Buying my first Audi

[Sway]

Hello All,

I have found an Audi A4 2003 1.8T and was looking for some advice from experience A4 owners. The car has done less than 50k miles and has a full service history. I have read of issues with sludge problems and was wondering what to look for specifically relating to A4's? Are there obvious signs of this sludge issue?

Cambelt hasn't been replaced yet either, I have been told that 75k to 100k is the time to do that but the car is 10 years old so is it worthwhile changing it now?

Thanks

 

[madmike01uk]

cambelt should be changed every 4 years along with the water pump. In regards to the sludge I would recommend you get the sump dropped and the oil pickup pipe replaced, it's not a big job and well worth doing. Any good independant specialist will be able to sort this for you.

 

[Sway]

Thanks madmike, I'm hoping that the car won't have developed that issue with the low mileage but if I buy it I will take the steps you suggested.

Cheers

 

[Mike B]

Still worth changing the pipe more so if its been on longlife servicing.Thats an unusually low mileage and I would make sure its genuine

 

[Sway]

Yeah I will get an HPI and was possibly thinking about getting an AA inspection as well...just to make sure.

 

[stu_m]

hpi does not check mileage

though you can go on to dvla website with the previous mot cert and get a list of the previous mot's which may help verify things

also do the cambelt and pick up pipe as already said

 

[Sway]

Good point! I 'll do the cambelt and pick up pipe as I think its best to change the oil and filter once I buy it.

Cheers

 

[quattrojames]

It's worth reading the DIY guides sticky to see the issues these cars have, such as slow wipers, broken glove box hinge etc so you're familiar with what to look for.

 

[Sway]

Thanks, that's a great resource. Did an RAC HPI check today and it came back clean, need to check the VIN and V5 documents. All be well it looks like i'll own my first Audi soon.

 

[DieselJake]

Welcome to our world of expensive taste and drained bank accounts