WhiteBoyNate

I'm new to here and looking to get a new car soon, I had an 87 Mercedes 260E, but now looking to get a newer car for under $20,000. I was wondering what kinda audi I should get, taking into account how tunable it is. And would you recommend it over a BMW or Mercedes.

April

Depends what you want. The Audi w/QTR is a snow tank. Almost as sporty as the BMW, and much more so than the Mercedes. The Audi has 9/10ths of the ability of the BMW, but unlike the BMW, QTR gives you a margin of error not available in the other RWD cars. If you drive in the dry, pay total attention to driving all of the time, and are an expert driver, the BMW is a fine choice. However, the average driver is going to be able to use all of the Audi's ability without the car biting if you go beyond your limits. It's much easier to have fun in the Audi.

Given resale values, you will be able to get a newer and more completely equipped A4, than the BMW or Mercedes. Tuner parts are also less expensive and give a larger bang for buck given the ease to modify a turbo car.

If you want to tune, get the 1.8t with Quatrro and a 5 speed manual. Tops is a confirmed 310hp from the 2.0L conversion from Abt. The Tiptronic is limited to less than 230lb ft of torque - exceed that and the transmission will fail.

The V6 is less tunable but quieter and smoother. Think of it as a luxury version of the A4. You can get things like power seats and leather in the V6, which is not available on the 1.8t. Lambert does well in the Speedvision Cup with a V6 A4.

Look at edmunds.com for an idea of what you should be paying for the year and options you want. One of the hardest options to find, are the sport seats. They come only in cloth ( not leatherette otherwise available in the 1.8t ), or leather in the V6.

<deleted>

Um... unless you get a used one, you won't be able to do it..

Gorobei

Forget the 1st gen list, you said it all right there

WhiteBoyNate

looking for a used audi, but somewhat new like 98 99.

WhiteBoyNate

I was basically looking at either the 1.8turbo a4 or the v6 one. But it sounds like the 1.8t quattro is the way to go for tuning, right? If so is there much of a difference between the different year models ex. 97 or 98 or 99
Thanks for the help

April

Try for post '98.5 or '00. Those were the years of greatest improvements.