Op-Ed: The B5 Audi A4 is Truly Under-appreciated, but Every Dog Has Its Day
While it’s not the pinnacle of Audi’s styling history, the B5 A4 is a phenomenal car. However, prices are going up!
B5 bias disclosure: I have owned three B5 Audi A4 examples and see no reason to stop there.
All things considered, the “lowly” B5 Audi A4 is a bit underloved. While the iconic 375 horsepower overseas-only wagon RS4 Avant and the notoriously problematic yet still cult-loved twin-turbo-V6-powered S4 bask in the warmth of the spotlight, the less potent and sporty A4 has spent the last decade pouting off stage with its sub-200 horsepower drivetrain options. That’s a bit of a shame, because they all share the same platform and thus have a lot of similarities and interchangeable parts. I’ve long been a fan of these “starter” Audis and had many opportunities to take advantage of their underappreciation. It seems the days of wildly cheap examples are behind us, though. Perhaps the B5 A4 is finally getting to step into the spotlight with its more potent brothers.
A look at the Cars and Bids sales history for the A4 seems to be showing it on an upward trend, though. In August 2021, a meticulously maintained manual Avant sold for just $5,100. Fast forward to late 2023 and we find a beautiful example of the holy-grail B5 A4 sold for $10,500 late last year with only 14,000 original miles on the odometer a non-turbo example pulled over $10,000. I’m here to tell you that the increase in price and appreciation is well deserved for these “entry-level” Audi models. I should clarify, though, that I effectively only make this praise for specific B5 examples. Namely, models equipped with the iconic AEB or ATW 1.8T engine, a five-speed manual transmission, and, of course, Quattro all-wheel-drive.
The Infallible 1.8TÂ
Packing either 150 or 170 horsepower, depending on model year, the 1.8T engines found in the B5 platform aren’t what you’d call, well, powerful. What they are, though, is robust and dependable. Sure, there’s always that argument that any engine is dependable if you treat it right. The 1.8T goes a bit further than that. Having owned a high-mileage one with an upgraded turbo and a tune as a 19-year-old college student who only pretended to know about cars, I can certainly attest to that.
My 1998 B5 Audi A4 1.8T had a cloth interior and the very police-enticing Brilliantgelb (brilliant yellow) exterior paint color. With a K04 turbo and an APR tune, that car took me from Boise, Idaho to Wichita, Kansas for college. From there, I took it down to Texas and back, then back to Idaho after dropping out (who wants an Aerospace Engineering degree anyway?). Throughout all of this, I genuinely can not remember changing the oil once.
Through a failed power steering cooler and power steering rack, lug studs rusted into hubs to the point I had to heat them to glowing red to get them off, overheating after a radiator failure and a handful of interactions with police, that almighty little 1.8T never gave up. It was perhaps the best $2,100 I ever spent.
Obviously, I’m not advocating for folks to mistreat their vehicles. What I am saying, though, is that reflecting on my past and seeing my first A4 succeed despite my neglect tells me that these cars are quite durable. So, if you find one that has been decently cared for, it’s worth picking up. If you do find a decent one, though, don’t hesitate. Moreover, don’t let it go. You’ll miss it.
Plenty of Fun and Plenty of Upgrades on the Horizon
The B5’s interior has aged relatively gracefully, as is true with a lot of classic Audi models. Sure, the stereo interface is a bit dated, and of course, that center screen doesn’t work in the gauge cluster (NONE of them do). Overall, it’s just an entry-level luxury car interior. Decent materials, a somewhat emotionless shifter feel, heated seats that you’ll have to turn down after a few minutes, and a quiet, comfortable cabin.
The best part about the B5 platform, though, is the available modifications. It starts life as a cheap car and can become anything you want it to. Just search Facebook Marketplace with some patience. They still sell for around $1,500 with some regularity. A lot of these examples have some questionable “upgrades” you’ll have to undo first. For example, see the headlights in the picture above. It helps to have a parts car, too. Again, see the picture above.
There are a couple of other things to pay attention to when shopping for a B5. Pay close attention to the exhaust on startup and when accelerating. If any smoke is coming out, there’s a decent chance the turbo is done. Neglected 1.8Ts also can develop substantial blowby and wind up burning oil, which will also cause smoke out the tailpipe. Listen for misfires, as the coil packs tend to die. Check for any check engine lights and, perhaps most importantly, ask for proof of timing belt replacement. If they haven’t replaced it, walk away or plan to get it and its tensioner replaced immediately.
Want some more pep in its step? Here’s my list of upgrade recommendations once basic maintenance is done: Godspeed Mono SS coilovers, JHM short shifter and linkage, and a Frankenturbo F21 with a 3″ MAF housing. In addition, some good flowing induction pipes, and a proper tune. With north of 250 wheel horsepower, these cars are unbelievably fun. It won’t be the fastest thing you’ve ever driven. However, for the price, comfort, and presence of an Audi Quattro drivetrain, you’re guaranteed to have a smile on your face.
Just get one before it’s too late!
Images: Braden Carlson and Cars & Bids
