Hey guys, my little brother is planning on looking at a 1996 Audi A4 tomorrow (his first car) that has 84k miles and is a V6 2.8L. I've done a bit of research but I'd like some feedback from guys who actually own the car and can give some opinions on it. How's the reliability, gas mileage, does it take premium gas, recalls, ect. Any help / info would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Nick

Here's what I drive, we're in the same vag family [8D]

 

I posted in your thread on AZ, but I should also add since he can't really mod the engine much he'll stay out of trouble

 

i have the same car. 96 2.8 v6 12v
last recall was late november for the ignition key switch.
i get around 300 miles full tank, 70-75 miles to a quater of a tank. around 22mpg.
ive had my a4 for 5 years now, 161k miles clocked on her now. and she hasnt failed me once.
i had to replace the starter motor (not an easy job), but she never "failed" or let me down making me stuck anywhere and ringing for help.
ALL control arms, tie-rod ends, and sway bar links are a problem with the 96 a4, they wear out too easy.
enigne runs great.
there are mods you can do to this car. the people that say this car is sh*t and that you cant mod it (above) think money grows on trees and the first thing they do issplash out$500 on a chip or $4000 on a super charger, time to get real......
the little things like window tinting, new rims, exhaust, intake, headlights, bulbs or hid's, rear lights, lowering, sound system, video system, fogs, side markers, lower grills, upper grill, body kits or lower skirt mods, other "mods", intierastuff like pedals guages lights ect,tune ups, ect, and all the exspensive repairs in between all this will keep you going for a LONG TIME!
Its a great car, but some of us arnt loaded with money to buy an a4 then go straight out and pay $200 for hid's, $500 for a chip, and $2000 to be lowered, some people dont get that.

the key rule is if he takes care of his car, it'll out live him.

 

and by the way, i use regular unleaded.

 

+1

 

Great car. The biggest issue I have had is the ignition switch. Had to change thee times. There is a recall for this. The car has provrn to br very reliable.

 

I have a 12v and love it. It could be a little bit faster, but as a dd it is perfect. Reliability wise it's great. 193,000 miles almost and the car still runs well. I have a few minor leaks but nothing to major.

 

I loved my dad's old 12v... it was so bloody nice. Real leather seats, smooth as butter 5 spd trans... awesome car.
It calls for 91 octane, but I'm not going to start a gas debate here (it's been done). I always use premium, though.