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: Should I buy a used A4? (b6)


tureno604
12-05-2010, 12:15 PM
Looking to buy a used A4 and I was hoping that all of you guys with a wealth of knowledge could help me out. Is anything with over 100km to high? Do they have a few known issues to look out for?

I'm looking to spend between 12-14k.

Feedback (minus all VW products suck) is greatly appreciated!

insomniac
12-05-2010, 12:19 PM
a few know issues? how about a ton..

deep87
12-05-2010, 12:20 PM
google is your friend, and it looks like the A4 might not be...

http://www.audiforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128740
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/audi_sludge.html

hk20000
12-05-2010, 12:41 PM
someone wanted to trade me a 2000 A4 quattro for my 1993 Galant VR4 back then and I turned him down on the basis that I'm gonna pay more to fix it than anything I've ever had from what I've read.

they are THAT bad.

vafanculo
12-05-2010, 12:50 PM
It's true. Friend had an A4, forgot the year model. Tranny damaged, had to put it down, too much to fix
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

deep87
12-05-2010, 12:53 PM
if you really want a VW you should look into the Jetta TDI. Great gas mileage, over engineered engine and im sure you can find one with leather. Look agressive when modded too.

dogeatcookie
12-05-2010, 12:55 PM
How about a MK4 Jetta GLI :)

MindBomber
12-05-2010, 12:58 PM
Yup, theres a reason why you can find a 2002 A4 for 8-9k...

Stay far away.

Jegz
12-05-2010, 04:26 PM
LOLA4:haha:

Iceman_2K
12-05-2010, 04:28 PM
I have a B6 A4 and have had no issues with it at all. Bought it used. I looked online for potential issues before i got it and made sure that they were either dealt with or was aware of them before buying. Its like getting any other car - you have to do your homework. Any used car will have issues. Like i said, I have a B6 and have no issues with it. Beats having a Honda/Acura.

monkeywrench
12-05-2010, 07:23 PM
If its a 1.8, stay away, don't even touch it with a 10 foot pole

Actually just stay away from A4's all together

PJ
12-05-2010, 08:53 PM
there was a thread on this like last week..
conclusion: negative to a4

Mugen EvOlutioN
12-05-2010, 09:16 PM
If its a 1.8, stay away, don't even touch it with a 10 foot pole

Actually just stay away from A4's all together

yup SHIT LOAD OF problems

Friend from school had an A4 2000 model and was problematic


Friends bf had a 03 A4 sold it becuz he was tired repairing


dad's friends had two different model A4, electric problem, multiple leaking oil pan went back to dealership 7 times to repair the god damn thing. Eventually they all sold it, fucking piece of shit. WHen they are running 100% fine, its a nice car to drive, when they are not? oh boy u'd wish u bought a different car

skylinergtr
12-05-2010, 10:41 PM
the b6 a4 is probably the reliable of the bunch. First engine choice should be the 1.8T. Make sure its a quattro (theres no point getting an audi if your not gonna get quattro). If youre looking at a FWD audi, the auto cvt transmissions have problems. Coil packs are a big issue with these cars, and are officially a recall now. The fuel pumps are also an issue and sometimes covered by another recall (but sometimes not). Make sure the waterpump and timing belt have been replaced or expect to easy spend $900+ at an indy shop to do so. My sister has an A4 B6 1.8TQ and its been a good car, but it can be spendy.

Some work/issues to be resolved. The car has 134,000kms now and still runs like a champ.

work done:

-timing belt, waterpump, and front engine seals - $900
-xenon light bulb replacement - $300
-iginition coil pack (replaced 8 times!) - $40 each
-Full transmission flush, filter, and reseal (dont trust lifetime fluids!) - $400
-differential fluid flush - $100
-harmonic balancer/crank shaft pulley - $400
-Power door/power winder module - $800
-Rewire windshild washer switch - $300
-Thermostat, throttle body gasket, and cabin filter - $400 (estimate - need to do this now)

the list can go on...

Best of luck with the search.

btw. I recommend BMW>Audi :)

jpark
12-05-2010, 11:23 PM
my dad used to have the 3.0 quattro v6 a4... ill just say 1.8t is a better choice than the 3.0 lol

1exotic
12-05-2010, 11:27 PM
B6 models and newer are fine... 1.8T Quattro is the way to go when getting B6.

most people here aren't speaking from experience.

