hey so i want an a4 b5 and im like seriously on this site everyday trying to get as much info as i can cuz i can afford the price tag on it (5-6000$), but i cant have a moneypit. (im a 17 yr old living off of best buy's hourly wage and still in high school). now im leaning towards the 2.8 30v because ive heard thats a lot more reliable. i read the "newbies guide" thing and the "things that go wrong with all a4's" and they were really helpful but it seems like a lot of people have the "2.8 clunking"... has anyone figured out what this is?? any remedy and price ball park would be greatly appreciated!.. oh and also ive read a lot of problems about some sort of door trim problem? i cant picture what theyre talking about, anyone have pictures or anything of it?? and also whats up with these things going through bearings so fast?? is there an actual solution to it? thanks for reading. if you can give me any other advice or warnings id appreciate anything!

 

As for the bearings, no. At least not one that I know of. If you want to modify performance wise then get a 1.8T. If you want a comfortable, reliable daily driver and like to modify more for looks; then get a 2.8. If you get a 2.8 I would suggest a 30v over a 12v just because of slightly better power. Also control arms and outer tie rod ends like to go on these cars around the same amount of miles that the timing belt tensioner enjoys going. If you really want a cheapish Audi factory hot rod then get the B5 S4. The only problem is that they are really expensive. Good luck!

 

haha i wish.. any clues about the 2.8 clunk though?

 

No. All I know about is the valve tick. My motor has been as reliable as a chevy small block so far. Maybe it's only on older 2.8s.

 

I have a '96 12v and so far it has been very reliable as long as you keep it healthy. I am only 20 but I have a decent job and live at home, so I haven't had any trouble taking care of it. I also haven't had any problems with mine but I do only have 46k on it.

Hope this helps.

 

You have a '96 with 46k miles on it???? Nice!

 

As much as I love Audi, if you are not a DIY guy and are struggling for money, I'll throw it out there... have you considered a Jetta VR6 or Passat?

Good luck with the search. My line of cars started with a '96 Geo Tracker LSi at 16. At that age, insurance, upkeep, and the never-ending desire to mod the **** out of everything that moves and fix the smallest blemish will soon eat away at your pocket. Sometimes, it's best to not reach, but to settle and be patient. Don't get stuck with a headache or lawn ornament.

 

Ya it was a steal that I couldn't pass up...even if it is a 12v. I bought it at the end of '05 with just under 16k.

 

I've never heard of the 2.8 "clunk" the 2.8 is a very strong engine as long as you do the timing belt on time (every 80k miles I think) If you get one but don't know when the belt was done do it immediately as well as the water pump, tensioner, and idler pulley. The only thing I have heard about engine wise on 2.8's is the valve tapping which isn't really a problem and I have yet to hear a Honda that DOESNT have valve tap so if they can go as high as 200k miles w/ almost no problems ever I don't think a little valve tap is a big deal. Although being your age and job if you want one of these your going to pretty much have to do all the work yourself. I am 20 and my parents own a mechanic shop but I am still in need of a clutch on my car cuz I don't have or at least feel like spending the money for it. I bought my 99.5 for 4600 it had rust on one door and I had to replace the door. It had 128000 miles on it when I got it and as soon as I got it I had to do the following: timing belt, water pump, drive belt and drive belt tensioner (all preventative) then things that were in obvious need of repair valve cover gaskets, plug wires, tie rod ends, rear wheel bearing, and I still need a clutch and should do the transmission due to a noise it has even though it shifts perfectly. If I hadn't done the stuff I did myself it would have been over 2k I am sure but it ended up around 700 in parts. The clutch and transmission are looking to be another 1k of parts but the transmission i found is under 40k miles. Im not trying to tell you not to get one just stating the facts. I would save up at least 1k more then the car you buy and look for one w/ a little under 100k miles.

 

Nothing in my engine compartment goes or ever has gone clunk...the only clunk which I had to fix was the passenger-side upper control arm...not cheap or easy to fix, but led me to swap out the whole suspension for a coil-over setup...yes these cars do lead to obsessive upgrades for some of us owners. Be prepared to fork out some cash and get your hands dirty as the bug bites.