Ive been thinking of purchasing a used Audi A4 B5 97-99 for sometime now but I dont know alot about german cars but one of my friends just purchased a 1998 Audi a4 1.8t and I love it and its made me want one even more i have about 7k saved up and have been lurking ebay and autotrader for about a month now and was wondering which model was better to buy the 1.8 or 2.8. Also I would like to know some things to look out for when im buying a used audi ill be getting one in the low 100k milelage range but I also have access to my dads performace shop which has a dyno 4 lifts and many other usefull tools but then again I dont know to much about german cars since its a gm high performace shop but I would very much appreciate knowledge on buying a used audi.

 

Well the 2.8 is going to be a little more expensive than the 1.8T but the 1.8T is going to make more bang for the buck. Stock the 2.8 should beat a 1.8T but with a chip they should be just as fast. Along with a few other mods a chipped 1.8T can put down some great numbers so personally I would go with the 1.8T.

 

1st, you want to make sure thatthe vehicle you're getting hasn't already been modded. check EVERY button and switch in the cabin, check them TWICE, EVERYTHING! check the sunroof swicth 3-4 times! check the front inner and outer cv booty for cracks and splits. If anything else occurs to me I'll post it back here

 

yea I appreciate your help ive gathered that i should replace the timing belt if it hasnt been done yet and check the control arms and water pump. I just dont wanna pick up a car that ill have to put like 3k in maitnence in it.

 

I have a 97 2.8 12V Q love it to death, she has 144,000 miles on her and she still runs strong i did have to do alot of maintance on it though - timing belt,water pump, all front conrtol arms (the controll arms tend to go bad on audi's) an 02 sensor and some other goodies that cost an arm and a leg. I got the car with 120,000 miles on it. I also have owned a previous audi (97 2.8 FWD 5spd) 140,000 miles on it -i had a problem with a cylinder misfire.

 

I have a 97 2.8 12V Q love it to death, she has 144,000 miles on her and she still runs strong i did have to do alot of maintance on it though - timing belt,water pump, all front conrtol arms (the controll arms tend to go bad on audi's) an 02 sensor and some other goodies that cost an arm and a leg. I got the car with 120,000 miles on it. I also have owned a previous audi (97 2.8 FWD 5spd) 140,000 miles on it -i had a problem with a cylinder misfire.
As for now i'm selling my car and getting a 1.8t Q 00 5spd because you cam mod them and bring them up to a 2.8 plus it has lower miles but over all the 2.8 is a great car! it will last a long time but the timeing belt should be done and-yes it is an old car so expect some problems -CHECK EVERYTHING before you buy it, including under the car for leaks


good luck i'm sure you'l be happy especially b/c you have access to a lift/tools -if you have any other questions let me know