I've bought another one!

[wid77]

As I mentioned in a precious thread the engine in my 2001 A4 Avant 1.9tdi went a few weeks ago. It had been serviced regularly so I was a bit disappointed that it only managed 202k miles! I was hoping for a fair few more. Anyway, I decided to get an Alfa 156 sportwagon with the 2.4 jtd engine. I looked for a little while but couldn't find anything nearby that looked suitable or priced within my budget. Desperate for a car for work and tired of borrowing other people's cars I decided to scour Autotrader for anything under £1k locally. I was surprised to find an Avant, same year and spec as mine but with the 2.5tdi 6 cylinder engine. It was going quite cheap so I bought it. It needs a couple of tyres and a new windscreen but other than that it seems an honest car. 166k on the clock. Service history until about 144k when the cambelt was also done so I'll need to give it a service. The cambelt will also need looking at as it's 4 years old unless I'm feeling lucky. I like the torque of the engine. It has real shove from about 1500rpm compared to my 115 pd engine. Sounds good too. I have to be careful as the torque easily overwhelms the tyres when accelerating. I think the suspension is a bit tired as it is a bit wallowy and feels a lot softer than my previous one even though it has done less miles. I'm wondering if it is meant to be a softer set up? Perhaps other 2.5 owners could advise me? So far I am enjoying the car. The Alfa will have to wait!

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[adamss24]

It might be a SE model, which means softer springs and shocks- look at the color of the shocks: red are sports and black are SE. Also pay attention to oil leaks on shocks body. The smooth torque from the v6 is addictive !

[wid77]

Yes it's definitely an SE. The thing is my 1.9 was also an SE but that felt firmer and a lot less floaty. I think it's down to some play in the bushes or ball joints. The last MOT had an advisory for a lower ball joint so that's probably not helping. I also suspect the dampers or possibly the springs could be tired?

I'm trying not to spend loads on it yet until I know it's a keeper as my initial intention was to only keep it as a stop gap. The problem is I end up getting attached to cars and trying to remedy every last fault with them! I'll see what the MOT throws up in a couple of months time.


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[spartacus 68]

Under a grand is a steal! The B5 V6 is a real gem of a motor. Don't get me wrong, it's old technology, but the power delivery is uber smooth and just keeps going.

If this is a keeper for a few years, then get the cam belt done. Do the auxilliary belts done at the same time and replace the thermostat (genuine Audi) and the water pump.

Regards suspension arms, then a Meyle HD kit is a worthwhile investment. Okay it's £300+, but if you can do it yourself it's worth it. Replace the front and rear ARB bushes too. If your budget extends, then replacement Bilstein shocks are good.

Only other thing is the brakes. At this age they're tired. A full strip down, caliper rebuild (new dust seals, 'o' ring) works wonders. I use Lockheed red grease during installation, the dog's danglies.

Replace the air filter with a K+N standard panel filter and listen to the turbo whistle. Just lightly oil and always let it dry thoroughly.

Enjoy.

[wid77]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'll certainly consider some of those things. I've got a feeling she might be a keeper but I'll wait until the MOT before deciding. As regards the parts you mentioned, could you give me a pointer where to get them from? I doubt whether some of those items would be stocked at Euro Car Parts who I normally use. Thanks.


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[wid77]

I've found the Meyle kit on eBay. Looks good. I'll certainly bear that in mind.


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