Hello all...
New around here, currently have a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab with the HEMI of course, got the chrome 20" wheels and basically everything but leather and Nav.
but enough about the gas hog...
Im 18 and in college so payment on this $45k truck plus gas isnt worth getting another, and with the miles I put on I want to own again...

My lease is over in July and im looking to get into another car...gas is getting rediculous with my 27 gal tank and I like the idea of having AWD so I found myself here!

Previously owned a 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T 5-speed...car was fun but problematic. Purchased it with 48k and got rid of it 9 months later with 58k on the clock, 2 clutches and 2 CV shafts later.
The engine was great on gas and a lot of fun being turbo for stock. However I am concerned about getting an A4 because of the problems I had with the Jetta, should I be concerned? I dont drive like granny but have gotten more concervative with the way I drive since the problems with the Jetta.

Im looking into a 2004 A4 Quattro with either the 3.0 or 1.8T, within my price range I will end up with one around 45-55k miles. How is everyones holding up, I dont want another problematic car but something I can have fun in and be decent in the Michigan winters up north where I go to school.

Everyones opinion is greatly appreciated to weather this is the right car for me or not.
Other vehicles im looking into are a 2006 G6 GTP Coupe with the 6-speed manual and a 2005 Grand Prix GXP.

Thanks Everyone!

 

Go with the 1.8T, the 3.0L is a POS and doesn't get good gas mileage.
Both of these cars are gonna have problems used though, like CV boots (you already know that) tires (quattro eats up tires) timing belt and water pump replacement ect.
A 1.8T on an A4 is gonna be slower than the jetta as well because the A4 is a tank, a chip should cure that though.

 

+1 for the 1.8

 

1.8T FTMFW!!!

 

Interesting...I just got rid of my 02 Jetta 1.8T. Thing cost me nothing but oil and gas. I only put about 20k miles on it in three years, but i loved it. The car flew.

Now, I have a 2004 A4 1.8T. I bought it because I also wanted AWD like you, and I got the 1.8T because i feel it is a super reliable motor. It does not run like the jetta, but that can be changed. I have only had it for 2 weeks and 150 miles, but i absolutely love it. After the rims and tint are paid for, I will be chipping it and all that stuff too. I hope the reliability is as good as my jetta.

 

Hi

First of all if you are buying a used anything you have to be lucky first. The repairs on cars today borders insane. I went with the 3.0 because the vert is heavier then the sedan plus the quattro but it drives like a solid car.
I hate the feel and sound of a 4cly even if it's a turbo. The word turbo sounds neat but even with a chip it's only OK.
Keep in mind that this is not a 11 sec machine but a fine driving and handling auto.

When l want to feel some kind of power l take out my vette and even in my vette it's just another high horsepower vehicle compared with the Z06 which has 505hp. Now that's sreaming.

Just enjoy whatever you get and by the way the the Pontac G6 get's terrible gas mileage.

Alan

 

with just a APR 1+ flash/injectors i ate up a 3.0 on the interstate about a month ago... i beat on mine and it doesnt give me any trouble, if you are buying a 50k plus one, just keep in mind the timing belt will need to be done in the 75-100k range... if you cant DIY its pretty cheap otherwise expect about a $1k bill

BTW even with all my mods, i still get 25mpg running hard on the interstate and as much as 30-32 if i drive easy

 

I had a VR6 Jetta 98 and that thing was really quick with the miles it had. But long story short the car got totalled on New Years Eve. I was already planning on getting an Audi, so this was just a really good excuse.

I ended up with an 02 1.8t. Lucky me the engine blew and took the turbo with itthe second day I had it. However, that's because who ever owned it before me wasn't taking care of the sludge problem it had. Longer story short I have a new motor refurbished turbo.

So, to answer your question.The1.8tcar is by no means really fast. But it'squickish and really fun to drive. But not fast, at least not when it's stock. Now 3.0L those things are really quick really fast and really really really fun to drive lol. But, they love gas. And since you want to save on that I'd say the 1.8t is for you...

Btw, since I've gotten the new motor I haven't had a single problem with the car at all.

 

If you want to mod the car and you like jerky turbo performace buy the 1.8. If you just want to get in, turn the key and have it be smooth buy the 3.0. I would drive each of them. I would never have bought the 1.8. My 3.0 cab with a cvt gets 22mpg around town and 30 something on the highway.

 

jerky turbo? something wrong with yours?