Need Some Audi A4 Advice, Jesda and Joel!!!

[WDRacing]

My eldest son has graduated from Army boot/tech school and is all spooled up to be a combat medic. He recently got to his first base, Ft Belvoir in VA. Like any kid, he's excited about buying his first car on his own, but he's not all that bright when it comes to cars. Not much of the car guy rubbed off on him, but he's got friends that are into cars...he says anyway. He's been to the hobby shop on base and is siked that they will be able to help him with things that he can't handle, which will be most things.

So he calls me today and says he found a 2004, Audi A4 with 80k on the clock. The price is $6,000. He says the carfax is clean but I haven't seen it, nor can I find the online. I'll be doing some more hunting once I find out some more info.

In the meantime, does anyone have anything to say about the 04 Audi A4? It's an auto, which makes me think it's a CVT. IIRC, don't they have lots of issues?

Any and all thoughts are appreciated, thx.

[elwesso]

What engine is it? I think the 1.8t had issues with oil sludge and things clogging easily. Obviously you'd want to see if the timing belt was done.

I think the electronics can be finicky, I've heard of radio displays going out, brake lights staying on, and other random crap like that. I'd say test everything, and test everything again. Also heard about coil packs.

[WDRacing]

Yeah, I'm not sure why he likes the A4 at all, it's not even good looking. Hopefully he's not a full on waterhead and actually discusses this with me before he buys it.

[Bubba1]

Yeah, I'm not sure why he likes the A4 at all, it's not even good looking. Hopefully he's not a full on waterhead and actually discusses this with me before he buys it.

Well, it's a better car to drive than own as they can get downright pricey to fix. UP side, nicely made, well engineered, predictable handling, comfortable, Quattro is a great AWD system. Downside: Audi engineers did not appear to consider mechanics and repairs when they designed them so you'll find them to be more of a PITA to repair as compared to its competition. Electronic gremlins are common. Also the timing belts are best replaced around 60K miles. unfortunately many owners tend to let them go much longer due to the cost and aggravation.. Very important to find out when it was last changed.

If I remember right, I think the CVT was an option only with the FWD A4's If it's a Quattro (AWD) version, I believe it has a traditional 5 speed automatic. I've never driven a CVT equipped A4, so I couldn't tell you how good/bad they are. But I'd suggest a manual instead of an automatic.

A 10 yr old Audi A4 would not be a car I'd recommend for someone with a limited budget. But if he were insistent on buying one, I'd recommend overpaying for a single owner garage queen with complete maintenance history.

[WDRacing]

Sadly Joel, he doesn't want one because he's and enthusiast. I think his retarded buddy was like...ohh...Audi blah blah blah. He's not going to have lots of money and he's less mechanically inclined than my 6yr old.

[NolimitZ32]

If he is not mechanically inclined and doesn't have the bank to back it up I would safely say that he will be getting in over his head (unless the car gods smile on him) the 04s had the FSI not TFSI, these negines are infamous for wearing out the high pressure fuel pump cam follower and killing the fuel pump along with lots of other nasty bits. What my enthusiast/car guy friends that own these engines have done on theirs is replace the cam follower every 10k miles, this is not very difficult but can be a pain if you're not handy. Second these engines being direct injection have carbon buildup issues through the intake manifold, runners, and backside of valves. And lastly, these things are known to have issues with the electronic throttle bodies which can cost a pretty penny to replace (last i checked it's $800 just for the part). So keep these things in mind along with the fact that keeping an Audi in a properly maintained state will be more costly than a toyota, honda, or even lexus. It's never easy choosing a cheap, cool, reliable car so I wish you luck with this.

[WDRacing]

Thanks for the replies, I've got him away from anything Audi/BMW and back towards Japanese and Domestic.

[float_6969]

My first car was a Ford Tempo. It was the was the TBI version and the worst car ever made. It ultimately caught fire and burnt to the ground. I suggest this vehicle for EVERYONE'S first car.

[elwesso]

IMO if you could find something older in a BMW or Audi, that may not be a bad choice. my 84 BMW 5 series was unbelievably reliable, easy to work on, and parts were crazy cheap, and there's almost nothing to go wrong... Although, I'm a bit jaded because I'm used to working on a Q45.

I still don't understand why people buy Audi's. I have never driven one, but it seems there is always something better performing that is more reliable AND cheaper.

