Hello everyone! I wanted to introduce myself as I am new to Audi's but
have loved performance of German vehicles for a long time. I once owned
a 2.6 190E Benz which was my first intro to eurosport. I since have been toying
with turbo cars. I recently owned a TT Supra and I am currently driving a
Nissan 240 with a turbo motor, this little car is a monster on the street.

I have a pretty serious job now and although I love my car I cant continue
to drive it because of professionalism. I was looking for somthing rear
wheel drive preferably turbo with alot of potential. Hence I found the
Audi 1.8T Quattro. Professional looks with a ton of potential, so I am told.
I found this kid who will give me 10K for my car and all the work I personally
put into it. That gives me just enough money to get into a 97-99 A4 1.8T.

I want to know what problems I might expect such as turbo failure,
electrical issues, drivetrain problems...everything. I am honestly looking at
2 cars the 97 A4 2.8 5 Speed with sport package only 40k miles for 8k. Then I am
looking at this one:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=y&cardist=183

The only reason i am looking at the 2.8 is because of the low mileage and
the fairly good price. If anyone here could give me any ideas as to what I should
expect with both cars I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

 

Not everyone at once now! I can't read all the replys so quickly![]

 

This question would best be answered by some of the more experienced members. Get the 1.8t if you want to get some power out of it. As far as engine work there's not too much you can do with a 2.8 besides a supercharger.

 

I have a '98 A4 quattro 2.8. I just replaced tie rod ends to correct some splashy steering. Test drive the car on some rutted roads. If you get jerked all over the lane you'll need those replaced. My cruise control does not work and the LCD display is flaking out. Those are the most current issues with my ride.

 

The 1.8t and the 2.8 are both very solid cars. the 1.8t has more tuning potencial yet with that comes more parts which in theory could malfunction. As far as turbo failure they don't run much boost and if treated well will last 150k +. I am sure (considering what you have driven in the past) you know how to take care of a turbo'd car. i.e. larger diameter dp and exhaust can help with back pressure on the turbo. Both cars will treat you well, if you are not looking to do a lot of modding go with the 2.8 stock it has more hp. The timing belt should be replaced around 80k at the max. just look over the whole car and look at repair records. (if the person you are buying the car from did not use synthetic oil audi's have been known to have a "sludge" problem with normal oil. check for that. otherwise go for it and welcome to the audi family.

 

Thanks! Anymore info?

 

get the 1.8t. its way lighter and way more potential for the fun factor!

 

Even with 80K miles on it? The high mileage really scares me. How long do these engines hold up for with maybe 14psi?

 

1.8t, mod it more than a 2.8

 

Alright guys,
I drove the A4 1.8T Manual Quattro with a sport supspension...me likey. The K03 has to go though...first mod will definitely be a chip.
Heres the situation...The car is damn clean inside and out, only thing is that the motor popped the timing belt @ 58K miles and the valves were bent etc....His mechanic replaced the head assembly, oil/water pump, clutch, snub mount(don't know what that is), piston rings. The car has 80K on it right now and it drives fine, he reports no mechanical problems but im leery, what do you guys think? The only issue is that the airbag light is on, he says its a sensor under the passenger seat that keeps going bad or somthing. The only other thing wrong on the car is it doesn't have the BOSE sound system!! Is the stock stereo crappy, cuz im tempted to buy the FWD Audi A4 just for the sound system! Thanks for the input.