Thinking about Audi...

[Fish stick88]

Hey everyone, I've owned my 94 850 for about 4 years now, and I am thinking of upgrading, the car will go to my younger brother, so I'll still have it in the family. I found an Audi A4 Quattro. for just under 7 thousand.
Anyone have any opinions or problems with the A4?
I've done my fair share of looking, and for what they want its a great car. just over 125k miles on it.
I also Am looking at a 2000 BMW 3 series with 150k (highway) miles on it... Whats everyone think?

http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3040513896.html

http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3008172440.html


Here are the links to both cars. I'll take any input.
Thanks.

[jimmy57]

I think the 03 Audi is the better of the two.
The fact they have had the recent major service done is points in favor of the Audi.

[jblackburn]

Long term reliability wise, it comes down to which is the lesser of the two evils. Both are very unreliable makes with EXTREMELY costly maintenance - no better (worse, even) than an old Volvo.

But the VW V6 is much more reliable than the 1.8T engine in the A4. Manuals are more reliable than VW's horribly unreliable automatics. Quattro is a whole slew of problems all by itself, as are the electrical systems in both cars.

And Jimmy is right, it would appear (from the ad) that the Audi has been better taken care of. Inquire with the BMW seller what may/may not have been done maintenance-wise to their vehicle. Personally, I love that generation of the 3-series, but I'd rather have a 328 or 330.

[850_GLT_Owner]

I worked at a garage with my uncle for a few months this past winter. There is one car and one owner who I got to know well during that time, and it was an owner of an audi a4. I would never purchase one of those cars. Way harder to work on than a volvo. Every job was way more complicated than on a volvo. It came in a bunch of times for random unrelated repairs. Maybe it was a fluke, but I would do some serious research on the audi.

[ChiNorm]

My understanding is that the entire front body clip has to come off for suspension repairs on the Audi. My research suggests that either BMW or Audi is expensive to keep going for a long time.

I am in a similar boat with a 96 854T5. I want to replace it, but with what? Audi, BMW and Mercedes are all very bad for long term reliability and cost, the mileage on the Infiniti G cars is underwhelming and I don't care for their looks.

I may end up with another Volvo. Egad, Consumer Reports describes Toyota level reliability on the current S60s.

[jblackburn]

Consumer reports reliability ratings are stupid anymore and should be taken with a grain of salt.

TrueDelta is a better source for reliability data.

[MoVolvos]

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Driven both 2002 or 3 A4 Cabriolet and 2006 or 7 A8 (2 months). Would not consider either so at the time never really thought about the Year made. Just remember the time and place I drove them. Was not comfortable driving either as they felt expensive (and not mine) and both were dark colors. They are very different driving cars than Volvos. Visibility is different and steering feel very light and feedback from the road is vague yet stable. The AWD when pushed hard does not have good road feel but goes where you want it so the strange driving sensation. Did not care for the A4 Cabs interior but the A8 is really an awesome, smooth and powerful car but feels expansive.

Volvo's are much friendlier and feel safer as a daily driver not to mention the ease to repair. The rear suspension on the A8's are complicated but did not look at the A4's but assume might be scaled down versions. Never cared for BMW's on looks and reliability but they are nice driving cars.

Blessings,
BKM
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[Fish stick88]

I'll Call and ask what the service to the Audi Included, I'd definately talk him down on price, at least to 5,500 otherwise I probably wouldn't do it.