I am driving over 200 miles on Friday to look at a very promising 2000 A4 Trans Am with 24k on it. What should I listen for or look for that could be possible problems later on? I am not just talking about the engine. I am talking about the tranny, engine, drive train, brakes, etc. I just need a real good list of things to check for damage or abuse/problems that will give me headaches later on. Thanks guys.

any other known LS1 problem other than piston slap?

 

Just look and listen to the same things you'd do if you'd be buying any other used vehicle.

Leaking rear pinion seal and warped brake rotors are very common issues with LS1's.

Also, there have been quite many similar threads recently, so just spend some time on here and browse through a few pages here in LS1 Tech and you'll find most of your answers.

Happy hunting!

TS

 

Bump

 

Definately listen/feel for warped rotors! My car came with warped rotors, with only 16K miles on it..Granted it was very very minor, and only felt under very hard braking, so i just put it off as normal..but as time goes on, it has gotten worse and worse, to the point where if slam on the brakes, the steering wheel vibrates. When coming to a stop you kinda hear a "chu..chu..chu" kinda sound. (Sorry, thats as best as i can explain it). Listen for any knocking/ticking noises, that sound unreasonably loud. If you have a chance, run it through the rev range (while driving), and feel for any misses, hesitations etc...Also, see how the transmission shifts, does it feel sluggish?? Does it downshift to the appropriate gear? I would also check out the tires..if the tires are particularly worn after 24K miles (especially the rear), odds are the car has been driven hard. Good luck man, let us know how it turns out!.

 

I say look for if it has many mods on it, which could mean it was beaten on.

 

Aftermarket rotors are cheap and don't warp like stock crap.
With that low miles unlikely anything wrong .I have lots of buds ith ls1s and no engine problems.Most of us have the cold engine slap but it should go away when it warms up.Factory clutches are kind of wimpy.Factory valve springs are also wimpy but this is more problem on m6 cars when guys do the 3 to 2 racing.

Really my ls1 and my buddies have hardly seen warranty.Buddies did get trannies fixed..m6 cars but both drive them hard,race them frequently against me and each other etc.Mine is shifting kind of crappy but its an m6 not auto car.

Just buy it if the price is right.unless it total loss or flood car or something..Heck it might still have warranty maybe.??

 

Who buys an LS1 F-body and doesn't beat on it?

 

me

 

i beat on mine...

but i throw something soft over it like a blanket first

 

rofl @ stone!

Thats the funniest thing I've read in a while....

Maybe I don't read enough, 'eh?

 

Kiz, thanks

hey that RS 5 speed you got..
are they pretty fast for a V6?

lol BTW some guy just tried to sell me a '91 RS 5 speed and he swore up and down he can smoke the tires through "any gear"

I know thats not true, but are they comparable to say.... an '84 5.0 auto? (thats what I got)