Help! A4 Purchase Advice Needed
03-02-2001, 08:33 AM
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Help! A4 Purchase Advice Needed
I've narrowed my new car choices considerably, and I'm not leaning heavily toward a 2001 A4. Loved the 2001 VW Jetta GLX, but serious reliability concerns scared me away. A4 1.8 non-Quattro is barely more expensive.
My questions: Is the performance difference between 2.8 & 1.8 significant enough to justify the price?
Also, I drive exclusively in Northern California (no snow), so is Quattro really worth the extra investement, especially vis-a-vis the small performance decrease?
Thanks in advance!
My questions: Is the performance difference between 2.8 & 1.8 significant enough to justify the price?
Also, I drive exclusively in Northern California (no snow), so is Quattro really worth the extra investement, especially vis-a-vis the small performance decrease?
Thanks in advance!
03-02-2001, 08:43 AM
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Yes quattro is worth the difference -
Handling wise - you can start getting on the peddle sooner with quattro (why do you think it was banned from racing).
You never know when you might go skiing - also when you get the rains like you do now - it is an advantage.
resale is better with quattro.
1.8T is highly modifiable - 2.8 is not. 1.8T is lighter too.
Reggie
98.5 2.8QMS
You never know when you might go skiing - also when you get the rains like you do now - it is an advantage.
resale is better with quattro.
1.8T is highly modifiable - 2.8 is not. 1.8T is lighter too.
Reggie
98.5 2.8QMS
03-02-2001, 08:45 AM
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Dig through the archives a bit...
People disagree on the 1.8T vs 2.8. The 1.8T is easily modded, but the 2.8 is smoother and more powerful stock.
Most agree that Quattro is worth it, dry pavement even. Depends on how hard you drive.
Both points have been "discussed" quite a bit. A bit of searching should turn up quite a bit of useful info.
Most agree that Quattro is worth it, dry pavement even. Depends on how hard you drive.
Both points have been "discussed" quite a bit. A bit of searching should turn up quite a bit of useful info.
03-02-2001, 08:58 AM
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Re: Help! A4 Purchase Advice Needed
>> My questions: Is the performance difference between 2.8 & 1.8 significant enough to
justify the price?
No. The new 1.8t puts out 170 vs 190 for the 2.8. With a chip you are beyond the 2.8 in a lighter sportier package. I think you will find many people who could have bought the 2.8 but opted for the 1.8 instead.
>> Also, I drive exclusively in Northern California (no snow), so is Quattro really worth the
extra investement, especially vis-a-vis the small performance decrease?
Yes. quattro is great in the rain and has saved my butt more than once on slick roads. More than worth it and greatly ups the resale value of your car.
alex
99.51.8tqm
justify the price?
No. The new 1.8t puts out 170 vs 190 for the 2.8. With a chip you are beyond the 2.8 in a lighter sportier package. I think you will find many people who could have bought the 2.8 but opted for the 1.8 instead.
>> Also, I drive exclusively in Northern California (no snow), so is Quattro really worth the
extra investement, especially vis-a-vis the small performance decrease?
Yes. quattro is great in the rain and has saved my butt more than once on slick roads. More than worth it and greatly ups the resale value of your car.
alex
99.51.8tqm
03-02-2001, 09:01 AM
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My 2 cents
I agree with Reggie and stevenknapp. Quattro is a big factor differentiating the car from others in its class. Even on dry pavement, it makes the car much easier to drive fast. And mated with good tires, it's a miracle on slippery pavement. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but it's probably saved my bacon more than once.
The 2.8 is a very nice engine, but the 1.8T is a much better value. If you want more of a "luxury" feel, go with the 2.8, which is quiet, smooth, and is geared to run at noticably lower RPMs than the 1.8T on the highway. But if you just want good performance at a good price, stick with the 1.8T (and consider adding a chip to boost the turbo pressure).
Dan
The 2.8 is a very nice engine, but the 1.8T is a much better value. If you want more of a "luxury" feel, go with the 2.8, which is quiet, smooth, and is geared to run at noticably lower RPMs than the 1.8T on the highway. But if you just want good performance at a good price, stick with the 1.8T (and consider adding a chip to boost the turbo pressure).
Dan
03-02-2001, 09:01 AM
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Re: Help! A4 Purchase Advice Needed
Don't count on the A4 being significantly more reliable then the Jetta (despite what CR says). They Audi is alittle better built but also more expensive to repair. Over the long haul they're probably pretty similar based on past experience with 2 VWs.
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03-02-2001, 09:05 AM
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Re: what are your serious reliability concerns with the new Jetta GLX?
I've read through a number of message board forums (yahoo, cartalk.com, msn.com), and while _most_ people love the Jetta GLX, there do seem to be a number of serious problems (electrical problems, power window problems, oil consumption, interior rattles, just to name a few). In addition, those reporting problems cite exceptionally poor response from their dealers and VW of America.
