Anybody have a 1.8T Quattro?

[silver912e]

I drove a 2000 Audi 1.8T Quattro last weeked and really liked it. I checked out the information on the internet, and it seems mixed. Some people love them and others tell horror stories about lots of maintenance.

I'm looking for something to replace my long-in-the-tooth bad weather car.

Anybody have experience with this car?

Thanks.

Oops - It's the A4

[Z-man]

I just got my wife a New Beetle Turbo. Same engine, different car. So far, so good, but I've only had it for 2 weeks!

My understanding is that the 1.8T engine is virutally bulletproof.
-Z.

[Ronbo]

I have the 1.8T w/5-speed in my Passat. I can't comment on the Quattro as I don't have it, but at about 55K miles I've had no problems with the engine except for the recalled coil-packs. It's been a good, strong engine and I get 32 mpg on the highway, which isn't bad for a comfortable 4-door sedan. The only real problem I've had with the car is with the fuel level sender which has failed twice.

[joehahn]

Bought wife an a4 wagon (99, 1.8T tip) and was less than impressed at take off but man once you got up and humming it was impressive. In addition, it was phenomenal in snow. The engine looked like a lawnmower it was so small too.

You can buy a an extra control module chipped to bump it up to 222HP too which is really cool. If you want to go higher I think you have to get exhaust, brakes, etc. Check out APR for details (or Hoppen MTM i think).

We got rid of it because of 2 kids and it was too small for rear facing car seats but I would say it was pretty sweet. Never had one problem with it...EVER. Unlike the POS a6 wagon we have now.

My vague recollection of Charlotesville (1972-1976 ....I was 6 when we moved) is that there is no (or little) snow so bag the quattro and get front wheel drive, also get manual. Much more spirited that way. Also, go to Audiworld.com and hit the forums. I split my time between there and here.

joe 68 L

[campbellcj]

I have not been overly impressed by the 1.8T or 3.0 Audis I've driven...HOWEVER they were both Tiptronic FWD cars and I am used to an S4 (2.7T) 6-speed manual.

The 1.8T seems like a torquey and relatively smooth engine. Everyone agrees they are extremely tunable and the bottom end is very strong.

I have had some maintenance issues on my S4, which are borderline annoying, but most of them were covered under initial warranty.

[Eric 951]

My GF has a 2001 A4 Q 1.8T--it has been relatively trouble-free with the exception of the coil-packs(fixed under warranty). I like it--once you are up and going it goes real well. I drove her Tip loaner and compared to the 5 spd--the Tip sucked.

[rcm]

I purchased 2003 1.8 quat 6 months ago. It has the sport package which is really just 17 inch rims. The suspension sits a little lower maybe than standard. I think it's a great car. We had a 2001 jetta vr6. I like the audi much better. All around better craftsmanship. I think the vw's have turned to crap.

The other guys are right about take off power, a little slow. But, a rocket in 3rd thru 5th great puller. I use it for every day 30 mile one way commute all hi-way. I purchased steel rims and snows for winter and got a chance to drive it the snow and it's amazing. I recommend the car.

[s_wilwerding]

The consensus, even among diehard Audi fans, is that the 1.8T drivetrains are bulletproof, but pre-2002 A4's have other problems, especially electrical problems. I was looking at a 2001 A4 1.8T Quattro. Great car, but the reliability problems I heard about (electrical gremlins, control arms going bad, etc. - check Audiworld.com) steered me away. I have heard good things about the 2002 and later A4s - I know a few people who have them and they have had no problems so far.

[osidak]

Bang for the buck go with the VW Passat as you get the same chassis as the Audi at a nice discount. You also pick up more rear leg room.

The Audi is a VW product and usually suffers the same short falls. Only difference is they charge you more to fix them.

When I was last looking at a car for myself I was looking long an hard at the A4 but decided I wanted a diesel engine so I went with the Jetta TDI.