A prospective used A4 owner has concerns
03-18-2003, 02:56 PM
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A prospective used A4 owner has concerns
Okay, I've posted on this forum a few times before, but am not a regular here. Currently I am a college student and I want to get a new car when I graduate in a few years. I currently drive a 1993 Sentra which gives me motion sickness (I have a 50 mile commute each way 3 times per week).
Anyway, I am concerned about A4 reliability. I have always wanted an A4, and I am not particularly fond of the 2002+ (B6s). So leasing or getting one that still has a warranty will not be possible. I want to get a used 2001 A4 Quattro 1.8T. (By the time I can afford one, it will probably be out of warranty). My question is, how likely is it that I will not end up with a "Monday" car? My friend thinks I'm crazy for even considering a non-Japanese car. If I do my homework and find a car that has a good maintenance record and one without a history of having a lot of problems, is that a good indication that the car won't have many problems in the future? Or is it just too unpredictable? Is it possible to minimize my risk by finding a well-cared for vehicle that hasn't experienced problems, or would that be a futile effort?
I've seen people on this forum and reviews on websites such as Edmunds and Epinions who have had nothing BUT problems with their A4s, but I've also seen people write that their car has had 0 problems and has been just as reliable as anything else. Which situation is more common?
I would want a 2001 since it would be the newest B5 and also the 20 extra HP (I don't want to use a chip). Is there reason to pursue an earlier year that might be known to be more reliable? For example, on the NY Times article thread (https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1563470.phtml) someone said "My '92 100CSQ was problem free until I traded it at 217k. My '98 A4QM was problem free until I traded it at 107k. My '00 A4QS has been sprouting little problems since it went out of warranty."
I am more concerned about consistent problems putting me into financial trouble than I am about the inconvenience factor.
Do A4s that have had no or few problems continue to have no or few problems, and do cars that have had a lot of problems continue to have a lot of problems?
One other question. I do a lot of highway driving and I imagine that I will be for a long time, should I get a car with the regular or sport suspension? How irritating is the harshness of the sport suspension on long stretches of unimproved concrete interstate highway?
Anyway, I am concerned about A4 reliability. I have always wanted an A4, and I am not particularly fond of the 2002+ (B6s). So leasing or getting one that still has a warranty will not be possible. I want to get a used 2001 A4 Quattro 1.8T. (By the time I can afford one, it will probably be out of warranty). My question is, how likely is it that I will not end up with a "Monday" car? My friend thinks I'm crazy for even considering a non-Japanese car. If I do my homework and find a car that has a good maintenance record and one without a history of having a lot of problems, is that a good indication that the car won't have many problems in the future? Or is it just too unpredictable? Is it possible to minimize my risk by finding a well-cared for vehicle that hasn't experienced problems, or would that be a futile effort?
I've seen people on this forum and reviews on websites such as Edmunds and Epinions who have had nothing BUT problems with their A4s, but I've also seen people write that their car has had 0 problems and has been just as reliable as anything else. Which situation is more common?
I would want a 2001 since it would be the newest B5 and also the 20 extra HP (I don't want to use a chip). Is there reason to pursue an earlier year that might be known to be more reliable? For example, on the NY Times article thread (https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1563470.phtml) someone said "My '92 100CSQ was problem free until I traded it at 217k. My '98 A4QM was problem free until I traded it at 107k. My '00 A4QS has been sprouting little problems since it went out of warranty."
I am more concerned about consistent problems putting me into financial trouble than I am about the inconvenience factor.
Do A4s that have had no or few problems continue to have no or few problems, and do cars that have had a lot of problems continue to have a lot of problems?
One other question. I do a lot of highway driving and I imagine that I will be for a long time, should I get a car with the regular or sport suspension? How irritating is the harshness of the sport suspension on long stretches of unimproved concrete interstate highway?
03-18-2003, 03:14 PM
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best answer...buy an aftermarket warranty to cover you
there is NOTHING wrong with the sport suspension it is not harsh and is a joy from the factory...it is a good balance for the car
03-18-2003, 03:15 PM
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i am a student too and here is my story...
