Buying a used 2007 A4 2.0T Quattro - What should I look for?

[RaIsdfIst]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post, but I may be spending lots of time on this forum if I end up buying the car.

I found this used 2007 A4 Quattro 2.0t for a good price from an old couple a few hours away from here. They the car is mint and only has 99,000 Km which is really low for its age.. it really looks good on picture too. I will be going over and take it for a test drive this Saturday.

I was wondering, is there anything I should be looking for on a used A4 of that year that would tell me to stay away from it? Any red flags I should be looking for?

Are the oil problems really this bad on those engines? I asked them whether they need to top up the oil between changes and apparently everything's fine. Do they all start consuming oil at some point? Should I be worried?

Thanks!!
Al
(Sorry for my spelling, english is not my native language ;-))

[Jet08]

The key is service history, if there is documented history of correct services at an Audi workshop or reputable shop that is a good sign. With the oil consumption on the 2.0T it starts from new rather than develops over time. The other item to check is whether the timing belt has been changed, it is recommended at 7 years regardless of mileage.

[EvolutionArmory]

Turbocharger wastegate arm play. These turbos like to fail at the wastegate. It might sound like pouring BB's in a tin can when you let off the throttle or rev the motor to 3K and listen during deceleration.

[RaIsdfIst]

@EvolutionArmory, is it really loud? Will it be hard to distinguish from road noise?

[RaIsdfIst]

@Jet08 I edited my reply and deleted it... Doh! I think they do have all the invoices for the oil changes, apparently done at 6000km interval so that's a good sign. If it hasn't leaked I will not worry then, thanks for reassuring me on this. I will inquire about the timing belt. If it hasn't been replaced, it does not look overly hard from teh tutorial I just looked at on the forums.

Looking forward to go see this car on Saturday morning!!

Thanks for the advices guys! :-)

[tloft4]

this same thread came up a couple weeks ago

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...help-questions

[EvolutionArmory]

@EvolutionArmory, is it really loud? Will it be hard to distinguish from road noise?

When my turbo went for the same reason, it was pretty easy to distinguish. It almost sounds like a BOV. Drive with the windows open. 😀

[Ashtonts]

Make sure the cam follower has been kept up with

[Jet08]

@ Ashtonts

The cam follower is not a standard service part and given the non enthusiast current owners very unlikely it has been checked nor changed but can you wrench someones car to inspect pre-purchase ?

[Ringsby4]

@ Ashtonts

The cam follower is not a standard service part and given the non enthusiast current owners very unlikely it has been checked nor changed but can you wrench someones car to inspect pre-purchase ?

Thought about that in buying a new to me A4 or even a used 2.0 engine . I would suggest to the seller that its an absolute necessity to at the CF unless there is comprehensive service history,meaning invoices which would detail if there have been inspections or worse,failure...
It should take no longer than 1.5 hrs to out and in ( unless its got that banjo bolt ! )
If the CF/cam inspection is found to be intact ie no hole or cam wear...the purchaser should pay,if the CF is ,just walk away..and you had better do that

[Jet08]

One of the few benefits of living in Australia is the oil we use in our engines is different to the US, I have looked at over a dozen different VW/Audi 2.0T FSI cam followers and not found any significant wear on engines ranging from 60,000 to 200,000+ kilometres.

[Ringsby4]

One of the few benefits of living in Australia is the oil we use in our engines is different to the US, I have looked at over a dozen different VW/Audi 2.0T FSI cam followers and not found any significant wear on engines ranging from 60,000 to 200,000+ kilometres.

I'm thinking the same,my CF was a virgin pull at 120 k kms and was in really good nick.......( thank the lord as when I bought the car,I wasn't even aware of the issue )

[Dondbg]

One of the few benefits of living in Australia is the oil we use in our engines is different to the US, I have looked at over a dozen different VW/Audi 2.0T FSI cam followers and not found any significant wear on engines ranging from 60,000 to 200,000+ kilometres.

