a few questions
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
a few questions
alright so im a newbie and hope you guys can help me a little bit. i have a few questions. i apologize if your sick of these newbie things( i know on other forum sites i get sick of it sometimes) but im sure you guys will be nice enough to help out first off i am in the market for a 98-01 audi a4. im not quite sure weather to go with the 1.8t or the 2.8. im most likely going with the 1.8t. first let me say that i have been driving pretty much a domestic 4 cyclinder turbo since 2004. i am pretty familiar with a turbo car, and have had a few audi's in the family in the past, although they have been mainly A6's, so im pretty new to the A4. i have been told by many people the A4's are not as good as the A6's and that i shouldnt bother looking, but since i dont know anyone who has had one, it might just be one of those flukes. i know every car has there flaws and faults. i have looked through a few things already and have learned a few things.
what are a few common problems with these A4's with the 1.8T.?
ive heard they have some suspension issues, and would like to know what they are specifically.
im pretty use to a timing belt since my car has one and i know thats a biggie, to my knowledge i usually go 7 years or 70,000 miles. is that in the ballpark for the 1.8T's as well?
how long does the clutch last? now i know this is pretty iffy considering its really up to the driver, but some cars no matter what need replacement over a certain period of miles. along the subject how much abuse can these manual tranmission/clutches take?
is there any difference in the manual transmissions in the FWD and the Quattro?
what kind of issues can i expect with the quattro systems versis a FWD vehicle? this will be my first vehicle with such a system, although ive owned 4x4 jeeps.
even though im set on a manual car, if i come across a automatic and its good i may decide to get it. any concerns or common issues with the automatic transmissions? how long do they last before needing a rebuilt?
does the 1.8T at all have some sort of gauge to know what boost your at?
im concerned at looking at one and not being able to fully know if there are boost leaks, which are pretty common. ive been spoiled since my car has a gauge and can go from there. does anyone know how much psi boost is normal on these cars?
any areas i should really pay attention to when looking under the car or test driving it.
i appreciate anyones help or feedback.
thanks in advance
what are a few common problems with these A4's with the 1.8T.?
ive heard they have some suspension issues, and would like to know what they are specifically.
im pretty use to a timing belt since my car has one and i know thats a biggie, to my knowledge i usually go 7 years or 70,000 miles. is that in the ballpark for the 1.8T's as well?
how long does the clutch last? now i know this is pretty iffy considering its really up to the driver, but some cars no matter what need replacement over a certain period of miles. along the subject how much abuse can these manual tranmission/clutches take?
is there any difference in the manual transmissions in the FWD and the Quattro?
what kind of issues can i expect with the quattro systems versis a FWD vehicle? this will be my first vehicle with such a system, although ive owned 4x4 jeeps.
even though im set on a manual car, if i come across a automatic and its good i may decide to get it. any concerns or common issues with the automatic transmissions? how long do they last before needing a rebuilt?
does the 1.8T at all have some sort of gauge to know what boost your at?
im concerned at looking at one and not being able to fully know if there are boost leaks, which are pretty common. ive been spoiled since my car has a gauge and can go from there. does anyone know how much psi boost is normal on these cars?
any areas i should really pay attention to when looking under the car or test driving it.
i appreciate anyones help or feedback.
thanks in advance
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,301
From: Oregon
Ok, so welcome to the forum first off. I'm not as knowledgeable as some gurus, but I'll help knock some out. 1.8 and 2.8 are pretty different. The 4 cylinder has much more capacity for tuning, performance and fun stuff like that, but its (slightly) less bulletproof just because you're adding in forced induction. The A4 is lighter, sportier and (in my opinion) more fun. I've driven both. Check out the newbie guide for some common faults in the car, and if you still need help repost. I can help dig up a list for you. 70k is a good estimate for belts on the car. BUT DONT SLACK. The timing belt runs everything. Snap it and you destroy your motor. also, expect to pay between $400-700 at a shop and $700-1000 at the dealer for a timing belt repair. The whole front of the car comes off.
I think audi's have pretty good clutches stock, but thats the extent of my knowledge.
As opposed to the 1.8/2.8 debate (nice rhyme) there is no question when it comes to drive system. Quattro>FronTrak. Handling, response, and reliability all improve. I've taken mine out to dirt, gravel, snow and mud. I try to break all four loose and its pretty hard. The computer is smart and there's usually one or two wheels making traction. There's a reason why Audi is so legendary in the rally scene.
As with any car, manual is more bulletproof than auto, and it has more capacity for tuning and performance. The tiptronic (sport shift) automatics are still pretty popular here, especially with the 2.8s. Slower shifting can be improved with a chip. I like the trip, but I'm pretty set on manual.
Boost gauge, no. We have oil temp, coolant temp, volts, rpm, speedo. Thats all I think. Various idiot lights as well. There are quite a few ways to check leaks, (www.audidiy.com) but you really should get a gauge. So here are a couple options:
http://www.awe-tuning.com/pages/shar...CenterGaugePod
http://www.goapr.com/products/boost_gauge.html
Again, for test drive things-to-look-for check out the newbie guide. Its in a sticky.
