Audi good daily driver?

[sketchers356]

Hello all,

I am in the market for an AWD car, and I am looking for something that will be reliable and something that I can fix. I have been looking at Subaru WRXs and BMW 535xis since I am familiar with those brands. However, a couple of my friends have Audis and I know that they like them a lot although I have some questions as per their reliability.

What are some things to look for and to avoid when it comes to buying a used Audi?
I am looking to spend under $15K.

[Heel n Toe]

Blown coolant line.....Another reason to HATE @#$%$# Audis

[sketchers356]

Seems like I should move along then huh?

[sketchers356]

Any bad things to say about the E60 535? I hear that the high pressure fuel pump issue has been solved. I used to have an E39 540 and I liked it a lot.

[Rick V]

Just get a Subi and have a frigging blast. If you are worried about people looking down at you for driving one (with the list you are looking at I suspect that may be a concern) just laugh when they are spending bank keeping theirs going and you are not, when you are enjoying thrashing the dog snot out of yours and it asks for more and they just wonder how you can do that.
WRX's are a blast

[onewhippedpuppy]

I had a 2002 Audi S8, it was a simply fantastic car. Incredibly well made, easy to work on, and very reliable. Incredible AWD system. With it being a very expensive car when new, they engineered out many go the annoying little issues that the cheaper cars suffer from. The other models seem to be very hit or miss, but none of them are reliable when compared to the Subaru. With that said, I would go Audi all day long over BMW. Audis have vastly better interior materials and assembly, BMWs simply fall apart over time. In the 535 the HPFP is a huge issue, definitely do some research there.

The WRX is great, but also consider the Legacy GT and Forester XT. Same basic goodness in a more adult package. I had a lightly modified 2005 Legacy GT wagon that was a rocket.

[Halm]

We have had several Audi's over the years and loved them. Like any on the premier German cars it is all about maintenance. We now use both an independent shop and the dealer. Both treat us well and we choose based on convenience.

Our "business" car from 2003 - 4 months ago were a couple of X5's, 3.0. They severed us well except for one major breakdown 350 mikes from home. And that was entirely the fault of the dealer missing a recall item. But after 10 years we wanted something different and went with a 2012 Audi Q5. So far it is at least the equal of the X5, probably better in terms of comfort and mpg. We'll see how it holds up long term, but so far, it has been great.

[Icemaster]

Wife is still driving an 04 A6 3.0. Basic maintenance, couple items fixed under warranty (coil packs) or recall, but nothing that would keep me from buying another. Everything I've paid out of pocket for has been normal wear and tear items.

My experience only, YMMV.

[faverymi]

Having beemers and audis be ready to maintain them. Either one will require a lot of your time. Being a DIY person I gave up. Too much time. Rather spend my time working on the old porsches.

I lease a VW 5 speed with factory LSD. Got a little bit of the germaness I get over 30 mpg. And I have 0 worries. Add some front winter tires and it is seriously unstoppable in heavy snow. Cheap DD takes me to work and skiing and every condition. Very happy.

Subbies are very good but I can't get over their look. Had a few in college. I graduated a while ago.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Why not a 964 C4?

[Chocaholic]

Under $15k?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I've seen plenty of 964s from $12K to $20K advertised. If I see something at $16-$17K, I think $15-$16K buys it.

not a C4 but there was a high mile, recent top end 964 on CL last summer that was advertised for $12K. That would have been a good car to refresh and drive for years.

[Nostril Cheese]

WRX.

Audi? Uh, yeah.. sure.

[Nostril Cheese]

I got to drive my buddy's 400HP WRX yesterday. I could live with that car.

[fanaudical]

I've been using Audi's as daily drivers since '88, but am driving the older stuff. (Newest in the driveway is a 2001 A6 Avant, current oldest is a 1992 100, which is the most reliable.)

Maintenance is absolutely essential to "daily driver success". I perform all my own maintenance, and it is time consuming. Issues on the newer cars seem to stem directly from what I consider to be far too many electronics.

[RANDY P]

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Why not a 964 C4?

Considering the other cars he is looking at I think he wants more room.

[Noah930]

I would not want to own a late model Audi out of warranty.

[aschen]

Definitely buy a wrx over an Audi in that price range

[LakeCleElum]

My friend got a nice used Acura AWD for $17K....Loves it.