Looking at a 98 Audi A4 quattro..

[4g63tcrazy]

I went and test drove a 98 audi a4 quattro yesterday. It's the V6 2.8L with manual trans. Any heads up and tips to what I should be looking for? I'm not an Audi guy so I'm not sure of any specific things to look at. The car drove great but there was a pretty loud rattling sound at low 1st gear. The guy said it's been like that the last 3 years he's owned it. Also the brake light is blinking and he said the ABS module needs to be rebuilt. Car still braked great and I don't really care for ABS anyway. So what exactly is there to look for?

This is what the guy says in his add:

1998 Audi A4 Quattro
2.8 V6
5-speed manual transmission
Quattro (AWD)
157 3xx miles
Black leather seats, heated front seats, driver's seat powered
Power windows, mirrors and sunroof
BOSE stereo
Car was lowered on H&R Race Springs.
Aftermarket headlights.
Smoked side markers.
Good:
Timing belt with water pump, thermostat and accessory drive belt replaced 7k miles ago.
New front, left axle.
New alternator.
Recent tune-up (spark plugs, wires, fuel filter).
Valve cover gaskets replaced.
Clutch and transmission in good condition.
Bad:
ABS module needs to be rebuilt (ABS doesn't work but car brakes just fine)
Cracked windshield (pictured).
Needs new front, right turning signal (someone backed into my car in parking lot. No biggie. Signal is still working but the plastic covering the bulb is busted).

Oh and I know these cars are "money pits" so I don't need anyone telling me that, or saying why not get this instead? This is going to be my daily/winter beater.

[123abc]

Meh, abs is over-rated. Just stomp on the brakes to check em. lol





Sounds like it's in decent shape, if he's telling the truth.

[4g63tcrazy]

Yeah I don't care for ABS at all. It would just be the blinking brake light that would drive me nuts. The car is in very good condition and the guy had 4 other audi's so it makes me feel better about it. It drove very well and I can't complain about the comfort.

[niterydr]

The ABS module failures are somewhat common. I'd check out www.mnaudi.com or www.audiworld.com for some good tech info.

[4g63tcrazy]

Thanks!

[4g63tcrazy]

Well.. Nevermind I guess. I told the guy I'd come pick it up tomorrow with cash. 3 hours later get a text and he said it's sold..

[twack]

Well.. Nevermind I guess. I told the guy I'd come pick it up tomorrow with cash. 3 hours later get a text and he said it's sold..
good wait till you can find a 1.8t quattro black on black

[4g63tcrazy]

I don't want the 1.8t. Not for a daily anyway, I need an n/a car.

[NOT THE BLUE LAMPSHADE]

good thing it sold, i was gonna say that an audi v6 with that many miles can be a maintenace whore. ive seen too many mkiii vw/audis with rusted floors and shit or just other problems that can make the car a headache. kinda like a dsm i guess, a german dsm

[NOT THE BLUE LAMPSHADE]

also, if youre looking at vw/audi id go for a 2000+ mk4, a lot more realiable imo