So...just how bad ARE Audis?

[onewhippedpuppy]

My only knock on Audi is the insane packaging on some models. Like cramming a 2.7 twin turbo V6 into an A4 to make an S4, twin turbo V8 into an A6 to make an RS6, etc. The more pedestrian models are not at all bad to work on, access on the 1.8T or 2.0T A4 is probably easier than a WRX (which is tight). They are a little plastic heavy on the basic models, but still better than a BMW. Interiors are class leading. Fun factor isn't BMW levels, but they're damn nice driving cars. I would happily drive an A4 Avant Quattro with a stick, especially for a winter beater.

[Deschodt]

I got me a CPO 2010 S4 a couple years back. The car is bat**** crazy and I love it - which I did not expect to (that much). I honestly think it pulls faster from 0-40 than most cars on the roads (911s included) just on account of 4WD. The DSG version "farts" on shifts like a rally car. I might be a child but I love it, makes me feel like Walter Rohrl in the quattro! Remember those crazy starts by Audi drivers at most races where they were allowed ? And the fit and finish inside is very nice.

That being said, I am not keeping it a minute over warranty expiration. I've already racked up $6000 in warranty bills in the last 2 years (DSG control unit, rear camera, LED tailight). What I'll probably do is trade it in for another used CPO S4 when the time comes... You don't own an Audi out of warranty if you can help it. If you must, pick a stickshift, preferably non sunroof, minimum electronic doodads... The car itself is sound, except for the suspension bushings which are crap, it's all the gizmos that'll kill ya... Last point: Get a quattro, please (the default is FWD!!!). If you are gonna buy an Audi that is not quattro, why bother ? You are essentially getting an expensive passat... Get the VW in that case, cheaper. So quattro, stick, minimum toys and you should be OK. They are nice cars...The 2.0T is used all across the Volkswagen group in gazillion of cars, it's very tuneable as well !

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by Radioactive

CEL soon after I got it, did some research and apparently all the direct injected motors (BMW, Mini, VAG) have the problem with deposits on the intake & intake valves (no fuel to clean them).

This is a fairly known issue and one possible way around it is regular Italian tuneups. I intend of doing that once I'm out of the break-in period

[LeeH]

I'm looking at 2006-2009 A6 wagons. From what I've read, the NA 3.1L is pretty reliable. Not an easy car to find though. Most on the market seem to have 80-100K miles with prices around $15-18K. Cars with 60K are being advertised for >$20K. Keep hoping to trip across a low mileage car in the mid teens. Just not that many of them on the market and most of them live in the northeast, way far away from AZ.

[speeder]

I'd never buy a fwd Audi, their Quattro system is one of the biggest selling points to me. It's not easy to find them with MT, though. Might have to be automatic.

[fanaudical]

Hmmm....Maybe I'm one of the few people who have owned non-POS Audi's. (I'm also a Targa owner, which probably also explains a lot.)

My '76 Audi Fox had 400k+ miles on it when I gave it to a gentleman who was looking to restore one. I owned that car almost 20 years. It was the last Fox that I've seen running.

My current daily driver is a '92 Audi 100 with 235k+ miles; I bought that used in '98 and it's been a great car. We also have a '01 A6 Avant (wagon) that is a joy to drive - quattro, well balanced in the snow, wife hasn't been able to spin it like she did to our long-gone, always-broken Subaru...

[speeder]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

Hmmm....Maybe I'm one of the few people who have owned non-POS Audi's. (I'm also a Targa owner, which probably also explains a lot.)

My '76 Audi Fox had 400k+ miles on it when I gave it to a gentleman who was looking to restore one. I owned that car almost 20 years. It was the last Fox that I've seen running.

My current daily driver is a '92 Audi 100 with 235k+ miles; I bought that used in '98 and it's been a great car. We also have a '01 A6 Avant (wagon) that is a joy to drive - quattro, well balanced in the snow, wife hasn't been able to spin it like she did to our long-gone, always-broken Subaru...

That's great but almost no one disputes that older Audis were a lot better cars and that newer Subies are a lot better cars.

