well i found a 96 a4 2.8 awd w/118k miles for $4500 and its black. i have a $5500 limit on my car bout i dono use all of it just for a car.

 

get a 30valve (97.5 and up), not the old 12 valve. prolly be able to find a 30v for around 5500 or less with teh same miles

don't waste your money on mods, teh 2.8 is ok for daily use, no hassles, descent torque.

save your money for maintainance....

i'm in the same boat as u, college student.....

btw, i get 280mi to 15 gals. 2.8 quattro manual. a fwd might give u better mpg.

 

AT this point that may be a viable car, from what I hear the 12v 96 is somewhat slower then the 97 30v motors. But I also hear that a 12v 2.8 is almost bullet proof.If you spend 4500 then plan on spending another 400 to get it on the road depending on state. I would take the rest and invest it and start saving for things to be one like heavey maintenance and replacing parts. Not that it will fall apart but just in case if you know what I mean.

 

ya, right now im just wanting a AWD version. the only fwd im interested is a gsr integra which is another possibilty for me and that is cheaper for parts. i still got a long time to pick a car

 

Just make sure the timing belt has been done no matter what engine you get. Recommended is 105k in the manual but a lot of people do it sooner. I just did mine at 81k. So if the cars got 120k make sure it has been done recently and for $5500 the car is probably going to have some miles on it.

 

ive seen alot of nice A4s for under $5500 both 1.8 and 2.8, im in los angeles btw

 

Timing belt should have been done at about 60-70k not 100.... Also 96's and 97's both have the 12v engines, which are the most reliable engine audi has made to date. Make sure the control arms and enigine mounts have been replaced or are not broken in the car ur buying. Also the shocks and springs may be close to gone on a 96. 4500 is a great deal on a 12v i dont think u will find a better deal. And on the FWD vs. quatro topic, i think AWD is pointless for the driving that i do, but that all depends

 

hmm 96-97 most reliable engines made yet. i got some streets and roads that are crazy with turns near me + u can tell everyone your car is awd bonus i think

 

Just drive both before u buy one, i have never bee a big fan a awd cars, they feal the same to me 99% of the time. And yes people do seem to be dissapointed when i tell them my car is a fwd.

 

can u put a exhaust, intake, and chip or flash a chip for the 2.8...