Hi guys, like the topic says i am completely new to Audi and European cars in general as i have always owned Japanese/American pocket rockets. I want to move on to something European next and i have it narrowed down to a BMW 3 series or an Audi A4 3.0L quattro. I really dont know much about these cars so i have signed up on both forums to get some feedback from more experienced and knowlegable people. I was wondering if you guys can give me some feedback and what to look for when buying a car. I am looking at a 2002-2004 3.0 V6 as those years are in my price range. I will be going to test drive a few over the next few days.

To start off:

- Does the 3.0L waste a lot more gas than the 1.8T? Also is the 3.0L noticeably faster than the 1.8T?
- Is it true that the 3.0L is a lot more reliable than the 1.8T?
- How is the reliability of these years? Any common problems/gremlins?
- Is the maintainance really expensive (compared to a VW lets say)?
- Is there different versions for the 3.0L A4 as in optional "sport package" or something like that?
- Finally what should i be looking for when buying one? other than if its been repainted/rust and cosmetic damage?

I guess thats it for now, basically im the most concerned about the reliability because i know German cars can be expensive to fix. Thanks for all the feedback in advance!

 

Yes the 3.0L uses more gas than the 1.8T, by a lot.
As far as reliability, it is and it isn't. The main problems are the cat conveters, and they cost a cool $1,000 a piece plus labor to install those bad boys.
The timing belt job for a 3.0L is around 2 grand.
Yes the 3.0L comes in three trim levels, standard, sport, and ultra sport.
Audis are dipped in a zinc solution so rusting of the body is out of the question, the only things that can rust are the exhaust and suspension.
What BMW are you considering, because the BMW might be more reliable than the audi, but the audi will be considerably better in the snow.

 

Audi will also be better on the road, off the road, in a driveway, in a parking lot, in a garage, and just about everywhere else too.

Not to be mean to BMW drivers or anything, I mean, somebody's gotta take one for the team...

(Sorry, just coming down off the Truth in 24 high...)

 

In all honesty though, quattro is the best. Our Torsen differential, only found in a quattro*, is better than every single other AWD system on the market, by a lot. It may weigh a little more, but it is the fastest responding most amazing piece of engineering out there. Audi will OBLITERATE BMW in the snow...

*except the Audi TT and A3/S3 quattro models, that is a Swedish piece of crap Haldex, and is not worthy of this discussion. Haldex is also Slaab's XWD system...

 

Apart from the irritating stalling, grinding and jerking at low speeds which seems to be common on the 3.0L CVT, I'm happy with mine.