looking at an Audi for the first time ..... EVER

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

They are not that expensive.

Chicken shiet maintenance is simply incessant.

I guess that explains how a used V8 powered Jaguar of the same year is 3x the price.

Which if I wanted a super low maintenance semi-modern convertible, I'd get a 4.2L XK.

I feel about the XK like Paul does about the Mustang, everyone should get one.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

I guess that explains how a used V8 powered Jaguar of the same year is 3x the price.

It's a Ford, Willis.

[Tim Hancock]

The first 1992 BMW E36 325 I had when I had the Audi went 325k before I sold it.... Still ran great but was rusting and needed shocks and brakes. Current daily driver E46 BMW 330i has about 180k on the clock and just runs like a Honda. I would hop into either and drive across the country. The Audi with around 100k on the clock, had to get towed home twice. I can hold a grudge better than most so...... Never again.

[fast_e_man]

Sammy, My Audi experience is a 2000 A6, 2004 A4, followed by a 2008 A4. The A6 had several (numerous) reliability issues and the engine bearings started making noise ~ 160k mi. Donated that to the local auto tech school. We had the 2004 A4 3.2L for my girls to drive, without issues (bought at 40k mi, sold at 90k). Bought the A4 2.0T to replace the A6. The research we did at that time pointed to the A4 as the most statistically reliable of the Audi's, hence that was the direction we went. Bought the 2008 A4 coming off a 3 year lease with <15k mi. Currently about 70k mi.

The A4's have been considerably better than the A6. Mainly routine maintenance, except for the occasional CEL and a ventilation control issue. Every vehicle I've owned that have CELs has thrown the CEL from time to time (993, Audi's, Suburban's, Jeep). Typically emissions sensor related.

Frankly my 2005 Suburban has had the most issues of any vehicle I've owned, 8.1L 3/4 ton, and we work it pretty hard. It will follow the same path as my 2 previous Burb's, drive them to >200k mi, then donate the vehicle when the post 200k repairs start to roll in.

I'm currently looking at used Audi Q5's or Porsche Cayenne's to offload the Burb from some of our weekend mountain driving (skiing, hiking, etc.) . The Q5 is based on the A4, so that's probably the direction we will go, unless I can get happy with the Cayenne reliability.

The Quatro AWD system is mature and reliable, and the AWD is important where I live. While there are now lots more AWD options that have "style" I really like the A4 handling. We've had vehicle crash safety discussions with local law enforcement. The consensus opinion (based on empirical results) says buy "Honda or Toyota (including variants) or anything German".

I don't expect the change the options of the "haters", just relaying that we are satisfied with the "total value proposition" with smaller Audi's.

[gatotom]

We have owned new 98 A4, 2.7l leaking oil mess, 2000 A4, used 150k sold after replacing timing belt, front strut parts and was having electric gremlins at the end. 2005 A4 used , the usual timing belt and electric stuff but my wife drove it when radiator blew a hose and toasted the engine , 2006 A4 used, timing belt good car with minimal stuff. 2013 A4 current, new with 41k and warranty will run out next june, so far a nice one.

My advice stay away from a Audi that was built before 2010, anything newer and you are OK.

[gatotom]

Also get one with the sport suspension, everything else is too soft.

[944 S2]

If you buy used you must have a tolerance for pain! It’s going to cost you in repairs, but they do drive nice!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

I guess that explains how a used V8 powered Jaguar of the same year is 3x the price.

Which if I wanted a super low maintenance semi-modern convertible, I'd get a 4.2L XK.

I feel about the XK like Paul does about the Mustang, everyone should get one.

Not really, more like the XK was a good 3-4x of an A4 when new.

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Not really, more like the XK was a good 3-4x of an A4 when new.

That explains a lot, I'm used to seeing used Jaguars near the bottom of the depreciation pile.

The XK was about $78K new, not sure on the Audi as I've never looked at a new one.

[shinrai]

"C to the P"
https://jalopnik.com/at-5-200-could-you-top-this-2004-audi-s4-1821383252

But I adore my 2005 A4 Avant. Always something to work on. Keeps me busy. Literally - like every other week to keep it running well.

[nvr2mny]

We have an ‘07 S4 Avant. Owned it about 4 years now and put 45,000 miles on it, all of which have been trouble free. Total mileage now sit @ 78,000. Came very close to buying an S8 earlier this year but needed something to tow with. Came down to the Q7 or big Benz GL. The MBZ won out. I’d have no trouble buying another Audi. The fit/finish is every bit as nice (imho) than the Benzs and BMWs. We’ve had no reliability issues with ours. Good luck on the hunt.

[matthewb0051]

Current drive for my son is a 2003 A4 3.0. Actually his 1st car. We had a 4000s years ago and it was cheap on many levels.

The kid's car is very nice, smooth, quiet, and very fuel efficient. He gets over 400 miles per tank (about 15 gals).

If I had it to do over again I would have gotten a 1.8t in quattro form. The 3.0 is great but limited access in the engine bay and maintenance is more difficult due to space. An oil change is around 7 quarts while the 1.8t is less than 5. If you need to do timing belt the 3.0 is a big job but the 1.8 appears to be easier just due to size.

Overall very happy and would do it again. I even thought about picking one up for my daily. BTW we picked his up for $2k with 100k miles.

[DaveE]

I have an '07 S4 6 speed sedan, awesome car, 130k miles. I've put tires on it and oil changes. Gas hog with the V8 and MY right foot. We also have a 2012 A4 2.0TQ. I think it's at 66k miles now. Tires and oil changes. We've had I think 7 Audis so far. Some great, some not so much.

[Deschodt]

I've owned a few sporty Audis, BMW and Porsches of the same vintage in the past decade. Mostly CPO because I learn from my mistakes ;-)

Honestly I can't single out one that's been significantly more reliable, better or worse... All have had issues of varying cost (depending on coverage) or severity. At this point I'd buy any of them again if I had to, but with the minimum doodads (i.e. stick shift, no sunroof, the least amount of electronic gizmos or cameras or screens possible).

It's the ancillaries and the toys that kill you...
The Mechatronic unit on my S4 (DSG brains) was $4000. The door panels on the porsche were $3500. The BMW was more of a cascade of $500 issues... They're all crap ;-) But fun to drive.

[enzo1]

I like this new Audi.... A5/S5 Sportback...

[enzo1]

[svandamme]

Cupholders for your S prite

[manbridge 74]

I would first find an Audi dealer at about closing time. I’d ask an Audi tech about this particular model while offering him a Red Bull.

Might just be easier to drink the Bull yourself and drive on. Even free cars can have monumental problems.

[recycled sixtie]

My daughter bought a 2014 Audi Q5 two months ago at the Porsche dealership. Low mileage but the warranty expires in July of 2018. It is a great looking car and the dash lights up like a Xmas tree at night. I tried to talk her into a used Lexus NX200t but to no avail. Will see what happens....