I just joined and I am looking for an A-4. I am buying this car as my commuter vehicle, the difference is my commute will be from the Ozark Mts in northern Arkansas to Memphis then I-55 to Louisiana every 2 weeks to work offshore. Winter is coming, any opinions on whether or not a front drive A-4 will suffice or should I go ahead and go for a Quattro. Which engine and tranny would be the best for mountain, possible snow and adverse winter weather? I've heard the CVT transmissions are kinda weak. I enjoy a manual transmission but am not against an automatic if it would be advantageous. I am looking for a 2003 or 2004 A-4 with under 60,000 miles on it. I have no idea when timing belts or major services need to performed on these vehicles, but that's why I am here. I currently own a 2009 Mustang GT/CS Convertible, a 2008 F-150 FX-2 and an 86 El Camino. None of these vehicles are really up to the task of making this kind of trip every 2 weeks. Really don't want to put the miles on the Mustang and the trucks are far too thirsty. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long intro. Thanks in advance, Justin.

 

Do not buy a CVT.

 

Hello, my advise would be deffinitly get the quattro. Probably a 1.8T with the manual transmission and cold weather package. They get great gas mileage (mine gets about 500 miles per tank pending driving style and only costs me about $48 to fill the tank with premium. Timing belts should be done every 70k and is very important that you make sure it's been done. Other than that if you keep up with maintenance and take care of her she'll take very good care of you. Hope this helps!

 

I would always go with the top of the line for any model year that affordability allows. I have a 2003 A4 Quattro, 3.0, six speed with the sport package and have been very pleased. In the end, of course, it is about personal preference.

Good luck!

 

Quattro is awesome. That's one of the main reasons I love my car. Now that I know the harsh weather is right around the corner, I'm not worried as far as safety goes. I mean, I'm not saying you can drive 100 MPH in a snow storm but compared to my previous car (Honda Civic Coupe) I am feeling more confident about the winter.

 

Audi = Quattro, now why would you want to skip that for FWD only? lol

Quattro for the FTMFW

 

1.8T Quattro. Manual or Auto. Obviously, i'm not a purest....

Just take it to someone that can do a diagnostic scan before you buy. And if you don't take it to the dealership for things that go wrong make certain the person you take it to understands the car and engine. Ask me how I know.

 

I personally love the quattro. I've driven both, and just like the way the quattro feels. Especially on wet roads..

 

Since you are in the mountains with snow go Quattro with a tiptronic or six speed manual tranny. Skip the CVT. The 1.8T (163/190hp) or 3.0 (220hp) are both great engines. For fuel economy and great torque the 1.9tdi 131hp or the 2.5tdi 150/180hp are great engines too. The 2.4 170hp was not available in the US right?

 

i'd get the quattro. as for auto or manual, i do alot of city driving with alot of stop and go so i'd never buy a manual. plus the wife can't drive stick.