Seven Things That You Need To Know About Purchasing A Used Audi A2

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

Despite the numerous clichés about used cars and the people who sell them, the truth is that there are a number of great deals to be had through the purchase of a used car, truck or other automobile. Especially if you are in the market for a higher scale, luxury vehicle, purchasing a used BMW or Audi A2 can be just the thing you have been looking for to get into the market.

Here are the top seven things that you need to know about used vehicles and Audis specifically in order to make an effective purchase.

Stick To The Maintenance Schedule Provided By The Factory

As with any used car, it is vitally essential that you stick to the maintenance and service schedule for the car that was provided by the factory. This means getting the oil changed every 5,000 miles, getting the transmission serviced at 75,000 miles, a tune up at 50,000 miles and so forth. Stick to this religiously.

Look Into Replacing The Stock Tires As Soon As Possible

The one thing with Audis of all makes and years is that the stock tires they come with are not the best, and if you buy the car used, it is a good idea to have them changed out with new and better tires.

For Anything That Starts To Go Wrong, Get It Checked Out

For any noise, groan or problem, get it checked out immediately. Often, the more quickly that these problems are discovered the cheaper that repairs will ultimately be.

Drive Normally, And Take Car Of Your Audi A2

The best thing for extending the life of your car is to drive it normally, and in a conservative manner. Do not “hot rod” it, do not mash down on the accelerator from the stop light, and drive normally as possible.

Be Aware Of The Car’s Market Value Prior To Purchase And While You Own It

Whether you are buying or you own an Audi, keep a regular eye on the blue book value of the car as you go along.

Purchase An Audi Computer Code Reader For Yourself

One of the best accessories that you can buy for your Audi is to purchase a computer code reader, that can tell you exactly what is wrong with the vehicle when a warning light pops on.

Certain Customizations May Make It More Difficult For You To Sell Down The Line

Remember, the closer to stock that your Audi A2 is, the easier it will be for you to resell.

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Known Maintenance Problems With Used Audi A6s: Read Before You Buy One

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

Though there are a number of Audi A6s for sale on the used or previously owned vehicles market right now, there are a few things that the buyers of these cars must always keep in mind before committing to purchase. Remember, this is a buyers market for the acquisition of used vehicles, as the recent economic downturn has created serious debt and liquidity problems for a number of families and households.

This has created a situation where many can no longer afford the payments on their cars, and are willing to give cut rate deals just to get out from under the debt burdens imposed upon them by their BMWs and Audis.

And their loss is your gain. But, when you are looking for an Audi A6 for sale, keep in mind the numerous maintenance and technical issues that can easily make your great deal into a sucker’s bet. Here are some of the known maintenance problems with the Audi A6.

Window Leaks – Air, Water And Ambient Sound

One of the problems that seems to occur across the Audi line is that the weather stripping that controls the air tightness of the A6’s interior is prone to a rather rapid deterioration, especially in warm, dry weather. This means that, over time, the interior of the car will suffer the results of water leaks, air leaks and the ride itself will be beset by a pervasive ambient noise invading from the outside world.

Brake Problems

The Audi A6s also have problems with their brakes, and usually the pads and rotors need attention (read: replacement) long prior to the factory recommended 50,000 mile point. Keep this in mind when shopping for an Audi A6 for sale.

Power Loss At Random Times

Also, the A6s suffer from some electrical problems, and many owners report that they experience sudden power loss, leaving them stranded at inopportune times, usually right in the middle of the road. This is often correct through an Audi dealer, who can reconfigure the timing control system that sometimes creates the bug.

Suspension Issues

Some A6s also report a host of issues with the suspension, which can become very loose when the car gets up past 80,000 miles.

Stock Tires Are Less Than Ideal

And, usually the most immediate problem with used Audi A6s for sale is the fact that buyers will usually need to purchase a set of four new tires immediately, as the stock Audi tires are considered sub par for a luxury vehicle.

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Known Maintenance Issues With Used Audi Q7s: Know Before You Buy

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

Now is a great time to be shopping for a used automobile, as the mounting debts and liquidity problems of countless families and households is driving previously owned automobiles into the used or secondhand markets at a record pace. This makes the purchase of a used luxury car possible for a wide array of potential buyers, and whether you could ordinarily afford a BMW or an Audi new, chances are that you will find a much better deal on the used market. Remember, a car looses thousands of dollars in value as soon as you drive it off of the dealer’s lot.

But, with any car, especially the used Audi Q7, a buyer must be fully aware of the numerous maintenance issues that come with purchasing a previously owned vehicle. Consider this article a primer on the Q7’s known maintenance issues.

