Issues with 2001 C5 A4 ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 208
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From: Hershey PA
Issues with 2001 C5 A4 ?
New to the forum and am considering a 2001 C5 A4 with F45 and 1SB package and 17k miles.
Are there any particular issues, problems or recalls with this model year I should be aware of?
The car has a 10/6/2000 build date.
Thanks
Are there any particular issues, problems or recalls with this model year I should be aware of?
The car has a 10/6/2000 build date.
Thanks
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I haven't heard of any recurring issues with the A4 tranny - do like mentioned above and have the car thoroughly checked out. If OK, good luck making your best deal.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
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From: Los Angeles CA
The A4 is pretty good for anything you can through at it on the street. It's the track where it might see it's limit. But if it's just a street car you should be fine. Take it out for a spin and see how you like it. Maybe have a mechanic look it over. If you like it go for it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,154
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From: Kali
St. Jude Donor '11
1. Those shocks are prone to failure with age and miles
2. Column lock
3. Thin spokes can crack
4. EBCM Module
5. Leaking rear diff
6. Possible oil usage
7. Rocking seat
etc etc.
2. Column lock
3. Thin spokes can crack
4. EBCM Module
5. Leaking rear diff
6. Possible oil usage
7. Rocking seat
etc etc.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 8
From: 972 and 405
I have an 01 A4 with F45. Had the car since it had 54k and now has over 104k and no issues with tranny or suspension. I do change my transmission fluid and filter once a year though as it does see usage everyday. Just for peace of mind.
-Alex
-Alex
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,682
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From: Plano Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
If he's looking at a 2001 auto car, he won't have any issues with the column lock. 2001-2004 autos don't have the column lock problem.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Must be a pristine vehicle with just 17k on it.
I've an '01, it just passed 62K on it and it's been a really great vehicle (I put 50K on it.)
Some will consume oil, some won't but that affects 98-02 models. Other's listed some common similar issues with this generation.
If you are handy with tools, it's a pretty easy vehicle to work on. A set of FSMs would be golden for you then.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 541
Likes: 38
From: Temecula CA
I have a 01 which I have owned since new. The only problem I have had with it is a leak on the left side of the differential due to a bad "O" ring. This is a known problem and there was a TSB issued for it, but mine didn't leak until the car was out of warranty. You'll want to check the paperwork to see if this repair has been done, since it is about $350 to get it done by the dealer. I have never had any recalls, nor any other mechanical problems.
Phil
Phil
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 208
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From: Hershey PA
To what extent do some of these LS1's burn oil? Are we talking about adding quarts between each oil change or something much less?
My understanding from what I have read here on this forum is that the oil consumption is only noticable if you run the car consistently above 4, 000 rpm. A problem with ring flutter at high rpm is what I have read.
Any clarification or your personal experience would be appreciated.
Thanks
My understanding from what I have read here on this forum is that the oil consumption is only noticable if you run the car consistently above 4, 000 rpm. A problem with ring flutter at high rpm is what I have read.
Any clarification or your personal experience would be appreciated.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 27,567
Likes: 99
From: San Diego
If I did any hard driving at all, I was adding a quart every thousand miles on my 2001. It now has 44k miles and belongs to my dad(he never drives it so it should last forever). My 2000 in comparison, never burned oil in the 4 years I've owned it, until this last month, at 134k miles(27k miles with a supercharger).
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Check the car's codes before purchase, if any found--and there will almost surely be at least some "H" (history) codes--delete them and after some more driving see what comes back.
If you see any potential problems re the codes that is the time to either walk away or do some negotiating re price to take care of any issues revealed.
If you see any potential problems re the codes that is the time to either walk away or do some negotiating re price to take care of any issues revealed.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
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From: Lake Mary Florida
You're close, its above 3200 RPM. Yes #2 ring is minutely out of tolerance. There is a service bulletin on it.
98-02 you can have it consume under 2 qts per oil change. That can run 5000-8000 mile intervals. Mine consumes about a quart during that period. That to me does not warranty opening the engine up by a dealer to replace the ring. Some Z engines have been reported to consume a qt per 400-800 miles. Now that level would warrant a repair. In my opinion.
Unless the previous owner is up front and honest, no way to tell really if that vehicle has the issue until you operate one for an oil change period.
98-02 you can have it consume under 2 qts per oil change. That can run 5000-8000 mile intervals. Mine consumes about a quart during that period. That to me does not warranty opening the engine up by a dealer to replace the ring. Some Z engines have been reported to consume a qt per 400-800 miles. Now that level would warrant a repair. In my opinion.
Unless the previous owner is up front and honest, no way to tell really if that vehicle has the issue until you operate one for an oil change period.
