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

agaibulin wrote:
> On Dec 11, 1:06 am, TonyJ <to...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>   
>> agaibulin wrote:
>>     
>>> 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.
>>>       
>> 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
>   
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.