Hi Everyone. I currently own a 2000 Acura RL. I will be in a market for a new vehicle in next 6mo. to a year possibly(better deal in the winter).

I have been thinking about either Acura TSX or Audi A4, budget of $15-20,000, hopefully no more than 35k miles.

Any thoughts, comments or advice(good or bad) is welcomed here. Specifically, 2 negative things that comes to mind when thinking about Audi.

1. Turbo Engine(costs arm and leg when turbo goes out?)
2. Constant Electrical problems.

These are 2 bad things that I heard about that may be/may not be true. Can you please give your thoughts? Thanks.

 

Welcome! As far as reliability so far I have no complaints with mine, I picked it up new in July 2007 and currently have 27tmls under my belt. The only two things that have happened with my car was a coil pack went bad (2008) and the PCV valve went defective (2009). Both these were fixed under warranty. Even if the car was out of warranty the cost of these items each would have been no more than $120.00. A4 Convertibles are pretty sharp. The interiors are a little bit better looking than your standard A4 (B7). If I were looking for one I would go with the 2.0TFSI motor over a 3.0 or 3.2. The 2.0T gets better mileage by far and is more tunable than the other six's. If that engine is not available, then the 1.8T is a good choice. Not as strong as the 2.0T, but still gets good millage.

As far as costs if something breaks (turbo, tranny, engine), yes Audi's are very expensive (but so is Benz, and BMW along with a host of others). I have had zero electrical problems with my car nor have any of my friends. Main thing, insure to get a warranty with your car, and enjoy!

 

Yeah, the year i was looking at 06 or 07, only available are 1.8 or 3.0...but i'll keep that in mind and maybe look for year w 2.0 engine. that is good to know. Thank you for your input

 

what do u prefer? stick or tip?

 

The 2007 convertible comes in 2.0T or 3.2. If the turbo goes out, yes it will cost a lost, but people have put quite a lot of miles on there cars with the turbo being just fine.

The 2.0T is somewhat less power than the 3.2, but you can get it chipped for $600 to deliver as much power as the 3.2, and still get better mileage. This could reduce your reliability and/or warranty, but they've been extensively tested and are in very wide use.

 

Get the 2007 with 2.0t. The body style is the old one if you get a 1.8t. Much uglier. Power chipped will be way better with a 2.0 than the 1.8 and you will enjoy it more than the 6cyl as well. Gas mileage is great. I have had no real problems with either of my 2.0t cars.