Hey guys, as you can tell, I'm considering an A4. Pretty soon I plan on moving a step up in the automotive world and getting rid of my long overdue, hand-me-down 1995 Buick...it's been a great car despite all of the trouble its put me through with over 205,000 miles on the clock, but enough is enough and I can't depend on it much longer.

So, with something like a 14K budget, I've been perusing the internets for something reliable, decently quick, and fun to drive. For the longest time I was set on an '03 Acura CL-S6, but earlier tonight I stopped by a local dealer and thought what the hell, I'll take this Audi out for a spin. It was an '02 1.8T (w/ some kind of sport package as well as premium audio, sunroof, etc?) and I was surprised to find out how affordable they are, I've always loved Audis and ever since the B7 RS4 was introduced I've been a little obsessed, but I never imagined owning one until tonight. The features and quality of the interior blew me away (those red gauges grew on me) and it had one of the sexiest stances I've seen on a 4-door in my entire life.

I was sold on the car, and the only thing holding me back at this point is the question of service and maintenance costs. So I wanted to ask you guys straight up, what can I expect from an '02-'04 A4 with say...anywhere from 40,000-70,000 miles? If I had the choice I'd probably go with the 3.0 liter quattro mated to a six speed, for obvious reasons, but I'm open to other suggestions. If you don't mind, give me some pros and cons of owning the car, any regrets, major issues, advice, warnings, or even just some encouragement. I've been reading reviews and road tests and I know they are outstanding in almost every area, but I can't afford to fix major problems unless it's a rare occurance (timing belts, anyone?)

I really appreciate whatever you guys have to offer me, hopefully some of you can put my mind at ease - I've been a little worried. TIA!

 

I recently purchased at '03 Audi A4 MT with 75k miles so we are coming from a similar place. If you buy it with the mileage you are looking at major problems in the first year are very slim. But the fact is parts and service on Audi's are just in the top tier of expenses for automobiles. I had to replace a leaking propeller shaft seal the 2nd day I owned the car and dropped $500. The expensive service on these A4's comes at about 80k miles, mine will cost about $800, but I've heard some dealers can charge up to $1.2k. There is a smaller service around 50k miles as well. They are dependable, but I strongly recommend getting a PPI from a certified mechanic before buying. Keep up on standard maintenance and you'll probably be okay.

 

Run away unless you have money. I got an 02 almost 3 years ago and if it wouldn't have been a cpo with two years of warranty left I would have already spent 8-10k on repairs. I got my car with about 32k miles and now have 96k. I have a stack of service invoices at least 2 inches thick.

On the other hand, if you are mechanically inclined, or have a friend that is a mechanic you might be ok.

 

If you want reliability, get a 3.0 and keep up w/service and you will be ok. If your into modding and are mechanically inclined get a 1.8T. A lot more options as far as modding. A 3.0 has the power from factory and doesn't need much besides a few exterior mods. Acura's are nice and will get a couple nods here and there, but a bit played out. IMO In a B6, like you stated the interior is well built and put together. But then again, keep up with maintence on any car and it will last you.

 

I can afford a few repairs here and there, and it seems like they're usually spaced by a pretty decent amount of miles. With my current driving habits I've only put 30,000 miles on my car since August of 2004 (hardly anything, I know, but I was a full time student and left my car at home in the garage most of the time). So, if those larger repairs are spaced at say 50K and 80K, I think I should be ok, just so you know though, I've easily put five or six grand into this car to keep it running over the past 4 years.

That's rough Shane, I'm glad that warranty had your back and you didn't have to pay that much out of pocket. I don't plan on modding much, if at all, maybe intake and exhaust at some point but I'm not too mechanically inclined myself to take on much more than exterior stuff. For that reason I like the 3.0, it's plenty fast enough for me

Other than the obvious differences in the two engines, am I correct in thinking the 3.0 is more dependable for someone like me? (not interested in heavy mods)

p.s. Tankev what exactly is a PPI? I'm a noob at the whole buying a car thing.

 

PPI= Pre purchase inspection. A really good idea if you are planning on buying used. Most dealers will do them, but you can get them done from any certified mechanic. They run about $75-200 and they check electrical, transmission, fluids.. everything you would want to know is running smoothly before buying.

 

Well thanks for your help guys, I appreciate everything but I've decided to look at some other options, I doubt I could afford to maintain one of these, as much as I love them I denied it as long as I could. I'm not made of money and I need something a little more reliable, but thanks for being honest.

 

demand carfax report from owner. go manual for the fun =) go 1.8T to mod and have a new hobby