'02 A4 reliability
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1
'02 A4 reliability
Finally, after sweating through 3 Texas summers I'm ready to sell my A/C-less Wrangler and upgrade. After considering the new VW GTI and Audi A3, I've decided to buy a used B6 A4.
I'm looking at two cars:
2002 A4 1.8T quattro manual 41,470 miles; blue $16,900
2003 A4 1.8T FWD manual 50,800 miles; black $15,900
My first instinct is the '02, hands down. I love that blue (although black is definitely OK), it's got less miles and, of course, quattro. Although I don't need quattro in Austin, it would be great to have if I move back to Denver or DC. But when I checked the reviews from JD Power and Consumer Reports I had serious second thoughts. While the '03's have very good reliability according to both publications, the '02's are cited for tons of electrical problems and less-than-favorable engine reliability.
Should I be all that concerned?
I'm assuming that Audi had problems with the '02 A4's because it was a completely redesigned model. A mitigating factor with this particular A4 is that it was built in May of 2002, so that gives them a little time to work out the kinks. Both have clean one-owner carfax records. Nothing is showing up on the carfax record for the electrical problems, but maybe it doesn't always.
So what would y'all do?? What are my actual chances of having lots of problems with the '02?
Yes, I am way overanalyzing things. I'm [8D]. But hey- this is a very big deal for me and I want to keep this car for awhile.
Thanks in advance.
I'm looking at two cars:
2002 A4 1.8T quattro manual 41,470 miles; blue $16,900
2003 A4 1.8T FWD manual 50,800 miles; black $15,900
My first instinct is the '02, hands down. I love that blue (although black is definitely OK), it's got less miles and, of course, quattro. Although I don't need quattro in Austin, it would be great to have if I move back to Denver or DC. But when I checked the reviews from JD Power and Consumer Reports I had serious second thoughts. While the '03's have very good reliability according to both publications, the '02's are cited for tons of electrical problems and less-than-favorable engine reliability.
Should I be all that concerned?
I'm assuming that Audi had problems with the '02 A4's because it was a completely redesigned model. A mitigating factor with this particular A4 is that it was built in May of 2002, so that gives them a little time to work out the kinks. Both have clean one-owner carfax records. Nothing is showing up on the carfax record for the electrical problems, but maybe it doesn't always.
So what would y'all do?? What are my actual chances of having lots of problems with the '02?
Yes, I am way overanalyzing things. I'm [8D]. But hey- this is a very big deal for me and I want to keep this car for awhile.
Thanks in advance.
SoCal Crew Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 856
From: Encinitas, CA
RE: '02 A4 reliability
If you get a 1.8 make sure it has had synthetic oil used in it all its life and make sure you use it and change oil frequently, those engines tend to sludge up if you dont treat them right, i have heard that the B6 is sturdier than the b5 as well... they might have worked out the control arm problems good luck with your pick
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12,826
From:
RE: '02 A4 reliability
the cars have average miles check the service history of both and if it doesnt have one forget it or it could be a price bargaining tool then ask them to fully service them including timing belt and tensioner for peace of mind and get a warranty
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 228
From: NyC - Manhattan
RE: '02 A4 reliability
ORIGINAL: jmiller2032
Finally, after sweating through 3 Texas summers I'm ready to sell my A/C-less Wrangler and upgrade. After considering the new VW GTI and Audi A3, I've decided to buy a used B6 A4.
I'm looking at two cars:
2002 A4 1.8T quattro manual 41,470 miles; blue $16,900
2003 A4 1.8T FWD manual 50,800 miles; black $15,900
My first instinct is the '02, hands down. I love that blue (although black is definitely OK), it's got less miles and, of course, quattro. Although I don't need quattro in Austin, it would be great to have if I move back to Denver or DC. But when I checked the reviews from JD Power and Consumer Reports I had serious second thoughts. While the '03's have very good reliability according to both publications, the '02's are cited for tons of electrical problems and less-than-favorable engine reliability.
Should I be all that concerned?
I'm assuming that Audi had problems with the '02 A4's because it was a completely redesigned model. A mitigating factor with this particular A4 is that it was built in May of 2002, so that gives them a little time to work out the kinks. Both have clean one-owner carfax records. Nothing is showing up on the carfax record for the electrical problems, but maybe it doesn't always.
So what would y'all do?? What are my actual chances of having lots of problems with the '02?
Yes, I am way overanalyzing things. I'm [8D]. But hey- this is a very big deal for me and I want to keep this car for awhile.
Thanks in advance.
Finally, after sweating through 3 Texas summers I'm ready to sell my A/C-less Wrangler and upgrade. After considering the new VW GTI and Audi A3, I've decided to buy a used B6 A4.
I'm looking at two cars:
2002 A4 1.8T quattro manual 41,470 miles; blue $16,900
2003 A4 1.8T FWD manual 50,800 miles; black $15,900
My first instinct is the '02, hands down. I love that blue (although black is definitely OK), it's got less miles and, of course, quattro. Although I don't need quattro in Austin, it would be great to have if I move back to Denver or DC. But when I checked the reviews from JD Power and Consumer Reports I had serious second thoughts. While the '03's have very good reliability according to both publications, the '02's are cited for tons of electrical problems and less-than-favorable engine reliability.
Should I be all that concerned?
I'm assuming that Audi had problems with the '02 A4's because it was a completely redesigned model. A mitigating factor with this particular A4 is that it was built in May of 2002, so that gives them a little time to work out the kinks. Both have clean one-owner carfax records. Nothing is showing up on the carfax record for the electrical problems, but maybe it doesn't always.
So what would y'all do?? What are my actual chances of having lots of problems with the '02?
Yes, I am way overanalyzing things. I'm [8D]. But hey- this is a very big deal for me and I want to keep this car for awhile.
Thanks in advance.
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