My price range is within the B5 generation only. My question is, would you recommend a certain B5 year over another? Would you prefer a 1999, 2000, or 2001 for any particular reason?

Thanks in advance.

 

id go with 01.5 or 02 (aka new style) theres a few differences, do a search for it. it might even be in the FAQ. plus youll probably be looking at cars with less miles hopefully.

 

I was just curious because I if you look in consumer report, they will list each year for each car and report what problems different years have. I notice some years can be more reliable than others overall. Anyone agree with that on a certain S4 year?

 

it would be the 01.5/02 aka late model. Audi made a few minor revisions compared to the old version that improved the car slightly, its also going to be newer probably with less miles.

HOWEVER there isnt a big difference, most noticeable to you will be the different badges =/. If the one you find in the best condition and like best is an 00 then buy it. Both cars are nearly identical, like i said you can look up the differences yourself. Also both cars have the same problems. If there is a problem with the car, it will probably have little to do with what year it is, and more just general issues like TBB, DV;s ec ec etc, once again theres a big list in the FAQ of common issues. As your not the first owner of the car, late model cars could be beat on just as much or more than early. Because there arent any significant changes (they are all b5) just look for the one in the best condition with the best service record.

 

After what I keep reading....all these problems make me question if an b5 s4 is really worth it. I have the money to buy one but i won't have the cash to keep fixing problems or buy items to prevent further problems. Find another car? Thoughts?

 

i feel with any car ifone thinksone can afford car the but not the upkeep then said buyer should not buy the car. the choice is yours.

 

as people say in the forums you can get an S4 that has almost no problems, or you can get one that has alot of problems. If you tae care of it and treat it nice you shouldnt have many problems with it

 

Its a very rewarding car if you choose to get it, but in all honestly if you cant afford to spend one or two thousand dollars on it at any point in time you may want to look elsewhere for a car. Most of the problems are fairly small things, and often many of them will allready be fixed on a the car your looking to buy, or the peoblem simply dosnt exist. Keep in mind that b5's are between 6 and 8 years old now, the miles add up and replacing the timing belt is prob. something you will be doing at some point ($1100 if you dont do it yourself).

However if you find one in good condition you could have years without a problem. Its really a gamble, you look for the best one you find and if you think you can afford it and it wont give you any trouble then buy it. Good luck

 

You make a good point. It is such a great car ...but I need to figure out my financial situation before I make my decision.

 

If you have such a thing as a "price range" i wouldnt reccomend this car haha just because it WAS in my price range till some stuff broke or i wanted to modd it. But just one poor college student to the next. Ide prolly try to find somehting with little let mait. costs. But yes i wouldnt have changed anyhting ive done.
If you do decide to go with a B5 make sure you always have $1,000 in the bank for the Just incase haha. ive come to realize it makes my life so much easier.