2002 Audi A4 1.9tdi - When would you give up?
Discussion
My trusty Audi A4 1.9tdi has done me proud for over 110k miles. I bought the car in 2006 and since I have just used the car with little expense other than servicing. In total the car has covered 173k miles.
Together we have endured snow, flood and I have had all manner of odd things in the boot. She was a great car until a Audi TT decided to re shape my passenger side front and rear door a few years back
Now the service light has come on.....A major service. The Cam belt and water pump needs to be done, the brake pad warning light is now on. The electrics sometimes go mad....The clutch is a bit high.
Would you bother to fix? I am contemplating the brake pads and service myself (i am a diy new boy) as a learning excercise. All parts seem to be avialble via Eurocarparts for reasonable money. The electrics i have managed to fix with my copy of VCDS. The cam belt looks a little more complex.
Is this an easy car to work on? Should I bother, or is it a case of investing some further funds and buying a newer car?
Together we have endured snow, flood and I have had all manner of odd things in the boot. She was a great car until a Audi TT decided to re shape my passenger side front and rear door a few years back
Now the service light has come on.....A major service. The Cam belt and water pump needs to be done, the brake pad warning light is now on. The electrics sometimes go mad....The clutch is a bit high.
Would you bother to fix? I am contemplating the brake pads and service myself (i am a diy new boy) as a learning excercise. All parts seem to be avialble via Eurocarparts for reasonable money. The electrics i have managed to fix with my copy of VCDS. The cam belt looks a little more complex.
Is this an easy car to work on? Should I bother, or is it a case of investing some further funds and buying a newer car?
Once you get the front off to access the belt then it's an OK job.
Loads of audi specific forums to spoon feed you through the jobs.
Major costs in the stuff you mention is labour charges. If you DIY it then it won't cost a fortune.
I'd do the work and keep it going. If you can DIY then it makes shedding a really cost effective option for running a car.
Loads of audi specific forums to spoon feed you through the jobs.
Major costs in the stuff you mention is labour charges. If you DIY it then it won't cost a fortune.
I'd do the work and keep it going. If you can DIY then it makes shedding a really cost effective option for running a car.
I'm in a similar situation with my A4 petrol. First registered in 2001 and now on 217K miles. Clutch was on its way out so asked my local Audi Indy to source a used one off one of their crashed/Failed MOT'd cars they have out the front. Whilst it was up we replaced the timing belt and water pump, £800 all in including oil change and filter whilst she was in bits.
Then, MOT required a Cat and some brake fluid and a hose because the parts have started to perish. The car drives fine now and has 11 months MOT left but will require new pads and disks before next MOT and the car is worth feck all.
Youre at the point where spending a few £100 will keep it going but most probably at the bored stage where you fancy something different too. I had a B8 A4 before this B6 and some A5s but I feel more attached to this one than anything ive had before. Im planning on getting a new B9 Avant in 2018 but there is nothing wrong with my car. Im going to donate her to the garage that looked after her for 10 years so she can be stripped for parts and become a donor....
Then, MOT required a Cat and some brake fluid and a hose because the parts have started to perish. The car drives fine now and has 11 months MOT left but will require new pads and disks before next MOT and the car is worth feck all.
Youre at the point where spending a few £100 will keep it going but most probably at the bored stage where you fancy something different too. I had a B8 A4 before this B6 and some A5s but I feel more attached to this one than anything ive had before. Im planning on getting a new B9 Avant in 2018 but there is nothing wrong with my car. Im going to donate her to the garage that looked after her for 10 years so she can be stripped for parts and become a donor....
Thanks OldAudi.
I really want to see mileages like your B6 has covered, but the cam belt will need doing at some stage prior to spring.
I have decided to try and learn the fine art of spannering on this car in a faint attempt to keep her going and save labour costs. Eurocarparts have been employed to supply me with a set of front brake pads for the car and a service kit. I am confident that I can do this. The brake pads are £40 and I will need a few other bits (copper slip brake cleaner white lithium grease, anti squeal paste), so should be able to get this done for circa £60.
If that goes well, I will attempt the service next weekend. I estimate the service kit including oil (5litres) will cost £100, so again a saving over the local garage. I am not so confident with the fuel filter though.......Again special tools will be required.
Again, if that goes well, I might attempt the cam belt and water pump early spring at 179k miles.
However, as some have already said, if the clutch goes, the car is scrap.
Thanks for the vote of confidence chaps. The problem is that I just don't like the newer Audi stuff.
I really want to see mileages like your B6 has covered, but the cam belt will need doing at some stage prior to spring.
I have decided to try and learn the fine art of spannering on this car in a faint attempt to keep her going and save labour costs. Eurocarparts have been employed to supply me with a set of front brake pads for the car and a service kit. I am confident that I can do this. The brake pads are £40 and I will need a few other bits (copper slip brake cleaner white lithium grease, anti squeal paste), so should be able to get this done for circa £60.
If that goes well, I will attempt the service next weekend. I estimate the service kit including oil (5litres) will cost £100, so again a saving over the local garage. I am not so confident with the fuel filter though.......Again special tools will be required.