[Arizona_928]

Have to watch out for those subies and head gaskets.
Kids over here only like them because of the turbo and the ability to throw a big BOV on them. Say woooosh?

[fast_e_man]

I bought a 2000 A6 2.8L and then a 2008 A4 2.0T for my wife. We live in the foothills west of Denver and the Quattro is the big discriminator for me. There are times when we can't get home without all wheel drive (or up our driveway). This way I don't need to be concerned about her making it home when I'm traveling.

She really likes the interior comfort, and the Quattro has been flawless. We bought both as 36 month lease returns, the A4 had 15k miles when we bought it. There are some annoying things that need to be periodically addressed, but on balance I have no issues with the Audi's we've owned.

[dad911]

had a 2002 A4 quattro. loved driving it, great in bad weather, however before 100k miles it needed cat converters, burned oil, last straw was rear seal leaking.

[creaturecat]

I would rather have a sister in a whore house, than a brother driving an Audi.
More or less.

[DaveE]

We have a 2012 A4 2.0T that's an awesome car, and call me crazy but I just bought an '07 S4. Yes, the V8 sucks gas, but damn, it's worth it!

[CurtEgerer]

For what you appear to be looking for, why look for anything beyond a mid-90s Ur S6 Avant It has the cool factor and the fun factor in spades. Most are owned by enthusiasts, so they are well-sorted and maintained. And it's a real Audi (i.e., 5-cylinders), not a German-Buick like all others after it. Most (all?) are MT. They are well into the upslope of the depreciation curve. They still look contemporary. Fairly friendly DIY repairs. Hell, the sound alone would be worth the price of admission. One of the very few cars of any brand/type/price I still have a desire to own.

[speeder]

What does the "ur" refer to with Audis?

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

Hmmm....Maybe I'm one of the few people who have owned non-POS Audi's. (I'm also a Targa owner, which probably also explains a lot.)

My '76 Audi Fox had 400k+ miles on it when I gave it to a gentleman who was looking to restore one. I owned that car almost 20 years. It was the last Fox that I've seen running.

My current daily driver is a '92 Audi 100 with 235k+ miles; I bought that used in '98 and it's been a great car. We also have a '01 A6 Avant (wagon) that is a joy to drive - quattro, well balanced in the snow, wife hasn't been able to spin it like she did to our long-gone, always-broken Subaru...

Originally Posted by speeder

That's great but almost no one disputes that older Audis were a lot better cars and that newer Subies are a lot better cars.

Oh no! My 1st of many (stock image but had an identical '73 100 LS). Later went thru a number of 5 banger turbo's including an ur-Q ala wanna gruppe B poser. If one doesn't mind the never ending tinkering, have at it. Today, I sort of wouldn't mind finding a stock 1991 20V 2.2L 5cyl 220hp Avant Quattro (only avail. in manual trans.) and massage it to 300hp. Nothing more.

[intakexhaust]

ur = original

[T77911S]

i saw the top half of the pic and said holy S#!^ then scrolled and saw the bottom half of the pic and said HOLY S#!^. !!!!!
looks like something from transformers

Originally Posted by GG Allin

I'd love a V8 S4, but I don't want this in my life.

[JavaBrewer]

I had nothing but success with my '01 TTC 225 6 speed manual quattro...well until I entered a road without looking properly and got nailed.





But you should have seen the other car...

I bought the TT CPO with 30K miles and added another 100K. No issues other than the dash pod (I had it rebuilt for cheap - came back like new). Otherwise routine stuff and the normal timing belt and water pump at 60-70K miles. It was a great little car that pulled hard, got 30 mpg on highway trips, and pretty much rattle free right up until the end.

[beepbeep]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Gauging interest: 1995 Ur S6 Avant

95 UR S6 Avant with a manual. Black. Of course. Never heard of them until just now.

Wow. That car is well-kept. Coilovers, new bushings...everything. But 15000$ is too much.

[speeder]

JB, I love the TT coupe, just need more room or I'd buy one.