so a buddy kyle of mine is in the market for a new car, he was looking for wrx's and some hondas [:'(]. and being the extreme audi lover i am i recommended an audi to him. while searching online the other day i found a gem of a car for him. a 99' A4 1.8t with around 80k on it while asking $8,999 for it. i thot it was a hell of a deal and sent him the link. well he loved the car, and it was in mint condition inside and out. he then asked his mom about the car who immidiately consulted consumer reports to check on the car. she was not at all too pleased with what she found being as the A4 is top among the list of cars not to buy and are not very reliable. i immidiately got extremely upset being as my car has easily given me 245k to this day and still running strong. well guys long story short, but i was wondering if you guys could comment on this with comments about your A4's what you like, dislike etc. Its almost like a poll, because if we can get true A4 owners to give their 2 cents on the car we can possibly ween her into giving in. Seeing as those consumer fu**ers dont know sh*t.

Ps. heres the link of the car i found for him http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=20

 

If the previous owner took care of the car, it should be good. Things to check:
Was the timing belt changed?
Are the control arms in good condition?
Make sure there is no sludge in the engine oil.

 

hey thanks for the info. i was actually wondering if someone could just like reply saying that they are extremely reliable cars and how much you love the car itself. just prove that consumer reports is bullsh*t about the A4. i know they are wrong

 

Make sure that the car has been kept up on regular maintenance...they suck for reliability if you suck at maintaing a car. otherwise, they are no less reliable as any other car. soo tell his mother to suck it up and let em get it.

 

The timing belt in my car has been changed twice (it has 121k) and I'm doing the control arms next week. Other than that, the car handles great and I'm happy with my purchase.

 

The main problem with our cars is the control arms but like any car each as its Achilles heal and that is the A4's.

Providing the car has had regular services you will find very little to go wrong the Quattro system is bullet proof so nothing to worry about there and the body works is excellent full galvanised. The only thing you would have to worry about is the cost of parts when something does go wrong there a little more than your normal car being German that is other wise service parts are quite cheap.

 

I've had my A4 since 90k, I have 130k now and have put less than $500 into repairs. As stated, if the timing belt has been replaced, and the car WASN'T beat on, it will give you years of enjoyment as long as you treat it as it deserves to be treated; like an Audi (like a newborn).

 

Quick Question. I am hearing a noise up front when I cut the wheel when backing out of the driveway. It is a 2002 A4 3.0, with 40K so my question is, what are the typical symptoms of the control arm going out?

 

I love the blue cars with the weight intiriors.....

 

Describe the noise.... squeaking (control arm)? Or is it like a straining (power steering - check fluid)...