Would you buy a used Audi?

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Posted: 4/19/2016 4:42:57 PM EDT

I am looking at a used Audi A4 on Craigslist. 2003 with 140,000 miles, automatic transmission AWD. I am mechanically inclined and fix my own vehicles. I have never owned an Audi before. Should I?

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:46:15 PM EDT

[#1]

Fuck no.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:46:27 PM EDT

[#2]

Not that one.

At that price point, you should buy the nicest Accord/Camry you can find.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:46:29 PM EDT

[#3]

Fuck no.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:47:13 PM EDT

[#4]

That generation, with the quattro system, are prone to several very expensive issues. And the mileage puts you right in the zone for picking up the tab.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:47:25 PM EDT

[#5]

I absolutely LOVE Audi/VW and if it was a diesel I'd be all over that but, that many miles on a gasoline engine? Think I might hesitate a bit. Would have to know the overall condition, how much they're asking and what maintenance has been documented. (Not just taking somebody's word that the oil has been changed regularly. Show me the receipts). If it hasn't already been done, plan on dropping over $1K on a new timing belt and water pump.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:47:42 PM EDT

[#6]

Former Audi Owner.

FPNI.

OP you can't afford to "fix" it.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:48:53 PM EDT

[#7]

FUCK NO

is correct.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:48:57 PM EDT

[#8]

Only used audi I would buy would have to have <15k miles. And even then I would be looking to sell it before 40k.

If you need a german luxury car w/ mileage I would go for a benz. They might be reliable longer, but parts are gonna be just as $bad$ as audi. But bottom line it all depends on the individual car's condition...

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:49:06 PM EDT

[#9]

It will be cheaper, more fun, and less heartbreaking to find the sketchiest methwhore in your town and elope to Vegas with her.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:49:33 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:

Fuck no.

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WOuld only own an AUDI if I lived in western Europe, AND my brother in law owned a specialty mechanic shop, working on the brand.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:50:02 PM EDT

[#11]

I looked at buying one of those era A4 wagons a few years back, and found that they liked to eat ball joints and suspension bushings. So if you need a good workout with a C-frame bushing/joint press, I would say go for it. If you cannot do that sort of work yourself, forget it. You don't want to get involved with the prices seen at Euro-only mechanics.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:51:27 PM EDT

[#12]

Only an quattro

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:52:57 PM EDT

[#13]

I know couple people who had leased Audi.
I never saw one lease a second Audi.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:53:13 PM EDT

[#14]

Yeah, if I were playing a practical joke on myself.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:53:44 PM EDT

[#15]

My buddy is an Audi mechanic. He used to own used Audis, drives a Subaru now.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:53:51 PM EDT

[#16]

These guys aren't wrong. I had an A8 when I owned a limousine service. What an absolutely awesome car. The finest car made by man. Nothing else has the combination of ride, handling, power and comfort.

At 110k, the transmission started slipping. The A8 has a hand built transmission, matched and mated to the engine. The only way to fix it was to pull the transmission, send it back to the factory, have it rebuilt and then shipped back and reinstalled. The car was five years old and this was to cost roughly three times the book value of the car. I ran it through an auction.

You should own an Audi at some time in your life, it's a hell of a car. But I'd never own one outside of warranty.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:54:37 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know couple people who had leased Audi.
I never saw one lease a second Audi.

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I'm on my second.

The lease is almost up, and I'll probably buy it.

2013 S4.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:55:29 PM EDT

[#18]

Lease a new one, so you can turn it in.

You never want to own that bitch.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:56:18 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
It will be cheaper, more fun, and less heartbreaking to find the sketchiest methwhore in your town and elope to Vegas with her.

View Quote

As a current owner of an '06 GTI, I'm inclined to agree.

Installed a boost gauge last weekend...

And then installed a GFB DV+ because the factory diverter valve (or blow off valve, or boost recirculation valve, or whatever) doesn't seal worth a flying fuck. Well, the original revision would, until the diaphram in it blew, which then gets replaced by a version with metal parts, that don't seal worth a fuck.

So yeah, I just spent about $400 on the cheapest "intake on a stick" that I could find (uses a K&N filter at least), a VDO boost gauge, a boost tap so that I could install it, and then the diverter valve upgrade when I found out the stock one was leaking.

That was just on parts alone, I did the install myself.

Posted: 4/19/2016 4:58:09 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
That generation, with the quattro system, are prone to several very expensive issues. And the mileage puts you right in the zone for picking up the tab.

View Quote

What repairs are common at that mileage?

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:03:07 PM EDT

[#21]

No, I like money and not being stranded.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:06:42 PM EDT

[#22]

Yup. Don't let the haters scare you. It's a stereotype that used German cars will break the bank. Do what work you can yourself, source your own parts, blauparts.com is great.

I've had 2 used a4's and a used s4 bi-turbo. All have been great. Make sure to do preventative maintenance on timing belt/h2o pump

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:08:19 PM EDT

[#23]

a 2003? Fuck no. I've known people with a few in that era and they had nothing but trouble with them. Then again, I probably wouldn't buy a 13 year old car of any make though... 10 years is getting to the out limits.

A 2012 or later? sure. My wife has a CPO 2013 and it's been a flawless car so far. Maintenance is a bit pricey though.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:08:31 PM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
No, I like money and not being stranded.

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Lol. Out of 3 used Audi's and hundreds of thousands of miles I was stranded once. Wow!!!!!! Fucking audis are junk!!! Lol!!!

How many of you anti audi'ers have actually owned used ones?

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:09:46 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
a 2003? Fuck no.

A 2012 or later? sure.

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Or pre 96

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:13:51 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've had 2 used a4's

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What years were the a4's?

