litewait

Looking for an A4/A6 (maybe a Passat) for my 18 year old.

I've seen plenty of 99-01's for $2500-$4000 with 150k and up miles.

Really don't want to spend more as carrying collision on it will kill me with an teenage driver.

What should I look for to make sure I am not looking at a major repair before buying it, like timing belt, etc?

Are there things to avoid like Turbo and Triptronic?

Many ads say the ABS light is on or O2 sensor, those I should avoid, right?

Thanks for the help.

Steelman93

I would avoid one with that high mileage unless there are service records with it.

Things to look for:
Timing belt. It should have been done at least once, maybe twice by then
ABS light...avoid
if there is a check engine light make sure it is not the cat.
Oil change records...that year was prone to sludge problems.

If it has had control arms done considered it a good deal.
Window regulators are also prone to go out.

Also, if you are going to buy a used audi...prepare to do a lot of work on it yourself...you will save a lot of money if you do.

I drove an 01 to 185k and sold it with a clean conscience because as far as I know it was well maintained and no issues
I drove an 02 to 197k and sold it to a dealer because it had major problems and I didn't want to stick somebody with it. It needed suspension work, and a cat.

lyleswk

Agree with Steelman 100%. I bought an 02 with decent records with 187K. It was more to keep on the road than I thought..and then it was murdered by a 4x4 truck I now have an 03 with 100K. Both cars were my kids car, the older one is in college now without a car, so my 16 year old is driving it. Anyway, I would make sure and stay away from the CVT as well; keep in mind that quattro equals tiptronic, but fwd can be either. If it were me, I would find a manual and teach your 18 year to drive it, but that's me.

Gingerbread man

QFT. Not only is it more rewarding, economical and reliable, it'll also keep him/her engaged and connected to the car during driving (and off the phone).

dilella33

the number one thing to have if looking for a used audi or vw is vagcom even if it is the ebay knock off it still better then nothing. sometimes cars can have engine codes and the CEL does not display.