In the past 6 years I’ve had 2 Audi A4 wagons, which of the 25 vehicles I’ve owned since 1956, these have been the best! I sold the first one, a 2003 2L turbo because I did not want to pay the outrageous price to change the timing belt. The second one, 2008 3.2L replaced the first one and has a timing chain. But 2 1/2 years of not passing emissions here in Larimer County Colorado has cost considerably but far, far less than the local Audi/VW/Porsche dealer by thousands! In the end a $40 part and a $37 part did the trick and I did the repairs.
But here’s the second ending. The State Regulatory Commission finally made a decent decision. The problem being the ECM has a glitch in it but the State emissions testing station showed no problems what-so-ever. So it passed. I’m now selling this really great, in my opinion, car as I’ve purchased a 2008 Range Rover Sport that had five exterior light bulbs burned out! A suspension problem in the right rear is being looked into otherwise all’s excellent. I’ve wanted one since I tried to get a new one for testing back in 1971. Loved the Audis but just got last Thanksgiving a car I’ve always wanted.
I’ve purchased two brand new cars in my life. I’ve also worked on cars since 13 years old changing oil in my Dad’s 1938 straight eight Olds. I enjoy the challenges of used cars to make them better for a lot less than new ones cost over the long run.
What I’d like to promote here is with older vehicles the dealers will usually charge for diagnostics that will include replacing parts that are supposedly bad but it’s easier for them to replace full components at the very high charges. I find O’Reilly and Advantage and other parts stores to be way less costly. Most of the parts are outsourced/made in other countries including the two I purchased but are the exact same as the so called Dealer Original Parts. I buy also from eBay and have been quite lucky.
You can purchase a diagnostic tool for checking codes from most parts stores or Harbor Freight. Plug it into the receptacle under the lower panel near the left of steering wheel. Check the codes if any to see any problems. BTW no ones asked if the Check Engine Light (CEL) has come on.
If you’ve almost unlimited income help the dealer build a new show room.