James

Congratulations on your purchase, post some photos up when you get a minute :) How bad are the plastic trims on the doors? The LCD is a common fault and will been to be either refurbished or replaced.

Hi David, welcome to the club! :) IMO the 2.8 is a lovely engine, although these days it will seem fairly thirsty for the power it produces. The 1.8T Quattro models tend to be more popular and can offer similar levels of performance from a lighter more fuel efficient engine, but make sure you get the 180PS version. That being said, I can understand if you want to find the top of the range 2.8! I don't know massive amounts about these engines but definitely look for a well cared example with lots of history. Also, check the heating system and temperature gauge performs as it should as I believe these can be common faults with this model along with radiator leaks. Obviously, with the car getting old too, check all the buttons/electrics work as there will be plenty of functions if you get the top spec version. Let us know how you get on B)

I'm sure it will be a tough decision whichever way you go but I guess to me it seemed that keeping the more modern car was most "logical". Interesting find with the screw.... I wonder where that went!

Hi Jariath, It would be useful if you detailed the type of stereo you have fitted to the car (e.g concert, B&O etc) and have you found any connections at all such as SD card, aux in, old style ipod lead etc?

Can't say for 100% but I believe that the dwm is just the newer version of the same transmission so should fit....

Hi Alex, welcome :) Let us know how it goes!

They're pretty good engines to be honest. Some might even go as far as saying bullet proof if well taken care of so check service history - cam belt and water pump are important so make sure these have been done on time and it will potentially need these items changed for a second time soon. Check for rust too as these cars too.

Paul, I would advise to get any error codes read before you attempt a solution just to make sure, but yes the gearbox ecu or transmission control module can commonly be at fault and cause the "flashing" error you have described. The only other possibilities I can think of would be either some sort of problem with the transmission linkages (which could explain not going into reverse), or the brake pedal switch that send the signal to the gearbox (there are two switched I believe, one for the brake lights and one for the gearbox). Hope that helps, let us know how you get on.

Matt, not sure on the diagnostic machine tbh, but certainly worth a try if you have access to one! Let us know how you get on.

I would say keep the 2.6.... more power, more modern, lower miles.....

John, vagcom is a tool you can invest in yourself: http://www.vagcom.co.uk/ It does require a bit on an initial outlay but you can probably earn your money back eventually!

Matt, I would say try and get it scanned using vagcom before you do anything else as this is the only way to know for sure. Strangely, I have heard reports of the ABS light being caused by a faulty brake light switch....

Hi John, welcome to the club :) Sounds like you have picked up a nice Audi! With regards to the door chime, I think it's possible to turn off the seat belt chime via VAGCOM but not the door chime unfortunately :(

Thought it was a 30mm socket? Could be wrong though...

Looks like a nice clean example, good luck with the sale!

Thanks Steve, I imagine it would have still required cutting though as the door would have been stuck closed and hence no access to some parts of the door card...

Always forget about the options. List price never looks too bad and then suddenly you realise how many "essentials" are on the options list!

I would have thought that the slave cylinder and release bearing would have been changed at the same time. Might be worth an ask?

What does everyone think of the new Audi RS3? I have to say the figures look impressive. 0-60 in 4.3 and 174 mph from a hatch seems crazy. This could embarrass some supercars from a few years ago. Looks like we're definitely entering the era of the "hyper hatch"! :D

Hi Peter, welcome to the club :) Always nice to have someone on here with a bit of mechanical experience!

I have heard of various issues with clutches/flywheels not lasting a decent amount of time on an A4 but this is odd for a new one. Ultimately though, if it's still not right you should take it back. Perhaps ask to drive another similar car as a comparison if they have one and take a technician. Plus take a technician for a ride in your car to make sure they are properly aware of the fault you are talking about. I imagine it probably feels like you are being a pain but if you don't get it sorted then I expect it will really irritate you and you won't enjoy the car.

Fair enough. Admittedly I've never tried to spec up a Porsche with options but I can imagine it becomes eye watering rather quickly!

Yes it's a shame that one minor issue can spoil your enjoyment of an otherwise very good car. Keeping my fingers crossed for you also! :)

It is frustrating when they fail to mention something. Also, for Audi to come out and say a rattle is a 'characteristic' of the car seems laughable. Most of us are fans of the brand for many reasons, but one of which is usually the quality German engineering you expect from Audi. This example certainly doesn't seem to follow that trait. :(

I know the feeling Karen. It's always difficult not to be cynical when it comes to car dealers - particularly if you have had a bad experience or spoken to someone who has!