Thoughts on Audi A4's

[Jonny Cash]

I guess its sort of random to look for audi feedback on this site, but I figured theres a few vw guys here, and i will get more un-biased opinions.
So Im looking for a car for my wife (still), the e46/e39's were initially what i was after, but I havent found any good deals on them in the 5-6500 range. I cant even begin to explain how many d-bag's Ive encountered when shopping for these cars. (if it was up to me it'd be 3k budget beater corrolla and be done with it) But as some of you guys must know, its not easy for a woman to "downgrade"

Ive been seeing a few good clean a4's in this range so Ive been curious. The 1.8 is a motor they updated over the years, and is pretty economical, so I dont imagine the maintanence being too bad. She's agreed to drive a clutch, so thats also a plus- So before I went out and bought a maintanence nightmare, i figured Id throw this out there to get some first hand experience. (looking at 02-04 1.8t awd cars)

Thanks.

[e30e]

The b5's will require more maintenance than any e36/39/46 will need and will require more VAG special tools than the bimmers. The window motors/clips die pretty regular in warm climates, 1.8t have sludge problems are hit and miss, and a clutch job is not a cheap or fun joh. I'm not a vw/audi hater but do hate doing the maintenance on the VAG cars.

Tell her to drive an accord

[CabrioPunk]

Having owned a B5, I can tell you that a lot of maintenance and replacing and even still worrying will be needed.

The 1.8T is a nice motor, chips nicely, and not too tough to work on. However, VAG knew the motor had issues and did shit about it. Even my new 09 VAG recently came with paperwork in the mail revising their oil schedule. VAG just can't get it right.

My 98 1.8T was an awesome car, I loved it but it required a lot of work. Oil, oil, oil. Turbos need babied. Coil packs go, but not too bad. Bunch of small, random things always popping up. PassatWorld.com is a good place to read up on if you would like to know more about B5s. The auto transmissions are awful to drive.



The E30 really is a great platform. Seems easier, a better choice than a B5.

[tjts1]

You're better off walking. Keep looking for an E39.

[87e30]

acura tl???

[kingston]

I'm looking for something for the wife, too. I was looking at all kinds of nicer used stuff, when she shocked me by saying "I don't want to drive a Mercedes or a Lexus!" She'd already discounted BMWs, too. I dunno, she really wants an old Dodge Stealth...

I love my wife, but man this surprised me! I thought I'd look at an A4, but this thread nixed that!!

[CabbE30]

One of my buds had an automatic a4 and the trans was going out and was so bad that when we'd go out driving my auto e30 would put it to shame.

[CabrioPunk]

^ told ya. The automatic transmissions In these things is awful. Granted, had a Passat GLX w tiptronic and it was more advanced, less slushy.

My manual wagon above was nice.

Tons of other cars but would not reccomend the 1.8T for much. Now a V6 not sure if that would be a bad chooce seeing the platform itself isn't necessarily flawed.

Marriage wise, if this purchase is for your wife there are two scenarios. You pick car, any time something happens she will hate you and blame you. You let her pick car, anytime something happens you will be responsible for it too and she will blame you. Sounds the same result. Buy her a Hyundai.

[E30MACK]

I have had a A4 B5 and I absolutely loved it. My favorite car to date. it was a 2000 2.8Q 5-speed with black leather interior and silver ext.....and I just sold it this past weekend. true they do require some maintaince but if you take care of them they are solid as hell and fun to drive. the 2.8 motor has about 210hp if i remember correctly. while its not the turbo it has far less problems then the 1.8t....cant say enough good things about it. Just get one with the timing chains done already, not a cheap job or easy to do....

[rich4rdee]

every early 2000s vw i've been in has smelled like crayons because i guess they put a wax coating on the interior bits at the factory. heat causes the wax to melt a little and creates a stench in the summer. also, every single one i've been in has had electrical gremlins associated with the HVAC, windows, mirrors, etc.

i'd suggest an is300, (not sure if you can find a good one within your budget) avalon, 3.2TL, accord.

don't get me wrong...i'd love to own a b5 s4 or b7 rs4 one day. maybe consider a GTI and use the extra cash on maintenance?

[z31maniac]

It's your wife.

By her an economical, Japanese commuter car and call it a day. She wants something that starts when she puts the key in, goes when she presses the gas and stops when she hits the brakes.

[QUKBMER]

Dont do it, dont buy one. POS!