Likely adding/replacing a car in the next month or so since Kiddo will be getting his license soon. Manual trans, decent on gas, comfortable enough for 2-3 hour drives. Ideally something The Kiddo and I will be able to auto-x and/or rally-x eventually. SWMBO wants to get an outback, I'd like 02-07 Impreza (not WRX for insurance reasons). Kiddo and I were thinking E46/E90 BMW...but A4s seem to be much, much cheaper (E46 sellers have lost their minds recently). I've owned early 2000s VAG products, so I kind of understand why that's likely the case. Kiddo will likely be driving 'ol Blue, our Honda Odyssey to/from school and work for a while.
I'm thinking about checking out a 2005.5 manual trans sedan that's posted for $1,300. Clearcoat has some issues, but it otherwise looks OK. Owner says it needs a clutch. How much would i likely regret going this route? The post says the engine was replaced 10k miles ago. I've asked the owner if the car can drive on/off a trailer and up a driveway. I have a fairly steep driveway, so if it can't move at all under its own power I'll have to either rig some sort of massive winch setup or hire a flatbed & hope they'll drop it up top (they were able to drop my old E30 up to twice). If I actually get a response I'll try to get the seller on the phone.
I'm still not sure if it's worth the hassle/risk, since running/driving B7 A4s can be found for $4k to $5k. It would be nice to have a challenge-eligible car for next year's event. I suppose since I can't actually drive the car, I need to assume all of the bushings are bad...which are fairly expensive.
It seems the B7 clutch can be replaced either by removing the trans, but some say it's easier to just pull the engine & trans. I don't have a transmission jack or engine hoist. (jackstands & a jack).
B7 A4 uses a timing belt. I've heard about timing chain issues on 2.0 audi cars, so I think this is actually a benefit? I
What else must I consider? From an experience standpoint, I'm not a pro...but I'm not afraid of a challenge. I bought an E30 and replaced a blown engine a few years ago. I also replaced the subframe mounts & countless other items on that car. I don't have a lift or engine hoist.