Right, patience is a virtue in searching for used cars. Lots to choose from. Have fun with the search.

 

Yes you must have patience. It took me a few months and was ready to sacrifice color and/or transmission but held out for what I really wanted; an unadulterated black on black cloth 2001.5 1.8TQMS with only 60000 miles on it from Capilano Audi in North Van. I ended up paying top dollar but it was 99% what I wanted minus the sport cloth seats. I'm glad I did. I still love this car. I would have always regretted it if I chose another color, engine or transmission. Good luck with your search.



Doug

 

^Nice find, looks very clean! Tough to find an unmolested 12 year old car.

Thanks! Ill post again if I find something.

 

1.8t vs 2.8? Whats the difference?

I read that 1.8t are easier to work on, where as the 2.8 are more reliable but cost more when something goes wrong.

How is the fuel economy between the two?

 

1.8t - reliable four cylinder engine that is turbo charged. This motor is better than the 2.8 if you plan on modifying for more hp.

output = 190-195hp stock.

2.8 N/A - good reliable six cylinder motor, practically no leeway for extra hp. Throw a nice exhaust on her and she will pur. A little more torque than the 1.8.

output = 195-200 hp.

In terms of fuel economy, I would assume the 1.8t is better slightly on gas.

 

Having driven with both motors in my car, I can tell you that the 2.8 has much more low-end torque and runs a good deal smoother. It feels lazy, doesn't really like to rev as much as the 1.8t but it doesn't need to because of the torque. The 1.8t is definitely better on gas, maybe like 15-30% better depending on how you drive. The 1.8t is also a good deal weaker stock, before '01 they made 150 hp with similar torque, in '01 it was bumped up to 175 hp, the VVT introduced in '01 also gave it a nice boost in torque and off-boost driveability.

In terms of maintenance the 2.8 is supposedly more reliable, I've experienced the opposite but that's probably because my 2.8 had 60k km more than the 1.8t and wasn't taken care of very well. They love to leak oil from every gasket and seal, but apart from that they're pretty bulletproof. The 1.8t is worlds easier to work on, everything is so open and accessible. I used to hate working on the 2.8 because everything is so crammed in everywhere. Parts are also more expensive generally since you often have to buy twice as much due to the extra cylinder head. Also the timing belt an water pump on a 1.8t is a piece of cake, the 2.8 is much more complex and you need a special tool to lock the cams if you're not experienced.

 

Since it will be a DD, I wont be doing much. With the 1.8t, what could one expect with exhaust, intake and tune (power wise and $ amount)? I have no previous modding experience with turbos, so not really sure what these cars are capable of.

For 2.8 I would probably just do exhaust and call it a day.

 

I've had both and preferred the 2.8 for the highway although the 1.8 is just fine. As for additional power the 1.8 is the way to go. You can send the computer out for a revision and go with a Frankenturbo etc. Here's a link.

(FrankenTurbo | F21 Hybrid Turbocharger for Longitudinal 1.8T)

and get close to 220 h.p. Only with a 5 speed however. A slush box won't handle the added power for very long. 1.8 is much easier to work on as stated above. Audi parts are expensive regardless of the engine. Good luck with the search.