Hello all,

I am about to buy my first car, and always have loved the A4. It fits my budget, and is the sort of car I am looking for. So Audi it is!

I drove my brother's Passat back in high school, so I'm familiar with the B5 platform and 1.8T (now 2.0T).

I would like to spend around $25,000, so I am looking at used A4's. It also doesn't matter where in the country I buy it, as I wouldn't mind taking a little road trip.

After perusing autotrader.com, it seems that my best options for my price range are:

2011 Premium Plus Quattro (5-20k miles).
2012 Premium Quattro (5-15k miles).
2012 Premium Plus Quattro (15-30k miles).
2013 Premium Quattro (5-15K mikes).

I live in the northeast, so I would prefer the Quattro. Plus the idea of driving a gear-less rubber band seems strange , and the non-Quattro's are all CVT.

My first question is whether I should be looking at dealerships, or individuals. I like the idea of certified pre-owned, but then there is the whole used car salesman thing, and I would prefer not to be ripped off.

My second question is about the differences in years.

1) Are there objective differences between 2011, 2012, and 2013? Are some known to have more problems, better features, ect.

2) What are your subjective opinions on the differences? Which do you think look better, ect.

3) For the same price and milage, would you prefer a 2013 premium, or a 2011 premium plus?

My third question is about the different packages - premium and premium plus. I have read what the differences are, but I wanted to get a feel for what Audi enthusiasts thought, so all opinions are welcome and appreciated. I do like the idea of the S-line trim and 18" wheels....

My last question is about milage. I know this is super subjective....I am basically looking for that cut-off range where the risks become significantly more noticeable.

Specifically, I found some great options with around 25k miles on them, and I am wondering if the lower sticker price outweighs the potential for costly repairs and service (assuming a clean carfax showing timely and regular maintenance)


And finally, any input/conversation/tips/warnings would be appreciated as well.


Thanks for reading.

 

Will through my two cents worth in.

1. Don't know much about these model years. Best is to research and find the options you want and then go with that. They will all be very similar in style, performance, and reliability.

2. This is really your preference. Go with the one you love. Once again differences should be slight.

3. Really don't know the difference between them. If the 2011 has more options and you would make use of them there is no reason to buy the 2013 just becuase it is two model years newer.

Last part is these cars will run for a long time if taken care of. My 2008 has over 130k in miles and runs great. Getting a CPO would add some piece of mind and if I could have found one I would have bought it. I also like the s-line versions better than the standard. At the 25k mark in miles you shouldn't have to worry for sometime. Once you get to the 80k range that starts to change. For the model years you are looking at that shouldn't be an issue.

 

IF they have all the service records there should be very little difference in buying from individual or dealer unless you can get a good mileage warranty for a certified dealer car. Sometimes they offer crazy warranties on certified pre-owned cars. If you go to an Audi dealer and you have your research done I wouldn't worry about the "used car dealer" thing. That whole idea is largely a thing of the past unless you have bad credit and have to go to a second rate dealer and I would not buy an Audi from one of those. The A6 i just finished repairing i got from my neighbor who bought it from a tote the note place and it was messed up bad. I got it cheap so I could afford to fix it. Anyway you get the point Im sure.

 

Appreciate the feedback.

I saw a 14' today that I fell in love with. It's under 5k miles, has the premium plus, is in my favorite color (monsoon gray), and is reasonably priced. I may have to up my budget a tiny bit though....

Hopefully I will be back as a happy owner

 

good luck!

 

Ha I did the same. My budget kept climbing little by little as I looked at cars.