So...just how bad ARE Audis?

[speeder]

In my search for WRX wagons, there becomes a point where the incredibly high resale value of them compared with the incredibly low resale of late model Audis begs the question.

In a perfect world where mechanical objects never break, the Audi A4 Quattro Avante is clearly a nicer car and their AWD system and rally racing heritage is about equal to Subaru's, I think. The price differential between say a 2006 A4 QA and a 2006 wrx hatch with equal miles is close to half price from what I can ascertain.

How crazy to consider an Audi instead? This would be a 2.0 turbo only, manual trans if found but they seem to be 99% autos and we're talking 100k miles or more.

TIA for any real experience. I've read all the 2nd and 3rd hand opinions already.

[BE911SC]

I see a lot of those being driven by kids today too. Same rules apply I'm sure except parts cost a lot more. Maybe insurance too.

[gtc]

Originally Posted by speeder

How crazy to consider an Audi instead?

Bat guano crazy.

[Sarc]

Missed your earlier thread, but have you considered an older UrS6 Avant? Might be older than what you're looking for, but great cars with a legendary reputation.
Tough finding one with low miles since their owners tend to drive the heck out of them.



Signed,
Nephew of an original owner of one with 325K miles on the clock.

[matt f]

Speeder,

I had an S6 Avant. Absolutely loved it. Comfortable and pretty quick. 340 hp.
Bought used w 50000 miles.
Only problem was the stereo crapped out.
Sold it w 78000 miles.
I believe approximately 80k miles is entering the "danger zone."

Matt

[speeder]

I have zero interest in any "special" Audi models that guzzle gas worse than the one I already mentioned and have BMW M5 parts prices. This would be a DD/winter car.

[nostatic]

fwiw I had an '06 A3 for a couple of years (was a CPO car I bought in '07) and it was a great car. Had to replace coil packs (under warranty) which is evidently a typical event. My ex loved her A8 and finally let it go after almost 10 years. The last few years it was in nickel-and-quarter mode with various electrical and other things going wrong.

I think the A4 avant is a great looking and performing car. I'm sure you'll get horror stories here, but they can't all be failing, otherwise I wouldn't see so many on the road. Then again I apparently make many questionable vehicle choices

[Rick Lee]

Guy who sits next to me is waiting on the word from the stealer on what's making his '09 A4 with 90k miles use a qt. of oil/600 miles. They installed a new separator valve at no charge a few weeks ago and now it's back for high oil consumption. My guess is it's gonna be very cheap or very expensive with nothing in between. His car got broken into a few weeks ago and the thieves knocked the rearview mirror off. $800 from the stealer to replace that. He had a headlight out and that was $350 from the stealer. I offered to do it with Pelican's $125 replacement bulb. Denis, I know you're as much a DIY'er as anyone can be, but seems to me an Audi would keep you busy. I sure love driving them when they belong to Hertz or Sixt, but wouldn't own one out of warranty.

[RANDY P]

man you are in the wrong forum. Especially if it's BLACK.

rjp

[RANDY P]

Should change the name to PPOT + Anti AUDI forum.

rjp

[aschen]

There is an OT concesus on the other forums I visit as well. Nasioc + anti Audi, and lotustalk + anti audi is appropriate too.

I side with them based on limited circumstantial evidence. However I do love the looks of most all of their wagons.

[speeder]

Thanks. The thing is, it's not just the looks, (which are great), it's the performance, comfort, luxury and sportiness plus the best AWD system for snow on earth besides Subaru.

I still love the Subie wrx option but the prices for 100k+ mile used stock wagons is a major downer.

[GG Allin]

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

[speeder]

Yup. 4 or 5 cylinder Audis only for me, thanks.

[beepbeep]

Originally Posted by GG Allin

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

Ha! That's the simple one! You should see the diesels!

[speeder]

So, as for the VAG 2.0 turbo sludge issue, is it avoidable if the PO changed the synthetic often enough? I don't feel like spending a half a day reading about it on the web.

[Nostril Cheese]

I've worked on a few. I wasnt impressed.

[craigster59]

It seems the sludge problems were with the 1.8's and dino oil. I ran synthetic through my '05 A3 2.0T for 178k with zero problems

[craigster59]

Maybe just get an older Subie wagon and throw on some graphics. You'll be the Koreatown sensation!

[GeorgeK]

Around here in Switzerland, 2 things prevail about (modern) Audis:

Highway robbery maintenance prices and abysmal reliability.

Owned by mouth breathing idiots, spending 98% of their time about .00001in. from your rear bumper at highway speeds.

Hate those cars with a passion.