I'm about to buy an a4 but i was wondering if anyone knows of any common reliability issues with the '99 or '00 a4's. Also, are a4's really a whole lot more to keep up through the years, as compared to american or japanese "counterparts" (not like anything is really an audi haha) THANKS

 

As anybody here will tell you, they require love... religious oil changes, and other prevantive maintenance. If reliability is a huge concern, dont stray from the japanese market... they have the germans beat. If you want an audi still, for the obvious other reasont to want one... you can count on a few expensive bills... the timing belt job is big, and should be done every 60K... with labour, its around a grand. If you plan on keeping the car for a while, its worth it to learn how to DIY, save yourself tonnes of money. Another big deal on these cars is the control arms... another 1000 dollar job with labour. They squeak, or clunk when they are bad... take it over some speedbumps, and listen for front end noise. Audi has a recall for the lower control arms... but we're on our own for the rest. Other than that... coil packs and MAF's... nothing crazy that I can think of. Parts cost is in general, high, however... who knows. Like I said, if reliabiltiy is a concern, and you still want luxury... look to lexus or acura.

 

Above says it all

 

Is there a japanese car that has the same kinda power as a minorly modded 1.8T? anything that can run with them without having to add a turbo to an unturboed car? ive thought about japanese cars because it is much more to keep up an audi, but i like the 1.8T has a turbo, and can be easily upgraded. are there any cars that can do that in the japanese market?

 

No... but the acura TL type S is like 260hp stock... which is plenty. I dont follow lexus as atll... the IS300 is somewhat modable, but has like 215 horse stock or something, I think... so its not bad at all.

I dunno otherwise.

 

IS300 is more than "somewhat" moddable. It's essentially the same engine as the Supra. It'll take a beating, as it's VERY strong. However, it's not turbocharged, and if you want ot do that, it's not gonna be a quick ECU chip, but more extensive and heavy duty work.

 

Why does everyone think the timing belt HAS to be changed at 60K? Is this extremely precautionary or just "old" advice? I realize the damage that can be done with a busted belt, but a check on the technical stds for replacement and repair stated 100-120K for my 2001 B5. Now, I wont wait that long, but sees to me 60K is a bit early.

Thoughts???

 

If everyone waited for their timing belt to break , we might know the mean miles and the standard deviation for their longevity. Audi has since lowered their recommendation to 75K mi. for 2003 and 2004 1.8Ts. They may know something.

 

My '98's timing belt busted at approx 65,000.00. Fortunately I didn't do any damage, but it was VERY close. $1000.00 at 60,000 or gamble and pay $1000.00 later plus the cost of rebuilding a F'd up engine. Your choice.

 

Gman, I am struggling with the same question. I just bought a 2001 A4 1.8t with 77K on it from a private party. I called an audi dealer and they are sticking to their guns, saying only to change the belt at 105K. I said that I wanted a quote anyway to do the timing belt and water pump. They said that on my car, they wouldn't do the water pump and timing belt at the same time because the water pump is not driven by the timing belt. I don't know yet whether that is true or not. Anyway, they said that it would be $750 for parts and labor for the timing belt only. I'm definitely going to do the timing belt sooner than later, but I'm not going to panic just yet.