Test drive a4 avant tommorow...what to look out for? (first post)

Hey guys, I am going to test drive an S reg A4 1.8T avant. 130000 miles £995. Good body condition, cream leather interior. New pads and discs all round, full service history, MOT end of march. Any advice on what to look for, common faults. Also, I'm struggling to identify if it is facelift or not...?

At that price and age, then probably quite a few things. The 1.8T can suffer engine failure due to blocked oil pick-up pipe. Regular oil changes every 10k will be the way to go. Some owners drop the sump and renew the pick-up pipe, flush the engine and renew the oil, but it's not straight-forward. Here's a link for removing sump: http://www.audiforum.ca/showthread.php?t=53442

Check to see when the timing belt and water-pump was done. Should be every 60k or 4 years. Expect to pay £400 at least.

Suspension A 1998 S-reg is getting on, so assuming the service history and MOTs kept on top of the suspension components, then double-check things like CV boots, weeping shock absorbers, etc. To check - take the car over speed bumps and listen for tell-tale clunks. Could be worn upper control arms or lower ball-joints, or ARB bushes.

Brakes Just because it's had new pads and discs - doesn't mean all is well with the brakes. Test-drive the car and drive for 5-10 miles. Try not to use the brakes and coast to a stop. Check the discs to touch. Any hot discs and you're looking at a sticky piston. Will need overhauled or renewed. Also check handbrake cable at rear calipers. If it's worn or frayed - then you're looking at £50 for part alone and another £60 to fit.

Obvious things Check levels, such as brake, oil and coolant looks clean with no residue. Make sure all lights on dash go out. If its still lit up like a Christmas tree after ignition - walk away, as auto-electrical such as airbag and ABS will turn your bargain into something a little more expensive. Any excessive smoke on startup, could be dirty MAF, split breather hose, etc. White smoke - then walk away.

Tyres Check for even tread across the surface of the tyre. On quattro models - it's normal for rub on the outside wall due to crabbing on turning. Any clicking on hard lock to hard lock and it's probably worn CV joints.

Lastly, and importantly, this car will probably have just a driver's airbag fitted. Normally they're good for 15 years and will have a renew date. Something to be aware of.

One other thing - check the bulkhead (where the battery sits). Common problem is for the drain holes to block leading to damage to ECU and brake servo, etc.

Good luck.

Thanks, this is really helpful. Much appreciated.