Audi owners - Page 2

JSFM35X · 03-04-09, 05:27

Not being very mechanical my advice is this. I would not but a turbo anything car used with that type of milage. Too much of the long term reliability of an engine is dependent on how well the previous owner obeyed the oil change and service intervals. Heat in turbo engines is the number 1 cause of oil breakdown (even if intercooler equpt) and if the oils does not do its job the rest of the engine wears prematuely. This is very difficult to see but you will feel it in your wallet as things go wrong.

Good luck.

Danase · 03-04-09, 05:40

I'm pretty mechanical and do most of my own work. Are these cars a pain to work on or easy like a Honda?

Yal · 03-04-09, 06:25

No German car is easy like a Honda

There is a lot that goes into that "planted" feel and those engines you get from ze Germans. I wouldn't say they are a pain to work on BUT they all have their little painful quirks that you should be aware of before you jump in.

The real key to a used German car is the previous owners diligence as mentioned. If he/she didn't do the maintenance either because it was too expensive or they just couldn't be bothered you are most likely walking into a money trap. If you get one of those you'll be begging for the Subaru back!

Keep a list of good online parts stores, their prices can be more reasonable that the dealers, but sometimes the dealer might surprise you

Never owned an Audi but the family has owned 6 Benzes

Audi has a better aftermarket parts list which really helps with costs. But those turbos scare me especially used at 100k

I just get the feeling that turbos are wear items on cars.

MobileAutoWorks · 03-04-09, 06:31

Danese,

Untill recently I have worked at a Audi dealership for 5 years and can tell you that these cars are not hard to work on depending on which model ( sound like your looking at a A4). You have already got the rundown on the engine sludge issue. This is so widespread that Audi has extended the warranty on the engine, turbo, accesories to i believe 8 years unlimited mileage i beleive?? But if you run a quality synthetic and change your oil every 5k you will be fine. I would also say stay away from the automatics. The ZF transmissions they use even quattro dont do well after they hit the dredded 100k mark. But working on A4's is not difficult. Parts from the dealer can be expensive but if you are interested, worldpac, and there are other parts vendors, provide aftermarket replacement parts that are identicle to the OEM parts ( same manufacturer, stampings etc) at close to 50% of dealer prices!! Audi's are good cars but they have to be maintained, Timing belts break, Cam adjusted seals leak, turbo's burn up, coil packs fail........ but keep in mind this is coming from someone that only see's the cars when they are broke!!!

Danase · 03-04-09, 06:33

Thanks everyone!

Twista616 · 03-04-09, 06:48

Danase, here a link to show you what my car looks like My Audi:For Sale

...its a love hate thing, and I LOVE it! I enjoy working on audis though, even thought they aren't like a honda...but the more you drive and read about them, the more you will want to fix them yourself. its like that with any car!

Danase · 03-04-09, 07:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twista616

Danase, here a link to show you what my car looks like My Audi:For Sale

...its a love hate thing, and I LOVE it! I enjoy working on audis though, even thought they aren't like a honda...but the more you drive and read about them, the more you will want to fix them yourself. its like that with any car!

Nice ride man!

manticore33 · 03-05-09, 11:01

I have a B5 Audi A4 and found it to be quite an enjoyable car. Compared to other imports, part costs are not bad because it shares a lot of common parts with VW's (specifically the Passet). I will admit that the German cars are more quirky than the Japanese cars, but the feel and sheer joy of driving it is superior.

The only thing I really dislike about my A4 is the lack of backseat space. Consequently, I will be selling it because I cannot fit two car seats in the back without having the steering wheel to my chest. BMW 3-series has more backseat room than the A4; not sure about the A6 versus a 5-series. So, be aware of that if you have or plan on having children.

I am personally a big fan of turbocharged vehicles and have had great success with them. The system to run the turbocharger is not that complex or hard to deal with. The biggest benefits of a turbocharged engine is typically smaller displacement with good power which will net better overall fuel economy. A sacrifice is not having 'instant' power off the line. Keep up with regular oil changes and you will be fine.

Danase · 03-05-09, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by manticore33

I have a B5 Audi A4 and found it to be quite an enjoyable car. Compared to other imports, part costs are not bad because it shares a lot of common parts with VW's (specifically the Passet). I will admit that the German cars are more quirky than the Japanese cars, but the feel and sheer joy of driving it is superior.

The only thing I really dislike about my A4 is the lack of backseat space. Consequently, I will be selling it because I cannot fit two car seats in the back without having the steering wheel to my chest. BMW 3-series has more backseat room than the A4; not sure about the A6 versus a 5-series. So, be aware of that if you have or plan on having children.

I am personally a big fan of turbocharged vehicles and have had great success with them. The system to run the turbocharger is not that complex or hard to deal with. The biggest benefits of a turbocharged engine is typically smaller displacement with good power which will net better overall fuel economy. A sacrifice is not having 'instant' power off the line. Keep up with regular oil changes and you will be fine.

You bring up a good point. We have our first child on the way and I just assumed I'd have room for a car seat in any back seat.

Accumulator · 03-05-09, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

.. We have our first child on the way and I just assumed I'd have room for a car seat in any back seat.

I haven't chimed in on this thread as my Audi exerience is primarily with the bigger ones and with different drivetrains. But I can't help but think that, just generally speaking, with a child on the way I'd be shopping for the most reliable, versatile vehicle you can get and I somehow don't think that'd be a used Audi

Sorry if I sound like a wet blanket...

Danase · 03-05-09, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

I haven't chimed in on this thread as my Audi exerience is primarily with the bigger ones and with different drivetrains. But I can't help but think that, just generally speaking, with a child on the way I'd be shopping for the most reliable, versatile vehicle you can get and I somehow don't think that'd be a used Audi

Sorry if I sound like a wet blanket...

This would not be the primary child taxi. We still have my wife's car for that and we are looking at getting a mini van as well. I basically want something fun to zip around town in.

wfedwar · 03-05-09, 04:49

I've used car seats in my A6 without a problem. Can't comment on the A4.