Ok so i am considering getting an audi a4 in the next 4 months, most likely the 1.8t, perhaps quattro, perhaps not. I have 3 main questions.
1. With regard to the quattro, is it worth getting the quattro for the handling alone because i do not live in an area where snow or ice are a problem. If I am correct, awd's experience a larger power loss between the engine and the wheels so should i take that loss in return for a great AWD system or stick with the front wheel setup?
2. I have read reviews that state that the automatic transmission does not work as well with the 1.8t engine as it does with the 3.0 liter and that if you go for the 1.8t, you should go with a manual transmission. Any thoughts on this?
3. I looked on edmunds consumer reports for the reliability and it seems that 70 percent of a4's are quality cars whereas a minority of people encounter major problems. Any years to avoid, any problems more prominent than others? Any words of advice?

Thanks in advance for any advice or general info you can provide!

 

i didn't read all that, cause you need to read all this
https://www.audiforums.com/m_700266/tm.htm
https://www.audiforums.com/m_55694/tm.htm
https://www.audiforums.com/m_402135/tm.htm

 

Well have you ever tried to power through a corner in a front wheel drive car..? It really depends on how you're gunna drive..AWD is unbelievably fun when it rains..

 

My knowledge in comparison to many members is inferior, but if your going fwd you may as well buy a vw instead. the 1.8 w/ tip is a dog if you want to mod def go manual. there are many members with well over 150k on their 1.8s but someone said that the 1.8 is only as reliable as it's owner. Follow reg scheduled maint and if you're going used try to find one that has it's maint records available, if it's got more than 80k make sure timing belt was done cuz if that goes you'll most likely be out a motor.

 

Yes, get quattro. Not only is quattro bullet proof, the extra weight in the back of the different suspension and drivetrain parts keeps the car better ballanced in general compared to fwd. FWD A4's are extra nose heavy with the engine placed so far forward and and keeping traction is always a bitch in the rain/snow without taking it easy, even on good tires.

The auto tranny in 96-01 A4's are extra sloshy and dont support engine mods greater than a chip well. Its a serious bottle neck in the power train, as it is for most all cars. The 3.0 is ok, but the 1.8t is much more spirited and fun to drive when chipped. A stock 1.8t will feel dog slow though.

Try a search on "reliability" and youll get tons of feedback.

 

thanks guys! ill be sure to check out those links that were posted as weel.

 

haha no i havnt, my current car is a jeep cherokee so i dont try to plow through anything haha, and down here in georgia, rain sadly doesnt seem to be to much of a problem =( but ill deffinately keep that in mind

 

If you don't get quattro than you might as well get a VW.

 

Yea man, I'm down here in North Gerogia. I understand what you're saying about the rain...it has been a minute. We got a bit a few days ago..but year man. I'd definitely sacrifice the gas mileage and go quattro..in general. It's just so much better..like someone made the point earlier, the weight distibution in the FWD is horrible..

And by the way, there is no powering through a corner in a FWD car. You just keep going straight..hah

 

If anybody read his post it said "i do not live in an area where snow or ice are a problem." If your car is just for commuting and not for raceing then the FWD is fine. Its all what you want but the FWD is still a great car.