2001 TT Quattro roadster. 140km, originally from the US. I just bought it a month ago and now that I have brought it o the Audi dealer there is a list of things to be done, but I'm not sure which deserves the urgency (and my money). So I ask you for your thoughts on what to tackle first and what should wait a bit.

The report On what should get done...
- front strut mounts have some play $407 plus tax
- wheel alignment $130
- both left side axle boots are leaking $540
- right outer tie rod is worn out $190
- heavy oil leak at valve cover and chain tensioner gasket $650

Also, where is the best place to get parts? I'm thinking I could get cheaper than the dealer and just pay labour?

 

If the dealer is doing the repair I don't think you should waste your time sourcing parts yourself. By the time you ship them to yourself, etc. you won't be very far ahead considering the wait time, shipping, duty, etc. If it were me, I'd get the leaks repaired first and then the suspension stuff. If you can do it all at once that would be best. Keep in mind that multiple suspension repairs likely means multiple wheel alignments.

 

For sure I agree with tim$2.
Try to do all the suspension stuff first, then one alignment. From my own experience, have the alignment at a specialty shop. Not the dealership. Mine did a lousy job and made the car almost undriveable and cost me a set of tires. The dealershi did an alignment after changing some rear links and a front tie rod end. The car was all over the place on snow covered roads. I brought it back the next day. The rechecked the alignment and said it was good. I lived with it for a couple of months. In the process completely wearing down my winter tires. After putting the summer tires on, and noticing some wear starting (very premature and uneven) I took it two an alignment shop. They found the alignment (toe) way way out, they made the correct adjustments to bring it back to spec and no problems since. Actually the car drives better! I like the guys at the dealership, I just don't trust them to know how to use their equipment.
That's my 2 cents worth.

 

SO heres an update...

Got my repair shop to do the front struts and tie rod. Car quieted up instantly but I then noticed there was a sort of clapping going on in the back of the car. When I brought it back to dealer to get a key done, I pointed out this out to them and they were shocked that both coil springs were broken.... and no one noticed it. Other mechanic told me I could wait on doing the springs, dealership said do them right away.

The leaking oil (apparently from the valve tensioner) has two opposing opinions - dealer says its leaking oil, mechanic at another shop says its just oil that has spilled from an oil change. Im not moving on it yet, my oil level hasn't changed, no light comes on and the car is running just fine.

So confused!

Where dealer wanted about 1000 for tie rod, struts and alignment etc., I got them all done for 600 at my mechanic.

 

Where did you end up going for the work?

Doug

 

I went to Forward on caledonia based on a strong recommendation of another audi/porsche owner. Very happy with the service and cost.

Where do you go?

 

I've only had to take her in once for a timing belt to Autospiel. Very competitive with the pricing and a good reputation. All other work including oil changes/brakes/exhaust etc. I do myself. For the next timing belt I will do it on my own. I just did one on my other vehicle for the first time and it's pretty much fool proof is you stick to the DIY instructions, the service manual and double check all your work.

Doug