Thanks for clicking!

I originally posted something similar to this in the "New Member" topic area and someone siggested I post it here so here goes.

I currently own a 2000 Maxima se (Automatic, 150k miles). I paid $3500 for it, it still runs well but I hate the look of it, the fact that it's automatic and I really don't feel like putting any money into an automatic with 150k miles on it just to watch it die. My brother baught a 2000 Audi 2.8 quatro (Standard, 110k miles). He paid $7000 for it, it seems to have a lot of problems, but I think it's because of mistreatment. Obviously everyone on this site will defend that Audi is a well made car, so not even going to ask that (not that I don't agree or I wouldn't bother posting but my friends are telling me not to get one).

I don't want to spend more than $4000 on the actual car (doesn't include upgrades). And I want to upgrade the car (I am car dumb, and looking forward to getting into cars). Most people seem to recommend the Audi 1.8t as opposed to the 2.8 v6. Someone in my other topic posted that the 1.8t with a chip would become faster than the 2.8 stock. I am wondering which year models this would be true for (such as would it be true for a 1997 1.8t to a 2001 2.8?).

What would be some worth while upgrades to the Audi 1.8t, and where could I find it?

Thanks for reading!

 

iirc, the 2.8 didnt really get any power upgrades ever, so even a slightly modded 1.8t would be quicker.

theres a ton of companies that make chips for audis. APR and GIAC are the best and seem to be the most popular.

air intakes wont necessarily give you much in the way of power gains, but they do let the turbo be heard much more clearly (carbonio is a nice one).

 

True, carbonio intake is awesome!

www.goapr.com

 

Any websites you guys know about that are user-friendly that sell audi upgrades would be greatly appreciated! Possibly new turbo maybe?

thanks for the replies!

 

ilackav8 is right, the 2.8 is considered more reliable than the 1.8T but has no performance upgrades other than an expensive supercharger.

Check out this guide
https://www.audiforums.com/forum/audi-a4-8/newbie-guide-version-2-a-80968/

And here are some more basic links
https://www.audiforums.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=109459

Bear in mind, labor, parts, and gas will be more expensive for an Audi even when it comes to the simplest of things. As most members would back up, if you can do the work yourself (find someone to help you--not sure where you're located, someone may be able to help) you'll save a lot of money.

Before you buy, make sure you have documented service records of the last timing belt job with the hydraulic tensioner and thermostat. No records, it becomes priority #1. Also check to see if the control arms and tie rods are worn

Here is an extensive list of websites
http://www.vaglinks.com/VAGLinks.asp

Most people stick to ecstuning.com as far as I can tell for common parts but if you're looking for something specific, it wouldn't hurt to ask for advice in a thread


The common upgrades are a chip, lowering, turbo, and then things like headlights/tails/HIDs

Good luck

 

Thank you sooo much!

My problem is I am not really sure if I trust the people I know that claim they know what they are doing haha.

I was thinking most stupid things, such as changing the headlights, tires, or maybe even turbo (again, I'm car dumb ATM, lol) will be pretty easy and I can probably look online. But, should probably pay for any major changes.

My friends keep telling me that it's much more expensive, seeing I will be buying an Audi with 100+k miles, is it even worth me getting one at this point? I am definetly going to buy one at some point in my life because they seem like a lot of fun to mod and make your own. I just don't know how I am going to pay for the expenses if something goes wrong with school expenses and what not.

Again thanks a lot for the replies, this website has a great community and is very helpful.

 

After reading "the noobie guide" I realized I have been just asking questions everyone else has asked a million times. Sorry about that...

So here are so more questions, specific to my situation.

I really don't know anyone that would be willing to show me how to work on my car, and my brother claims his car is really tough to work on because you basically have to dismantle the whole thing to do something as stupid as changing the oil.

Since I am a student, I have limited money, and after reading the noob guide it looks like this brand is probably not for me at the moment.

I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on if I should get an Audi or not, and if not, what do you recommend? Keep in mind I want to mod it, but I don't know anything about how to mod it yet.

Thanks a lot for reading. It is greatly appreciated!

 

i bought my 2.8 quattro with 155k miles on it.i now have 159k, and have loved the past 4000 miles. i am now wishing i would have gotten the 1.8T, because of the much more various options, but i plan on keeping mine, since i have no real need to exceed 250+ HP or so with a turbo upgrade and what not. so stock 190 - 200 is fine with me.

changing the oil really isn't as hard as it seems. you just drop the belly pan and slide it out of your way, the screws are 1/4 turn zeus screws, so you really turn the screw 1/4 of a turn and they're out.

they do tend to get expensive, and i'm in the same situation. student with a part time job, wanting to modify my car.

many of the people on this forum DO know what they're talking about, and will be willing to help you on any questions!

 

Hey glad to see you found your way over to here. If money is an issue I would say look for a honda or toyota... These cars are awesome but can be expensive, and DIY is almost a must due to the labor at a good german shop is usually insane! But most that own these cars love them, excluding me, it's a love/hate relationship... I'm glad you found the noobie guide! If you still have any questions let us know!

Your kidding right? That's a $300 piece of plastic that is over priced and you can make you own CAI for under $50!

 

Thanks for the replies. I have found all very helpful.

I honestly don't want a honda because most of the people that own one think they have the fastest car in the world when they just put a peice of junk exaust on it and think it sounds good haha.

Maybe I will just stick a maxima but get it in standard instead.

I wish it wasn't so expensive to work on Audis!!!! haha oh well

Do you think that if I looked online I would be able to do most things myself (such as installing a new chip/turbo/lights)?