RabidRat
12-06-2010, 01:05 AM
Hmm. How are these things in the snow? Do they have LSDs rear, center, and front, or is it a center only thing?

ShyGuy
12-06-2010, 01:41 AM
B6+ A4's are pretty reliable. I don't know where some of these guys are getting their info from. As long as it has been properly maintained, it's a solid car.

FerrariEnzo
12-06-2010, 04:12 AM
i was told not to buy used german cars as most of them would require lots of maintenance..

is this true or a myth?

bcrdukes
12-06-2010, 05:50 AM
It depends but the same can be said of any car whether domestic or Japanese. There will be owners who neglect to do the necessary maintenance hence why they sell them when major maintenance is required. That or they sell it when the car is fucked beyond repair and sell it to an unsuspecting buyer.

too_slow
12-06-2010, 05:54 AM
yup SHIT LOAD OF problems

Friend from school had an A4 2000 model and was problematic


Friends bf had a 03 A4 sold it becuz he was tired repairing


dad's friends had two different model A4, electric problem, multiple leaking oil pan went back to dealership 7 times to repair the god damn thing. Eventually they all sold it, fucking piece of shit. WHen they are running 100% fine, its a nice car to drive, when they are not? oh boy u'd wish u bought a different car

Stop making up BS. An improperly maintained RSX will be as unreliable as an improperly maintained *insert german car*

You are better off with a later 1.8T model. 04+ models came with a 6spd manual as opposed to the 5. The engines are bullet proof, provided that you replace the oil with the correct synethetic type. Typical 'issues' are: window regulators (there is a TSB), and coilpacks (there is finally a recall on this). Belts, waterpump and DV should be replaced. I still find the B6 A4 has one of the prettiest interiors in the business. An ultrasport looks extremely classy, but they're uber rare.

http://kenjihosoda.com/car_images/a4_usp.jpg

Have you also considered a 04+ E46? I will always have a soft spot for the 330i zhp.

http://www.linquist.net/images/330i_small.jpg

too_slow
12-06-2010, 05:58 AM
someone wanted to trade me a 2000 A4 quattro for my 1993 Galant VR4 back then and I turned him down on the basis that I'm gonna pay more to fix it than anything I've ever had from what I've read.

they are THAT bad.

Oh f*ck off.. There's easily over 8 shops in the lower mainland to buy OEM parts that'll be much cheaper to get than from the stealership. Once you open your web browser and find a shop down south, it'll be even cheaper.

I bet you parts for the 1.8T are easier to find than any pre-2000 Mitsubishi :S let alone a jdm only twin turbo 2.0..

too_slow
12-06-2010, 06:00 AM
BTW, when you said you're budgeting 12-14k for a used german sports car, did you budget another 2-3k for maintenance work?

Honestly, if you want a reliable + fun + semi sporty/luxurious car, get a IS300

sean_wong
12-06-2010, 06:28 AM
http://www.trianglecafe.ca/misc/you_mad_grimace.jpg

hk20000
12-06-2010, 07:10 AM
http://www.trianglecafe.ca/misc/you_mad_grimace.jpg
Audi A4s ruined so many people's lives it's Hitler's second coming.

Spin4G63
12-06-2010, 08:21 AM
Godwins law strikes the a4 on page 1! :rofl:

too_slow
12-06-2010, 06:03 PM
http://www.trianglecafe.ca/misc/you_mad_grimace.jpg

Not really, i just hate people running their mouth with bullshit. If you have nothing to contribute to the forum, you can go eff yourself too. :thumbsup:

Iceman_2K
12-06-2010, 06:14 PM
Must have an H on the badge and rhyme with Zonda to be appreciated on RS

bcrdukes
12-06-2010, 06:43 PM
I find that from a financial standpoint, the cost of ownership of owning a German-manufactured vehicle is significantly higher than your typical Japanese vehicle (Honda/Toyota/Nissan etc while excluding premium brands)

Parts can get expensive but it's all about hunting for the best deals possible. Not to say that parts for Japanese cars are always cheap because some parts demand a premium, I've found that the overall cost of ownership of a German vehicle can and will add up quite quickly. German cars have their quirks and it is unfortunate that quite a lot of people neglect proper maintenance on their vehicles resulting in this bad aura and psyche of poor reliability.