Misfiring And Poor Engine Performance

Many Q7 owners report that, from 40,000 miles and on, the car’s power plant suffers from erratic performance, misfiring, sputtering and other issues. Be aware that if you are purchasing a used Audi Q7 that has around 40,000 miles, this might be an issue for you. Factor this into what you would be willing to pay for the Audi Q7.

Screeching And Squealing Brakes

Also, most of the braking systems on Audi’s entire fleet suffer from quick wear out, meaning that you will likely need to have the brakes completely redone earlier than the factory recommended 50,000 mile point. If the brakes are noisy, squealing or rattle excessively, have them checked out immediately.

Transmission Problems

Also, used Audi Q7s do sometimes have problems with their automatic transmissions, and all of their auto transmissions will usually need to be services by 60,000 miles. The Audi manual transmissions usually have more life in them, and are much less problematic, but always check the clutch of a used Audi to ensure that it is not too stiff or too soft prior to purchasing the car.

Windows Leak Air, Sound And Water

Also, buyers of used Audi Q7s need to be fully aware that the weather stripping around the windows and in the trunk deteriorates very quickly, and in less than 50,000 miles, the windows might show very obvious leaks in air, sound and water (if it is raining, or when washing the car). If this is the case, getting the weather stripping replaced is not a huge problem, but it will have to be addressed.

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Four Tips For Maintaining Your Used Audi A3

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

With any automobile purchase comes a heap of new responsibilities, and this is just as true for Audis as it is for Chevys, Fords or Hondas. Some people who purchase a brand new luxury car like an Audi or a BMW somehow get the idea in their heads that they do not need to worry about basic maintenance issues, because they paid so much for the car initially.

Obviously, nothing could be further from the truth. Because of this, there are tons of used Audi A3s for sale on the secondhand market, and though many of them have their share of issues, there are a number of great buys out there on the market right now.

Here are four tips for helping you to maintain you used (new to you) Audi A3.

Know The Mileage, And Adhere To The Regular Maintenance Schedule

Depending upon when you purchased your Audi A3, and how many miles are currently on the odometer, it may be time for you to have one (or several) maintenance tasks performed. Usually, at 35,000 you will want to get the brakes checked, and 50,000 you will need to have a host of tasks done, such as flushing the radiator, having a tune up performed, a wheel alignment and a host of other things.

Second Set Of Tires

Chances are that you will need to have a second set of tires put on pretty quick, if the Audi A3 for sale has the original tires, you will need a new set immediately. Even though the original tires are rated for 80,000 miles, generally they are not considered top of the line, and have a host of issues well prior to achieving this mileage mark.

Use The Right Oil

It is also crucial that you find and use the right weight of motor oil to use, and ensure that the Audi A3 undergoes regular oil changes. Though the recommended 3,000 miles is ideal, really an Audi A3 can get by perfectly fine with an oil change every 5,000 miles.

Transmission – Automatic Or Manual?

If your transmission is an automatic, you absolutely need to ensure that it undergoes maintenance at 60,000 miles, which means that the filter is changed out, the fluid is drained and refilled and that the whole thing is inspected. If it is a manual, this check should be performed no later than 75,000 miles. An Audi A3 for sale should possess a detailed service and maintenance record.

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Five Tips For Owning A Used Audi TT

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

In down economic times, it is the perfect period to forego a new car purchase, and instead consider buying a used car. Remember that the value of a new car evaporates by thousands of dollars as soon as you sign the paperwork and drive it off of the dealer’s lot. This fact alone makes the purchase of a used car a value proposition. Especially if you are in the market for a luxury car such as an Audi, this is the perfect time to buy. Used cars like the Audi TT can be had for pennies on the dollar right now, and you are in a good position to buy if you have cash, or decent financing lined up through a private lender.

But there are things that buyers of used cars – of any make and model – need to know.

Here are five things that you need to know before you buy a used Audi TT.

There May Be Leaks In The Windows

A known problem for Audis of all makes is that the windows are prone to leaking, water, air and sound. This is due to a problem with the weather stripping, and how it deteriorates quickly.

There May Be Transmission Problems

Also, this is a problem for most used cars — Audi TT and otherwise, that the transmissions tend to need servicing much earlier than the factory advisories call for. If it says 75,000 miles, assume that at 50,000 miles a transmission will need to be looked at.

There Are A Host Of Customization Options Available

One of the fun things about owing an Audi TT is the number of great customization options that are available to you. Everything from performance exhaust to specialty rims and ground effect kits can really make your Audi TT look like a sweet ride.

Keep Up With The Factory Maintenance Schedule

One of the most important things to remember is to keep or exceed the recommended factory maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Never loose track of scheduled maintenance procedures, such as oil changes, tune ups and tire rotations.

