Question about purchasing an S4 Avant

[ciancu]

So I found an 2001 S4 Avant on craigslist for 2900, it has a bad motor due to timing belt break. What i'm wondering is if this is a good deal and about how much am I looking at repairs in parts with me doing the labor myself with a friend that knows a lot about cars. Body is in good condition, had about 164k miles when it i snapped on him. Forgot to mention 1 owner, and clear title. Never had accident, I looked. Let you know what you guys think about it. Thanks in advance

Chris

[ciancu]

bump

[Idiot S'Avant]

So I found an 2001 S4 Avant on craigslist for 2900, it has a bad motor due to timing belt break. What i'm wondering is if this is a good deal and about how much am I looking at repairs in parts with me doing the labor myself with a friend that knows a lot about cars. Body is in good condition, had about 164k miles when it i snapped on him. Forgot to mention 1 owner, and clear title. Never had accident, I looked. Let you know what you guys think about it. Thanks in advance

Chris

I'd look for a replacement motor. It's an interference engine so likely all the valves are bent. And with that much mileage, you'd be looking at a complete rebuild anyway. I think you're looking at at least $7-8,000 to do it right. You can find S4's in decent condition with lower mileage for less money, so I'd say pass on it, unless you're looking at an extended hobby. Audi parts are extremely expensive, and some of the 2.7l parts are exceptionally dear.

If you can find a decent donor engine for a couple grand, it might be worth a shot. But even then you'd be approaching the cost of a nice used one, even if you count your labor at $0/hour.

Just my $.02

[ciancu]

I looked into how much a motor would cost me and i found some for 1000-1200 with 70k miles. I don't see how it could cost more then 1500 to fix myself with new gaskets and all. But thanks for your input.

[1gcrazy]

I'd pick it up. It sounds like a good deal

[ciancu]

bump. Looking to pick up the car tomorrow. Last minute inputs would be greatly appreciated.

[ciancu]

What do you guys think about this deal? Im leaving to get it in 3 hrs

[ontheedge56]

what color is it?

[ciancu]

Black on black. Just got back from picking it up. I'm pretty happy with it.

[Richard@VerdictMotorsports]

Nice! Now all you need while your putting that motor in there are some of these: Frankenturbo F21 Bi-Turbo

[hanzy]

Are the motors you saw for 1-2k complete with turbos?

MAKE DAMN SURE you do the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and thermostat before you put the used engine in.
I would also do a complete tune up and also the valve cover gaskets, timing chain tensioner seals, and cam seals while it was out.
I would also do the clutch at the same time.
May not hurt to do the motor and transmission mounts as well.

Im sure there will be plenty more stuff that comes up as you go.

That $1500 number including motor is not realistic at all.

[ciancu]

The motors I was looking at we're not complete just long block with all sensors and harness along with it. I've read far too many forums on maintance problems such as timing belt/chain breaking unexpectedly way before the maintance marker so I know that it's very vital to keep up with it. I'm currently pulling my engine out of it right now to see exactly what damage has been done internally. Idk if this is a good idea but if its just the valves on the driver side that are bent I will probably just rebuild this one. I've looked online to see what happens when the camshaft chain breaks but have had no luck. I do understand these cars are not the cheapest cars to own but are some of the most fun and well worth every penny to me. Thank you for your input its greatly appreciated

-Chris