Hey Everybody,

I'm new to the forums, and it looks like you guys _really_ know what you're doing. I'm a student at Oregon State University, and I'm looking to get a new car. The primary car I'm looking at is an A4 -- and I have a few questions that I was hoping you guys would answer. I normally don't go to forums for this kind of thing but, like I said, you guys know what you're doing.

Here are my questions:

1) I don't have that much money (around $9k), and I'm looking for a newer (i.e. after 2000) A4. I've found some good deals on AutoTrader and few other places, but I'm wondering how big of a factor mileage is on the A4? I'm _not_ looking for a car that I'll never have to repair, but I'm looking for something that will be pretty reliable even though it's around 90k miles. In other words, how are your 90+k mile A4s holding up?

2) Is it possible to get a turbo for a 2.4?

3) B5 or B6 A4 -- what's the difference other than styling and the upgraded engine ops on the B6?

I really appreciate anyone that's willing to help... I just need a little advice here!

-Ken

 

1.) My 97 1.8T has 157k+ on it and still running well.
2.) I don't know of A4's having a 2.4, if your talking about a 2.8, its possible, but most people supercharge them.
3.) Aside from looks, I'm not sure the differences, possibly some interior things.
4.) If your looking for reliability, get a 2.8; if your looking for the ability to tune, mod, and basically go fast, get the 1.8T.
5.) Read the stickies, they are your friend.

 

no such thing as a 2.4 audi
no such thing as a bolt on turbo for the "2.8"
and yes there are alot of them running past 100k
and the b5's are from 96-01.5
b6's are 02-05

 

b5's run from 96 to 2001 and the 1.8 has 150hp (not too much) and after 2000 they were upgraded to 170hp. the 2.8 started off with 170hp and upgraded to 190hp. mine has 146k and i drive it pretty hard and i just have to do normal old car stuff. when buying an audi make sure it is a quattro because they beast any type of weather...the b6 are the newer heavier and the turbos have the upgraded 170hp engine. compaired to the b5 they are more luxurious and less responsive in the handling department. if you are looking to modd and to have a quick little car go for the b5 1.8t and when buying make sure all the timing belt has been changed. good luck and welcome!

 

1.8t
mod
cheaper
less reliable
lacks interior options
2.8
more reliable
almost no mods available
more expensive
more interior options standard

 

I would recommend getting a 2000, or a 2001 b5. You get the gain in bhp, pluse one piece headlights, and the tail lights seem to be favored by more people (although I like the tail lights on my 98.5) I think another difference is that those years are Drive by Wire, where as mine is not. I am not sure what theconsensus is on having your car be DBW or nDBW though. You can do a search and find out.

Whether you decide pre-facelift (<99.5) or post facelift (>99.5)...getting a chip brings them both to the same HP. You get less out of the chip with the post facelift cars. At least...that is what I have read on these forums.

 

Hey All! Thanks for the prompt and concise responses!!! You guys rock! Anyway, I decided (per your advice) to go for a 2000-2001 b5. If any of you have a sweet deal on one and you're in the Oregon area.... well, lemme know!

Thanks again!
-Ken