U use 5w30 Castro ?


B7 2.0TQ Avant '08

[Ashtonts]

Thought about that in buying a new to me A4 or even a used 2.0 engine . I would suggest to the seller that its an absolute necessity to at the CF unless there is comprehensive service history,meaning invoices which would detail if there have been inspections or worse,failure...
It should take no longer than 1.5 hrs to out and in ( unless its got that banjo bolt ! )
If the CF/cam inspection is found to be intact ie no hole or cam wear...the purchaser should pay,if the CF is ,just walk away..and you had better do that

I don't even think it took me 1.5 hours my first time, and I did have the banjo bolt. 2007 and 2008 cars have the non-banjo fitting, so it should be a breeze to at least inspect the follower.

[Novarider]

If I was selling my car (any car) and you asked to disassemble part of the motor I would flat out tell you no. Way to many possible problems.

I fully understand why you are suggesting he do this but not many people are going to let him do so.

I would allow a shop do it as long as you are paying.

[Ringsby4]

If I was selling my car (any car) and you asked to disassemble part of the motor I would flat out tell you no. Way to many possible problems.

I fully understand why you are suggesting he do this but not many people are going to let him do so.

I would allow a shop do it as long as you are paying.

Yes for sure,I was thinking a shop,not asking to do it roadside myself.....

[marlboro]

One of the few benefits of living in Australia is the oil we use in our engines is different to the US, I have looked at over a dozen different VW/Audi 2.0T FSI cam followers and not found any significant wear on engines ranging from 60,000 to 200,000+ kilometres.

What oil exactly are you talking about? More likely different quality of the CF (even if they are all OEM) - different factory, etc. If the oil was not so good in the US, they would have much more premature engine failures, timing chain and tensioners issues, etc. May be their wider differences in temperatures also play part in the CF wear.

[vvenom800tt]

A different car

[Okedokey]

One of the few benefits of living in Australia is the oil we use in our engines is different to the US, I have looked at over a dozen different VW/Audi 2.0T FSI cam followers and not found any significant wear on engines ranging from 60,000 to 200,000+ kilometres.

Im not sure what you mean here? What oil and how is it different?

[Ringsby4]

I'm thinking the same,my CF was a virgin pull at 120 k kms and was in really good nick.......( thank the lord as when I bought the car,I wasn't even aware of the issue )

I wasn't really thinking the same as regards the oil but agree about the CF's in OZ, why is the CF follower issue less known on A4's here compared to the USA, AFAIK the BWE engine sold here had INA supplying the CF's..
Its a mystery

[AudiKilla]

At 99KM, the cam follower probably needs to be changed but shouldn't have a hole if the car runs fine and has no codes. I'd take the risk, I did with my 112KM B7. My cam follower was original and had all the black coating removed, definitely needed replacing but no hole. Got lucky eh!

No service history and engine is very quiet compared to my last B7.

[RaIsdfIst]

Thanks everyone for the replies, really appreciate all the help. I am going over to test drive it tomorrow morning, I will let you guys know how it went.. :)

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[Ringsby4]

Thanks everyone for the replies, really appreciate all the help. I am going over to test drive it tomorrow morning, I will let you guys know how it went.. :)

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Audizine mobile app

I'm optimistic on this, particularly the low kms.. just go now with the overall gut feeling as sometimes that overrules everything else ! meaning don't overthink every little potential shortfall ......I'm sure you get my drift
Good luck and hope to see you on here ( not with problems ) but how to get the most out of these awesome cars,cheers

[vce1232000]

for a empty wallet in the foreable future...........

[Ringsby4]

for a empty wallet in the foreable future...........

Oh,donthim that

[Novarider]

for a empty wallet in the foreable future...........

Why do people say this? From what I see on this forum all that is required is change the timing belt/water pump every 75k and the cam follower every 10k and oil every 5k. What is so expensive?

