Hey,
I am new to the forum and I am looking into getting a 1997 or 1998 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. I figure I should go with the 1.8T since it should get better gas mileage and be better on insurance. I currently have a 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that I am trying to sell tp get one. I don't have a great driving record, hense why I am trying to go towards luxury cars. Anyways, I was wondering how reliable these cars are and if it is a good idea or not to get one with 100,000 miles on it or possibly a little more, the one I am looking at has 118,000. My price range will probably peak somewhere around $6,500. Keep in mind I am a 19 year old college student who drives home every other weekend and it is a 150 mile trip one way. I am just looking for something that is quick, but not too quick stock and I am going to want to spend money I earn on audio, video, exterior, and interior work before performance, well maybe not before suspension. Thanks a lot.
Rob

 

Sounds like an Audi would do well for you. I've always heard mixed reviews about Audi reliability but I bought mine at around 80k and am now approaching 100k. If you just want a car that's not too quick with a nice interior, look around and try to find one with a Winter Package and the Bose stereo. If you take care of your car and make sure you change the oil regularly, etc. then it'll last for a long time.

 

Yeah I am thinking an Audi will be the best bet.

 

To be perfectly honest, I think a VW would suit you better. It may not be as special as an Audi, but you're going to school, and that means you must forfeit some luxuries.

 

Truthfully, I looked for Volkswagens and couldn't find a better deal than with the A4 1.8T Quattro. I saw some naturally aspirated four cylinder Jettas, but I don't want something like that, I'd rather drive around this Civic hatch than that.

 

If you do get the Audi (or 1.8T Volkwagen), make sure the timing belt was changed (should be done between 60k and 80k miles). If not, I'd stay away from the car, unless you are willing to pay to get it done. You might also want to have some extra money in the bank for emergency repairs. Considering your budget, I would also recommend against an Audi, or even VW because repairs for German cars aren't that cheap. If I were you, I would run the trans-am into the ground (if it is only gonna fetch $6500) and then think about something new after you finish college and get a job.

But if you do get an Audi, welcome to the group!

 

dont scare the guy away but since ur putting perfoamnce mods last u may wnat to look into the more reliable 2.8. I wish i had a 1.8T but thats b/c of the mods (im looking for a s4 at the moment) it will have the same look as teh 1.8T so teh interior and exterior mods u plan would be the same.

 

I was thinking the 2.6 would be more reliable since it is naturally aspirated, but is it worse on gas and insurance?

 

i cant say about MPG but i would think yes by a little, depnding on ur driving, but insurance is actually 30 cheaper than the 1.8T (at least for me it was).

 

If anyone knows a good one for sale around West Chester, PA, please let me know. I am also thinking along the lines of a GTI or a 325.