Hey everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself to the community.

So about 1 month ago I got my first real job. Now that I have money (or at least the prospect of a paycheck looming in my future) I will be looking to buy an audi sometime before I start in June. I know that's a long time from now, but there's something about shopping for cars, and learning everything there is to learn, and waiting for the perfect deal to come along that is just fun for me, so I don't mind the wait.

At this point I've been looking at B5 a4's (2000-2001) which I could pretty much pay for outright with the cash I have now. But I've also contemplated taking a loan and going for a used B6 with relatively few miles on it. So I have a few questions:

1.) How reliable are the B5 1.8T's? As I have been reading in some threads and I notice everyone is heavily modding them and replacing turbos and whatnot. I don't plan on doing any engine mods at all so I was wondering of the 2.8 was more reliable and a better buy stock?

2.) I test drove a 2.8 and enjoyed the power, and I was wondering how the 1.8T compares, power/acceleration wise.

3.) Have any of you recently taken any car loans out, what were they for and what are the terms you negotiated?

What do you guys think?

can't wait to join the audi family,
-Shwan

 

If you get a chip for the 1.8T it will be just as fast if not faster than the 2.8. Also if you plan on modding I would advise the 1.8T because there is more you can do to them to make them quicker. As for reliability, there are pretty stout but just make sure you get one with low miles, if not than check for a timing chain replacement since Audi suggests that be done around 80,000 miles and it can be costly. Welcome.