1999-2001 audi a4 any good?

[vic_325]

my buddy is looking to get an a4 99-01. just wanted to know what people have to say about these cars. like ive heard audis being money pits, but how good are these models. generaly have ppl had good or bad experiences with these cars.

thanks, Vic.

[bmwsun]

i have heard them to be money pits...it is a 1.4T then they are slow, my stock e30 put one down

[cramer]

I think you mean 1.8T.. and while they aren't all that fast stock, with simple mods they can put out some decent power ;)

The slow guy on the block is the 24v V6. No guts and not cheap to work on. The later 30v V6 was much better power wise, but still has the higher cost over the 1.8T.

If you friend really wants a B5 A4, tell him to find the newest, lowest mileage one with maintenance history he can afford. I know my sister has sunk a lot of money in her '96 24v V6 due to the mileage.

[Turf1600]

I got a lot on this forum of heat for getting my b6. It's awesome though - i really like it.

[Farbin Kaiber]

I am staying out of it, and being supportive this time around... If your friend likes the car, tell him to get it regardless of repair costs, becuse it's gonna be his car. You only live once, and, ya can't take it with you, so tell your pal to buy two of them. Then he has a spare if one craps out on him due to some strange electrical issue.

[BUDNUNTA]

Ive owned my 98 A4 2.8q for 2 years and it hasnt given me one problem.
My family has owned audis since the late 80s and Ive never seem one of them become a money pit like everyone talks about.
MAINTENANCE is the key.



Hunter

[Jean]

If you are going to buy a USED audi (and 99-01 won't have any warranty left most likely) the best thing you can do is MAKE SURE you purchase one with a complete maint. records.

[WillisE30]

Ive owned my 98 A4 2.8q for 2 years and it hasnt given me one problem.
My family has owned audis since the late 80s and Ive never seem one of them become a money pit like everyone talks about.
MAINTENANCE is the key.



Hunter

99% of people don't take care of them and they turn to absolute shit. They're more maintenance sensitive than BMW's. I've seen exceptions to the pile rule but compared to the number of pits the cherries are few and far between.

[nando]

I think you mean 1.8T.. and while they aren't all that fast stock, with simple mods they can put out some decent power ;)

The slow guy on the block is the 24v V6. No guts and not cheap to work on. The later 30v V6 was much better power wise, but still has the higher cost over the 1.8T.

If you friend really wants a B5 A4, tell him to find the newest, lowest mileage one with maintenance history he can afford. I know my sister has sunk a lot of money in her '96 24v V6 due to the mileage.

not all that fast? doesn't 3700lbs (if it's a quattro) and 150hp = really damn slow? ;)

[e30325ic]

I don't like the Audi's because of the engine placement of the FWD. The engines hang over the center line of the front wheel. Also, I don't like them because they are basically just a VW with a different name and price tag.
My

[Scotaku]

Actual owner here...

Problem areas on the 1.8T B5's (Passats and A4s) are the waterpump, front control arms, ABS controller, and window regulators. If your friend is contemplating a V6, add the secondary air pump to the list.

The waterpumps are notorious 60K failure points. Mine went at 68K for want of a plastic impeller breaking free of its interference fitting to the impeller shaft. Heat cycle that damned thing enough and it will crack and spin free at any engine speed above idle. $200 in parts nets you a full timing and accessory belt change for your trouble; and much easier on the long mounted engines in the big sedans over the transverse Golf/Jettas.

The control arms are actually a recall item so ask the seller if they've been done. Even if they have, the new arms are iffy too. This is one area you want to avoid the Meyle brand like the plague.

The ABS controller can be rebuilt for less than $200. A small cottage industry has popped up for the service.

VAG's window regulators continue to be a sore point, but the $30 repair kit makes the indignity slightly more bearable. The plastic glass carriers eventually crack and break dropping the glass into the door. How this is NOT a safety or theft issue I still do not understand but they're not under recall.

On the V6, the secondary air pump just dies after a while and usually when you need it (cold morning starts). It is pricey at around $300, but a relatively easy fix. With no EGR these days, you'll burn lots of gas on a cold morning trying to get things up to temp until it gets fixed.

Naturally vacuum lines ought to be spared off and I recc a $7 PCV puck. Bimmerparts and World Impex have been excellent sources of VW/Audi parts and yes, you do want a Bentley for your B5; paper, not CD.

[delatlanta1281]

They are hit or miss. If you like it buy it.

[Mastrcruse]

Ive owned my 98 A4 2.8q for 2 years and it hasnt given me one problem.

Owned the same car, loved it. Owned it for 3 years and it had 154K on it. Only thing that went wrong on it was a relay. 3000 miles per oil change and the PO changed the timing belt and it was golden. Did need a new clutch, original was still in.