Hey guys, I am a college student in NYC and Im in need of a car. Now I am a complete car nut, and I want to make an educated purchase before I buy a car. I am looking for a RWD or a AWD car, and my price range is around 5-6k, I narrowed down my choices to an 300zx TT, or a audi A4 1.8T. I am definitley going to mod the engine components. My main gripe is reliabilty. While looking around on edmunds, I saw a number of scary reliabilty reviews. But considering most people exagerate, my parents own a land rover discovery series one which is easily the most unreliable car in the world, and it isnt so bad. My father also has a ML55 AMG, and that also isnt the most reliable car. I am a do it yourselfer therefore I can handle small repairs. What I really would like to know is if repairs are too extensive and not worth it.

Thanks,
Matt.

 

unless u have a FT job....


dont get an AUDI


Cost is $$$$$


unless u have tools & knowledge and time.


Id get a camry or acura if i were u.

 

Matt,

Hey! I think you're on BMWBoard as I've seen you there. Find a B5 with a good maintenance history. Thats the best insurance you can get when looking for a B5. Check to see if the control arms were done, timing belt w/ water pump, and maybe remove the valve cover and check for sludge.

 

or get a camry

 

Not if hell froze over would I get a Camry or anything FWD.

Yeah John I am on BMWboard, money isnt really an issue, 14 an hour at one place 16 at another, problem is I am a pilot in training and a lot of cash goes into that, otherwise id be getting an M coupe, and not a car for 5-6k =D. I may take a chance with this car, I really like the looks, body and engine tuning potential. If I get a quattro 1.8T, mod the engine, and get perfect power delivery via awd. Im think 300hp is easily obtainable out of the 1.8?

 

If your looking for an A4 in the 5-6k price range your gonna find ones with about 130k+ miles. As for as reliability goes an Audi is average but the driving experience is much better than most boring yet very reliable commuter cars out there. Its good that your a DIYer because with an Audi over say 130k eventually you WILL be doing something. I say if your gonna be broke in college don't get the Audi, if money is no issue go for it. The 300 is a sweet car and definitely faster than a 1.8, but I'm audi biased.

 

Was the point I was trying to get across hint "COLLEGE"

 

No way you can find a TT for 5-6K. The A4 1.8T quattro is a good car, but will require a lot of maintenance with high miles. As above, make sure the timing belt has been done and that the control arms aren't worn out. Have it checked by an independent VW/Audi mechanic before you buy, and still plan on 1000 dollars in the first year for repairs, etc.

 

get the nissan it will last forever with very little maintance.

 

Heh, you'd be wrong, I missed a few good deals already for TT's. A grand isnt bad.. We spent 13k on the Land Rover in the course of 6 years?

My question is Tuning. What is the max obtainable power without seriously compramising reliabilty.