I'm thinking about buying an Audi.

Right now with my budget I am looking at a 2001 A4 2.0 FWD with about 100'000 miles on the clock.

Is this a bad idea?

I expect to keep it for 5 years and do around 20k a year bringing it up to 200k.

What are they like to run? Are they reliable. Should I get one with 100k on the clock?

 

Yes, because there is no such car. There is a 1.8T and a 2.8 for that model year. Check the sticky threads at the top of the page for all related info.

 

Only if all maintenance has been done and can be verified, including timing belt at 90k.

If so, then yes it should be reliable. If they have no documentation, do not buy it, you will likely spend a lot maintaining it.

Audi's aren't really a "budget car". If you on a tight budget, buy a budget car that wont cost a lot to operate, like a Honda/Toyota/Nissan model.

 

service history is the main point if none forget it, they are good runners and seen 200k+ on a 10 years old one but it was well looked after (don't be put of by that type of miles its nothing to these cars and get you into a nice cheap bargain

 

There is in Ireland : http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index...r&carID=429852


I'm not after a budget car, but after a car that has a low initial cost... high millage is what fits. ( I had to buy a new fireplace (marble $$$$) and new floor $$$ and it sucked me dry).

Car costs in ireland are huge compared to USA and UK.

 

100K should be OK, but the timing belt will need to be done if it hasn't already been changed.

You might consider looking for a quattro as that is where the audi really excels.