Problems with 2002 A4 Wagon 130K?

[syrinx32123]

Hello,

I just graduated college and I'm looking for a car with good gas mileage that fit lot's of passengers and camping equipment and surfboards.... a wagon.

I found a 2002 A4 Wagon with 130K. I'm wondering if there are any sort of problems I should know about these cars before I buy?

• Is 130K too many
• How much money can I expect to spend a year on maintenance?
• Is there another comparable car, that is cheaper, that I should look into buying?
• What's your overall opinion of this car? I have a low budget, don't want to spend an arm and a leg each month. Should I buy?

2002 Audi A4 Avant Wagon
Sport Package
4-Cylinder 1.8T
Stage 1+ ECU chip

Thanks!!!

[vinny.dtw]

Hello,

You just graduated with a college degree. Use those research skills from college and apply them by searching through this forum and multiple sites like edmunds, autotrader, etc etc. You'll find a much broader answer from people that DON'T modify cars there since this community consist mostly of people that modify cars.

But to briefly answer your question.

1) 130k is not too many given that the car was meticulously maintained. E.G, timing belt done, proper oil changes, brakes, etc etc.
2.) Depends on 1), and what previous maint. has been done.
3.) Yes, plenty. Do some research. Looking at your #4, it depends on your budget.
4) Low budget and these cars generally don't go too well together.

Good luck.

[Gmoney]

maintenance isn't bad if the car has been maintained by the previous owner. Ask for records.

[ggcrash]

Just an FYI: If you drive alot, and your're not the DIY type, count on spending at least $1,500 per year average, for regular maintenance...seriously. NOTHING lasts forever, but it WILL last longer with the proper maintenance. My advice, fix the little things BEFORE they turn into BIG things...

[djibouti99]

If you're not a DIY'er, try to find a good, knowledgeable shop. They will always be cheaper than the dealership and it's just plain more fun when you get to know the people there and hang out while they're working on your car. Also, research what type of regular maintenance should be done and by parts online as they're usually cheaper online.

[syrinx32123]

Thanks for the info everyone :) !

[Greedo]

What's a wagon?

[imnuts]

Just an FYI: If you drive alot, and your're not the DIY type, count on spending at least $1,500 per year average, for regular maintenance...seriously. NOTHING lasts forever, but it WILL last longer with the proper maintenance. My advice, fix the little things BEFORE they turn into BIG things...

I think that $1500 a year is an excessive amount for standard maintenance, though there will be times when you'll spend more than that. Given the age and mileage, it could end up being that much for the next few services, but I would say that my average maintenance costs per year are something around $800 excluding the timing belt service. Recently, I've been spending more trying to replace stuff that doesn't necessarily need it, but should have it anyway due to age and miles. Doing stuff yourself will definitely save you a lot, but I'd also always keep some money saved up for something unexpected.

[7speed]

I purchased my 2002 with 150K on it. The only problem that I had with the high mileage is that all of the suspension bushings need to be replaced.

[B72011]

Buy it! We just got a wagon and I can put my surfboard and not have to worry about locking it down or getting jacked. Our inflatable dinghy with gas engine also fits.

If you have 2 hands and a brain--you can change all filters, spark plugs even fluids to some extent.
ANY shop can slap in some pads and machine your rotors. If you can follow some basic directions you can do the same.

There's actually more room than youd think in that engine bay with the 1.8. They had to make room for a V6 and V8 so there's room to spare.

You'll want to read up on changing out some vacuum hoses and check valves--very easy though---you may start to get occasional check engine lights with vacuum leaks as those rubber hoses are a bit old.

BUY it youll dig it--especially with the stage 1.

[ggcrash]

I think that $1500 a year is an excessive amount for standard maintenance, though there will be times when you'll spend more than that. Given the age and mileage, it could end up being that much for the next few services, but I would say that my average maintenance costs per year are something around $800 excluding the timing belt service. Recently, I've been spending more trying to replace stuff that doesn't necessarily need it, but should have it anyway due to age and miles. Doing stuff yourself will definitely save you a lot, but I'd also always keep some money saved up for something unexpected.

This was WITHOUT DIY, I think $1500 is reasonable if you DON'T supply your own parts, and need a mechanic to do the work. Do yourself a favor, get friendly with a VW or AUDI tech that does side work... If you can do it for $800, more power to you...But that's NOT average for 7 to 10 year old german chassis, that's known to have high maintenance costs. Don't get me wrong, the B6 chassis is GREAT, when everything is working right, when things begin to go wrong, it tends to get expensive very fast, like MOST german cars.

[Charles.waite]

This was WITHOUT DIY, I think $1500 is reasonable if you DON'T supply your own parts, and need a mechanic to do the work. Do yourself a favor, get friendly with a VW or AUDI tech that does side work... If you can do it for $800, more power to you...But that's NOT average for 7 to 10 year old german chassis, that's known to have high maintenance costs. Don't get me wrong, the B6 chassis is GREAT, when everything is working right, when things begin to go wrong, it tends to get expensive very fast, like MOST german cars.

Good point. If you DIY you can keep your car running great with very little cost. Having said that if there are any big things waiting to fail there could be a large bill here or there. Ive spent around $1200 this past year in maintenance, all DIY but I had a LOT of stuff and had to redo some stuff as well as spent too much on a few parts that I didn't need to replace. I'm not out of the woods yet, I estimate I have about 4-600 more in parts to replace and I'll be sitting pretty for years to come.

If you can get the engine in a good place then maintenance will be very low.