17/09/2026 7:35 pm
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What should I be looking out for specifically when checking a used Audi A4 before I hand over my cash? Im looking at a 2017 model with about 75k miles on it and honestly im a bit nervous. I have a budget of around 16k and I really need this car to be my daily driver for at least the next 3 years here in Chicago.
I spent all night scrolling through forums and read a lot about timing chain tensioner issues but then I saw some guys claiming those were mostly fixed by 2015 so now im just confused if I need to worry about that or if the cooling system is the bigger headache. Some people say the DSG transmission is fine if it was serviced but others are telling me to run away if I dont see paperwork for the fluid changes.
Since its going to be sitting in the cold winters here, are there specific seals or electronics that usually fail first? Im planning to look at it this Saturday and I dont want to miss something obvious and end up with a money pit. Is there like a checklist of stuff I can test myself without taking it to a mechanic first?
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17/09/2026 8:40 pm
^ This. Also, skip the cheap tools. Get an Ross-Tech VCDS Hex-V2 for deep logs. It beats any generic scanner hands down, keeping my A4 running perfectly for years.
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17/09/2026 7:50 pm
^ This. Also, watch out for the water pump housing, they love to crack and leak on those engines. Make sure to check the coolant reservoir for any signs of gunk. Since you are in Chicago, definitely inspect the suspension bushings for dry rot from all that salt. Save some cash by grabbing a Schwaben Audi VW Scan Tool to check codes yourself before committing. Its cheap insurance against buying a total headache.
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17/09/2026 7:35 pm
> I spent all night scrolling through forums and read a lot about timing chain tensioner issues Honestly, forget the tensioner drama for that year! My buddy had a 2017 and it was fantastic. Just grab an OBDeleven NextGen Diagnostic Tool to scan for hidden electrical gremlins yourself. Also, check that DSG fluid was swapped every 40k miles religiously. If there is no proof of service, walk away! Chicago winters are brutal, so inspect the battery health too.