In looking for a new highway cruiser, I noticed 01ish-06ish Audi A4's in my price range with the 1.8 Turbo and manual. How bad are these to own and maintain? What do I need to look out for?
In looking for a new highway cruiser, I noticed 01ish-06ish Audi A4's in my price range with the 1.8 Turbo and manual. How bad are these to own and maintain? What do I need to look out for?
My concern with a 15+ year old VAG turbo car is maintenance. They do not like deferred maintenance and like incorrect oil changes even less. Mostly due to a cheap owner not using the correct VAG rated oil (expensive), which can result in toasted turbos and sludging issues. If you can find one with good records, I'd be willing to pay a bit more. Fewer owners the better. Otherwise, there are just your typical VAG issues. Mostly electrical.
A close friend's mom dailys a 1.8t/6mt A4 S line and her biggest complain is it burning the expensive oil. Other than that she seems very happy with it.
Does that share front suspension with a B5 Passat? Many control arms and ball joints to wear out. And window regulator buttons that fail to hold the glass to the regulator. (My nephew had a 99 V6 Passat) Besides the usual VAG issues, I liked the car. But I like VAG cars anyway..
Just remember, there's nothing more expensive than a neglected german car. Period. Buy the owner here, not the car. Find the most obsessive owner, who kept ALL the records and buy their car.
I've owned several of these and they've been great cars BUT I've maintained them obsessively. They don't tolerate fools and will empty your wallet in a hurry if you buy a car from one.
docwyte said:Just remember, there's nothing more expensive than a neglected german car. Period.
*Looks in garage*
You are totally correct of course. I bought the Boxster with records out the wazoo.
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