Considering buying a A4 (B7)
 

Hello all,

I am in need of a new vehicle. My previous car was a 2003 Nissan Maxima and prior to that was a bunch of Civics and Accords.

I am considering a used 2006 to 2007 Audi A4 or a ~2006 Subaru Legacy GT. I get the sense that the Subaru may be cheaper to maintain and more reliable, but I am not sure. I like the idea of being able to mod the car to a little more performance. Both seem to be good candidates for this.
My work commute is 100 miles a day. I am currently driving my kid's 99 Accord which I consider a dull means of getting from point A to point B. It's also an auto which makes it even worse.

I guess my question is this: Would you buy a B7 again or something else?
Thanks

Yes, I would. I have had great luck with my car. Burns very little oil and has had no breakdowns. I just had the timing belt changed so I am good for another 100k miles. I drive about 45 miles (90 roundtrip) for work most days. I am averaging about 26 to 28 mpg. I like Subarus as well and did consider one before buying my second Audi (I had a 2004 A6 before). Over all I like the shape and style of the Audi better.

Yes I would buy another one and recommend buying one. I've had mine a little over a year and not one problem with it, knock on wood, except for a clunk in my steering I hear when turning the wheel when driving slow. Some of them use some oil and some don't. Mine hardly uses any, but even if it did its not a big deal because I can easily check and add if needed (I keep 2 quarts in my trunk at all times). I believe there's a sticky thread at the top of the page that will tell you the things you should keep an eye on with these cars. All cars are going to have trouble at some point though.

Is it worth it to find an S line model?

I don't think so, but others might disagree. Keep in mind in 2008 (last model year for the B7), they added all the body effects for the S-line to all 2008's and called them S-lines, but they're not really an S-lines.

Quattro, however, is worth the price of the upgrade and worth finding.

Oh, and I'd buy mine again. It's cost me a little more than other cars I've owned to maintain, but it's a fun, comfortable, sharp-looking car. I have a 2006 2.0T quattro. Bought it with about 35k miles and it now has 68k after 3+ years. Not counting tires, I've probably put a little over $2000 into it in that time (DV, PCV, engine mount, t-stat, trunk latch, front brakes, oil changes and alignments).

I have a true 2008 S-line and it was a deciding factor for me. I just liked the way the car sat better and I liked the steering wheel better. You can get the stance easy enough with an aftermarket lowering kit. Finding a true S-Line (2008 anyhow) could be very difficult. Not sure about the other model years. KingWulfgar is right, must places will call them S-lines when they are not. Take a peak at the steering wheel (true S-line has it on the wheel and is a three spoke instead of a four spoke) or take a look at the struts as they should be a reddish brown color.

Would I have bought an Audi if there were no true S-lines available? Yep!

I do love my 2006 3-spoke wheel. :)

For performance would an A4 with stage 1 be on par with a Maxima; a Honda Accord V6?

From Wikipedia, the Maximas and Accord V6's of the same era (mid-2000s) are around 240-260hp and somewhere between 210 and 250 lb-ft torque. The A4 with the 2.0T is around 200 hp and 220 lb-ft stock and around 240 hp, but a whopping 290 lb-ft torque at stage 1. I bet it could keep up. It'll definitely handle better and you get a lot better built cabin than either the Maxima or Accord. Get a 6-speed and I bet you'd take them off the line.

Subaru is officially off the list. Test drove the Legacy GT and decided it's not what I'm looking for. Down to a Saab Aero 9-3 2.8t, B7 A4, or a TT. I Iike a smooth ride and luxury feel, would the TT be too rough a ride?