Good luck!
I think audi's have pretty good clutches stock, but thats the extent of my knowledge.
As opposed to the 1.8/2.8 debate (nice rhyme) there is no question when it comes to drive system. Quattro>FronTrak. Handling, response, and reliability all improve. I've taken mine out to dirt, gravel, snow and mud. I try to break all four loose and its pretty hard. The computer is smart and there's usually one or two wheels making traction. There's a reason why Audi is so legendary in the rally scene.
As with any car, manual is more bulletproof than auto, and it has more capacity for tuning and performance. The tiptronic (sport shift) automatics are still pretty popular here, especially with the 2.8s. Slower shifting can be improved with a chip. I like the trip, but I'm pretty set on manual.
Boost gauge, no. We have oil temp, coolant temp, volts, rpm, speedo. Thats all I think. Various idiot lights as well. There are quite a few ways to check leaks, (www.audidiy.com) but you really should get a gauge. So here are a couple options:
http://www.awe-tuning.com/pages/shar...CenterGaugePod
http://www.goapr.com/products/boost_gauge.html
Again, for test drive things-to-look-for check out the newbie guide. Its in a sticky.
Good luck!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,090
From: Columbia, MD
check the noobie sticky at the top of the B5 section, it will answer most of your questions, you can also search specific key words to prevent creating redundant threads (words must be atleast 4 characters)
Ive driven Audis my whole (short) life so I can answer a few of your specific concerns.
the A4 and A6 are similar in terms of reliabilty, they share some of the same engines and for someone to say stay away from one as opposed to the other is just wrong. like kayakman said the A4's smaller size makes it more responsive and sportier, the A6 is solid but heavier and is better for long trips with multiple passengers
the 2.8 vs 1.8t is discussed in the newbie section, 2.8 has very few mods except for a supercharger (~300bhp, ~$3000) while the turbo has many upgrade options, a generic tune ($250-$500) can push the limits of the stock turbo to over 200bhp which will be faster than the stock 2.8, ive never heard much stuff about shotty suspension but tie rod ends and stuff will eventually wear out
i would plan on doing a lot of maintenance and repairs myself to save $$$
the manual comes with a hydrolic clutch, syncros, and a dual mass flywheel, its fairly solid and servicable. I also had an automatic with tiptronic, the system adapts to driving habits and etc, the biggest issue is that they were designed as a closed system and require some research to be able to really work on them, there are also questions about the "lifetime" tag of the ATF
boost gauges are an easy mod and a nice way to customize your car, i used a dremel to recess my gauge in the vent and it costs me like $40 for the whole setup
the mechanical quattro on these cars is really solid, there is EDL assist and ESP on newer cars. its adds a little weight, creates some understeer compared to rwd, and loses more power between the engine and wheels, but most people think it is worth it, if you get snow where you live you will end up in love with it
read the noob stickies
welcome to AF
Ive driven Audis my whole (short) life so I can answer a few of your specific concerns.
the A4 and A6 are similar in terms of reliabilty, they share some of the same engines and for someone to say stay away from one as opposed to the other is just wrong. like kayakman said the A4's smaller size makes it more responsive and sportier, the A6 is solid but heavier and is better for long trips with multiple passengers
the 2.8 vs 1.8t is discussed in the newbie section, 2.8 has very few mods except for a supercharger (~300bhp, ~$3000) while the turbo has many upgrade options, a generic tune ($250-$500) can push the limits of the stock turbo to over 200bhp which will be faster than the stock 2.8, ive never heard much stuff about shotty suspension but tie rod ends and stuff will eventually wear out
i would plan on doing a lot of maintenance and repairs myself to save $$$
the manual comes with a hydrolic clutch, syncros, and a dual mass flywheel, its fairly solid and servicable. I also had an automatic with tiptronic, the system adapts to driving habits and etc, the biggest issue is that they were designed as a closed system and require some research to be able to really work on them, there are also questions about the "lifetime" tag of the ATF
boost gauges are an easy mod and a nice way to customize your car, i used a dremel to recess my gauge in the vent and it costs me like $40 for the whole setup
the mechanical quattro on these cars is really solid, there is EDL assist and ESP on newer cars. its adds a little weight, creates some understeer compared to rwd, and loses more power between the engine and wheels, but most people think it is worth it, if you get snow where you live you will end up in love with it
read the noob stickies
welcome to AF
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,670
From: Binghamton, NY
The suspension problem you heard about is failing ball joints which can't be replaced independently. You have to change the whole control arm. Dealer price is high but look for arms or kits by FCP Groton - $300 or so for a complete kit with every arm on the car and they're reviewed favorably. The A4 also has combi switch failures (cruise/headlight switch) and eats wheel bearings like popcorn. Otherwise it's great.
1.8T quattro stick shift is the only way to go! I was so happy when I found one about 6 months ago for a decent price. Now the tuning bug has got me, and here I am at AF (proud member since yesterday). I can tell you that my car is a blast to drive, and I've surprised a few ricers off the line with my stock 4 door sedan! Hahaha!
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