Kurupt

Hey how is it going guys. I am in the market of getting an Audi, and i was looking to see if you guys could help me out.

Right now i drive an 02 c230 Mercedes with 92k miles. I am looking to get get something where i can finance for 200-300 dollars a month. I am planning on putting the Mercedes as down payment.

So far, I have found this A4.
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...r_id=306103771


Does anyone have any recommendation for which model to get and which to avoid. I prefer manual transmission and my budget would be around 15-20k (before the down payment)

Thanks a lot !

Gingerbread man

First, you're on the wrong board. This board is for B6 A4s, the car you linked is a B7.

If bad oil was used (non-synthetic) or oil wasn't changed often enough or car wasn't driven properly, both B6 and B7 tend to suffer engine seizing (due to gunked up oil pump) or turbo failures or both. Well, B6 is more prone to that. So make sure to have the car inspected by a mechanic who deals with Audis and that you get full oil change records. If they don't have them or they changed oil every 10K, pass up on the car.

Another costly thing these are prone to is control arm failure. But that's easy to check. Jack up the car and jerk the wheel in all directions. If it moves, you got problems.

There are a bunch of smaller things these cars suffer from. You're best off having that car inspected by a mechanic who deals with Audis. Go on your regional board and ask the guys there for a good mechanic near you.

Manual is the way to go, for sure. Slushbox A4s are dogs. Manual trannies on A4s are bulletproof.

Gingerbread man

Why are you selling the '02 Merc BTW? That's almost brand new

Kurupt

Its a sports coupe. The car is fun and everything but i want something 4 door.

Gingerbread man

Oh, that linked car is 78K which means it's time for the timing belt job ($1K+). Make sure it was done (it's actually a tad late at 78K). If it wasn't, knock down the price and do it as soon as you get the car.

Anyway, good luck...

lyleswk

Gingerbread is spot on. Biggest deal here is to find a car with complete records.