Hey, so i am torn weather i should buy a 2.8 again or a 1.8t which would be new to me. The 2.8 has served me very well and didnt have a lot of problems with it accept for a few sensors and the fact that it burned around a quart of oil every 3k miles. I know that the 1.8t will not be as reliable as the 2.8, but is it that bad? Around how much do you guys spend per month on your 1.8t audis, on my 2.8 I spent around $100 in parts for 4 months which is close to nothing... Can i expect that with a 1.8t? Help me please!!!! Is it normal for the 1.8t to burn some oil too?

 

I've had my '01 1.8t for a little over 6 months now, and I've spent very little on it. There are a couple of things it needs (new rear bearings and shocks) but they're age-related. Overall, it's been totally reliable. Hell, when I bought it the cruise control didn't work, and I just kept pushing it every time I drove, and within a week it came back! I know, I should just clean it, but it's my commute car so it doesn't get a lot of love.

 

I don't think the 1.8T is all that much needier than my 2.8 was. The 2.8 actually caused me more problems to be honest (*knocks on wood*). As long as you're nice to it, it'll be nice back.

 

Another point to note is what your plans are for the car. What CCA4 said is completely correct. But keep in mind if you're looking to mod the car, engine wise, you will want a 1.8t without a doubt

 

Same boat as you man, I have a 96 2.8 i replaced the headgasket and everything else along those lines with 174k (166 when hg blew and i bought and fixed it) and i just got a sweet deal on a 1.8t with 130k with a blown turbo. I can fix up the 1.8 and sell or keep and sell the 2.8 i am so unsure on what to do! =-\

 

The virtues and drawbacks of each motor being what they are, I'd say the 2.8 is a safer bet, though not without it's worries. In either case, buying one with documented service is pretty key. being that that's sort of hard to come by, I'd let the condition of the vehicle guide my choice. The 1.8t is a less powerful engine, so if you want decent stock power, and not planning on spending money on mods then the 2.8 is a better choice. The only thing on the 2.8's that really worries me is a weak timing tensioner, so look for that service when you purchase one, hell look for it with either engine.

Also, 6 months of driving is not a very good indicator of reliability.

 

There is nothing really bad about the 1.8t motor, which is why Audi/VW used it for such a long time in their cars.

Stock vs stock the 2.8 has the edge, but throw a chip on the 1.8t and it pretty much evens out the playing field if not edges out the 2.8.