I Just Saved This Audi A4: Part 1
Since the day I was able to buy my own car, I have only ever owned and daily drove one car. That is the glorious youth-hooning, sideways-sliding, noise-making, just-don’t-care car called the 240sx. Believe it or not, it’s been my dream car since middle school. I’ve had it for five years now, and it’s on the last stages of completion.
Being that it’s both a daily and project, there is one problem that predominately arises. That is, any mods or repairs you need to be completed the same day. The car is going under paint within the next few weeks, so I did something smart… I think. I searched on Cragislist to see what I could afford for less than a grand, that also runs. Close to an hour later, I found a 2001 Audi A4 mechanic special for $800 with potential.
The ad above mentioned that the car has only been through two owners, and even provided the VIN number — sort of rare for Craigslist standards. The life of the car has predominately been in Texas, and just made its way to Los Angeles late last year. So at the very minimum I can count on no rust. The seller even mentions what “minor work” it needs. Aside from cosmetics, the rear windows wouldn’t roll up, it needs a new mass airflow sensor, and probably a tune up. Easy fixes, and at the least they’re all things I can live with.
Two days later I met up with the guy and felt great after a quick test drive. The engine seemed to be running fine. When we got back to his garage there was another buyer waiting. He mentioned to me that he was going to rip the transmission out for his own A4 and junk the car. The pressure was on. I felt bad for the future of the car so I jumped the gun and just purchased it on the spot. I became a proud new owner of an all-wheel drive, four-cylinder turbo Audi in boring beige.
The car ran decently for the price, and the fixes seemed doable. I felt content as I drove home. That was until a stop sign away from my driveway, the temperature needle was higher than Donald Trump’s nose and the car started smoking out of the hood. That jerk didn’t mention anything about an overheating problem.
I made it just enough to get to my garage. Whatever, it’s okay, I thought, I’ve done enough work on my car and friends’ cars to trust that I can get to the bottom of these problems.
The next morning I noticed the Audi gave me a small gift. It peed a little green. A coolant leak it is!
I’ll be taking you along the process of repairing and polishing up this Audi A4 as my Nissan goes under paint. Stick around for part two.