I usually try to stay away from 1st production year of new models, so I was wondering if there are any notable upgrades/improvements between 2003-05 for both 1.8/3.0? Any particular year that I should stay away from? Thx

 

No real reason to stay away from 2002 because it is pretty much the same as the 2003 and has the motor out of the B5 2001.


2002-2003 A4 1.8t quattro is a 5 speed while the 2004-2005 A4 1.8t quattro is a 6 speed.

 

I have to choose between an A4 1.8 2003 w/40k miles or a 2005 w/65k miles both at the same price, both in good condition...so, should I go for the 2003?

 

Automatic or manual and do you plan on increasing the power?

 

Automatic, quattro, won't be making any mods

 

Then either will be fine.

 

the 05 doesnt have the cool flip up lighter on the center console, but other than that...

 

so, other than the 5->6 speed upgrade, there have been no improvements from 2002->2005?

 

Pretty much. They changed the turbo inlet hose. lol.

The B7 is pretty much the same thing as the B6. They just changed the nose/rear of the car and put a 2.0T FSI engine in it, well here in north america that is. In other places the B7 had a 1.8t option. The B6 and B7 are both the 8E plateform.

 

if its the b6 05 still has a 5 speed. there are no overall changes between the 03 and 05.