Hey all:

Ok, so the 1.8t v. 2.8 thing has been utterly flamed to death. Found plenty of that in the older forums. But one question I didn't see asked (or answered)....

My fiancee (and I) are looking at 2001 A4's. What I'm looking for is some insight as to how much more money (if any at all) it'll cost to keep the 1.8t on the road versus the 2.8.

I realize that the 1.8 is more religious when it comes to things like oil changes, but what about things like turbo longevity, oil pump problems, etc. The cars we're looking at have between 60-80k miles on the clock. We'd like to hang on to the car until it's 150-175k miles.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

I have owned both a 2.8 and 1.8T. For me, the 2.8 was more expensive only because it had a lot of problems and 150K miles. So far with my 1.8T (91K), I haven't had any problems at all (knock on wood). I think that they would be about the same, as long as you take care of it. The 1.8T has more potential to be costly, but its all avoidable with proper maintenance.

 

the 2.8 is by far more reliable..... no worries about boost, leak,valves, turbos and blalbalbalblabla

 

oh and i have a passat 99 v6, 01 a4 1.8 and a 97a4 2.8...the turbo is the most fun though after chipped...

 

Hands Down the 2.8, that turbo screws you in the *** in the end.

 

both cars can be expence to keep on the road but i think it is all about how you drive it and if you keep up on the maintance. somethings on the 1.8t are cheaper and something are more expence then the 2.8 so it might be a toss up

 

Exactly. Replacing catalytic converters on a V6 will cost you more than replacing a K03 turbo.

 

I had my cats replaced non-rust high flow cats for $150 a piece...

 

Id say they are about the same, especially if you are not modding the 1.8.

 

Haha, well then if you talk about buying cheap aftermarket stuff... the 1.8T isn't so bad either, then. Used K03's sell for dirt cheap, and other than finding a boost leak once in a blue moon, the 1.8T is quite reliable.

I don't think I've had to replace a single thing on my car that is 1.8T specific. I'm sure the small gas savings make up for any differences in maintenance costs... and a chipped 1.8T is definitely more fun than the V6.