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/41869/mya4withstockmags.jpg"></center><p>
i got my 96 A4 almost a year ago.. this is my first car under my name.. First of all insurance is HIGH but i bought A4 anyways b/c the car is beautiful and interior is very classy. (mine is 2.8 so i have that wood trim -looks really nice). My car never gave me a problem, no warranty whatsoever, didn't have audi assured or anything. I have been very lucky that the car never broke down, but u should buy the warranty for your protection... The car has now 127,000km.. feels extremely solid, nothing compared to corolla i drove before... at highway speed A4 is very stable and my guess is a lot safer than those corolla and civics. (that is why my dad gave me "go ahead" for A4) .. i drive 200km/day.. my coop job, i am in 4th year of school.. have been doing it for 3 months now.. trouble free so far.. only thing i did was timing belt change, which costed me 1k (Can) .. so parts and labor is expensive when things break but driving to and from work is a highlight of my days... i love my A4... my question to u is go for A4, if u have backups.. eg. if my timing belt breaks and mess up the valves it can cost 3-4k.. and i can ask my parents to help me out in situations like that.. so if u have that kind of back up, A4 would be nice... but if u dont' go with a japanese car...
i got my 96 A4 almost a year ago.. this is my first car under my name.. First of all insurance is HIGH but i bought A4 anyways b/c the car is beautiful and interior is very classy. (mine is 2.8 so i have that wood trim -looks really nice). My car never gave me a problem, no warranty whatsoever, didn't have audi assured or anything. I have been very lucky that the car never broke down, but u should buy the warranty for your protection... The car has now 127,000km.. feels extremely solid, nothing compared to corolla i drove before... at highway speed A4 is very stable and my guess is a lot safer than those corolla and civics. (that is why my dad gave me "go ahead" for A4) .. i drive 200km/day.. my coop job, i am in 4th year of school.. have been doing it for 3 months now.. trouble free so far.. only thing i did was timing belt change, which costed me 1k (Can) .. so parts and labor is expensive when things break but driving to and from work is a highlight of my days... i love my A4... my question to u is go for A4, if u have backups.. eg. if my timing belt breaks and mess up the valves it can cost 3-4k.. and i can ask my parents to help me out in situations like that.. so if u have that kind of back up, A4 would be nice... but if u dont' go with a japanese car...
03-18-2003, 03:18 PM
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A couple opinions...
1. European cars in general, require more servicing, have higher parts costs, and high shop labor rates, than their japanese counterparts. Audi is probably no more or less reliable than any other German brand (again, my opinion, not a statement of fact).
2. Finding a well cared for car is important, regardless of brand. It is no guarantee that the car won't give you trouble in the future though. Both my A4 and my current S4 have always been well cared for. Both have had niggling issues. Nothing serious enough to leave me stranded, and everything was covered under warranty. Still, I would think twice if I had to own either without a warranty. They can get expensive, unless you learn to do things (repair work) on your own, or you find a trusted mechanic with reasonable rates.
3. The 2001 1.8T was a great year. The only serious issue it had was with the coilpacks, but it's a relatively inexpensive part, and diagnosis, and repair is fairly inexpensive. If anything, it's an inconvenience (tow to dealer, etc.). This year came with 170 hp, and beefier clutch, and front suspension supports to tighten up the steering response. Some 2001 also included 17" wheels (vs. 16" in previous years) with the sport package. Visually, it's a nice touch, and it improves handling too. Downside...marginally rougher ride quality, and the rims are more prone to bending on rough pavement.
4. I would definitely get the sport package. For the 96-01 cars, Audi's sport package was designed to tighten up the handling with minimal sacrifices to ride comfort. It's a great all around suspension option. In 2002/2003 models, they stiffened up the sport package even more. On those cars, there is some reason for concern, if you're driving on rough roads, but for 2001, just get the sport package, you will like it.
5. If you're worried about repair costs immediately after college, consider buying a car from an Audi dealer with an Audi Assured warranty. That will probably cost you an extra $1500, and buy you an additional 2 years or so of warranty, but it might be the peace of mind you need.
2. Finding a well cared for car is important, regardless of brand. It is no guarantee that the car won't give you trouble in the future though. Both my A4 and my current S4 have always been well cared for. Both have had niggling issues. Nothing serious enough to leave me stranded, and everything was covered under warranty. Still, I would think twice if I had to own either without a warranty. They can get expensive, unless you learn to do things (repair work) on your own, or you find a trusted mechanic with reasonable rates.
