Hey guys,

Fairly new to the forums and I have a hopefully not off topic question. I have really been looking into the Mk2 GTI's as my next car, but for some reason, I keep coming back to the A4. I really like the A4, but there are still some reliability problems I am skeptical of. My question is, compared to a VW, how reliable are they and how easy-to-fix are they? I have some good knowledge on VW's and especially the Mk2's, but I keep thinking VW's are "easier" to repair and have less problems to deal with? Is there any advice you guys have or anything to push me towards the A4 more, because I would love to drive one. Thanks.

 

i saw more problems with vw's than audi when i worked at a vw/audi dealership

jetta's and beetles made in mexico were full of trouble

 

MK2 GTi's are very reliable. They use the 16v engine dont they? That engine is very reliable, and with a car that old, all the problem stuff has already been repaired and taken care of. I own a 1987 VW Scirocco 16v, and I can say that it is definatly a more fun car to drive than my A4. But the A4 is altogether a different type of ride.

 

agree, older vw's are built better imo

 

vw/audis are basically the same, esp the passat

 

i agree with TOM.. if you already have basic knowledge of VW then playing with an audi shouldnt be that much harder but driving an A4 is a totally diff experience.

 

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. Obviously there is a huge price difference between a B5 and an Mk2, but I think I'm leaning towards the A4. Are motor swaps all that common on B5's?

 

Why would you want to do that.
Just get a bigger turbo and some tuning

 

Well the thing I'm worried about is that the A4 in my price range, which is at most maybe $9k, will have pretty high mileage. Is it logical to put a new turbo on an engine over 100K miles?

 

if its been properly maintained there shouldn't be a problem. a lot of us on the forums have chips with cars in 100+ K range