Bying a '99 A4, 2.4L / 30V, AT. Any PRO's and CON's?

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agaibulin - 10 Dec 2007 13:13 GMT

Hi all,

Looking forward to acquire a 99 A4, equipped with a 2.4 liter V6 (30
valve) and auto-transmission.
Would appreciate your reviews of this car and its PRO's and CON's.

Cheers.

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TonyJ - 10 Dec 2007 19:06 GMT

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Cheers.
>

If this is a US car you will find that the engine size is 2.8 rather
than 2.4.

The Tiptronic transmission should have the oil and filter changed each
50K to 60K.

The 2.8 is a good engine but it does have the characteristic of leaking
a bit of oil on the exhaust from the cam and valve seals. More of a
minor irritation than anything but seems to be a common 'feature' of the
2.8.

Find out if the control arms in the front suspension have been replaced.
There was a recall on them for wear and squeaking.

Expect to be replacing wheel bearings in the back at around 100K.

Overall a good car. My son has a '98 with that engine / transmission
that is running strong at 140K.

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agaibulin - 11 Dec 2007 02:33 GMT

> > Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> If this is a US car you will find that the engine size is 2.8 rather
> than 2.4.

Nope that is a car for Japan market, and it's 2.4 V6

> The 2.8 is a good engine but it does have the characteristic of leaking
> a bit of oil on the exhaust from the cam and valve seals. More of a
> minor irritation than anything but seems to be a common 'feature' of the
> 2.8.

Some reviewers say that a common problem for Audi's V6 engines are
their timing belt along with its tensioner and ribbed belt. Any
thoughts on that?

> Find out if the control arms in the front suspension have been replaced.
> There was a recall on them for wear and squeaking.

> Expect to be replacing wheel bearings in the back at around 100K.
>
> Overall a good car. My son has a '98 with that engine / transmission
> that is running strong at 140K.

Thanks.
A

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TonyJ - 11 Dec 2007 04:10 GMT

>
>>
[quoted text clipped - 38 lines]
> A
>

T belts on the v6 should be replaced at about 75 - 80K. Recommended
interval is somewhat longer but failures have occurred frequently enough
to tend to recommend an owner be more conservative as failure will
usually trash the engine. The T belt is not the most risky component,
rather the water pump or tensioner are more likely to fail. These have
the same effect.

I do not consider this a problem issue with the engine. It is a part of
routine maintenance for any engine with a T belt. The cost of a failure
is just more of an incentive on an interference engine.

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KLS - 11 Dec 2007 21:28 GMT

>Some reviewers say that a common problem for Audi's V6 engines are
>their timing belt along with its tensioner and ribbed belt. Any
>thoughts on that?

It's for real, and you need to find a garage that'll install the new
water pump and tensioner and belt correctly and not overtighten them,
as happened on my now-stolen 98.5 A4.

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Me - 11 Dec 2007 06:19 GMT

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Cheers.

Tony mentions the trany oil change.............if you have this done get
garage tech to drive with you BEFORE its replaced to show them the vehicle
runs 100%. Then if there's any problems after its THEIR error. This follows
a post a few months ago where someone had it changed and the box f'kk'd up
after.

I have no real problems with my 98 2.4 it went through MOT yesterday with
only a minor recommendation on a steering joint. Car has been in family from
new, father then me.

T belt, water pump, idlers all replaced at 66k for £600. Now at 88K

One steering joint, cooler header tank and 2 new gaiters replaced over last
year.

Original heated wing mirrors failed years ago when owned by my father and I
replaced them a few years back. Been OK since with new design.

All lower door trims replaced over 5 years.

Instrument panel illumination fades a little in hot
weather..............this appears to be a common thing on this era of Audi.
Way too expensive to worry about.

otherwise a great car.

dj
in UK

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Mark - 12 Dec 2007 10:18 GMT

>> Hi all,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>
>otherwise a great car.

Agreed.

IME trouble/weak spots are:
- Front steering components.
- Water pump & cam belt tensioner.
- Electic windows has "gremlins" (windows occasionally
open on their own).
- Window mechanisms - the windows stick and damage the motors.
- Instrument panel fades.
- Engine sensors.

M.

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