Annual Repair Costs - Over 100,000 miles

[budfox]

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to make a decision to purchase a new car, or keep my paid off A4 1.8T Q 2003 that currently has 110,000 miles. If I should expect to pay $3,000 or more each year, then I might as well just purchase a new car. I usually need the shop to do the repairs for me. I've already spent probably $4,000 on my car so far in repairs (the usual parts that need replacing and maintenance).




For those of you that are over 100,000 miles, what has been your annual repair costs?



Thanks for your help!

[juki]

depends on how many miles you plan to drive it...figure around $1K or so

[Casius]

Man unless you've neglected it for a number of years there is no way that keeping that thing should cost you anywhere near what a new car would cost. Let's say you drop 5 or 6k on the thing, get the motor running in top shape, bearings, maybe axles, new clutch lets say is that more than 25k for a new car? 100k on an Audi should be nothing for the car

[budfox]

I only really drive it about 10,000 miles / yr. I do know that I need a new clutch, steering rack and my power steering line has a small leak somewhere.

I was thinking about taking it to the shop to see if they can give me estimates on everything they find needs replaced. I just don't want to get stuck paying just as much in repairs over the next 100,000 miles on a 10 year old car, than I would buying or leasing a new car for $4,800 - $6,000 / yr.

[imnuts]

If you buy a new(er) car, how much is maintenance going to be for it per year compared to what you're paying now? Add in the cost of the vehicle and a likely increase in insurance costs, and it is probably not going to be cheaper to have a new car.

[budfox]

For those of you that are over 100,000 miles, what has been your annual repair costs?

[nazisled]

im at 112,xxx and so far in repairs, 0$. *knocks on wood* mods and maintenance not included.

[imnuts]

Repair costs are <$100 (replacing some vacuum lines) since eclipsing 100k and I'm almost at 150k miles. The most I've spent for maintenance/repair so far was when I got the timing belt replaced. I would guess that my average maintenance cost is ~$200 per visit, depending on what is getting done. If you stay on top of maintenance and other issues, you have significantly fewer problems down the road.

[fr0sty]

For those of you that are over 100,000 miles, what has been your annual repair costs?

I just passed 100k in November so you will have to ask me later this year. The previous year probably cost me around $2,000 but that is because I had to do the thermostat housing, rear coolant flange and fan control module. Previous years have been less than that (had the car 4 years now).

Do your scheduled maintenance and the car should keep going just fine.

[budfox]

Man not bad at all. I should get it checked out by a shop and ill come back w whatever repairs are suggested.

[n7plus1]

seems like theres constantly something wrong with mine...i just replaced my thermostat last week and my coolant feed to the heater core. @ 109k

[b6onboost]

My car is extremely well taken care of with all maintenance done on or ahead of time. Very few things needed repairing before 75k miles. Car had the full timing belt service. Then above 75K miles I have been averaging about $1000 per year in repairs @ shop prices. I have performed many of these repairs myself for considerably less, but if I were to just let the shop do it I'd estimate about $1000 per year.

I really don't foresee the car costing you $3000+ annually in repairs. Maybe $1500-2000 max. You also have to be vigilant and make sure the shop isn't trying to 'sell' you on repairs you don't really need. This is where the forum really helps.

It is almost always less expensive to keep your paid off car and repair issues that arrise compared to buying/leasing a new car of similar quality. A new car adds a monthly payment, increases your insurance, property taxes (some states), and still has to be maintained (oil, brakes, tires, ect). Now if you want a new car with less hassle that's different, but it'll cost you. Most people trade-in older cars that begin to have issues because its easier to budget a monthly payment than to sporatically incur large repair bills.

[Casius]

I mean what's the worst case? You spend some cash for a few months because everything all of a sudden goes wrong and you decide that it's time to buy a new car.

[Charles.waite]

If you're not willing/able/don't have time to get your hands dirty and do a little DIY, Audi's can get expensive fast. I would venture a new (japanese) car could be cheaper than an Audi, however making the payment will be far more than keeping your Audi in tip-top shape. Once you clear the 100k hurdle (where many things finally deteriorate to the point of breaking) you've got a while before anything begins to break again.

[budfox]

Thx for the info guys. I still love the car and wld like to keep it till 200k. Ill give an upate once i get it checked out.

[pa4ul]

If you're not willing/able/don't have time to get your hands dirty and do a little DIY, Audi's can get expensive fast. I would venture a new (japanese) car could be cheaper than an Audi, however making the payment will be far more than keeping your Audi in tip-top shape. Once you clear the 100k hurdle (where many things finally deteriorate to the point of breaking) you've got a while before anything begins to break again.

Very true. I had my motor cleaned up around 100,000. Sitting at 140 now and have had virtually no problems since the cleanup.

[lyleswk]

Just rolled 200K on my 02 1.8t manual. Owned for 3 years and have put about $1000 a year average, some of this because of the way the car came to me and the repairs the previous owner had not undertaken. Did TB right after I got it (about $400 or $500) and serviced the tranny / diff fluids. Had to replace the harness in the driver's door ($150) the first year also. The next year, I had the cam seals replaced ($450). Just a month ago, I had the rack replaced ($1200). I now think I have an oil leak from what I think is the oil cooler. The oil pools under the housing the filter goes on. Haven't had time to look into this, but assume it is a fairly cheap o-ring and some time under the car.

[BerNur]

honestly a cars mileage doesnt mean anything... it all relies on how good/bad you treated the car and how much you were on top of maintenance

[MikTip]

If your a DIY type its very minimul...less parts! ;o)

[Audiguy1234]

I'm pretty clumsy so the plastic parts tend to break me. I would say the thermostat and starter were my main issues. 500 a year plus a lot on mods a year.

