First, thanks for all the help you guys have given so far.

I've found a couple cars that I like, and I'm having a hard time making up my mind. I'm looking at automatic quattro 1.8T's from 2000-2003 under 10 grand.

The two current competitors are a black 01 (b5) which has been maintained immaculately inside, purchased from private seller. (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/1337991998.html) The seller has assured me has only used recommended synth oil and service has been done by audi dealer who has already replaced all the hoses. Trouble is, he only got the car 15k miles on it, so I have no idea if the timing belt has been done or not or what the previous owner did. It has 80k miles and I think I can get it for $9,000. In looking into the engine, I saw *a* big belt that I could read all the text on (looked new) but I'm not sure it was the timing belt as it was not covered.

The other is a blue 03 (b6) (http://tiny.cc/QxWjK) which has a bit more wear and tear inside, but the engine looks a bit cleaner. It also has 87k miles. Dealer wants 10, but I'm pretty sure I can talk em down to 9 or 9,500. Dealer car comes with 3 month warranty. They have no car history other than clean carfax.

I have test driven both cars and both seem to run great.
The b5 has lcd screen trouble while the b6 lcd is intact.
The b5 has xenon lights, which I want (how difficult is getting xenons for a car that doesn't have them?)

I like the look/style of the b5 more, but what are the mechanical considerations between the two series (If this is posted in an FAQ somewhere, I apologize)? Any thoughts on these two cars in particular?

 

first of all the 01 b5 isnt worth 9grand that is a rip off more like 7 grand its nice but its not worth the price and its a auto so even worth less now the b6 is about the right price i would pay the xenon lights are no big deal at all dont buy the car just for that the b5 will have alot of issue's lots of matience but the b6 will have some of the same but it will be less

 

I have wanted a B6 in the worst way. I like the style. But I agree with Andrew, screw $9000 for a B5, I feel I got a mint B5 2.8 with 82,000 on the clock with leather, xenons and extra wheels with snow tires for a steal at $5000 in November. I vote for B6 only because price would dictate better, but I would definitely do the B5 if the came down greatly in price

 

That was my thought exactly. The only reason I'm considering the b5 (and it's not the lights!) is that it feels like I was somewhat better cared for internally and has the style I like (black, b5 body style). I offered the guy 8,000 and he gave me a firm no. Maybe I should just wait and see if he caves.

 

ask that guy what the hell he's smoking......he'll be luck if he sells his car in this economy at that price. what a douche.

 

You should inform the seller of the B5 of this awesome website call audiforums.com, that might help him come down a bit.

 

Hehe AND the LCD screen needs replacing. That's a couple hundred bucks, too.

Of course, the dealer car (the b6) isn't perfect either. I got a bulb error when I test drove but I didn't check which light was out. I'll see which one tomorrow. But of course they are either gonna fix it for me or drop the price way down so I can fix it. If they want to sell the car, that is. If they give me 4 grand and the audi, they can have my jag, I think. I'm going to see about having it checked out by a mechanic, just in case. The dealership is a small operation and they said I could do that. I don't know whether to be concerned that they're small and informal, or happy that I can check it out

I'm really excited about owning one of these cars. I've never picked out a car before (I've been bequeathed two of my dad's old cars for certain milestones) and I've never had a car that I could tinker with. I'm trying not to be impatient with the process and make rash decisions. I think it's down to these two, but damn it's tough!

 

the B5 owner probably isn't serious about selling it and seeing if he can get someone to buy it for that much or hes just a plain idiot. if those are your only 2 options then get the B6.

 

yeah the b6 is a great car.. can u find another b5?? the best years on them on the 99.5+ and 2001 but if your looking for performance buy a 2001

 

Thanks guys, you're thinking along the same lines as me.

I can't find another 1.8T quattro, automatic B5 in my area (atlanta). I think the 2003 just needs a wax job. The 2001 looks so much... shinier than teh 2003. The b6 is sort of a dull blue color. Though, it was really overcast when I went to see it and it was nice when I drove the b5, making the b5 look "newer".