So this guy seems like a pretty honest guy. He wants to trade me for my 1998 Audi A4 1.8T. His car seems pretty clean inside and out. My questions are:

*He says his engine light turns on and off at times, What could that mean?
*He says last summer his A/C worked, but now needs recharged, is the SC common for A/C units going out?
*He also told me the windows go up and down as they please. Fuse possibly?
*He also said the T-belt was done around 90k.
Is there anything else I need to find out before I make the 1 hour and 45 minute drive to the car?

I know it's quite alot of questions, but I would truly appreciate some guidance!

Here's his craigslist ad: http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/2855613914.html

Thank you,

Aaron

 

Aaron, the check engine light could a number of things wrong, some simple than other problems. Could be 02's could be something else. The AC compressor could be going out, if so I have a like new one Denso brand, paid over 500 for. It also might be a leak in the core in the dash, not too terrible but just a pain to do. The windows are prolly the regulators, not too hard to fix, but a very common problem with these cars. Can be found in the classifieds or local junk yards. The timing belt usually needs to be done at 90K. These are also non interference motors, so if the timing belt breaks, your still ok. They are a great car, but like anything you buy used you might have problems, till you figure things out. I also have a full exhaust rotted in the back yard if you are interested in it, if you decide to buy it. GL, let us know. Other known problems are the popping door hinges, black LCD and needles, and tranny issues. Be aware of them....

 

Hey man, thanks so much for all your help!! I really think this may be a good deal. What kind of problems arise with the tranny? Thanks again man!

 

Also is there anyway of knowing there's an AC leak in the dash?

 

Either way, an SC that needs a few things is still more reliable than a 14 year old Audi. I say go for it.

 

If the check engine light goes on and off that means that the problem is not always present. So after a couple runs and starts and then problem is not present it will turn off the light. Then maybe down the road the problem comes up again and it throws on the light.

Pretty common with Emission based codes etc. Catalytic convertors, 02 sensors.

 

Thanks so much guys! He does say he has an exhaust, which could be showing the codes! I know it'll be more reliable, but my Audi gets about 25mpg city, and the sc gets around 16 city. Should that be a deal breaker?

 

Thats up to you! Im assuming your Audi only takes premium, so is gas mileage a big stop for you?
Basically are you okay with downgrading on your fuel mileage.

 

I'm extremely excited about this car. I'm 6'5" and have never felt so comfortable in a car before the SC! I really appreciate all of your help guys. One more thing, is there anyway of showing that the tranny has been maintained, by driving it?

 

Go for it. You wont regret it. You wont have to worry about the car breaking down on you

 

You could look for shifting times when you have the throttle at different positions... some times ive seen bad autos take a bit longer then usual or ive also felt a shift more then i should, if those are there then you might have a bad torque or a lil more worn one. Kinda like clutch can wear out.
With auto, temps are a bit higher i believe. You could look into tranny cooler if u want.
Flush all fluids(tranny and oil mainly) and fill with good stuff if you want too.

Im guessing if it hasnt bugged you and made u notice it, its in decent shape. Congrats on the trade.. You made a good choice considering my SC300 (with exhaust) burnt a 2.7t a6 yesterday

 

Did you really beat a 2.7t?? That's awesome man! If it's everything the guy says it is, i'll definitely be doing the trade! Thank you so much for all your help and time guys!

 

lots of life left in that sc @ 147k

 

Haha I know Chris! 147k is so awesome. I almost traded my Audi for an SC with over 215k! It ran beautifully too.

 

So, I just wanted to give a token of advice to all future used car buyers: don't trust anyone, use carfax! This car had 170k miles in 2004, and has had over 15 owners. I was on my way to spend $100 on gas to meet this guy. He seemed to be an honest guy. You just can't trust anyone now a days.