a4 1.8t
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8
a4 1.8t
hey, im a newb to Audi's and such, i've always been into asian imports, yet i'm growing so fond of these cars i simply can't resist to buy one, but i have a question or two before i purchase an a4, what do they run stock (w/ the tiptronic) and what do they run with the tip chip and the engine chip from either APR or GIAC. thanks alot!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1
RE: a4 1.8t
I am considering leasing an A4, either a 1.8T or 3.0 with Multitronic. I am unfamiliar with the mechanical reliability of the newer A4s. I am spoiled, having leased five Lexus, since they were first available. What is the user experience with the need to service the vehicle more than twice per year? I am not mechanically inclined nor interested in repairing my own vehicle, but I do enjoy sporty driving, something Lexus lacks (except for the IS 300) and Audi offers. I have no need for 4WD, so the standard front-wheel drive would be fine. I live in LA, so the need for AWD for my annual auto trip to ski (vs. flying most of the time) makes no sense. I am also interested in the consensus about the 1.8 and 3.0 power differential for primarily city driving, but some highway use. I am trying to improve fuel consumption but don't like any of the hybrids yet. The 1.8 was nimble and fast during my test drive, but I would not know how it performs on long, high-speed trips. I do drive fast and agressively, especially on the open road. In conclusion, I have read auto reviews for decades, and am trying to achieve a comfort level re: lack of problems experienced amongst purchasers of new Audi A4s. Car & Driver had a negative review on an A4 3.0 CVT picked up in March 2002 and driven one year. Was that atypical? Any feedback would be appreciated.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,354
RE: a4 1.8t
This car ain't no Lexus. After having 320K miles of trouble free but boring driving on my last Lexus, I bought an A4 1.8T. It is a relatively high maintenance car compared to Japanese and parts are expensive. If you are looking for Lexus reliability, then you will be disappointed.
That said, I've had more fun in the last 20K miles of my Audi, than 320K on the Lexus. If you can handle the manual in LA traffic, go for it.
My preference is for the turbo engine, as there are many ways of getting a lot more power out of it. If you go this route you may still want quattro, as once you start pushing the power above 225 with FWD, you will get some torque steer.
That said, I've had more fun in the last 20K miles of my Audi, than 320K on the Lexus. If you can handle the manual in LA traffic, go for it.
My preference is for the turbo engine, as there are many ways of getting a lot more power out of it. If you go this route you may still want quattro, as once you start pushing the power above 225 with FWD, you will get some torque steer.
