Audi's are good cars, but parts are not cheap.  135k is the time where stuff starts to fail--alternator, starter, exhaust, water pump, tires, battery, brakes, etc., often for the second time.  If the price is right and some of these things have been replaced recently, it could last you a long time with no major problems.

Before you buy it, do an oil analysis:  www.blackstone-labs.com. It will tell you a lot about the engine.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Gene P
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2015 12:03 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Fryday NVC - Audi opinions?

Thinking of getting a German cousin for the ol grey wolfsburg to give him a break, let him stay in some in the winter, etc.  Vehicle is a 98 Audi A4 Avant (little wagonlike hatchback) with 135K miles.  Upside is one owner and I know the owner, so confidence in how it's been driven and maintained.  Downside is unknown, am I jumping into a money pit with a needy vehicle I won't be able to maintain?  If any of y'all have experience or opinions with these things, I'd like to hear.

Thanks,
gp