Looking to Buy an A4
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 21
Looking to Buy an A4
Well im looking to buy an A4, but i had a few questions
First off i want a late '90s or so model
I was wondering whats the pro and cons of the 1.8t and the V6 (like modding, reliablity, ect)
Also, what are some common problems with these cars?
First off i want a late '90s or so model
I was wondering whats the pro and cons of the 1.8t and the V6 (like modding, reliablity, ect)
Also, what are some common problems with these cars?
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,486
From:
RE: Looking to Buy an A4
Some pretty unique questions you've posted! [:-]
Just cause I'm in a good mood, I'll actually answer... although it's painfully obvious you didn't search at all for this. [sm=chairshot.gif]
Anyways, 1.8T's are much better for modding... all turbocharged cars are. Add a chip, and you've got more power than a v6, and better fuel economy than BEFORE you chipped (although you're newfound heavy foot will counterbalance that).
The 98+ 2.8's are 30 valve motors (pre 98 are 12 valve). The 30 valve makes 18 more horse -- 190 up from 172. Both v6's are disgustingly smooth, and very quiet. Both V6's are more reliable than the 1.8T (though the 1.8T is not unreliable), and the 12V v6 bests the 30V in terms of reliability.
Problem you should be most aware of is front control arms. They'll sqeak going over bumps. Lowers are covered under a recall, but bank on close to a grand getting them all replaced (that's a price with labour).
Timing belts have a nasty habit of breaking early... so most people here would suggest a change every 60K miles, to avoid a mangled head.
Let us know how you make out.
EDIT: oh, forgot to mention, the 1.8T's have been known to "sludge up" ... this only happens when oil changes aren't done frequently enough. Most every A4 owner uses synthetic... some only change it every 10K though. Look for records showing it's been changed every 5K, and you'll have nothing to worry about.
A lot of us guys change it every 3K, and use full synthetic.
Just cause I'm in a good mood, I'll actually answer... although it's painfully obvious you didn't search at all for this. [sm=chairshot.gif]
Anyways, 1.8T's are much better for modding... all turbocharged cars are. Add a chip, and you've got more power than a v6, and better fuel economy than BEFORE you chipped (although you're newfound heavy foot will counterbalance that).
The 98+ 2.8's are 30 valve motors (pre 98 are 12 valve). The 30 valve makes 18 more horse -- 190 up from 172. Both v6's are disgustingly smooth, and very quiet. Both V6's are more reliable than the 1.8T (though the 1.8T is not unreliable), and the 12V v6 bests the 30V in terms of reliability.
Problem you should be most aware of is front control arms. They'll sqeak going over bumps. Lowers are covered under a recall, but bank on close to a grand getting them all replaced (that's a price with labour).
Timing belts have a nasty habit of breaking early... so most people here would suggest a change every 60K miles, to avoid a mangled head.
Let us know how you make out.
EDIT: oh, forgot to mention, the 1.8T's have been known to "sludge up" ... this only happens when oil changes aren't done frequently enough. Most every A4 owner uses synthetic... some only change it every 10K though. Look for records showing it's been changed every 5K, and you'll have nothing to worry about.
A lot of us guys change it every 3K, and use full synthetic.
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 21
RE: Looking to Buy an A4
ORIGINAL: headshok2002
Some pretty unique questions you've posted! [:-]
Just cause I'm in a good mood, I'll actually answer... although it's painfully obvious you didn't search at all for this. [sm=chairshot.gif]
Anyways, 1.8T's are much better for modding... all turbocharged cars are. Add a chip, and you've got more power than a v6, and better fuel economy than BEFORE you chipped (although you're newfound heavy foot will counterbalance that).
The 98+ 2.8's are 30 valve motors (pre 98 are 12 valve). The 30 valve makes 18 more horse -- 190 up from 172. Both v6's are disgustingly smooth, and very quiet. Both V6's are more reliable than the 1.8T (though the 1.8T is not unreliable), and the 12V v6 bests the 30V in terms of reliability.
Problem you should be most aware of is front control arms. They'll sqeak going over bumps. Lowers are covered under a recall, but bank on close to a grand getting them all replaced (that's a price with labour).
Timing belts have a nasty habit of breaking early... so most people here would suggest a change every 60K miles, to avoid a mangled head.
Let us know how you make out.
