Hey all. I really hope that I've posted this in the right place. I'm new here and know there are some really knowledgeable people here who will be able to advise
So I'm pretty set of buying a 2.0TDI A4 Avant S-Line 144bhp. I've found a 2012 model from a private seller. It's got a very good (not excellent) service history having the first two done at AUDI and then 5/6 done at a German/Italian specialist. 113k miles. He says it's mechanically and electronically sound. HPI check has come back clear. Pictures look pretty clean. No rust. Dodgy noises whatsoever. Selling due to lost job during COVID doesn't really need it since he uses a work van and partner has a similar estate that does the job. Brakes I'm told have about 70% left too and suspension is fine. MOT history is totally perfect with no advisories.
Originally I wanted to buy with FULL AUDI service history but have learned that as long as it's been regularly maintained at the proper intervals at a specialist or Audi it's fine, plus a non-audi service history will allow the price to be pushed down. I also wanted the top spec but this one is a happy medium for the price. It has the nice things that I like too but doesn't make my insurance go through the roof.
History: 15k AUDI July 2014, 19kAudi July 2015, 34k March 2016 (specialist dealer), 43k July 2017, 69k July 2018, 89k May 2018, 96k December 2019. He also told me it was serviced not stamped at 108k when he bought and there was some pully and belt replacements, also undocumented. I was willing to overlook the last two missing papers because everything else checks out and I can sue it to push the price down. And the German car specialist has numerous lovely reviews online. So I have reason to believe that it's good.
If I bought it I'd replace the cambelt/water pump immediately as it's not been done. I would also carbon clean the valves, have it properly serviced and potential new battery depending on the inspection voltage test.
So, I'm at the stage of making an offer and know there's work to be done which I've explained. He's listed it with some awful photos for 6.5k but I wanted to pay as little as 5k due to the work needed. That being said, it sounds to be a solid car and I don't want to low-ball. I will also only buy this car if my PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION comes back consistent with everything he's told me about the car. Obviously if the engine is about to die or something then I'll steer clear.
Is 5k to low? Maybe 5.5k? Am I over thinking this deal? My family are going crazy at me for thinking about a high mileage AUDI like this but I believe I've found a diamond in the rough. Please do write in response to this post. I'd really appreciate all of the advice I could get! Essentially I plan on using this car as a comfort cruiser for 2-3 years having very little debt or depreciation and I think it's a low risk investment and something I can sell on for a similar price or more. I also don't want my family to say that I was an idiot for buying a high mileage car because they literally know nothing about this. Cheers. 🙂
