Hi all,

My coworker is considering purchasing either an Audi A4 sedan or an Acura TL. I'm helping her and trying to find any current issues with the 05 Audi. I know the TL has some 5 speed auto transmission issues and she only wants an automatic.

She doesn't want to spend the extra money for all wheel drive or the V6 engine. Any know problems with the turbo 4?

Thanks in advance for any advice you have to offer!

 

the 05 a4 is pretty solid, the 1.8T motor has been used for quite a while now...most of what i've heard on the acura TL has been very bad, if it's a choice between the tl and an a4, definitely go for the a4

 

05??? Which one? There are two different A4's that have 2005 model years. The old body style or the new one?

 

both would be worlds better than a TL........

 

I just bagged a 2005 A-4 1.8T CVT (auto) cabriolet B-6 (older style body, personal preference). This was done after A LOT of homework, using both objective and subjective information. Bottom line is, I could not find any detracting information on these cars, from owners to mechanics! My wife will be driving this one quite a bit, so this was very important to me.
(I don't need one of those phone calls...LOL)
Other cars considered, and driven: Mercedes SL, Volvo Cab., Cadillac CTS, Nissan 350Z, Lexus Cab,and a few others..
So far, we really are becoming attached to our first Audi..

 

The 05's have been out for how long? Well, if problems started springing up within the first few months of owning a car, I would be worried to. I wouldnt expect a lot of 05's to have problems with them...yet.

 

Perhaps I should have been a little more clear on my 'homework', surge. I did an in depth engineering study on the 1.8T motor, it's history, the A-4 chassis and body, its history, the CVT and tiptronic, it's history, etc, etc. I don't part with 40+k lightly.

The results off those studies, and the pleasure in driving that paticular vehicle is what brought me to the decision.

 

Oh, i definately am not doubting the Audi A4, but just simply pointing out that you never know what can go wrong with it in the future with that specific 2005 model. Its just the juggle you pay. At least you know it wont be some piece of **** Ford (no offense) that breaks after a few thousand miles.

I hope you like the New A4. Im jealous!

 

We were looking at the new body style. I didn't even know the 05 came in two body styles, I did see alot of the older body style on the lot but I assumed they were left over 04's.. my bad. I suppose she should consider the older style also.

One thing that has me a little concerned is the CVT transmission. One site (I think it was consumer research) said stay away from used Audi's with the CVT. I've also seen the inside of these transmissions and not too keen on this newer technology... I know Honda has also had some bugs with these trans in their hybrids. I recommended for her to step up to the conventional trans, it's a more proven technology and that means going to the more expensive quattro which is a plus in my book, Audi has been doing all wheel drive longer than anyone.

Thanks for all the responses! Great site.

Dave

 

Sorry to dissapoint you guys, I OWN BOTH.

2004 Audi A4 6spd 1.8T Quattro
2004 Acura TL 6spd w/navi

TL WINS HANDS DOWN,, PERIOD! SORRY! TL has waaaay better interior, tons of gadgets (girls love gadgets) and is A LOT more roomy and the 270hp V6 BONE STOCK does 14.2 quarter mile on stock inflated tires. I have times slips and tests if you don't believe me.

A4 = better fit and finish, better handling but THAT IS IT. Yes you can mod the A4 to compete, but out of the BOX NO WAY ON EARTH.

I just bought the A4 and it's my daily driver, the TL is my girls. The shifter on the TL and clutch just blows the A4 away. To me the shifter on the A4 is just plain sloppy compared to the acura. I love my A4 but make no mistake the TL is in a different league.

no flaming.

PS. TL auto tranny has a recall which fixes all its problems.

eric