Again, if that goes well, I might attempt the cam belt and water pump early spring at 179k miles.
However, as some have already said, if the clutch goes, the car is scrap.
Thanks for the vote of confidence chaps. The problem is that I just don't like the newer Audi stuff.
Cam belt and water pump is not particularly although it’s a little long winded.
I did it on a similar vintage Passat (same car under the skin), you’re supposed to remove the bolts holding the front valance on and fit extended bolts (about 8 inches long). You then slide the valance forward to get more room in front of the engine.
I figured it was actually easier to remove the entire valance and radiator, swung the air con condenser out of the way then got myself a box to sit on and proceeded to change the belt and pump.
If I recall, you have to be a little careful with the water pump bolts as either they strip easily or the block threads strip easily (I forget which).
Other than that it’s just a matter of following the Haynes manual. I took my time, stripped the entire front of the car as mentioned, which took the bulk of the time, and had it done comfortably in a day.
You could probably do it in half the time but I was in no rush and was quite happy doing it the longer way.
Either way you have to drain and refil the cooling system so make sure you get the correct antifreeze (and right quantity).
I did it on a similar vintage Passat (same car under the skin), you’re supposed to remove the bolts holding the front valance on and fit extended bolts (about 8 inches long). You then slide the valance forward to get more room in front of the engine.
I figured it was actually easier to remove the entire valance and radiator, swung the air con condenser out of the way then got myself a box to sit on and proceeded to change the belt and pump.
If I recall, you have to be a little careful with the water pump bolts as either they strip easily or the block threads strip easily (I forget which).
Other than that it’s just a matter of following the Haynes manual. I took my time, stripped the entire front of the car as mentioned, which took the bulk of the time, and had it done comfortably in a day.
You could probably do it in half the time but I was in no rush and was quite happy doing it the longer way.
Either way you have to drain and refil the cooling system so make sure you get the correct antifreeze (and right quantity).
oldaudi said:
I'm in a similar situation with my A4 petrol. First registered in 2001 and now on 217K miles. Clutch was on its way out so asked my local Audi Indy to source a used one off one of their crashed/Failed MOT'd cars they have out the front. Whilst it was up we replaced the timing belt and water pump, £800 all in including oil change and filter whilst she was in bits.
Then, MOT required a Cat and some brake fluid and a hose because the parts have started to perish. The car drives fine now and has 11 months MOT left but will require new pads and disks before next MOT and the car is worth feck all.
Youre at the point where spending a few £100 will keep it going but most probably at the bored stage where you fancy something different too. I had a B8 A4 before this B6 and some A5s but I feel more attached to this one than anything ive had before. Im planning on getting a new B9 Avant in 2018 but there is nothing wrong with my car. Im going to donate her to the garage that looked after her for 10 years so she can be stripped for parts and become a donor....
Second hand clutch? Never heard that one before.Then, MOT required a Cat and some brake fluid and a hose because the parts have started to perish. The car drives fine now and has 11 months MOT left but will require new pads and disks before next MOT and the car is worth feck all.
Youre at the point where spending a few £100 will keep it going but most probably at the bored stage where you fancy something different too. I had a B8 A4 before this B6 and some A5s but I feel more attached to this one than anything ive had before. Im planning on getting a new B9 Avant in 2018 but there is nothing wrong with my car. Im going to donate her to the garage that looked after her for 10 years so she can be stripped for parts and become a donor....
Attempted the brakes today with my GCSE woodwork tool set.
I bought the parts from Eurocarparts - thanks for your help Swindon Branch.
I also followed these instructions http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Audi_B6_A...
Disc was slightly lipped so i filed it down so i could get the caliper and pads back on. The disc came as a surprise as it is a floating disc, i have watched people replace these and have seen a single screw holding it on.
It took about 3 hours to get done and now both sides are replaced. The sensor warning light is now off. I had to use a bench vice to push a piston back in.
Not sure how much money has been saved - parts cost less than £50. My time was free.
Next the service..........I plan to do this next weekend.
I bought the parts from Eurocarparts - thanks for your help Swindon Branch.
I also followed these instructions http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Audi_B6_A...
Disc was slightly lipped so i filed it down so i could get the caliper and pads back on. The disc came as a surprise as it is a floating disc, i have watched people replace these and have seen a single screw holding it on.
It took about 3 hours to get done and now both sides are replaced. The sensor warning light is now off. I had to use a bench vice to push a piston back in.
Not sure how much money has been saved - parts cost less than £50. My time was free.
Next the service..........I plan to do this next weekend.
Ray Singh said:
So should it be secured with a single screw somewhere?
The wheel lugs go through it, but i thought it odd as it just flopped about in the calliper once the wheel was off.
There is normally a single screw to hold it onto the hub but often it gets drilled out and not replaced when refitting discs. The disc is held in place by the wheel bolts / nuts and eventually rusts onto the hub.The wheel lugs go through it, but i thought it odd as it just flopped about in the calliper once the wheel was off.
