Sell or Keep? 2003 A4 1.8T Cabriolet
02-19-2014, 01:27 PM
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Sell or Keep? 2003 A4 1.8T Cabriolet
New member here. Need some sage advice. Have an 2003 A4 1.8 Turbo Cabriolet with 85K. Had it since new. Well maintained. Body and paint in good condition. Past issues: Rear cooling system leak, Camshaft oil leak, bad CV boot, ABS break switch replacement, timing belt change, transmission control unit replaced. Current issues: bad motor mounts, rear window regulator bad (window won't go up or down), drivers window needs adjustment (bangs on frame when closing door), convertible top won't open and close properly, wheel center caps broken. Est costs to repair: Windows $700, Motor Mounts $900, Conv Top $1600-3000???, Center Caps $320.
The major question at this point: Sell or fix and keep?
So far, we have had no problem with the Turbo and Transmission other than TCU above. Fixing the above items (other than the top) wouldn't be too costly if no major things failed in the next few years. But a transmission replacement or something similar would be too much to take.
What other things might go wrong in next few years with this vehicle and what would be estimated costs?
Thanks.
The major question at this point: Sell or fix and keep?
So far, we have had no problem with the Turbo and Transmission other than TCU above. Fixing the above items (other than the top) wouldn't be too costly if no major things failed in the next few years. But a transmission replacement or something similar would be too much to take.
What other things might go wrong in next few years with this vehicle and what would be estimated costs?
Thanks.
Last edited by Cerk; 02-19-2014 at 01:33 PM.
02-20-2014, 05:01 PM
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What transmission does it have? If its a regular Automatic. Have the fluid and filter changed every 40-50k miles with synthetic ATF with the VW/Audi approval. And you will have no troubles.
If you have a CVT transmission, service it every 30k at least. Or get rid of the car because there awful transmissions in the long run. Great idea, work great when they work. Cost more than your cars worth when it fails which it will.
Really they as cars are reliable and they get between 80-120k and have quite a few repairs, when you get past all the predictable common issues there great cars past 200k miles. Change the oil 5k miles full synthetic oil on 1.8Ts and they will go forever. Abuse it, use regular oil, run it 10k miles on oil changes, it will sludge up, burn up the turbo, throw a rod and be junk.
Then theres the convertible top....I hate mechanized, hydraulic convertible tops. They are awful when parts start failing and very few people besides the dealers are very competent to repair them. Sooo expensive as you've found to keep operational.
So really its up to you, do you like the car that much, do you like the convertible that much?
If you have a CVT transmission, service it every 30k at least. Or get rid of the car because there awful transmissions in the long run. Great idea, work great when they work. Cost more than your cars worth when it fails which it will.
Really they as cars are reliable and they get between 80-120k and have quite a few repairs, when you get past all the predictable common issues there great cars past 200k miles. Change the oil 5k miles full synthetic oil on 1.8Ts and they will go forever. Abuse it, use regular oil, run it 10k miles on oil changes, it will sludge up, burn up the turbo, throw a rod and be junk.
Then theres the convertible top....I hate mechanized, hydraulic convertible tops. They are awful when parts start failing and very few people besides the dealers are very competent to repair them. Sooo expensive as you've found to keep operational.
So really its up to you, do you like the car that much, do you like the convertible that much?
Last edited by Prospeeder; 02-20-2014 at 05:03 PM.
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