I'm genuinely curious since I'm looking for a b7 right now

[Ringsby4]

Why do people say this? From what I see on this forum all that is required is change the timing belt/water pump every 75k and the cam follower every 10k and oil every 5k. What is so expensive?

I'm genuinely curious since I'm looking for a b7 right now

Every car is an individual and unique case like us humans-some go through life with few apparent problems others are the unit from hell.
If you end up with the problem child you better either have buckets of $$$'s to spend on pro's doing the work or do it yourself which if you have the interest and ability is pretty rewarding.What you get with the B7 is one amazing ride that when compared to the original purchase price is now so heavily discounted that it can only be considered a bargain.Just my opinion but I say go for it but only if you come to terms with the above...

[RaIsdfIst]

Thanks everyone for your input, I am the proud new owner of a 2007 A4 Quattro 2.0T

I was expecting the car to have a bit more power (was expecting performance similar to my v6 ford fusion), but overall the car is great! I will be looking at getting a chip and put a tune in asap, right after I change the cam follower at least.

Timing belt and water pump coming will be coming very soon also. I am definitely not a mechanic, but I have been doing most of the work on my cars over the years so I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. I see some great tutorials on this forum (like the one for the timing belt) which will guide me through the process for most of the stuff I will need, at least I hope LOL.

Thanks everyone! :)

[Ringsby4]

Thanks everyone for your input, I am the proud new owner of a 2007 A4 Quattro 2.0T

I was expecting the car to have a bit more power (was expecting performance similar to my v6 ford fusion), but overall the car is great! I will be looking at getting a chip and put a tune in asap, right after I change the cam follower at least.

Timing belt and water pump coming will be coming very soon also. I am definitely not a mechanic, but I have been doing most of the work on my cars over the years so I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. I see some great tutorials on this forum (like the one for the timing belt) which will guide me through the process for most of the stuff I will need, at least I hope LOL.

Thanks everyone! :)

Allow me to be the first to Congratulate you ! Now.....
Easy,relatively inexpensive power= ECU chipped>Hi flow cat>larger DP>new (red) coil packs.....
Its as simple as that to transform your new ride from the somewhat sluggish ride it may appear to you now into something that will make your eyes sparkle !
Then of course,coilovers are a must......

[RaIsdfIst]

Thank you very much, I will definitely be looking at the ECU chip short term, and the other upgrade as budget permits... any suggestions as to which ECU chip to get? I am assuming transferring a tune over should not be too hard? I have been working in IT for 20ish years so I am assuming this is something I should be able to do easily?

[Ringsby4]

Thank you very much, I will definitely be looking at the ECU chip short term, and the other upgrade as budget permits... any suggestions as to which ECU chip to get? I am assuming transferring a tune over should not be too hard? I have been working in IT for 20ish years so I am assuming this is something I should be able to do easily?

ooh,that chip thing,there's threads and threads on here.I Bought my car with the APR and its certainly way over and above OEM tune but If I had a choice- JHM is the way I'd go...

And as a PS-new coilpacks gave my car a noticeable lift in the top end-incidentally I had no codes and car was running well before the cp install -just my two cents worth...

[RaIsdfIst]

ooh,that chip thing,there's threads and threads on here.I Bought my car with the APR and its certainly way over and above OEM tune but If I had a choice- JHM is the way I'd go...

Thanks, I will keep this in mind. I noticed that there are many threads on the subject, I guess I will have lots of reading to do over the next while. Really looking forward to it thought, I am excited! :)

[Ringsby4]

Thanks, I will keep this in mind. I noticed that there are many threads on the subject, I guess I will have lots of reading to do over the next while. Really looking forward to it thought, I am excited! :)

Good.read my PS above as well and yeah,you would only go genuine for this item....

[Theiceman]

Why do people say this? From what I see on this forum all that is required is change the timing belt/water pump every 75k and the cam follower every 10k and oil every 5k. What is so expensive?

