So as of today I no longer own an Audi. I have traded the $500 monstrosity to my father for a Chevy blazer. The 1996 a4 was a parts car when I bought it. I got it Running, spent months working on it, and then it needs a steering rack. I do not have the means to fix that kind of a problem. So until this summer I will be Audiless.

So my question is: On a $5000 budget (give or take) what kind of Audi should I get? I need reliability above all. I would also prefer a manual.

I'm thinking a '99-'01 a4

But what do you think I should be looking at?

 

i'd go for the 1.8T A4. if you get one from an audi dealership they would have likely inspected it. if not, you can request it. i'd only get a used car that has plenty of service records.

 

1.8T with your tight budget wouldn't be a good choice unless you're willing to turn wrenches your self.

Remember that there are more things that can go wrong in a forced inducted car.

 

So a 2.8 will be your best bet. Go for a 30v since they aren't as slow as a 12v.

 

Hyundai Elantra

 

Hyundai's are great but he said "Audi." Or wuz yoo makin a funny?

 

It was a funny, as my little A4 has cost well over $5k since I bought it (including the purchase price).

 

nonsense.

 

Considering the car isn't brand new, there are eventually more things that go wrong with the 1.8T compared to its 2.8 brother.

Boost leak for instance. As the car ages, the hoses get old which will lead to a boost leak/decrease in performance.

What's your personal take on the whole turbo vs. NA when it comes to reliability?

 

me, personally? I'll take the 4.2 over the 1.8T