Currently I am driving a 92 Dodge Stealth RT/TT. I've come to a point where I'm just not interested in the car anymore and I'm looking for something that is a bit more reliable and more comfortable. In my search for a replacement car, I came upon the A4. I like its mix of luxury, performance, and styling. I am pretty mechanicly inclined as I have done clutch jobs and engine installs before, but I dont want something that I have to fix constantly.

Could you guys give me some recommendations for what model/year A4 I should look for?
- Looking to spend between 5k to 9k
- Would prefer a manual
- Would prefer the most reliable model/year

 

Check out the search button. We get this question it seems everyday. Search around and you will find tons and tons of information. I will give you some short answers though.

For 5k - 9k, you are looking around 98 to 00 A4. You may find a good deal on other years, but these years will be most popular. Manuals aren't hard to find on A4s so you are good there. The most reliable engine is the V6 2.8L. The other available engine is the 1.8L Turbo engine. Its a good little engine, but does have more problems due to being turbocharged. The turbo is much better for modding, but if you don't plan on modding, the V6 is a better fit for you.

So the low down on Audis is that they can be very good cars. They will have higher maintenance costs than say a Honda, but if you take good care of them, they will be very good cars. The most important thing in your search is to find a well maintained A4 because if neglected, you will have quite a bit of work to do (more than you realize from just the test drive). Since you are good with the wrenches, you will do well with the A4. Those who don't want to work on this car spend a lot of money on their repairs due to high parts cost and really high labor costs.

Look for a car with low miles (98 - 00 with under 80k miles is good). The timing belt needs to be done around 70k so if you can get one with it already done thats a big plus because its a PITA. Parts cost about $300, labor add another $500-$800. Car should have used synthetic motor oil at all times (and you should use it even if the previous owner didn't).

I recommend a 98.5 - 2001.5 A4. 98.5 was mid model year update and looks better. (http://ctny.audiworld.com/mark/a4/diff/) Just see what you can find. Use that search button and you will find more information than you ever wanted to know about A4s. Good luck and welcome to the forums.

 

+1... http://ctny.audiworld.com/mark/a4/purch.html