Is a high-mileage Audi A4 worth the purchase?

Question

So I have been wrenching on German cars for like five years now, mostly doing my own suspension work and basic maintenance, but my daily driver just gave up the ghost and I need something reliable asap. I found this 2017 Audi A4 with 145k miles on the clock for 9k which is basically my entire budget right now. My logic was that since I know my way around a 2.0T engine and have all the right tools, I could handle the usual timing chain tensioner or water pump issues if they pop up, but 145k feels like I am just asking for a total nightmare. I live in Chicago so the salt and road conditions really eat these things alive too.

Everything on the car seems tight, no weird noises on the cold start and the transmission shifts smooth, but I am worried about the long term electrical gremlins that come with high mileage VAG cars. Should I just walk away and find a boring Toyota or is this actually a decent deal if I keep a strict maintenance schedule? I mean, I love the way the B9 handles, but I dont want to spend every single weekend under the hood when I should be working. Has anyone here actually daily driven a high mileage A4 without going broke...

spzpimdpux · Accepted Answer

> 145k feels like I am just asking for a total nightmare Unfortunately, you are right. At that mileage, the control arm bushings and plastic cooling components will likely fail soon. I had issues with my B9 and, frankly, the repair costs aren't worth it on such a tight budget. Look for a Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo or a Mazda Mazda3 2.5L instead. They are way cheaper to keep running.

eogyuifyfm · Answer

Coming back to this, I daily a high-mileage Audi A4 B9 2.0T and it works well. Just keep up on fluids. Compare it to a Toyota Camry 2.5L for boredom.

wvvysxmeit · Answer

Honestly, 145k on a B9 is a gamble. I daily drove an older Audi for years and while I was happy with the performance, the Chicago winters really took a toll on the undercarriage and the wiring harnesses. If you already have the tools and know your way around the 2.0T, it might work out, but dont expect it to be a weekend-free experience.

The electrical gremlins are real. Mine started acting up once the salt started corroding the sensors.

You might end up spending your savings on parts instead of just maintenance. If you really want something reliable to get you to work, just go with a sedan from Toyota or maybe a hatchback from Honda. You cant go wrong there if you want to stop wrenching every single weekend. Just keep it simple if you value your free time.