<br>I am considering a used A4 because new models are hard to find in my area. I have found a used A4 Turbo Quattro 1.8L that has had a TAP Stage 2 upgrade chip installed, along with a Scorpion exhaust. I am told this boosts power from 150 to 218 hp. Can anyone tell me if this is a good idea or bad idea? I am in California, and want to know if it will affect my smog certification too. Will my warranty stay in effect? Thanks!<ul><li><a href="http://tap1.com">http://tap1.com</a></li></ul>

it would be like buying a long-term test car from a car magazine. You know it's been run hard and put away wet for most of its life. And it's an indication of the personality of the owner. You should probably only buy a chipped car if you can meet and talk with the owner. I wonder how Audi will handle the issue of chipping on its used car lots in the coming years as A4s start coming back in.

Whether the car is a "good buy" or not really depends on how well maintained it is and whether or not it was mistreated. Odds are that a modified car with a TAP Stage II has been driven "spiritedly," but that doesn't mean it's been abused.<p>I don't believe any of the aftermarket chips have received CARB approval; I might be wrong. However, as long as the car retains its catalytic converter, it will likely pass the smog test.<p>As for the warranty, it technically remains in effect for all original components. However, whether a repair is covered by the warranty may depend on your relationship with your dealer.<p>Some dealers are more "aftermarket friendly" than others: the friendly ones will be reasonable and try to work with you; the not-so-friendly may try to blame any potential warranty repair on your aftermarket parts without any real justification. This issue has been discussed often on this forum with varying opinions.<p>HTH, Jim

I have a chip, but I almost never accelerate hard. I just like having the extra power when I really do need it. HOwever, I can see how someone with a chip could push his car hard all the time and really wear down the automobile.<p>Mike

The modifications themselves don't really say much. The less restrictive exhaust is a good thing, and stage II is still pretty reasonable. First off get the car inspected by an Audi mechanic (not necessarily a dealer shop, just someone who specializes in Audis). This will insure that there aren't any major problems waiting for you. Second, insist on seeing all maintence and repair records. This will help establish whether the car has been well cared for and has had any problems, and if so you can make sure they have been resolved. Ask the owner, if you're buying from a dealer ask to contact the previous owner, if they autocrossed or ran the car on the track. These activities put a lot more stress on the car. Look at the general appearence of the car inside and out, folks who obsess about their cars and take good care of their appearence generally take good care of the mechanicals as well. You might ask what products they use (Armorall is generally not a good sign) and how often they wash the car, as well as how often they waxed it. The driving habbits and how the previous owner maintained the car are the most important factors. There will be bone stock A4's that were thrashed and poorly maintained, and there will be modded ones that were cared for in every detail.<p>On the warranty, well check the archives there's tons of info. Legally, my understanding is modifications only void the warranty on those parts which they directly affect (ie. don't look for the dealer to repair exhaust problems). In reality it comes down to how cooperative the dealer is, it's easier to find another dealer than to go to court over a warranty issue. I'm not sure how significant this will really be as I'm not sure whether it's transferable, and also, it's only 3 years or 50,000 miles. If you're talking about some sort of extended warranty...read it thoroughly.<p>Regards,<br>Rodney<p>'99 A4 1.8tqms