A floating disc is one where the disc and bell are separate pieces and held together with rivets allowing the disc to float.
Edited by cuprabob on Saturday 7th October 21:38
oldaudi said:
I'm in a similar situation with my A4 petrol. First registered in 2001 and now on 217K miles. Clutch was on its way out so asked my local Audi Indy to source a used one off one of their crashed/Failed MOT'd cars they have out the front. Whilst it was up we replaced the timing belt and water pump, £800 all in including oil change and filter whilst she was in bits.
Then, MOT required a Cat and some brake fluid and a hose because the parts have started to perish. The car drives fine now and has 11 months MOT left but will require new pads and disks before next MOT and the car is worth feck all.
Youre at the point where spending a few £100 will keep it going but most probably at the bored stage where you fancy something different too. I had a B8 A4 before this B6 and some A5s but I feel more attached to this one than anything ive had before. Im planning on getting a new B9 Avant in 2018 but there is nothing wrong with my car. Im going to donate her to the garage that looked after her for 10 years so she can be stripped for parts and become a donor....
its not worthless, this is the point, its worth something to you - when do you cut your losses - once its guffed. say you get a car on finance, £400 a month before you have even fuelled it taxed insured and all that..... £4,800 a year. is it costing you that to keep it going ? even if it was costing you £1500 a year thats still a lot less than what you would be paying for a new car.Then, MOT required a Cat and some brake fluid and a hose because the parts have started to perish. The car drives fine now and has 11 months MOT left but will require new pads and disks before next MOT and the car is worth feck all.
Youre at the point where spending a few £100 will keep it going but most probably at the bored stage where you fancy something different too. I had a B8 A4 before this B6 and some A5s but I feel more attached to this one than anything ive had before. Im planning on getting a new B9 Avant in 2018 but there is nothing wrong with my car. Im going to donate her to the garage that looked after her for 10 years so she can be stripped for parts and become a donor....
ruggedscotty said:
its not worthless, this is the point, its worth something to you - when do you cut your losses - once its guffed. say you get a car on finance, £400 a month before you have even fuelled it taxed insured and all that..... £4,800 a year. is it costing you that to keep it going ? even if it was costing you £1500 a year thats still a lot less than what you would be paying for a new car.
It's not worthless, but same time it's sometimes not worth fixing.It's bangernomics, why spend £1000+ on a clutch replacement when you could buy another car.
Yes, sometimes "better the devil you know", but you can't compare it to a new car they're at different ends of the economic scale.
The disc itself had 5 holes for the wheel bolts, plus an extra hole (significantly smaller) which I assume was for the securing screw, but the hub behind had only 5 holes for the larger wheel bolts.
I will try the car today and bed the brakes in a little. It will be used to get to work again tomorrow.
The service is the next hurdle (and will help build on my confidence) - the only parts i am slightly worried about is the fuel filter and oil filter.
I will try the car today and bed the brakes in a little. It will be used to get to work again tomorrow.
The service is the next hurdle (and will help build on my confidence) - the only parts i am slightly worried about is the fuel filter and oil filter.
Hi
Was in a similar position last year our 2003 A4 TDI Avant with 170,000 miles had a noise on the gearbox. Took it out and got it repaired it cost £500 don't regret it though. It took us to Spain and back in the summer holidays 2500 miles never missed a beat. Cant see any reason it wont do another 170,000 miles.
Was in a similar position last year our 2003 A4 TDI Avant with 170,000 miles had a noise on the gearbox. Took it out and got it repaired it cost £500 don't regret it though. It took us to Spain and back in the summer holidays 2500 miles never missed a beat. Cant see any reason it wont do another 170,000 miles.
mickthemechanic said:
Hi
Was in a similar position last year our 2003 A4 TDI Avant with 170,000 miles had a noise on the gearbox. Took it out and got it repaired it cost £500 don't regret it though. It took us to Spain and back in the summer holidays 2500 miles never missed a beat. Cant see any reason it wont do another 170,000 miles.
Exactly - dont fall for the hyperboyle of getting a new car, Bank the money that you would be spending on a new car and keep saving, run your audi into the ground as they take the miles, built durable built strong built to last.....Was in a similar position last year our 2003 A4 TDI Avant with 170,000 miles had a noise on the gearbox. Took it out and got it repaired it cost £500 don't regret it though. It took us to Spain and back in the summer holidays 2500 miles never missed a beat. Cant see any reason it wont do another 170,000 miles.
I spent this weekend servicing the car. I watched various videos on Youtube demonstrating how to conduct this.
My lovley wife helped me. I used some Halfords car ramps to get to the underside of the car. The oil was filthy and the filters surprisingly dirty.
All done - I feel quite proud. Money saved.
One moment when the car wouldnt start.....All resolved now.
My lovley wife helped me. I used some Halfords car ramps to get to the underside of the car. The oil was filthy and the filters surprisingly dirty.
All done - I feel quite proud. Money saved.
One moment when the car wouldnt start.....All resolved now.
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