Hi everyone, I started in a '98 A4, now in a '04 A4 Avant (the black one in my sig), but I came across a '96 C4 A6 Avant in nice shape and I want to make the switch.

I'd like some input please if you can. :)

Specs:
about 115K miles

power everything, and it all seems to work

3rd seat

new tires

Auto Transmission shifts solid

leather seats definitely look more than their age, complete with a tear in back seat. (ugh)

Significant paint oxidation on the hood

expansion tank is nasty
(p.s. what color should the coolant be? Green or Pink?)

Oil leak near drain plug area, but looks like it could be oil pan gasket (or is this where the crank seal leaks?)

Dash lights are dim

Otherwise the car is in good shape and pretty clean. Moves and handles very solid, though I did notice a vibration/shudder on initial acceleration from stand still. It seemed to come from the rear, but I'm not sure. What could that be?

Any thoughts on a good price? My instinct is about $3,500.00 - $3,700.00 based on what I've been reading in FAQ, and about others' purchases and sales.

I myself would aim a little lower but pricing also depends on location...
The coolant in the 96 should be pink.. if its a brownish color and the reservoir has brown film on the interior walls you might be looking at a head gasket replacement.

If the seats are significantly worn, I'd be wary of the mileage. The instrument cluster is very easy to change to one with lower mileage. Check the VIN against CarFax to see if the mileage is believable. Higher mileage shouldn't be a deal killer if it runs well but it would be a good bargaining point.

I would say both of those are not consistant with the mileage....or the car has just had some real poor car for a looong time.

Unless the Avants are hard to find in your area. They've gotten very cheap out here in Cali.

My wife has a B7 A4 sedan, so I can still enjoy the cushy interior whenever I want...

That's what I feared about the coolant. The tank looks exactly as you described, and the coolant inside is green, as far as I could tell.

I think the tear in the back seat is probably from his dogs. He mentioned going places with them a lot.

The rest of the interior looks much nicer as far as wear.

I'm not really sure what I'll do. Some family friends could re-upholster the seating surfaces, so that's not a huge deal breaker for me. I'll just have to try and verify the mileage.

Thanks for your input!

Only two fault codes, but look close at the last paragraph, under instruments. What's that about?

Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: None
Part No: 4A0 927 156 AL
1 Fault Found:
00526 - Brake Light Switch-F
27-00 - Implausible Signal


Address 15: Airbags Labels: 8A0-959-655.lbl
Part No: 8A0 959 655 D
Component: Airbag V AUDI D00
Coding: 00127
Shop #: WSC 02324
1 Fault Found:
00532 - Supply Voltage B+
07-10 - Signal too Low - Intermittent


Address 17: Instruments Labels: 4Ax-919-03x-17.lbl
Part No: 4A1 919 035 CJ
Component: C4-KOMBIINSTRUMENT D20
Coding: 00262
Shop #: WSC 22302
No Faults Found
or DTCs not supported by controller
or a communication error occurred

and always present.

The airbag code is likely the clock spring. The airbag light should be on as well.

Car took a minor hit to the driver's side front corner, but the rest is extremely nice.....if you need anything.

I've purchased a couple things from him already.

Clear those DTC's and see what comes back. There won't be DTC capability on the instrument cluster. You might also run the VIN passed your local dealer and see if there are any recall open for it.

They're fantastic cars and 115K is super low mileage, so that's a huge bonus. Seems that from about 150-175K they really start to need a lot of work. Check the FAQ's and my Buyer's Guide there for details on what to watch out for.

Car payments don't help with that. :)

<ul><li><a href="http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4001903">'97 Avant Part Out</a></li></ul>

I stopped using UPS a couple years ago and haven't looked back since.

So call FedEx and tell them that "Mark Chai Inc." need to set up an account. Then save an additional 10% by making your shipping labels online and emailing them as jpeg photos to your shipper.

I get the same codes depending on the alignment of the moon and stars:

VAG-COM Version: Release 311.2-N

Control Module Part Number: 4A0 927 156 AL
Component and/or Version: AG4 01F 2.8l2V USA D27
Software Coding:
Work Shop Code:
1 Fault Found:
00526 - Brake Light Switch-F
27-00 - Implausible Signal
&lt;&lt;You get this code until the brake pedal is pushed after the ignition is turned on.&gt;&gt;


VAG-COM Version: Release 311.2-N

Control Module Part Number: 8A0 959 655 D
Component and/or Version: Airbag V AUDI D01
Software Coding: 00127
Work Shop Code: WSC 02324
1 Fault Found:
00532 - Supply Voltage B+
07-10 - Signal to Low - Intermittent
&lt;&lt;As it says, intermittent.&gt;&gt;


VAG-COM Version: Release 311.2-N

Control Module Part Number: 4A1 919 035 CN
Component and/or Version: C4-KOMBIINSTRUMENT D30
Software Coding: 00262
Work Shop Code: WSC 40865
No Faults Found
or DTCs not supported by controller
a communication error ocurred
&lt;&lt;Nothing wrong here.&gt;&gt;

That pretty much kills my purchasing power with the seats; I'll probably have to pass.

I got $45 for shipping it and and additional $50 for "Oversize 3"......so about $102 with the fuel surchage they're using.

I shipped a whole front bumper for a C4 last April for only $150.

I just look online at my local Audi yard as well.

Nothing there as far as seats, but they have a 96 A6 Avant with 46K miles for sale -$7,500.00! It looks brand new inside.(unfortunately salvage title though.)