Hope this is the right forum for this question. Just found this site and have already learned a lot searching on here. I have always liked Audi's but have never owned one. I am going to need a new DD soon and would like to find a Audi.

I am interested in B5 & B6 A4's and maybe a A3. It also has to be a manual transmission too. It sounds like the V6 can be hard/expensive to change the timing belt but might be option. I would like something that is not crazy hard to work on since I like working on cars. I plan on doing most maintenance myself with the help of this forum.

A turbo 4 cylinder would probably be ideal for mileage and would be fun to drive.

What years had the most reliable engines?
What should I look out for when looking at cars?
How reliable are the turbos?

I didn't find a lot of thread on this but I am sure I just didn't know what to search for so any links would be good. Any advice is welcome.

 

Nobody has any advice? After looking around more on reviews on the internet and the response of this post, I am thinking Audi might not be a good choice now. The silence here speaks for itself.

 

go with v6, timing belt isnt much harder just needs a cam locking tool, its more reliable. 1.8t has a few sludge issues. v6 gets maybe a few MPG less than the 1.8t, i average 35mpg highway and 23 city. mileage shouldnt be a problem as long as the car has a service history, also dont buy a young guys cars, ive noticed theyre not well taken care of. also use the search option

 

Cool thanks. Yours is a 1.8? What is the highway mileage on the V6's?

 

Check out the stickies in the A4 section - this is not the first time this question has been asked.

Most people will say that the v6 (2.8 or 3.0L) is something you buy if your not interested in adding performance mods, the 4 cyclinder turbo (1.8 or 2.0L) has many upgrade options. In either case, make sure do lots of research and know exactly what your looking for and what to ask before you buy anything.

The A3 is cool IMO but I think you can only get one with the Haldex transmission (front wheel drive with electronic awd when necessary).

Have you taken any test drives? what is available in your area/price range?