[Charles.waite]

honestly a cars mileage doesnt mean anything... it all relies on how good/bad you treated the car and how much you were on top of maintenance

This. I picked up my b6 last June and it was in perfect shape, cosmetically, but the engine needed a lot of TLC. I've been slowly getting her back in shape, probably put around $600 into the engine (not including tools as I had pretty much none, but I don't count those as an expense on the Audi) since I bought it. Some of that is redoing work I already did (got a bad fuel pump so I had to replace it twice, replaced the pcv breather hoses but now have an 034 silicon replacement I'll be putting in soon). Still have rear flange, CCT gasket, injector sets and o-rings and an annoying boost leak to track down, but once I do that she'll be as good as new. Until I update the brakes and deal with the worn control arms and tie rods. And replace some accessory belt rollers. Bought at 81k, I'm t 87k now.

All in I would estimate $2k total and my car will be good as new. All DIY of course. Can't imagine what a shop would charge for all that...

[cjonesgo]

I've just crossed 100k in my 02 avant, and doing a bit of housekeeping to make it a pleasure to drive again.

In the past week I've done:

Motor mounts
Snub mount
Transmission mount
Rear Diff mount
Brake fluid flush and oil change
2 broken window regulators
Injector seals
Found and repaired boost leaks and any suspect looking hoses
New gas struts for hood and rear hatch,
Replacement dip stick tube
Seat crack repair
Clean interior/exterior

I do the work myself, so no labor fees. Parts all said and done are probably around $200. Not too bad for a major improvement in the quality of ride I get back. I've had the odd coolant sensor to replace, and timing belt/water pump, but the car has done very well for me and I've avoided any major mechanical failures. These cars are not as care free as some I've owned, but if you keep on top of maintenance, there are very reliable.

At the 100k mark it is a good idea to look very critically at any/all rubber parts. Mounts, bushings, tie rods, vacuum lines, misc seals... Replace accordingly.


Upcoming,
Looks like my turbo is wearing out (small amount of oil in intercooler lines), and a tiny boost leak in the intercooler itself. Both of these will need to be replaced before too long. On such a high stress part, after a 100k, I have no problem replacing it. Also, it is an excuse to step up to ko4 etc.

[lyleswk]

Upcoming,
Looks like my turbo is wearing out (small amount of oil in intercooler lines), and a tiny boost leak in the intercooler itself. Both of these will need to be replaced before too long. On such a high stress part, after a 100k, I have no problem replacing it. Also, it is an excuse to step up to ko4 etc.

Think this is normal. A little blow-by is acceptable.

[waldo1324]

For those of you that are over 100,000 miles, what has been your annual repair costs?

128xxx and did you want that $ in ebay parts or real big boy parts?

id say ive spent $1.5k in the 3 years ive had her.. maybe less.

but you gotta realize that you are 'newing' your car as you replace the parts

[Charles.waite]

At the 100k mark it is a good idea to look very critically at any/all rubber parts. Mounts, bushings, tie rods, vacuum lines, misc seals... Replace accordingly.

Be EXTREMELY CAREFUL when glancing at the plastic PCV breather hose. They've been known to shatter with simply a sideways glance much less a critical look. If you make full eye contact, its over.

[dewey527]

It's hit and miss. I am the second owner of the car (bought it with 52k back in 04) and know the previous owner was meticulous about maintenance but it has had some major issues arise, most recently my a/c grenaded. I was going to replace the a/c motor but the whole system was contanimated so I let the shop do it - ouch...nothing better than NOT having a car payment. Just get the preventitive stuff done and you should be way under what your output would be on a new car! BTW I'm at 156K and just replaced the motor mounts and tranny mount and she's like a new girlfriend!

[CyberPMG]

There are some years where repair costs are low. Other years where you will encounter parts that fail due to age/mileage. One year, I had to replace the control arms and tie rod ends (plus wheel alignment). Another year, I had to get the front wheel bearings replaced. Other years, it runs fine and only have to do routine maintenance.

It's very easy to reach 200k miles as long as you remain faithful to a maintenance schedule. I'm over 223k miles with my 2004 A4. Car is still strong and great as ever.

[SleeperAvant]

^^^ Wow, 223k miles! That is 358,883 kms!

[Charles.waite]

^^^ Wow, 223k miles! That is 358,883 kms!

And over 1,177,440,000 feet!!! MY GOD!

J/K

[jalcom1]

Nothing better than NOT having a car payment.

Exactly! I used to buy a new car every 3-4 years. I made car payments for +18 years. I've had my '04 since 2007. It was a lease return with 33k miles on it. In 5 years maintenance has been very minimal. Nothing really outside the norm and I love not having a car payment.

Now if you want to discuss what I've spent on mods, that's another story. :-)

[SleeperAvant]

And over 1,177,440,000 feet!!! MY GOD!

J/K

LOL!!!!!

[Charles.waite]

Exactly! I used to buy a new car every 3-4 years. I made car payments for +18 years. I've had my '04 since 2007. It was a lease return with 33k miles on it. In 5 years maintenance has been very minimal. Nothing really outside the norm and I love not having a car payment.

Now if you want to discuss what I've spent on mods, that's another story. :-)

I feel owning a car outright is far more rewarding that getting the new shiny every 3-4 years. I sort of develop a "relationship" with my cars and get attached. I also think warranties are for pussies so I don't care much about the New Car Warranty aspect like others might. Also it allows you to personalize/mod your car without fear of voiding anything or ruffling feathers at the dealer's Service department...