Car gets in gear but won't move

You have two or three choices in the diagnosis of your problem. The most obvious issue — and the one I think it likely is — is that the transmission is shot. If your Audi stays running when you let out the clutch and doesn’t move and doesn’t stall, then, your gears aren’t engaging so I suspect that the transmission is, more or less, fried. With an Audi, you are looking at a $4,000 replacement bill — they are very expensive to repair.

There are other things you might look at. Here’s a list:

• The throwout bearing is shot. This is the device that disconnects the clutch plate from the plate on the engine side, allowing you to shift. If the throwout bearing is gone, then your Audi will sit there and not move, even though you shift into gear. The Audi won’t stall, either, if you let the clutch out too quickly with too little gas. Repairs to this are in the $1,500 to $1,800 region.
• The clutch and clutch plate are shot. If this pair is gone, then, your Audi will act as you describe. Repairs to this pair is in the $1,500 to $2,200 range.
• The gears are shot and slip in and out too quickly to have any effect. This is another major repair that is in the $2,200 range.
• The pressure plate is shot. This is the device that keeps the clutch plate flat against the flywheel on the engine side. The alignment of this plate is critical for proper tranny operation. You are looking at a $2,200 bill, minimum.

I could go on and on but I think your best move is having your technician install a rebuilt transmission and parts. You will be better off in the long run. It is true that it is expensive, but, depending on the cost of your Audi, it is still less money than a new vehicle.