Hey guys, I'm new here and sad to say that I don't own an Audi yet- YET!

I'm looking to get one sometime between now and July but I can't find anything that is worth buying yet. I need some help from you guys to help me decide what to get.

Ok so where I go to college it snows....a lot. I'm in the Appalachian mountains so I really want/need AWD. Originally I wanted a 2000-2002 S4. I looked for one for a long time but the only ones I could find had like 90k-110k miles on them. I'm looking for something for the next 5-6 years so under 70k miles is good for me. After not being able to find a B5 S4, I looked for a B6. Loved the idea of a V8, but after finding out the gas mileage of it, I quickly dropped the idea.

So heres what I need/want: Hopefully you guys can help me figure out how to go about getting the Audi of my dreams

-4 door
-something not stupid-slow
-preferably V6
-decent gas mileage (25-30 mpg)
-reliable
-preferably newer years (2005-2007)
-priced below $17,000
-Quattro

I saved the quattro for last because I want you guys' opinion about whether you think I need it or not. Right now I really want a 2006 A3 3.2 Quattro. However seeing as how the closest one is about 350 miles away and is way out of my price range, the FWD 2.0T (of which there is a good selection in my area) is looking better and better.

I need a car by July but I don't want to just settle on anything.

Is the A3 the best choice?

 

Welcome to the forums.

I would say go for Quattro if the area you live in snows. It's an amazing addition to the car and it also gives you some type of safety assurance. Also you will feel the difference driving a Quattro compared to other cars out there.

Are you planning to keep the car stock or modify? If you're planning to do some stuff to it, the turbocharged cars are the way to go. However, if you're planning to keep things stock (enginewise) then you should go with the NA such as the 2.8's or 3.0's. These NA's are more reliable (from people's experience here) and will last you a long time.

If you do like the B6 body style, why not go for the B6 A4 in 3.0?

Also make sure that you have some money saved up when you buy these cars because there are things that tend to break down unexpectedly. I'm not sure if you're a DIY type of person but you could save up some money if you do things your self.

Anyway, if you want better response, post this question under off-topic as it has more traffic than here.

Once again, welcome. Good luck deciding and keep us updated!

 

Wow thanks for the detailed response and the warm welcome!

I'm going to take your advice and check out the B6 A4 3.0. As for mods, I don't think I will be modding it so I also think the V6 is the way to go. Thanks for helping me make up my mind about the quattro.

Thanks again,
Ryan

 

No problem!

I'm glad to help.

 

Don't do it unless you have a stash of money set aside for maintenance. Maintenance on these cars are often and expensive.........