Audis have the longest-living (european) engines with decent power output.
A 98 Avant is basically a great car, we have them in Germany everywhere.
What engine does it have?
For the US, I would expect a 1,8T or a 2,8 V6. Both are great engines,
with the V6 doing over 400K km (220k miles) with no bigger issues...if
maintenance kept (timing belt and water pump at 120K km).

Of course, it´s not a US 5L V8 with 120hp eating Jack Daniel´s...it
needs good fuel for good results: 190hp with 2,8l.

Make sure the front suspension is in good shape, it´s the weak spot of
A4, A6 and Passats. They eat a lot of rubber bushings.
The rest is bullet proof.

Regars
Raimund

Am 17.04.2015 um 23:21 schrieb Stuart MacMillan:
> 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