Get The Tires Replaced As Soon As You Can

Most people when they buy used cars, Audi TT and others, the first thing that they will have to do is purchase a new set of tires. And, Audi is notorious for this, because the stock tires tend to wear down quickly.

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Five Things You Need To Know About Purchasing A Used Audi TT

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

There are a great many things that can be said about the purchase of a good used car instead of spending a lot more money on the purchase of a brand new car. As soon as a new car is driven off of a dealer’s lot, it loses thousands of dollars in value immediately. This means that often, a used car is the best way to go if you want a good car at an affordable price. This is especially true if you are in the market for an Audi. There are plenty of used Audi TTs for sale, with sellers looking for cash buyers.

Here are five things that you should know about the Audi TT before you commit to buying one on the used car market.

Get A Mechanic To Check It Out

Always set up an appoint to have the potential car checked out by a mechanic that you trust, who is qualified to evaluate Audis. This is important, because Audis have different mechanical requirements than some other cars do.

Check The Fluids

The first things that you should do upon meeting with a seller is to check the oil, transmission, brake and power steering fluid. This will give you a good indication of how well the seller kept up with the maintenance of the Audi TT.

Ask To See The Car’s Records

Also, no matter how new that the Audi TT for sale is, you need to make an inquiry as to the maintenance records for the vehicle. If the seller cannot provide a decent paper trail for the car, chances are that the car may not have been properly cared for. This is less vital if the Audi in question is less than one year old.

Know The Blue Book Value

Never shop for a used car without first looking up the relative value of it in the Kelley blue book. This is an invaluable tool in the used car market, and can help you from overpaying for the car.

Never Take Over The Seller’s Payments

And, no matter what the terms of the sale for the Audi TTs are, never agree to take over a seller’s payments. This will ensure that you do not get a good value for the car, and that you will suffer the same financial burden as the seller did.

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Five Easy Tips For Purchasing A Used Audi A4

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

This is a great time to be in the market for a used car. With the continuing troubles of many people all across the country, the fact is that there are simply too many people with debt or liquidity problems, that can no longer afford the beautiful new cars that they purchased even less than a year before. For those that are currently in the market for an Audi, in fact, this is a great time to get a Used Audi A4 in great condition at a great price. A4 cars are coming onto the used car market each and every day, and if you have cash and are willing to deal, you can find a great bargain on a wonderful car.

Here are five tips to help make the process go smoothly for purchasing a used Audi A4.

Conduct A Thorough Test Drive

Most buyers of used cars make their first mistake by taking a limited test drive just around the block. To be sure that the car is in good working order, take an extended test drive, and ensure that you perform all of the standard driving maneuvers. This means making right turns, left turns, u-turns, reversing, braking, sudden braking, and parallel parking.

Check The Oil And Other Fluids

The quickest test that you can do to see how well the car has been maintained is to check the oil and other fluids. If the oil is dirty or low (or both) there is a good chance that the car has not been well maintained. This does not mean that you should not purchase it, but it can be a valuable bargaining chip. A4 cars are notorious for burning through oil though, so also keep this in mind.

Ask Questions About Everything

Ask as many questions as you need to in order to be comfortable with the Audi A4 before you buy. There are no stupid questions here.

Take The A4 Car To A Mechanic That You Trust

Also, take the car to a mechanic that you trust, to examine the car and ensure that there are no major problems with it.

Test Every Part And Component In The Audi A4

When going through any of the A4 cars, make sure to test every component and flip every switch to ensure that it is all in perfect working order. If it is not, decide whether or not a particular component is a deal killer or not, and factor it into the price.

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Five Common Problems With Purchasing A Used Audi A4

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

Though there is a huge market out there right now for used Audis – A4 especially – the fact is that there are a number of problems and concerns that must be thought through before you take of looking for a used Audi A4 for sale. The fact is that the current economy has created a glut of used Audis to come onto the market, some in excellent shape, others not in good shape at all. There are also some known problems with certain makes, models and years of Audis coming straight from the factory floor.

Before you go shopping for that used Audi A4, do some research, keep these five common problems in mind, and be vigilant with your search to ensure that you find the best car for you.

Windows Leak Water, Air And Sound

One of the most common problems is that the windows on some Audi A4s are not air tight, meaning that, over time, they begin to leak water, air and even ambient sound. While this issue would not be a big deal with a Chevy Camaro or Dodge Charger, Audis are supposed to be luxury automobiles that are air tight, keeping outside noise, air and the elements where they belong. But, with age comes deterioration, and any Audi A4 you find for sale might have this problem. Inspect the rubber weather stripping seals around all of the windows and in the trunk to ensure that they are in proper working order.