I'm genuinely curious since I'm looking for a b7 right now

Cf
Hp Fuel pump
Intake cam
Timing belt
Timing chain and tensioner
VVT solenoid
gas tank charcoal canister
Purge solenoid
Thermostat
Rear coolant flange
Pcv valve
Cracked valve cover
Worn out control arms with cracked bushings
Leaking vacuum pump
Leaking oil filter housing
Broken wiring harness to trunk
Bad cats
Failing turbos
Coil packs
Broken glove box hinge
Seat elevator motor
Engine mounts
Snub mount


Just a few things off the top of my head. I've had about 80% of these at 250k kilometres

These are all
Things I would spend a year checking out and making sure car is solid before ever even dreaming of flashing the ecu. These things can be a nightmare stock. Never mind upgraded. So slow down, spend some time making sure you have a solid base before getting a hard on for mods.





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[klrider44]

Cf
Hp Fuel pump
Intake cam
Timing belt
Timing chain and tensioner
VVT solenoid
gas tank charcoal canister
Purge solenoid
Thermostat
Rear coolant flange
Pcv valve
Cracked valve cover
Worn out control arms with cracked bushings
Leaking vacuum pump
Leaking oil filter housing
Broken wiring harness to trunk
Bad cats
Failing turbos
Coil packs
Broken glove box hinge
Seat elevator motor
Engine mounts
Snub mount


Just a few things off the top of my head. I've had about 80% of these at 250k kilometres

These are all
Things I would spend a year checking out and making sure car is solid before ever even dreaming of flashing the ecu. These things can be a nightmare stock. Never mind upgraded. So slow down, spend some time making sure you have a solid base before getting a hard on for mods.





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Thats a damn good list, I have had about 75% of that give me problems.


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[Ringsby4]

Cf
Hp Fuel pump
Intake cam
Timing belt
Timing chain and tensioner
VVT solenoid
gas tank charcoal canister
Purge solenoid
Thermostat
Rear coolant flange
Pcv valve
Cracked valve cover
Worn out control arms with cracked bushings
Leaking vacuum pump
Leaking oil filter housing
Broken wiring harness to trunk
Bad cats
Failing turbos
Coil packs
Broken glove box hinge
Seat elevator motor
Engine mounts
Snub mount


Just a few things off the top of my head. I've had about 80% of these at 250k kilometres

These are all
Things I would spend a year checking out and making sure car is solid before ever even dreaming of flashing the ecu. These things can be a nightmare stock. Never mind upgraded. So slow down, spend some time making sure you have a solid base before getting a hard on for mods.





Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

That's a good representative list of classic fails for sure but keep in mind that the car being discussed by OP who started this thread has only done about a third of your km's.Its new by comparison.

[vce1232000]

Why do people say this? From what I see on this forum all that is required is change the timing belt/water pump every 75k and the cam follower every 10k and oil every 5k. What is so expensive?

I'm genuinely curious since I'm looking for a b7 right now

Every car is an individual and unique case like us humans-some go through life with few apparent problems others are the unit from hell.
If you end up with the problem child you better either have buckets of $$$'s to spend on pro's doing the work or do it yourself which if you have the interest and ability is pretty rewarding.What you get with the B7 is one amazing ride that when compared to the original purchase price is now so heavily discounted that it can only be considered a bargain.Just my opinion but I say go for it but only if you come to terms with the above...

One of the reasons would be Ringsby4 statement above

Audi parts can get expensive really quick. This is just the nature of the beast when owning a Audi. Not only in regular maintenance . But also the aftermarket. Most on here have some sort of work done. They can tell you it aint the same $$$$$ as a Honda . I for one am happy with my purchase of the Avant. Ive have her for about 4 years and have spent my fair share of $$$$. I regret non of it.

OP. Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the family

[Theiceman]

That's a good representative list of classic fails for sure but keep in mind that the car being discussed by OP who started this thread has only done about a third of your km's.Its new by comparison.

Agreed. But it was for the second guy who asked. Plus knowledge is power. At least first guy knows what to expect


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