Reliability of Audi A4?

Doug&Julie · 02-21-2005, 09:00 AM

Just thinking ahead...instead of a Subie I might look at older (mid 90s?) Audi A4s to use as an "extreme weather" car. This Cayenne loaner I'm driving is spoiling me with luxury, and I think the Audi will do a better job of that than the Subie. But I'm worried about reliability. Any thoughts or experiences that can be shared?

Thanks

asphaltgambler · 02-21-2005, 09:06 AM

Make sure the you look into '98 or newer and that there is a verifiable service history. They are good cars but too often they are not maintained.

Oli service every 5K. Minor service every 20K. Major service every 40K. Timing belt by 90K

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

A couple of people have said don't buy one without an extended warranty (dealership-used) - expensive to repair. Then again you could save up to $7,000 with private owner "as is".

Your gamble, do you feel lucky?

Sarc · 02-21-2005, 10:33 AM

Ever consider a TT? Seems somewhat practical with the hatch and fold down rears. Wouldn't an A4/TT be on the same level of luxury as you're Boxster anyway?

Doug&Julie · 02-21-2005, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kach22i
...do you feel lucky?

Not lately...

Oh shi...

Doug&Julie · 02-21-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sarc
Ever consider a TT? Seems somewhat practical with the hatch and fold down rears. Wouldn't an A4/TT be on the same level of luxury as you're Boxster anyway?

Julie is likely going to a smaller car this year, so I'd still like to have something to carry four comfortably as well as "stuff". I think the A4 is as small as I'd like to go.

But I like your thinking...

Moneyguy1 · 02-21-2005, 10:46 AM

If the difference between dealer used and individual used is $7k, a relatively small part of that could take care of most problems and still wind up cheaper. But, pay the $100 or so for a pre-purchase inspection.

Audis and VWs are great cars, but they can nickel and dime you to death. VERY expensive parts and service.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

no frickin' way I'd buy an Audi with over 60K miles...especially one loaded with luxury stuff. Read too many stories of stuff starting to go wrong...expensive stuff. The (ex)-wife's A8 is closing in of 60K and now can't seem to hold a charge. Of course right before it went off the audi assured warranty the tranny needed replacement - $15K.

I'd stick with the Subie.

Doug&Julie · 02-21-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
Audis and VWs are great cars, but they can nickel and dime you to death. VERY expensive parts and service.

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. I don't want that. I want my "other" car to be as maintenance free as possible.

Sarc · 02-21-2005, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug&Julie
Julie is likely going to a smaller car this year, so I'd still like to have something to carry four comfortably as well as "stuff". I think the A4 is as small as I'd like to go.

But I like your thinking...

Ouch, completely missed your thread.
Regarding the A4, I have some significant backseat experience in the car (hehe, not what you think-I'm usually the last guy to call shotgun) and it's pretty snug back there in the legroom department; quite similar to my fiance's former Jetta.

Ever thought of some "old school" luxury in the form of a older Benz or BMW? We're close to selling her 03 Honda for an E28 535 or M5 to join the E30.
Whatever you choose, if you find something a little north of you and require someone to take a look, shoot me an email.

Doug&Julie · 02-21-2005, 11:16 AM

Thanks Paul!

FYI...My requirements for "winter" car are these...in order:
AWD
Auto trans
Passenger and/or "stuff" room
Maintenance free (as much as possible)
Luxury would be nice!

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

I looked very hard at a 2001 used Audi A4 Quattro as an all-year car. It was a beautiful car - drove beautifully, handled beautifully, the interior was almost perfect. But then I started reading an Audi BBS, and hearing things about control arms cracking or rusting, interior bits and windows that stop working, etc. got me a little concerned. I already have an expensive car to maintain - I don't need another one. And coming from your present situation, it doesn't sound like you need another one either.

I ended up going with a 2004 Honda CRV. It drives like a car, has lots of room for being as small as it is, and goes like nothing else in the snow. Oh yeah, and it's a Honda.

