Viewed a nice RS4 B5 today but..

[fredlocks]

....there were a few things slightly wrong.

Namely:-

1) Clutch was very stiff and also made a whirring noise when depressed. However, could not detect any slipping? Any ideas? Could this require a replacement Clutch? If so, what sort of costs are we looking at?

2) Driver information system seems to have some missing pixels. A quick Google search suggests this could be a DIY job. Anyone else been able to resolve without having to install a new instrument cluster? Should I insist this gets sorted as part of the deal?

3) It also seems to have been relatively unused for the last 3 years. It's done 7k in those 3 years with no Oil/Inspection service performed since June '07! Is this suspect? It's on a Long-Life service shedule. Cam belt was changed in June '06 at 41k.

Thanks in advance.

[Rs4Fan]

1) Does not sound good - better ask a specialist because this could get expensive.
2) These cars are now about 10 years old and this is a known problem - I wouldn't sweat it
3) I'd ask the seller about the reason for this - there could be a perfectly good explanation. Sounds like its due for another service - 3 years is a bit long between oil changes, even if it has not been driven. Cam belt needs changing every 5 years so you are good for some time to come.

I'd suggest you have a reputable shop do a thorough pre purchase inspection to avoid making a costly mistake.

[lengster1]

Clutch sounds like thrust bearing gone,fair old job having a new clutch fitted probably £600 ish at a good indy,pixels in the dis isnt unusual with a car this age and not really a concern a few quid should sort it,i would be a little concerned at the lack of servicing over such a long period,check the low mileage over the last few years ties in with other things,tyres are a good indicator of how many miles the car has covered since they were fitted if it has all its bills with it,check water pump and tensioners were all done when the belt was carried out,audi water pumps are well known for the plastic impeller coming off the the pump

[stumpyrs4]

If it were a car I was looking to buy:

Clutch - would budget c£800 off the asking price.
DIS - Common problem - either leave it alone or could cost £200-ish
Cambelt - should be exchanged every 40k miles or 4yrs - cost = £650 to change

[BAX123]

I've got my RS4 coming on the market very soon. I've PM'd.

mike