New to the forums,don't havemy Audi yet...

Currently Idrivea 2003 350z "Performance" model, which I'm selling in favor of a 4 door sedan (baby on the way). After much searching, I've pretty much settled on the B6 A4 1.8T Quatro, especially the 2004 model. I say the 2004 because I like the6-speed manual option, which seems to be introduced that year (anyone confirm this). I've searched the forums, but didn't seem to findanswers to the specificquestions I have:

1) Will a rear facing infant seat fit in the backseat of the B6 A4? I've seen reference to it beinga tightfit, looking for a little more clarification, e.g. what position is the front seat in to get it to fit, pics, etc.

2) Any real world advantage of the 6-speed to the 5-speed, e.g. fuel economy, better acceleration, maintenance, etc?

3) I'm trying to get a handle on the specifics of the standard model versus the "sport package" and "ultra sport package"... are these cosmetic only, or do they include suspension upgrades? Any links to a good FAQ on this topic?

4) Any major reliability issues I should keep in mind while finding my "perfect" A4?

Thanks for the tips!
Brad

 

Hey , sorry I am just seeing this now. A lot of young Audi owners here, so not sure how many have kids to answer your first question. I on the other hand have 2 little ones.......my car is a 2004 A$ Ultrasport with a 6 speed so I can answer most of your questions I think.

1) First off, how tall are you? I am 6' 3", so my seat is pretty far back, and I would say the only way to get the rear facing seat in would be to put it in the middle.....which if you only have one child, thats where the seat should go anyway. My 2 girls are 4 and 2 and they fit fine in the backseat in their forward facing seats now.

2) My car is the 1.8t, and when I first got it 6th gear was a joke.....it is pretty much an overdrive gear with no pull that will help gas mileage.....once I got it chipped 6th gear actually has some pull to it, but still helps with mileage.......understand this though......mpg is all in your right foot.......of course I am sure you know that being an owner of a 350Z.

3) With the USP the differences really are cosmetic....for the most part. 18" wheels, rear spoiler, more aggressive front end, door fins (like the S4 but slightly smaller).....you do however get the sport suspension which is amazing......some people question is the ultra sport package worth the extra $3K....I say absolutely......they are much rarer than your typical A4 as well, you'll find out if you try to buy one
Here are a few pics of mine (nothing fancy):
http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010040up0.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010039oh6.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010038kd2.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010036yx2.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010035ju7.jpg
http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010037ko0.jpg

4) To my knowledge no reliability issues that I know of.......

Hope this helps, and welcome to the forum........good luck.

 

the only one I can really help you on is reliability...

With Audi's, as with any car the reliability is all subjective, If you take care of your car, changing oil every 3-5k, doing regular preventative maintenance if should last yo well into the 200k range.

The main trouble spots on the B5 (I don't know about the B6 for sure) are the control arms and the timing belt. I know the timing belt is something to e concerned about on all Audi's. It is recommended that it gets changed every 80k or so. Other than that there are some small quirks, but they are far outweighed in my opinion when you look at what you are getting from the car.

As an example of reliability I offer my 96' A4 up which currently needs the TB done, and a new power steering rack(not a common thing). It has 197K on it and still runs strung.