The new 2005 CRVs are even nicer. It doesn't show up on a lot of people's radar screens, but just go and test one. The test drive made a believer out of me.

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug&Julie
Not lately...

Oh shi...

Dang, and I've been kicking myself for not holding out and saving a little more for a Boxster.

Go with the Subie and just worry about one thing, the trans - and that's only if you push it as hard as a Porsche.

BGCarrera32 · 02-21-2005, 11:58 AM

First off and no disrespect intended, if you drove an A4 and ended up with a Honda CRV, that isn't even apples to apples and you would have never bought the A4 anyway.

Keep in mind that the A4 is a bit more involved than some other cars. They have their issues but also have AWD, more electronics, more luxury and IMO are more fun to drive. Timing belt/water pump/tensioner pulley should be done by 70k mi even though the factory specs 90k (some belts have snapped). That service is expensive at $800-$1000+ because front bumper removal is required (more labor but no big deal). Any competent PPI on an A4 will involve getting the car on a hoist, removing the big plastic engine tray on the bottom of the motor and spotting the pressure fed cam chain tensioners for oil leaks. The gasket that mates them to the block can weep oil as this is a high oil pressure area. If the oil was changed regularly or it is a warm weather car, these shouldn't leak.
Many had issues with front control arm ball joints which are now under factory recall, the design has been changed, and it is a widely known issue that has been addressed.

At 94k mi. the only unexpected issue I've had was a coolant temp sensor that tripped a check engine light. I plugged into the OBD2 port with a friends Palm Pilot, got the code, spent $50 and changed the sensor myself.

All in all I classify the Japanese imports as reliable. I classify the German stuff like the Audi as durable, where they require maintenance and some additional expense but ultimately can be kept going a long time. Good luck!

Doug&Julie · 02-21-2005, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BGCarrera32
All in all I classify the Japanese imports as reliable. I classify the German stuff like the Audi as durable...

That's well said.

Ronbo · 02-21-2005, 01:38 PM

Just a thought, but a Passat will give you more room than an A4, is mechanically the same (albeit a different all-wheel drive), and can be purchased for less.

Wolf1 · 02-21-2005, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ronbo
Just a thought, but a Passat will give you more room than an A4, is mechanically the same (albeit a different all-wheel drive), and can be purchased for less.

Exactly!, I looked at buying an A4 last year. Nice car but a little overpriced and not enough passenger room. I ended up with a 2000 Passat GLX, its been a great car.

The only things that have needed attention in its 77,000 mile journey are: One upper balljoint and a serpentine belt tensioner/pulley. The only additional item needing attention is a small coolant leak at the radiator end tank. I understand this is a common problem on the VW's and the Audi's, the aftermarket radiators have addressed this problem and are available fairly cheap.

I would however, suggest getting a 2001.5 or newer Passat. Slight changes to the exterior and interior make it a little nicer.

Moneyguy1 · 02-21-2005, 05:45 PM

And when the Passat starts to have "issues"? Ask me how I know. In the past four months:

Fuel pump
Distributor
Coolant flange (plastic...imagine that!!)
CV joints (left side)
Radio failure
assorted electrical glitches

The car is, granted, ten years old, but it is my wife's car, driven very little (86k miles), living in the sunny southwest (no snow or rust). It is comfortable and stable, and, yes, durable. But reliable? Towed seven times in the past 14 months. Buy something Asian (even American) if you want reliable rather than durable.

creaturecat · 02-21-2005, 06:05 PM

Nasty oil sludge problems with the 1.8 t - Seems like all Audis and VW's have higher than average electrical problems.They have extended the powertrain warranty as a result(of oil sludge). Collecting on that warranty is another thing!
You will need the best extended warranty that money can buy - guaranteed you will use it up!
Finding an honest and capable Volks/Audi dealership? Hope you have better luck than we have!