A4 Service intervals

[JRM]

So I've jetisoned the idea of buying an '05 Peugeot 407 SW on the basis that they are apparently ste and the electronics incredibly bad, and have decided that I would be much better off getting a 2001 higher mileage 1.9 TDi A4 Avant.

However, given that they will be older cars I wanted to find out about the typical life expectancy of clutches and belts. I can obviously look for ones with new tyrers, pads and brakes, but at what sort of mileage do the belts and clutches go on these?

If anyone knows costs of replacing them, that might be useful too

Thanks

[jimmyb]

Cambelt every 60k est cost is about 350 with a new water pump at same time as its a common failure issue and behind the cambelt at an indy or 600+ at audi.
Clutch is down to how you drive. My clutch was replaced at 125k but only due to a clutch release bearing going and figured two birds one stone.

ANy other q's please feel free to ask.

[JRM]

jimmyb said:

Cambelt every 60k est cost is about 350 with a new water pump at same time as its a common failure issue and behind the cambelt at an indy or 600+ at audi.
Clutch is down to how you drive. My clutch was replaced at 125k but only due to a clutch release bearing going and figured two birds one stone.

ANy other q's please feel free to ask.

Thanks, really helpful, given the cars I'm looking at have probably got more than 60k on the clock I'll make sure the Cambelt has been done.

Good news on the clutch, although appreciate it depends on the driver.

Are there any other chains or timing belts to worry about?

Edited as just seen your profile - man you do some mileage!!

Edited by JRM on Thursday 2nd October 12:07

[jimmyb]

Why thank you sir. Yes i do.

Ex this week

Monday. Canterbury-milton keynes-croydon-canterbury
Tuesday: Canterbury-Nottingham-canterbury
Wednesday: Canterbury-guildford-canterbury

Kinda average week. When i first started this job In one week I went from canterbury to cardiff and back three times and to places like nottingham the other two days so around 1200 miles just for three days travel. that is why i have my trusted steed.

It is very comfy long distance (make sure you get the electric lumbar support) it's economical (used to average about 750 per tank with 50 in reserve though mostly motorway wasnt being gentle) and reliable generally.Mine has never stranded me with anything other than a flat tyre which took no time to change.
Sound system wise wouldnt worry about trying to get a bose system as the standard system is very good with a standard sub on the rear shelf.

Apparently the optional built in nav option is meant to be very good as supposedly has sensors on the wheel so if you go through a tunnel it still knows where you are.

Always keep a bottle of oil in the boot as it uses a specific brand which is hard to find at service stations.If you do get one never and i mean NEVER lock the car with the boot open as central locking will engange and if you forget your keys in the boot and close it you cannot get into the boot from passanger compartment if you have locked the rear seats. (yes i have done this though luckily windows were partly open and seats were down).

So far as I know the only major belt is the cambelt. Everything else is same old same old. Oh light bulbs can be a b!tch to change as one side is kinda accessible easily the other has an air filter and bits in the way both headlamps apparently have to be removed to change the bulbs. My local audi will normally charge 10-25 quid to do em for me.

Disks and pads are 100 pounds for a set of both front. DIY takes about 45 mins. Service is mileage dep mine is every 18-20k roughly.

[Dr G]

Sound advice Jimmyb, particularly ref. engine oil.

The earlier CD satnav is a bit of a pig, the later DVD Nav (04 on) is superb and can be retrofitted.

[JRM]

Great stuff, thanks - the 20k service interval thing is amazing, rather looking forward to it!

Better start pouring over the Autotrader ads now and see if I can find myself a little gem...