If I were to buy this one, I would replace the timing belt, h20, idlers and thermostat. Rockauto prices show it to be about $300 for what I would replace.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:15:07 PM EDT

[#27]

I've been looking at earlier R8's with the 4.2l v8.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:15:37 PM EDT

[#28]

The car is looser than Zoey Monroe's butthole.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:15:38 PM EDT

[#29]

No way.......

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:15:38 PM EDT

[#30]

double tap

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:15:47 PM EDT

[#31]

Get the equivalent of an A4 buy buying a VW Pssat 3.6 SEL. I love mine at 10K less than the Audi name.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:17:08 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Then again, I probably wouldn't buy a 13 year old car of any make though... 10 years is getting to the out limits.

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My newest car is 11 years old. I have a '94, '99 and a '05. The older two have over 200,000 miles. But those are Toyotas and Mazdas.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:20:49 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:

What years were the a4's?

If I were to buy this one, I would replace the timing belt, h20, idlers and thermostat. Rockauto prices show it to be about $300 for what I would replace.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I've had 2 used a4's

What years were the a4's?

If I were to buy this one, I would replace the timing belt, h20, idlers and thermostat. Rockauto prices show it to be about $300 for what I would replace.

1998 a4 2.8q. Salvage car. I rebuilt the front end.
2001 S4 Quattro bi-turbo 6speed
2003 a4 1.8tq auto

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:22:08 PM EDT

[#34]

Used Audis are excellent for getting rid of any expendable income you may have cluttering up the place.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:22:23 PM EDT

[#35]

Sure would, wouldn't even hesitate.

I have 2 now, A 98 A4 Avant and a 99 A4, both 2.8 auto Quattros, along with an 02 GTi.

I don't shy away from anything Audi/VW.

Everyone I get I do the timing belt and water pump right away and would recommend the same.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:23:18 PM EDT

[#36]

I wouldn't but a new one

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:27:27 PM EDT

[#37]

I love the VAG but the short answer is no. I'd only consider it if I knew the history. And by "knew the history" I don't mean you have a stack of oil change receipts, I mean I know the owner so well I'd let him fuck my sister.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:30:46 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:

Lol. Out of 3 used Audi's and hundreds of thousands of miles I was stranded once. Wow!!!!!! Fucking audis are junk!!! Lol!!!

How many of you anti audi'ers have actually owned used ones?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
No, I like money and not being stranded.

Lol. Out of 3 used Audi's and hundreds of thousands of miles I was stranded once. Wow!!!!!! Fucking audis are junk!!! Lol!!!

How many of you anti audi'ers have actually owned used ones?

Personally, zero.

Watched my Dad struggle with one just out of warranty and racked up thousands in repairs. Watched several friends and coworkers deal with it. Won't even consider taking the risk. I'd own a Chrysler product first...

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:33:29 PM EDT

[#39]

13 year old cars with 140 K on the odometer should say Honda or Toyota on the grille.

Yes I've owned a used Audi. One of the best days of my life was when a deer decided to suicide itself on it.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:42:05 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:

Lol. Out of 3 used Audi's and hundreds of thousands of miles I was stranded once. Wow!!!!!! Fucking audis are junk!!! Lol!!!

How many of you anti audi'ers have actually owned used ones?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
No, I like money and not being stranded.

Lol. Out of 3 used Audi's and hundreds of thousands of miles I was stranded once. Wow!!!!!! Fucking audis are junk!!! Lol!!!

How many of you anti audi'ers have actually owned used ones?

My FSI GTI didn't make it from Detroit to my home on the other side of the state the day I bought it. Oil pump module failed, warranting about $5k or so worth of work to get another short block and turbo (but not before replacing the HPFP and camshaft a week before to the tune of about $2k first

).

They're ok if you actually do the maintenance, though.

ETA: Previous vehicle was a 1G Neon.

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:50:21 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
Fuck no.

View Quote

Double Fuck No!

Posted: 4/19/2016 5:55:09 PM EDT

[#42]

Used Audi's- making used BMW's look affordable since the mid 80's.

Posted: 4/19/2016 6:06:01 PM EDT

[#43]

If you like fixing a car that has issues, then get it.

I like the A4

Posted: 4/19/2016 6:10:40 PM EDT

[#44]

FPNI. I wouldn't wish a USED Audi on my worst enemy - and I'm a LONG-time Audi owner.

Posted: 4/19/2016 6:11:51 PM EDT

[#45]

I had use of one many years ago . Car drove great and was a blast . I fixed all of the issues parts cost made you cry . It was solid and fun . At 140,000 miles no .

Posted: 4/19/2016 6:12:31 PM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:
I am looking at a used Audi A4 on Craigslist. 2003 with 140,000 miles, automatic transmission AWD. I am mechanically inclined and fix my own vehicles. I have never owned an Audi before. Should I?

View Quote

O HEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLL NOOOOOOOOOO

Posted: 4/19/2016 6:14:25 PM EDT

[#47]

Curious how many negative post are based on experience or what someone heard.

European cars are just fine if you can work on them.

I am more experienced with BMW and Benz but all the "parts are expensive" and "hard to work on" I have found to be way exaggerated.

The W202 C Class I have, the hood folds back over 90 degrees so it's easier to work on.

Sure the 7 series, S class, and A8 will be the exception. They just have so much in them to go wrong, but they are amazing cars.

Posted: 4/19/2016 6:14:41 PM EDT

[#48]

I'd think about it, but not a 13 year old A4 with 140k on the clock. Fuuuuuck that.

Not unless I intended on selling it a month or two later for about what I paid for it, just to say I once owned one. And even then, I'd be praying it needed nothing during my brief fling with the thing.