3. The 2001 1.8T was a great year. The only serious issue it had was with the coilpacks, but it's a relatively inexpensive part, and diagnosis, and repair is fairly inexpensive. If anything, it's an inconvenience (tow to dealer, etc.). This year came with 170 hp, and beefier clutch, and front suspension supports to tighten up the steering response. Some 2001 also included 17" wheels (vs. 16" in previous years) with the sport package. Visually, it's a nice touch, and it improves handling too. Downside...marginally rougher ride quality, and the rims are more prone to bending on rough pavement.
4. I would definitely get the sport package. For the 96-01 cars, Audi's sport package was designed to tighten up the handling with minimal sacrifices to ride comfort. It's a great all around suspension option. In 2002/2003 models, they stiffened up the sport package even more. On those cars, there is some reason for concern, if you're driving on rough roads, but for 2001, just get the sport package, you will like it.
5. If you're worried about repair costs immediately after college, consider buying a car from an Audi dealer with an Audi Assured warranty. That will probably cost you an extra $1500, and buy you an additional 2 years or so of warranty, but it might be the peace of mind you need.
03-18-2003, 03:44 PM
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opinion
I graduated about two years ago and ended up buying a 2001 1.8TQ new, right as the b6 platforms were being introduced. (I share your opinion on the B5 style). Anyway, I love my car and it has treated me very well. I have had it for about 1.25 years and I have already put on 30K miles.
I have not had any problems with my car whatsoever. It is a manual with the sport package and I put a GIAC chip in it after about 9,000 miles. I was concerned getting the chip for fear it would cause problems or give me issues with the warranty. However it hasn't been a problem yet (knock on wood).
ADVICE: I have have not heard too many people complain about the 2001 models. I do know people with older and newer cars that have had issues.
If I were you, I would probably buy a used "audi-assured" car from a dealer. Although you might spend a little more, I think it will probably balance out relative to buying a car privately and then purchasing a warranty. Plus, dealers have loaner vehicle and other services that sweeten the deal.
I would probably get the sport package if I were you b/c it might be something you would want to do anyway, plus you will get great wheels and tires as well. However, you will then want to buy another set of cheap wheels and tires for the winter if you are in a snowy climate.
sorry for this long winded response. Good luck though.
I have not had any problems with my car whatsoever. It is a manual with the sport package and I put a GIAC chip in it after about 9,000 miles. I was concerned getting the chip for fear it would cause problems or give me issues with the warranty. However it hasn't been a problem yet (knock on wood).
ADVICE: I have have not heard too many people complain about the 2001 models. I do know people with older and newer cars that have had issues.
If I were you, I would probably buy a used "audi-assured" car from a dealer. Although you might spend a little more, I think it will probably balance out relative to buying a car privately and then purchasing a warranty. Plus, dealers have loaner vehicle and other services that sweeten the deal.
I would probably get the sport package if I were you b/c it might be something you would want to do anyway, plus you will get great wheels and tires as well. However, you will then want to buy another set of cheap wheels and tires for the winter if you are in a snowy climate.
sorry for this long winded response. Good luck though.
03-18-2003, 04:14 PM
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Here is your answer:
You say you will be looking in a couple of years? If you can look past the Q and go front track, I got the car for you with almost every option inclduing ESP & Sport, 2001.5, tiptronic.
Garage kept, currently under 17,000 miles, bought a 7 year/85K top notch warranty (transferable). The only mods are chrome tips and tinted windows. I have had one mechnical problem, and that was the common ignition coil failure.
Look me up when you got the $$$ !
Garage kept, currently under 17,000 miles, bought a 7 year/85K top notch warranty (transferable). The only mods are chrome tips and tinted windows. I have had one mechnical problem, and that was the common ignition coil failure.
Look me up when you got the $$$ !
03-18-2003, 04:41 PM
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My experience...
I bought my A4 2 years ago with 1yr Audi Assured Warranty. During the first year, the car was great with no problem whatsoever. After the warranty expired it had its first and only big problem. I had to fix/change the Throttle Switch with Control Unit and the Air Flow Meter (Plastic). It cost me US$ 1,5K. Since then, the car has some minor problems that amounted so far aprox. US$ 200.00. The car is very reliable and a pleasure to drive! I am very satisfied with it and recommend it. But get an extended warranty! Here´s a picture of my Audi:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/34843/audia4.jpg" border="1">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/34843/audia4.jpg" border="1">
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03-18-2003, 05:02 PM
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Re: My experience...
i remember you emailing me for part number for idle control valve.. thanks.. that was a while ago.. i noticed we put lil S4 badge on the same location on our cars.. =)
