrisstevens said:
Cambelt inc waterpump will soon need replacing if it hasn't already. Tbh the turbo wouldn't be a concern for me on these engines at 60k. I would expect these turbos to last at least 150k unless mis-treated.

A point I raised with the trader so he will change the cambelt as well for the price I originally quoted. I'll have to remember to get the waterpump included in that. Is there anything else I should get included? Should I mention the cambelt tensioner, pulley and bearings or are they included in a cambelt kit?

Worse case scenario, do you know the cost of a turbo replacement?

Do the figures sound about right?

mjt · 2 Apr 2010 at 21:58

Worst case scenario for a new turbo is the wrong side of £1k at a dealer.
That aside, £5k seems a lot for a 9 year old A4?

Would something like this tempt you?
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1579660.htm

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 22:16

mjt said:
Worst case scenario for a new turbo is the wrong side of £1k at a dealer.
That aside, £5k seems a lot for a 9 year old A4?

Would something like this tempt you?
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1579660.htm

Thanks

Don't like the look of that at all im afraid.

[TW]Fox · 2 Apr 2010 at 22:18

real said:
Thanks

Don't like the look of that at all im afraid.

Wrong badge for you?

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 22:56

Considering my current car a Vauxhall I don't think I could be classified as a "badge snob"...

I like neither the exterior shape nor interior design of that SEAT.

[TW]Fox · 2 Apr 2010 at 22:57

The interior design is Audi - it comes straight from the Audi A3..

Ricochet J · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:01

real said:
Should I mention the cambelt tensioner, pulley and bearings or are they included in a cambelt kit?

I'd definately have the tensioners done whilst the belt is off. It's not additional labour, you'll just be paying parts. I'd also get the aux belt done too.

mjt · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:10

Might as well get the waterpump done too then?
I still think £5,000 is a lot of money for a 9 year old A4, albeit one with relatively low mileage.
60,000 miles means lots of stop-go and/or town traffic. Certainly something to think about.

On another note, is full leather really all that rare?

MarkDavis · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:18

[TW]Fox;16289189 said:
Wrong badge for you?

Why should it be about the badge? Anyone with eyes can see it's a dull looking car.

real said:
anyone have opinions or experiences with this car?

Be mindful of the sludge of death. Make sure there's evidence of regular and frequent oil changes with a good, high quality oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's spec.

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:21

[TW]Fox;16289396 said:
The interior design is Audi - it comes straight from the Audi A3..

That may be so, however my opinion on the exterior is still relevant and I know where I would rather be:

1. The SEAT Toledo that was suggested which I think looks particularly bad

2. The nicest SEAT Toldeo interior I could find which looks ok

3. The Audi A4 interior that I am considering

mjt · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:21

MarkDavis said:
Why should it be about the badge? Anyone with eyes can see it's an ugly, dull looking car.

Whereas a 2001 A4 is a masterpiece in modern car design?

That Toledo is ridiculously good value for money.
I agree that it's not very good looking but it's over £2,000 less!

@rare - I'll give you that the A4 has a nicer interior, but the Toledo's is much better in reality. In those pictures it does look a bit ****.
I notice that the seatbelt is rather cleverly hiding the driver's seat bolster. I don't think it's coincidence..

MarkDavis · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:31

mjt said:
That Toledo is ridiculously good value for money.
I agree that it's not very good looking but it's over £2,000 less!

You get a lot of car for the money and prices are very low. But they're pretty grim looking, which is reflected in the price. You don't own one do you?

B6 is much smarter looking. Much tighter, more modern, more cohesive design, particularly with additions of the two bodykit styles. All of which is reflected in the price.

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:32

Ricochet J said:
I'd definately have the tensioners done whilst the belt is off. It's not additional labour, you'll just be paying parts. I'd also get the aux belt done too.

Thanks, I'll look into getting those done at the same time

mjt said:
Might as well get the waterpump done too then?
I still think £5,000 is a lot of money for a 9 year old A4, albeit one with relatively low mileage.
60,000 miles means lots of stop-go and/or town traffic. Certainly something to think about.

On another note, is full leather really all that rare?

I take your point, it does seem like a lot of money for a car that age. However is it the correct market value?

real · 2 Apr 2010 at 23:39

MarkDavis said:
Why should it be about the badge? Anyone with eyes can see it's a dull looking car.

Be mindful of the sludge of death. Make sure there's evidence of regular and frequent oil changes with a good, high quality oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's spec.

Thanks, I'll make sure to check that.

mjt said:
Whereas a 2001 A4 is a masterpiece in modern car design?

That Toledo is ridiculously good value for money.
I agree that it's not very good looking but it's over £2,000 less!

@Rare - I'll give you that the A4 has a nicer interior, but the Toledo's is much better in reality. In those pictures it does look a bit ****.
I notice that the seatbelt is rather cleverly hiding the driver's seat bolster. I don't think it's coincidence..

Haha, no one said it was a masterpiece. At the end of the day it comes down to individual opinions on what looks good and what doesn't.

Leeum · 3 Apr 2010 at 00:08

Have you looked into a MK1 Octavia vRS? Not an Audi badge by any means, but the same engine and excellent value for money - example.