I realize this is a general post, but bare with me.

I'm looking to buy a A4 in the future, It'll have to be a quattro and Autotragic. Year wise I'm pretty flexible. I'll probably want to spend like 10-12K total, so I'd like to know more about the cars.

The following questions are dependent on that car.
Is the unreliablity as bad as the reputation audi has for that model?
Which motor is more reliable 1.8T or 2.8?
Does the 1.8T in the years the same? With just an upped boost?
What difference were between the first and the other gen(I think it changed in 99.5 or something like that)

What mileage should I be looking for with these cars? i.e. at what point will bad stuff start happening more often?

 

Hey welcome to the forum.

Reliability isn't as bad as non-owners seem to think. Everyone always say they are electrical nightmares, but that's just not the case at all. The 3.0 is a more reliable engine, but not nearly as much fun. If you have any desire to modify your engine then stay clear of the 3.0. Keep in mind for $500 or so you can have the 1.8t up to the hp as the 3.0.

The Second generation started in 2002. In 1999.5 there was a facelift with projector headlights and lower bumper fog lights. There were also some interior upgrades made. From now on refer to the first generation A4 as the "B5", the 2002-2005's as "B6's", and the brand new Audi as a "B7". Those are the german platform indentification that we use to refer to them with.

I would try to buy something under 100k miles. Keep in mind that the timing belt, water pump, and all the other goodies need to be replaced around 60-70k miles. Audi's are known for timing belt failures which destroy the engine. If you buy one, make certain it has been changed, because it is an expensive job to have done.

 

is the motor in the 1.8T from different year the same? the 150 hp vs 180 hp motor, or does that 180 have upgraded internals/

 

In 2001 the 1.8T increased to 170hp. I'd get a 2001 or newer 1.8T, if you can afford it. Otherwise, be prepared to chip it. Many people don't find the NA engines to be as much fun as the 1.8T, especially if the 1.8T is chipped. Not sure about reliability of the 2.8 versus the 1.8T, but the 1.8T has been around quite a while.

 

Basically the same engine throughout the years. In 2001 Audi upped the boost and added VVT, which took the HP to 170, not 180.

 

do the 99.5 front end, fit on the ealrier models? And how much would that run used on the forums?
I'm guessing if it does it, I'd need front bumper, headlights, maybe fenders?

 

I am on my 3rd Audi and have had no problems and found them all very reliable. My first audi was the 97 1.8 which I felt had a lot of turbo lag at times so I got the 99 2.8, and now have the new 3.2.
I have bought other cars only to be dissapointed and yearning to get back into an audi. They are amazing cars both aesthetically and mechanically.
Good Luck with finding your A4!

 

I don't know. The turbo lag on the 2.8 must be worse than the 1.8

 

The 2.8 isn't a turbo.

 

I'm also in the market for my first Audi, I am very excited, as I have heard these cars are more fun than my Subaru