[Bubba1]

IMO if you could find something older in a BMW or Audi, that may not be a bad choice. my 84 BMW 5 series was unbelievably reliable, easy to work on, and parts were crazy cheap, and there's almost nothing to go wrong... Although, I'm a bit jaded because I'm used to working on a Q45.

I still don't understand why people buy Audi's. I have never driven one, but it seems there is always something better performing that is more reliable AND cheaper.

I think you could probably make a similar argument about older Audis too..like mid 80's until 1995.5. Like BMW's, they were also much less complex and built like tanks back then. Those 1995.5 S4/S6's in particular were big, fast, comfortable agile cars, (think AWD Q45 with more nimble handling). You really should drive an Audi...especially a Quattro in snow before condemning them. You'll then understand them better.

I'm not thrilled with their current lineup either, well, aside from the R8, TT-RS and S5 (all with 6 speed manuals)but just like Nissan, their older models are why many folks got hooked on them.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I still don't understand why people buy Audi's. I have never driven one, but it seems there is always something better performing that is more reliable AND cheaper.

I mostly agree. Audis have always been weird to me (though their more recent styling is something I won't hesitate to praise). I have always loved the A8, and the A5 and A7 are great.

But the appeal of A4 particularly has always confused me. With the A6 you can get a great V8 in the S versions. And, true, the RS4 gets the same 8.
But your average every day A4 just doesn't seem remotely appealing to me. In my mind it has far more in common with an Accord than a 3 series. The fanatical willingness of people to throw their cash at what is effectively an economy car has always baffled me. They're expensive to buy, expensive to own, picky to maintain, unreliable, and weird, but they don't offer any positive counterpoints to justify those traits. The older A4s don't even handle or ride that nice (typical of a VW or most small German cars, you get a harsh ride with mediocre handling--the worst of both worlds).

Then again, I do find that most of the fanatical/proud/boastful A4 owners I know are the same type of person who would buy a Civic and dump money into making it fast. In fact, most proud A4 owners (especially owners of modded A4s) I know DID actually own modified Civics prior to the Audi. So perhaps that's the source of the appeal: the A4 is a more "grown-up" Civic. Which explains why I don't like them.

The other issue I have with Audi is their obsession with AWD. If I'm buying an ultra-performance sedan (which are the only Audi models I'm interested in--the S line), I don't want power going anywhere near the front end. Conversely, if I was looking for something with AWD I would not be looking at performance sedans. In my personal Automotive Venn Diagram, there's no overlap between "desire for performance" and "need for AWD."

Oh, and I can't stand VW. And the A4 is just a Passat. So that's probably another reason I just don't "get" the A4.

I absolutely WOULD NOT kick an S7 or an S8 out of the garage. But I wouldn't BUY one, either.

[elwesso]

I think you could probably make a similar argument about older Audis too..like mid 80's until 1995.5. Like BMW's, they were also much less complex and built like tanks back then. Those 1995.5 S4/S6's in particular were big, fast, comfortable agile cars, (think AWD Q45 with more nimble handling). You really should drive an Audi...especially a Quattro in snow before condemning them. You'll then understand them better.

I'm not thrilled with their current lineup either, well, aside from the R8, TT-RS and S5 (all with 6 speed manuals)but just like Nissan, their older models are why many folks got hooked on them.

Point taken, but don't you think for performance car in the dry, there are cars just as good for less money and perform better? I won't doubt the Quattro system in the snow, however at least in my neck of the woods I think AWD is extra weight and complexity that I carry around all year for basically 2 months when it's really useful. The one thing they have going for them, IMO, is AWD with a manual trans option in almost every car they make, which almost no other automaker can claim, so I commend them for that.

[Bubba1]

Point taken, but don't you think for performance car in the dry, there are cars just as good for less money and perform better? I won't doubt the Quattro system in the snow, however at least in my neck of the woods I think AWD is extra weight and complexity that I carry around all year for basically 2 months when it's really useful. The one thing they have going for them, IMO, is AWD with a manual trans option in almost every car they make, which almost no other automaker can claim, so I commend them for that.

Absolutely, I agree with you 100% that there are many cars just as good for less money and perform better than Audi especially in the dry. But that is not the sole criteria every buyer uses when deciding on a car. And unless you live in the deep south or southwest, you're gonna encounter 4 seasons of weather, and not everyone is as comfortable with car control in bad weather as you. But if you think about more, if every car buyer based their car choices using your reasoning, no would buy any upscale German brand, not just Audi.

