Audi A4 wagon fix up or dump?

alexjellie

Hey team, I’ve inherited through a family member a beat up Audi a4 wagon 2009 to haul the young kids around. It’s got a few issues, but it doesn’t owe me much so trying to get an idea if it’s worth the trouble or I’m better off selling it and getting something better suited for the family. I haven’t dealt with Audis before so hoping someone here might have? It’s got only 112 ks so hoping with some love she might be a good beater for the next 5 years.

Water pump leaking
Front and rear shocks feel dead, strut mounts probably need replacing
Castor bushes worn
Leaking power steering pump
Engine timing cover leaking
Squeak in steering, maybe a dry ball joint

I reckon it’s probably 3-4k to get it running so curious if I’m beating a dead horse or it’s worthwhile. I think all the leaking seals have come from the car sitting still for 1/2 years and not driving much.

Thoughts

timbo

alexjellie what engine does it have?

@240 has been through a few Audi's/Vws in the family

alexjellie

1.8 turbo, petrol

240

If you're paying someone to do the work, it'll add up quickly, but if you're doing it you're then I'd just do all the work plus a bit of preventative maintenance and drive it. I think the 1.8T in the B8 A4 is meant to be pretty reliable and the wagons are a bit more desirable too.
With the worn bushes I'd just get a complete set of control arms, which will probably include the ball joints.
Make sure you use the right spec oil, it'll probably be a 5w40 with the VW 502/505 spec but might be the 504/507

alexjellie

I’ve just moved houses and don’t really have much space to do the work anymore, so likely I’d have to pay someone to do it. My concern is I do this work and then I keep getting gremlins popping up every year and it becomes a money sink. If it’s been sitting what else do you think could have hardened/dried up?

240

If you're paying people to do the work then yeah it can add up quick with an old VW/Audi.
@timbo probably can advise better about potential issues from sitting for years

242GT

Ask Rado about Audi's his wife has a TT , I believe it's a 1.8 turbo

rado

I think it'll be the base engine model , but if it's the ARD or BAM code they're the more desirable engine, (TT & S3 )
Either way the 20v motor should go on for a good while .
Strange the water pump is leaking, that should have been changed around the 60-80k mark along with the major belts , worth having a look through the history to see when they were last changed.

I'm pretty biased when it comes to VAG as had them for the last 20+ years and love them and volvo of course...
Probably not much help bet by the sounds of it get those leaks fixed and it'll be a decent car especially being a wagon..