Electrical Problems

Also, many used Audis, after about 50,000 miles, begin to have certain electrical system problems. The most notable of these issues is the sudden loss of all power while driving, which can obviously be dangers. Before you purchase a used Audi A4, have a mechanic that you trust hook up a code reader to the car, to download its history.

Problems With Suspension

Also at the 50,000 mile point come a host of suspension problems, and since most warranties have long expired by the time you go looking for an Audi A4 for sale, used, chances are that you will be stuck with the bill for these problems.

Oil Burning Problems

Also, certain years of Audi A4s can have problems with burning oil much faster than normal, but again, have a code reader download the vehicle’s history should tell you everything you need to know.

Problems With Stock Tires

And, many Audi A4s have problems with their stock tires, that they loose tread very quickly, and that they have problems with cupping and feathering.

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Eight Great Tips For Purchasing A Used Audi Automobile

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

Though you may not necessarily believe it, these are probably the best times in the recent past for purchasing a used, secondhand Audi. The used car market is experiencing an up tick in the number of used Audis in great condition that are being sold off by first time owners that simply can no longer afford them. In many cases, they have less than 30,000 miles on them and are often less than a year or two old, and for the many cars that are more than two years, they are in great shape. The beauty of owning an Audi is that the level of engineering and craftsmanship ensure that it will be a car that lasts.

Here are eight helpful tips for purchasing a secondhand Audi.

Look For Private Party Sales

Often, purchasing a used Audi from a dealer will kill any value that you may hope to get from it, as they have their formulas that make it nearly impossible to deal with them. With private parties, you go right to the source and are in a much better position to strike a deal.

Seek Maintenance Records

Always ask to see the maintenance records for the car. If the seller cannot provide, be very wary of purchasing the car.

Ensure That Listed Mileage Is Accurate

The classified ad might have said “15,000 miles” but always check the odometer to verify this, because people often “forget” specifics when they write their classified ads.

Take A Thorough Test Drive

Of course you are going to take a test drive, but make sure you take a thorough test drive. This means that you take at least a 10 or 15 minute drive where you perform all of the usual maneuvers, such as right turns, left turns, reversing, parallel parking and other.

Do Your Own Inspection, And Let A Mechanic Go Over It As Well

Always ask a seller if you can take the car to your mechanic to have it checked out. This is especially important for highly advanced cars like Audis, where a mechanic can plug in a code reader and find out everything about the secondhand Audi’s history. This is an invaluable step, and make it clear that you will not purchase the car without it.

Test Every Component Of The Car

Go through everything – the windows, the trunk, the radio, the seats, everything, before you buy.

Check The Oil

Always check the oil before you purchase to ensure that the car has been well cared for.

Ask About Any Previous Problems

And always inquire about previous problems, because most people will usually admit to something that hasn’t yet come out.

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Buying A Used Audi A3: Six Known Maintenance Problems

Posted on August 6, 2010 by

Believe it or not, with the current economic malaise gripping the nation (and the world) there has never been a better time than right now to purchase a secondhand Audi A3, or a similar Audi vehicle. This is because many of these cars are flooding the market, as owners with too much debt or with liquidity problems jettison these expensive cars – often less than a year or two old – can be found easily and usually with little hassle.

But, as with any used car, you need to be aware of the maintenance issues that come with owning a used Audi. Here are six of them.

Window Leaks – Water And Sound

One of the things that can occur, especially with the secondhand Audi A3, is that the weather stripping can deteriorate quickly if not properly cared for. If the Audi A3 that you have your eyes on is at least three or four years old, this will most certainly be an issue, so check it out before you buy.

Brake Squealing

Also, if the Audi A3 that you are looking at is at least two years old or has more than 50,000 miles on it, the brakes may be an issue that requires immediate attention. Be sure to have them checked out, ideally before you buy the car, but if that is not possible, at least as soon after purchase as is possible.

Rapid Power Loss

Due to a problem with the electrical system, many Audi A3 owners are complaining about immediate and sudden power loss in the vehicle while driving. This does not happen very often, but a statistically significant portion of Audi A3s do have this problem.

Problems With Tires Cupping And Feathering

A much more prevalent problem for Audi A3s – and this is especially prominent with the secondhand Audi A3 – is that the stock Continental tires experience cupping and feathering, which can be dangerous out on the road.

Transmission Problems

Also, many Audi A3s have problems with their transmissions after about 75,000 miles, so be sure to look out for that before you purchase an Audi A3. If it is listed as being close to, or well past, 75,000 miles, inquire about the history of the transmission, whether manual or automatic.

Burns Oil At Rapid Rate

And, many owners report that, as they age, Audi A3s have a problem with rapid oil burning, and oil consumption. This means that the engine is not running very efficiently, so gas mileage may also be affected.

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