hey guys, I own a 01 330Ci it currently have 96K miles. I am planning on sell it because I need a 4 door and seen some decent price on some A4. I've seen the 1.8T 2.8 and 3.0? I'm looking for mostly a reliable car/motor. I am looking to spent about $10,500. I've seens some around that range that I'm interested.

Questions:
is there a specific year I should look for?
What should been change at what mileage?
What are the common issue with the A4 on the 3 different motor?
How's maintance cost on these car?

I search and didn't find a thread about what to look for when buying.. if you got a link that will be great too..

thanks

 

My A4 has 127k miles on it had it for about 3 months and feels as tight as new. I thrash the cr*p out of it and still goes without fail it is a 1.8t so I really recommend one!

 

i would say get a B6 for sure! thats 2002-2005. 1.8T is easy to upgrade, the 3.0 not so much. i have the 3.0 and love it.

 

The 2.8 A4's are the B5 model.... which arent as good looking as the B6's. My dad has a 3.0 and it is an awesome car, pulls great for being a stock car, be it that, w/o alot of money, it'll stay stock. I drive the 1.8T, another good car, but no where near as fast as the 3.0 if u keep them stock. If you chip the 1.8t it'll be able to compete with the 3.0 for sure, and thats only a $500 upgrade (the thing you should do the first day u have ur 1.8t)

I've heard you wana look out for higher mileage A4's for having wear on timing belt. If not taken care of, it can really do damage to your engine if it goes out on you. Also make sure it wasnt driven by some one who modded it, drove it into the ground, and then put the stock parts back on. The engine will have some good wear on it.

 

1.8t with 1+ chip (injector upgrade) will eat a 3.0 up and better mileage... just keep in mind, service is much more $$$ on the 3.0 both engines need timing belts roughly every 75,000 give or take depending how hard you drive and if u like to gamble...

i doubt you will find a b6 in that price range but about $15-20k can pick u up a nice ultrasport (see the back of my gallery pics)

 

1.) I would say go with a 02-05. (I drive a 03 and love it!) although you will prob spend more then $10,500. If you want to spend less then buy a b5 a4 which is 96-01. I drove a 97 2.8 v6 for 3 years and it was a great car.

2.) Just like Papachristou said, your looking at a timing belt job being the biggest thing with a higher mileage audi. You should buy a 1.8t
if you plan on modding and a v6 model if you just want fun power w/o really modding at all.

3.) Maintenance: If you DIY, you will save money and if you don't repairs on these cars can be expensive. I wouldnt say its any more expensive then your bmw would be though.
GL