Howdy all, pretty soon here, when my 944 turbo gets out of the shop, I'm likely going to sell it. My first preference of car to replace it would be a B5 series A4. Thing is, I've read reviews both directions (incidentally just like the 944) about reliability. Some people get the cars that keep ticking forever, some get the ones that break every other week. I'm usually the guy that gets the lemons...

Thing is, I'd like to know the main things to avoid, stuff to get done ASAP after buying, essential tools/skills to know, etc. before i jump into one. I can't decide between a 1.8t or 2.8, as if i get a 1.8t I'll be WAY more tempted to start going for new turbos, bv's, intercooler, etc as opposed to the 2.8, which seems to be limited to chip, exhaust, and pes supercharger.... Either way, I needmore of a daily driver that i can stilll have plenty of fun with.With an upcoming promotion, combined with the newly appreoved raisesand BAHfor military personnel for next year, my price range will be somewhere around 8k or less.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. My preffered options on one right now would be 2.8 quattro with 5-speed. I REFUSE to get an automatic.

 

whats a BV?

 

sorry, bypass valve. I've gotten used to making sure not to call them blowoff valves since, like the 951, it recirculates the boost instead of releasing it to the air.... I'm not into those ricey honking blowoff valves...

 

guess ill get a bimmer then.....

 

Like you said, the 2.8 is not very modable, that said, its a solid engine.

Things to look out for on either one......

Make sure you get one with good service history/records. That makes all the difference on these. Other common problems are tie-rod ends, occasional control arm issues, mainly with noise, wheel bearings, Coolant temp sensor, sometimes the ICM.

Make sure if the mileage is up there that the timing belt was done.
Drive the car and make sure the steering is tight, and no strange noises while turning or going over bumps. Look for the CEL being on.
Both engines are reliable if taken care of properly. The 1.8 becomes a little less reliable as you increase boost, the 2.8 is a good solid engine and you cant really mod it. Both are fun to drive.

Take you time and find a nice one, manual quattro is definitely what you want, engine is a toss up, it all comes down to whether or not you plan to do mods for more power in the future. The turbo with a chip has about the same HP as the 2.8, and more torque.

Good luck on your search!