Im looking at getting myslef an ~2000 a4 not sure which engine is a better choice. I care more about reliability right now than performance if that helps answer my question. Also any other buying tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

https://www.audiforums.com/m_700266/tm.htm

read this, and you will know ur answer.

 

here ya go https://www.audiforums.com/search.aspthis has been beat to death you should get at least 300 threads

 

If you're not looking for power via modding, get the newest 2.8 you can afford. Sometime in model year 97 (late) or 98, the 2.8 12v motor was replaced by a higher-tech 30v engine (more power, etc). Get the 5-speed if you can - much more fun (in my opinion) to drive, and get quattro - you'll love it and it's part of the point to getting one of these cars. Nothing wrong with the FWD cars, but if you're buying Audi, get quattro. Other than that, read the sticky posts at the top of the page - they'll enlighten you to a lot of things common to these cars and will help you sort out your decision. If mileage dictates that you're due for major servicing (ie, timing belt) and it hasn't been done, or they can't prove it's been done, use that as a bargaining point on the price.

 

No mods and slightly more reliable, 30v 2.8.
If you are or think you may become an enthusiast, get a 1.8t.
Without a doubt, quattro.