the 2..2 L ... once you've replaced the cam seals you're in pretty good shape ... the 2.5 L once you've replaced the head gasket you're in pretty good shape...
that said do stay away from the ones the leaked internally ... and as far as the 2.2 being slow ... guess it depends on what you need the car for
my 2.2 would do every bit of the highway speeds that I asked it to do ... 'course I wasn't racing it
I am a VW/Audi kind of guy, but even I would stay away from those Audis. That means a vote for the Subie...
I vote Subaru for reliability and parts availability. Generally easier to work on as well.
I have nothing to add but this:
Like choosing a favorite child.
If you can find a clean, well maintained 5 cylinder audi at least take it for a drive. They were the best. Over the last 14 years they have proven to be reliable and solid cars, even up to 350K miles. I would take the suby over any of the newer audis.
Suby.
HiTempGuy, Audi did make an 1.8T quattro 5 speed manual A4 in 1997, I owned one.
1997 was the only year that the A4's got sports seats included in the sport package.
Overall the Audi will drive better than the Subaru and is a much nicer car, better materials used, no rattles/squeeks etc.
However at your $4000 price point you'd be hard pressed to find one that's been maintained the way one of these needs to in order for it to be reliable for you.
Audi's need to be maintained and fed properly, otherwise they'll cost the next owner a ton of money...
Maroon92 wrote: Besides, nobody makes more comfortable seats than Audi.
Then you must not have sat in a mid-90's Volvo 850.
Best. Seats. Ever.
To the O.P: On a $4000 budget, an Audi should even be in your wildest dreams... Subaru all the way... This coming from a current VW and past Audi owner.
I have to vote for Audi. I currently have an 2004 S4, with snow tires it is planted. But the reason I have it is because of my 1995 S6, 5-cylinder turbo, 5-speed, unstoppable in snow with snow tires. Actually have it advertised in 200x classifies, needs the fuel tank repaired/replaced due to leak. I like the mechanical quattro system. The 5-cylinder revs like there isn't anything attached to it, it always surprises me how fast it accelerates.
Had a 2004 Subaru STI, nice, but not as comfortable, solid, quiet as the Audi's.
I bought a 6k B5 avant sport a few years back, within 2 year time I probably spent 4000 more on repairs. I loved the car but it was terrible for a student budget. Then again I did beat on it pretty hard off roading...
One time I knocked the fuel filter off...
Ian F wrote:Maroon92 wrote: Besides, nobody makes more comfortable seats than Audi.Then you must not have sat in a mid-90's Volvo 850. Best. Seats. Ever.
I will second that. I might get another seat from the Junk yard to make into an office chair
Get yourself a Subaru Legacy GT.
Like this: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3294299092.html
Look for a '99-'01 2.5RS.
^^^ my favourite looking Suby
I think with that kind of budget, you should do yourself a favor and look at wear items for both cars. I've not owned an audi but from a small group of experiences with friends that did, sometimes odd parts can be extremely expensive. Around here, there aren't many audis in the junkyards either (or volkswagons to pilfer parts off). They just aren't sold in the same volumes the subarus are... those are both factors that would be important to me at any price range, but especially at the lower-middle end of what it would cost to get a reliably daily driver in decent shape ($3-4k)
Also, being 6'4" I fit in the audi's much nicer than any subaru, I especially dislike the saab aero and WRX for that reason alone.
Any particular reason for awd that a set of good snow tires couldn't overcome?
fidelity101 wrote: Also, being 6'4" I fit in the audi's much nicer than any subaru, I especially dislike the saab aero and WRX for that reason alone.
damn, I always get annoyed at how tall the interior of my rex is...I'm 6'0", but even with a helmet on I can jack the seat all the way up and just barely touch the side o E36 M3 handle... (and I have a sunroof!)
fidelity101 wrote: Also, being 6'4" I fit in the audi's much nicer than any subaru, I especially dislike the saab aero and WRX for that reason alone.
I'm 6'2'' and had zero problems fitting in my old Impreza
wbjones wrote:fidelity101 wrote: Also, being 6'4" I fit in the audi's much nicer than any subaru, I especially dislike the saab aero and WRX for that reason alone.I'm 6'2'' and had zero problems fitting in my old Impreza
I am 6'4" and most of my height is in the torso. I only have a 32" inseam. I fit in my 02 WRX just fine.
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