There are all sorts of reasons people buy Audis. Not all of them are rational. The more rational ones include the better fit/finish especially the interiors, more comfortable, and a more refined AWD system, which means less drama driving in bad weather. You need to drive a few different AWD systems to feel the difference between them. The irrational reasons include (but not limited to) status seekers. And I believe that represents a portion (certainly not all) of the folks that buy BMW's too.

FWIW, I'm a long time Audi fan, but you'll notice I don't own one.

[elwesso]

FWIW, I'm a long time Audi fan, but you'll notice I don't own one.

yeah, but you get the best of both worlds...... Getting to drive them on the track without having to own or maintain it! No wonder you're a fan!!

[jbracy7]

not to thread jack, But does this also apply to a 04 avant wagon, don't know if its a4 or not

[flohtingPoint]

Here is your Audi advice:
-It's a rolling CEL
-Interference motor, people are selling them before 90k in flocks because if that timing belt goes, so does your head.
-They're hateful machines...

[Bubba1]

But does this also apply to a 04 avant wagon, don't know if its a4 or not

Yes it does. The A4 Avant was the wagon version of the A4.

[jbracy7]

Damit just closed a deal on one, oh well ill just fit a fat vh in that german whore

[Jesda]

The "safe" version of this car is the manual with a naturally aspirated V6.

The best entry-luxury car to buy from that era is a manual BMW E46 3-series, as well as the Acura TL and Infiniti G35.

[Jmoore124]

I agree with Jesda's last statement. However the NA v6 (2.8 is the only I have personal experience with) is a pain in the a** to work on and parts are very expensive. I remember pulling the entire front (bumper,rad,condensor,headlights, etc) to get to a water pump on one.

My personal experience: Had a slightly older (98 I think) 2.8 auto a4 Quattro at somewhere around 120k miles.
Mine was plagued with problems from the start. None of which were easy or cheap to fix. Things like my climate control, heater core, AC compressor, water pump, struts/shocks. It was stolen and totaled all in the same day, and honestly I could not have been happier.

[Bubba1]

yeah, but you get the best of both worlds...... Getting to drive them on the track without having to own or maintain it! No wonder you're a fan!!

[Looneybomber]

My first car was a Ford Tempo. It was the was the TBI version and the worst car ever made. It ultimately caught fire and burnt to the ground. I suggest this vehicle for EVERYONE'S first car.

[float_6969]

LOL, remember pushing it out of that ditch after we overheated the brakes on rollercoaster road and plowed through that intersection? That was good times...good times, lol.

[MinisterofDOOM]

There's a reason I consider the Tempo the worst car in history. Anyone who disagrees probably didn't own one.

[NolimitZ32]

Cooked brakes are awesome, especially in the "hills" of Rancho Cucamanga (sp)

[float_6969]

There's a reason I consider the Tempo the worst car in history. Anyone who disagrees probably didn't own one.

I couldn't agree more. It was a TERRIBLE car.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The dumpy, downward-sloping, fat, too-tall rear end on the first-gen is just indefensible.

Pretty sure the "GL" stands for "Good Luck!" because Ford knew you were gonna need it.

And then, as if that wasn't bad enough in 1989, Ford decided to do it again with the decennial Focus redesign.


SO DUMPY. Whoever designed it should be shot, and whoever approved it for production should be shot twice.

[Kompresshun]

There's a reason I consider the Tempo the worst car in history. Anyone who disagrees probably didn't own one.

It seriously was the worst car Ford ever made for sure. There was only one I remember that a friend of mine had that was surprisingly good. It was a GT or something along those lines with a 5spd and it had a 2.3L in it that would scream for some reason. I seriously don't know what it was about this piece of junk, because he bought it for like $500, but it would absolutely boil the tires off the front and would flat out move. As far as we could tell it was bone stock too.

[Rogue One]

There's a reason I consider the Tempo the worst car in history. Anyone who disagrees probably didn't own one.

Well for me it's a toss up. One of the two worst cars I've ever owned was an '86 Tempo, while the other was a '92 Saturn SL1 (that sucker had a larger turning radius than a GMC Safari!).

[Bubba1]

The daughter of a good friend of mine owned a Tempo....for awhile. It was her first new car. I believe it got traded before it hit 60,000 miles. She saw the tsunami of problems coming. But thinking about it, Ford has had a few truly putrid products that made the Tempo look pretty good. Remember:

The Pinto? a death trap with a rear more explosive than a fat guy 12 hours after a Taco Bell all-you-can-eat promo.

Mustang II (based on the Pinto and nearly killed the model line).