Earlier Audi A4 - Yay/Nay?
12-04-2009, 07:02 AM
#11
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I've had a 99 A4 (2.8 V6) and an 05 A4 (1.8T) and both were fine for me, I wouldn't hesitate getting another one.
12-04-2009, 07:28 AM
#12
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Great cars, not trouble free. I knew several B5 Passat and A4 owners. All had issues though all liked the cars. For that money you might see what the SAAB 93 people think of their cars. I suspect it will be the same as the B5 crowd.
As a lower cost alternative, and if you can find one, a Contour SVT might be a good option. They will be going for less than a B5 but they were every bit as good a driver's car. They also had a great motor. The issue might be finding one in decent shape. Ford only made something like 8000 total over several years. I think they made less than 2000 in model year 2000. That makes them about as common as model year 2000 Ferraris. Still, if they are in great shape it would be a great driver's sedan for a reasonable price.
As a lower cost alternative, and if you can find one, a Contour SVT might be a good option. They will be going for less than a B5 but they were every bit as good a driver's car. They also had a great motor. The issue might be finding one in decent shape. Ford only made something like 8000 total over several years. I think they made less than 2000 in model year 2000. That makes them about as common as model year 2000 Ferraris. Still, if they are in great shape it would be a great driver's sedan for a reasonable price.
12-04-2009, 07:34 AM
#13
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Originally Posted by Dr. WOT,Dec 2 2009, 08:11 AM
As an A4 owner (2007), my advice is to avoid one without a warranty, the service rates can be enormous. They are great cars when everything works, but VW's quality was not the best in that vintage.
I like German cars, but they can have problems and if they do lots of $$$$
12-04-2009, 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Dr. WOT,Dec 2 2009, 04:11 PM
my advice is to avoid one without a warranty, the service rates can be enormous. They are great cars when everything works, but VW's quality was not the best in that vintage.
or get extended warranty.
12-04-2009, 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Hondaplease,Dec 2 2009, 07:42 PM
Haha, thx for all the feedback guys! I really appreciate it! So I guess it IS true that the audiA4's have alot of problems. I am looking into the E36 m3 as you mentioned tarheel91, and it sure is a pretty sweet car! My friend owns the E30 and it is a BEAST. lol
Any other cars around this price range that are good for purchase?
Any other cars around this price range that are good for purchase?
12-05-2009, 04:59 AM
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Upon taking in these contributions, I just decided to go with the DC2 - Cheap/affordable and easy to maintain. Obviously all DC2 owners would've abused their car's one way or another (V-tec is a curse), but just how many KM's or Miles should be the limit for me when looking for a DC2? There are quite a few nice DC2's on the Australian market atm but I'd like to know when how much is too much.
12-05-2009, 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by tbaker,Dec 4 2009, 06:34 PM
If you don't think you can afford an S2k, don't consider an e36 m3. I made the switch and they cost a ton more to maintain.
Anecdote =/= data. Notice I said in my initial post a well taken care of E36.
12-05-2009, 09:36 PM
#18
Originally Posted by Hondaplease,Dec 2 2009, 06:42 PM
Any other cars around this price range that are good for purchase?
WRX
G35
Legacy GT
Miata
TT
R32
GTO
Corvette
350Z
MR2 Turbo
RX8
Nay to the A4 on a budget unless you've got $2k sitting around for the random BS it could pull.
12-05-2009, 10:09 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by dammitjim,Dec 6 2009, 02:36 AM
Mini Cooper S
WRX
G35
Legacy GT
Miata
TT
R32
GTO
Corvette
350Z
MR2 Turbo
RX8
Nay to the A4 on a budget unless you've got $2k sitting around for the random BS it could pull.
WRX
G35
Legacy GT
Miata
TT
R32
GTO
Corvette
350Z
MR2 Turbo
RX8
Nay to the A4 on a budget unless you've got $2k sitting around for the random BS it could pull.
12-06-2009, 06:44 AM
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Originally Posted by tarheel91,Dec 6 2009, 01:23 AM
Weird considering my brother's and dad's have been/were pretty trouble free, and my 328i hasn't had any issues besides replacing the coolant thermostat.
Anecdote =/= data. Notice I said in my initial post a well taken care of E36.
Anecdote =/= data. Notice I said in my initial post a well taken care of E36.