rampart03

I'm looking for a 98 or 99 A4 with auto transmission for my wife. She has to have an auto, but I drive it some and am thinking the Tiptronic would be a better drive. However I see a lot of problem posts on the Tiptronic.

Would like your opinions for those who have owned either the tiptronic or standard auto.

Thanks,

Don

a4nik8er

they make a standard auto for our cars?? i thought it was tip or 5-speed only

ex-quattro PETE

there was no "standard auto" in those model years.

JA4T

I have one myself! You could get the non-tip version A4 in 1996 and 1997. That would be availlable in both V6(96) and V6,1.8T(97). The 1997 A4 1.8T automatic was non-tip, later they were sent with tiptronic however. If he wants an automatic without tip, he will need to look for a 1996 or 1997 A4. He will not find it in 1998-newer A4's in the US.
J

TwentyValveB5+S4

the problems you likely hear are from people who did turbo upgrades.

1.8TQ99.5

just curious

Allroady DungBeetle

I've had the tip, it was a nice set-up and there are very few problems with them unless you go major HP upgrades or something.

About the only thing that seems to go wrong is the Tip selector contacts go bad and the parts under the console need replacing--that's a minor job all things considered. And the rear seal goes bad so it weeps fluid, again a minor job to fix. They are a good transmission.

JA4T

that has happened to many people over the years. It is related to where they located the TCU, not a smart place to but the darn thing..passanger foot well. It's important when purchasing a used A4 to check out that area for leaks. There are a couple plugs up under at the front of the pass. footwell where people sometimes run boost gauge lines, etc. to the engine compartment. Those plugs need to be water tight, otherwise problems might arise with the TCU(transmission control unit) getting wet. Also the pass. door seal should be checked for problem areas also, to avoid leaks in that area. As long as the tranny fluid is changed every 50k it should be fine if treated properly. NEVER listen to this notion that the fluid is "lifetime"..there is no such thing. Audi is simply lying. Those other things you mentioned are up there on the list also.
J

Allroady DungBeetle

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/35702/tip-comp.jpg"></center><p>Needless to say I replaced it, along with half the wire harness to it! Ouch!

I relocated it to up under the pass. side dash/glovebox area. It's now high and dry and I assume treating the new owner well.