NP

Hi Guys - I would like your thought on a new or slightly car.

I currently have a 2000 A4 1.8TQ and am looking for another car. My car only has 30k miles on and love it. Unfortunately someone has tried to pry my lights out twice (Boston).

I was looking at the 04 A4 1.8TQ 6sp/prem/sport or maybe a (no flames please) a 325xi. Seems like the BMW have more residual value than the Audi. I am only getting about 13k for my car.
1. BMW or Audi
2. Do the new A4 have any major issues/problems to be aware of?
3. How much over invoice is generally acceptable 3-5%?

Thanks for your help!

The Chef.

1. I would take the 1.8T over the 325 Anyday, but the 330 over the 3.0. The interior is nicer in the Audi, as for the drive train, Audis AWD is better then BMWs, but BMW is also RWD vs. FWD that is an advantage to some. Further, BMW makes a desirable coupe, (330CI being the nicest) that Audi doesnt.
2. The Audi doesnt have anymore little nuonces then the BMW.
3. I paid 500 over invoice last August when the 04s came in to the country at the port.

CBerten

In my opinion the current 3 series body style is getting pretty outdated and the 325xi is not really a fast car. I dunno if you plan to mod or not. If you do, I guess I don't have to tell you that the audi is a better choice. As far as problems go, nothing major with the 04s. My 04 has had its fair share of warranty repairs after only 7k. Major thing was a tranny problem, but that was with the CVT and since you are going with the 6 speed thats not an issue. You are right about the residual value, but I would keep in mind that the current 3 series will be replaced pretty soon and 3 series with all wheel drive does not have as high of a resale value as the regular RWD. So I guess if you are looking for AWD the choice should be audi. I still maintain my opinion though that BMWs are superior to audis engine wise. The only problem I have is that they are soooooooo overpriced in the US. What I pay here for a 330CI I could get an M3 back home in Germany. Oh well, I hope it helped and in this case....never follow

AaronG79

Where in Boston are you (curious where the lights have been stolen)

ACinTO

$13K seems way low for your 2000 1.8TQ. I just sold my 1999 1.8TQMS with 47K miles (75,000 kms) for C$19K (about $14K) in Toronto.

NP

Backbay/southend border area

AaronG79

Wow! that sucks

NP

To be honest - never liked the BMW mentality (as seen on the audi commercial on their site), but the xi in the northeast seems to hold up quite a bit of value. I havent driven an 1.8T (O4). Had driven a 3.0 which was quite nice and peppy.
Thanks for your help.
N

NP

FYI $230/mth for garage parking!! almost the cost of a lease

AaronG79

I was paying 200 on Comm Ave in Boston