Hey Guys, I'm a new potential Buyer for an A4 2002-2003 1.8t model manual, so this should be nothing new to you, gonna hit you with all the essential questions:

-First off how is it?
-Second, Reliability of these things (very important to me) Known issues of 2002-2003 models?
-Fuel Consomation, what are you guys getting
-All around would you recommend it as a good AWD solution?

That's pretty much it, I don't want to be in the garage with my new acquisition, i'm fed up of being there as it is!

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

If reliability is so important to you, buy a Japanese car. However, the A4 quattro is a fun car to drive.

 

Best car ever.... I have a 2005 A4 I guess with 5 years warrenty, I guess this car is liable. I love the quattro, I take my car up in the snow and I just cruise through people on the roadside putting their chains on. Are you planning to do any mods, cuz this car have lots of protencial. I say buy it, you will love it. What kind of car do you have now?

 

I bought a 2002 a4 5spd quattro about 2 months ago- I love it. Its not quick stock, but otherwise its great. The four wheel drive system in it is amazing and everytime I take it in the snow/dirt it amazes me. I went certified, which hopefully means reliablility for the next 2.5 years (half year left on the orig. warranty, then an additional 2 yrs/100k miles). If your looking for something quicker, drop a few years to an older S4- still nice cars.

Average fuel consumption varies greatly depending on how you drive. Conservative driving leads just below 30mpg for me, while getting on it all the time (which you'll find seems to be the case) leads to around 20mpg.

Overall, very comfortable, quiet, and has all the bells and whistles (I'm still finding features I didn't know I originally had).

 

I've had my 2002 A4 1.8T quattro for almost 2 mo. I wish I would have just waited a little more and bought a S4. I'm not unhappy with my car I love it, overall it is a great car. If you buy one chip it in the first month.

 

Well I drive a 98 maxima right now, but starting with all kinds of problems as i'm nearing the 150 000 mile mark.

Have their been many known issues in terms of common problems however with the 2002-2003 line of A4's like sensors, electrical issues, tranny?
I mean I know Audi have a great Reputation however I'm already going over my head in budget if I dump the money for one so I'm just questionning how reliable.

Thanks!

 

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That engine in your maxima should go twice as many miles as you have on it. Those are extrememly reliable cars up to 200k miles at least. That engine has won so many awards. But the Audi deffiantely beats it as far as style and about everything else except reliability. I have a 96 maxima with bose, I love that stereo. Its a quick car too.

 

I had a Honda before my B6 A4 and it was incredibly reliable (bought at 15k miles, sold yesterday at 94k miles..no problems). I've had the Audi since mid-August and love it..couldn't be happier. Yes it could be a little faster but it's adequate..if all I was wanting was speed I'd have gotten the STI.

The Quattro AWD is amazing, the brakes are good, engine sounds great, has good power, inside is in great detail and refinement, meaning they focus a lot on providing a good quality and good looking interior.

Yes, most Japanese cars are going to be the most reliable, but I wouldn't have gotten mine if they weren't good cars. Look at Consumer Reports..it's a Best Buy Car.

I've heard the same about the electrical..it seems its gotten better over the years but that's been a reputation of Audi/VW in the past.

Do some research on Vehix.com and Consumer Reports mag or online (4 a fee online) and you'll be happy w/ what they say. Good luck..

 

I'm about to pull the trigger on an '03 Cabriolet FWD 3.0. 31,000 mi. We owned a 97 A6 avant (bought it new)and it ran great until it hit about 75k. then had water pump problems, and thermostat problems (they SAY unrelated). So about $2,500 later we unloaded it. I think i've forgiven Audi, and yet still know what I may get into here...though this one is certified.

The point of my diatribe here is to say that consumer reports isn't all that favorable on the 03 A4 (rated fair). I think they may have tested the 1.8. I called a couple of Audi mechanics. They say the 3.0 has tendancy to get some oil leakage...and it's about a $400 deal (at dealer). But other than that they liked the A4 best of the audis in terms of reliability. One guy said the 1.8 has more problems. Next guy I talked to said he liked the 1.8 better than the 3.0. Go figure. I really can't get consensus on these boards, or by mechanics, or even online ratings....other than, they're simply more expensive to operate. I just hope mine is one of the better ones. Think good thoughts with me.