Hi everyone! I'm a new member of this forum. I'm interested in purchasing an Audi A4 (2002-2005) and joined this forum to ask and learn from all you experts . If my questions have already been asked, please just send me a link to an existing thread and keep the n00b bashing to a minimum.

Basically just looking for a sporty sedan with AWD to carry myself and friends in. I am indifferent to the 1.8T or 3.0. I'm more concerned with long term reliability. Before I've owned Toyotas and BMWs and have enjoyed the reliability these auto makers have to offer. I don't know much about Audis so my questions are:

1) What should I look for when I go to see these cars?
2) Realistically, how is the reliability if routine maintenance is kept up?

The cars are very reliable if maintenance is kept up. The 3.0 will be more reliable than the 1.8T but have less mod capibility.

What to look for depends on the mileage of the car. Timing belt and things of that sort are always important once you get around 60-80k miles.

Click first link in my sig. All the info you could want in it. Scroll towards the bottom to read about reliability and model/engine differences etc.
Look for maint. history when checking any car out and run a car fax report if you are serious about it.

https://www.audiforums.com/m_393146/tm.htm

I didn't see the post above.

Thanks for the info! This will be helpful in making my decision.

Just test drove a 2002 A4 3.0 with manual 6-speed, handles beautifully! Clutch is smooth and shifting is very quick. I like it. Dealer mentioned the 3.0, since its naturally aspirated, would tend to be more reliable in the long run. Mentioned at the 1.8T would have be higher risk with oil sludge. And compared with the 1.8T stock has more torque. Since I prefer to keep it stock, the 3.0 seems better fitted for me. But I'm not sure yet. Still have to give the 1.8T a drive and see.

I'm just worried about all the electronics inside. While its cool to have more buttons that I know what to do with, are these susceptible to break overtime?

Also, the engine bay looks very compact. I'm done most maintenance myself over the years. Is it generally pretty hard to get to things from above and below the engine bay?

Anyone have any input on my two questions? Thank you.

1. I thought this would have been answered in the other thread you read, but maybe not.
You want to look for: Timing belt should have been done. Any noises in suspension, or play in steering (control arms, tie-rod ends) or eveidence that they have already been replaced or fixed. Other than that I would want a good maintenance history. If that all checks out, get it.

2. Extremely reliable if proper maintenance is done. Especially the 6cyl you are looking at.

+1 ^