Some pretty unique questions you've posted! [:-]
Just cause I'm in a good mood, I'll actually answer... although it's painfully obvious you didn't search at all for this. [sm=chairshot.gif]
Anyways, 1.8T's are much better for modding... all turbocharged cars are. Add a chip, and you've got more power than a v6, and better fuel economy than BEFORE you chipped (although you're newfound heavy foot will counterbalance that).
The 98+ 2.8's are 30 valve motors (pre 98 are 12 valve). The 30 valve makes 18 more horse -- 190 up from 172. Both v6's are disgustingly smooth, and very quiet. Both V6's are more reliable than the 1.8T (though the 1.8T is not unreliable), and the 12V v6 bests the 30V in terms of reliability.
Problem you should be most aware of is front control arms. They'll sqeak going over bumps. Lowers are covered under a recall, but bank on close to a grand getting them all replaced (that's a price with labour).
Timing belts have a nasty habit of breaking early... so most people here would suggest a change every 60K miles, to avoid a mangled head.
Let us know how you make out.
You confirmed my hunch on teh control arms since my friends went squeeky on his A6, and i have been noticing that on most used A4's they are boasting replaces timing belts
Well, i guess ill continue my search for my car, and keep you all updated
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,486
From:
RE: Looking to Buy an A4
Yeah, they are certainly no honda's or toyota's in terms of reliability... but, they are great cars for people who enjoy driving. If you can get one with the timing belt done, then don't freak out about the control arms... just keep some money tucked away for that rainy day, for it will most certainly come.
And there are no other really expensive problems that are very common... that I can think of. Hmm. But yeah, do the usual checks, records are awesome if the seller has them. My best advice for somebody who is used car shopping, is to buy a ONE OWNER CAR. This is possibly the smartest and most fool proof requirement you can set on your car-to-be. I often won't even go look at a car, unless it's a one owner.
Think about it -- a guy buys an a4, fully intends on owning it for like 6 - 8 years (you said late 90's, right?) ... he is going to take care of it more than some dude who know's he's gonna ditch it the second his warranty/lease is up. More likely to have service records, too.
And there are no other really expensive problems that are very common... that I can think of. Hmm. But yeah, do the usual checks, records are awesome if the seller has them. My best advice for somebody who is used car shopping, is to buy a ONE OWNER CAR. This is possibly the smartest and most fool proof requirement you can set on your car-to-be. I often won't even go look at a car, unless it's a one owner.
Think about it -- a guy buys an a4, fully intends on owning it for like 6 - 8 years (you said late 90's, right?) ... he is going to take care of it more than some dude who know's he's gonna ditch it the second his warranty/lease is up. More likely to have service records, too.
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 21
RE: Looking to Buy an A4
ORIGINAL: headshok2002
Yeah, they are certainly no honda's or toyota's in terms of reliability... but, they are great cars for people who enjoy driving. If you can get one with the timing belt done, then don't freak out about the control arms... just keep some money tucked away for that rainy day, for it will most certainly come.
Yeah, they are certainly no honda's or toyota's in terms of reliability... but, they are great cars for people who enjoy driving. If you can get one with the timing belt done, then don't freak out about the control arms... just keep some money tucked away for that rainy day, for it will most certainly come.
All ya can do it keep up with matience, and hope for the best.
RE: Looking to Buy an A4
With son #1 away at university with one of our cars, we are now essentially a 3-driver, 1-car household (2001 VW Passat 1.8T B5 variant with tip). Son #2 is urging me to buy a 1996 A4 2.8 quattro with an automatic as a second car. The timing belt and water pump were replaced a year ago, and it has only 65k miles on the clock. The seller has reduced the price from $8700 to $7700 because the rear axle seal and a "transmissions seal" are starting to go, but this still strikes me as high. I am a bit leery because it is a first-year model. I would value any advice from fellow Audi forum members.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 614
From: Asheville, NC
RE: Looking to Buy an A4
I got my 98 1.8T with 80k on it for $8k. I wouldn't pay that for a 96 2.8 with bad seals. Look around. I know you're probably not interested in mods too much but there was a guy with a Stage 3+ selling for $8k. I figure if that's the case you should be able to find a used one in tip top shape for around the same price. Good luck!
1st Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 368
From: Seattle, WA
RE: Looking to Buy an A4
I got my 96 2.8 QM for $6500 with old tires and shocks. so cost me 1000 in tires and shocks but was totally worth it since now I've got Bilstiens (on the way right now) and SICKKKKKKK tires (just put them on today) and now i have a super reliable car since it's the 12v v6.
