Thread: Suggestions/Advice on A4

Been looking at some cars lately, specifically the Audi A4 and Subaru WRX. Wanting to get some advice on used Audi's and see what people thought.

For the most part I am looking at A4's ranging from 2002 to 2005 and anywhere between 75k and 130k miles. $10k is pretty much my max right now due to post school expenses, but with the winter season, and wanting to play around some, I want to upgrade to AWD and a manual transmission.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Watch out for electrical problems!!!! You find the first thing not working and then the rest will follow. I'm looking for A4, A6, and RS6 myself. I'm prolly getting my girl a newer-ish Tahoe for her and the baby and me either the Audi or if I have the extra loot laying around.... Gransport.

I have a 2005 A4 avant (FWD) which has served me perfectly well over the last 3 years. I take it to my dealer for service 2 times a year (just the regular service intervals) and had ZERO problems with it.

I have been using the sister car to the Audi A4 1.8T (2001.5 Passat) for the last 10 years and 120k miles since new without many issues. You have to keep up with maintenance or it could end up costing a penny or two. Here are some trouble spots to check out:

- Timing belt NEEDS to be changed at about 80k-ish. The 1.8T is an interference motor and when the belt breaks, the 4 pistons collide with the 20 valves. It's in the thousands to repair.
- When the timing belt is/was serviced, make sure they replace the T-stat and the the water pump. The original water pump used plastic impellers, so be sure the replacement uses metal impellers. I've heard of the failed water pumps snapping timing belts.
- Control Arms are a common replacement
- Make sure the proper spec oil and the larger size oil filter has been used. The longitudinal configuration of the 1.8T motor resulted in a smaller oil capacity and was prone to sludge. The right oil/fiter combo prevented this.
- Vacuum lines are a common break point as well, but can easily be changed over to silicone for less than $10 and 30 minutes.

Good luck!

I love my A4. Its had a few problems since ive owned it, but overall I love the way it drives and feels. Just plowed it through 21" of snow with out much an issue too.

My family has three, and we've never had any issues. Just make sure they have replaced your timing belt.