Reliability issues...
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Reliability issues...
If you have read any of my other posts you know that I am in the market for a '98 1.8TQ. I have been doing research on this car and have found different results. Consumer Reports (which I have always trusted) recommends the car and gives it a very good rating. Carpoint also rates this car as very good. Cars.com (which I don't really know anything about) on the other hand doesn't rate it very well. Now I am looking for real world reviews. Please let me know if your A4 has been reliable, any major issues. Also what are parts and labor costs like? Thanks for any help! I don't want to spend $10,000 on a car and then have to fix it up right away!
Garrett
Garrett
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if you are worried you should get a warranty, the car should be reliable but problems are expensive
if you can't afford a couple thousand dollars in problems/maintence over the year just in case you really should be looking for a different car.
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I drive 98 A4 1.8T q 45,000 miles
Car has been perfect. For the first 5 years, I spent a total of $348; including oil changes, a battery, and one tire replacement. The sixth year has been very costly because I figure it's time to replace brakes $490, timing belt kit $618 (with all belts and water pumb), S4 wheels and Protenza tires $1,256. Had two surprises: ignition module $378 (common failure) and clutch $719 do to my abusive style and trying to teach my girlfriend to drive manual.
So, a car that used to cost me practicially nothing has been killing my checkbook. But tax on a new car is $2,000. Dealer fees are $500, and first year's depreciation is $4,800. That's $7,300. If I spend half that much putting new life and future utility into my 98, at least I am buying something instead of intangible fluff. The B5 A4 is not a problem car. It is an absolute success story that saved Audi. Yes, you will have to replace parts, but with everything in life if you want to play, you have to pay.
So, a car that used to cost me practicially nothing has been killing my checkbook. But tax on a new car is $2,000. Dealer fees are $500, and first year's depreciation is $4,800. That's $7,300. If I spend half that much putting new life and future utility into my 98, at least I am buying something instead of intangible fluff. The B5 A4 is not a problem car. It is an absolute success story that saved Audi. Yes, you will have to replace parts, but with everything in life if you want to play, you have to pay.
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Would I be better off buying a Honda or Acura...?
I would really love to get an A4 because of the features (AWD, heated seats, etc... I live in Minnesota) I don't really want to get a Honda or Acura because I see them all over the place. I am considering a 97-98 Prelude, but it doesn't have some of the more luxorious features the A4 has... Oh well, I am going to go look at a 98 A4 1.8TQ right now. Thanks for the help!
Garrett
Garrett
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Yes..
Anyone who worries about reliability and longevity should run screaming from Audi.
I love my Audi but there is always something going on. Thats the tradeoff we make for the comfort and performance I think, I can't wait to buy another Audi next year, hopefully an AllRoad.
But, for some perspective, my wife has a '97 Acura 2.2CL with 140k miles on it and the thing drives like its brand-new. In the last 4 years I have had to put a new starter in it ($120), change the oil and put gas in it.
Thats it. I don't think anyone with an Audi can claim that kind of reliability..
I love my Audi but there is always something going on. Thats the tradeoff we make for the comfort and performance I think, I can't wait to buy another Audi next year, hopefully an AllRoad.
But, for some perspective, my wife has a '97 Acura 2.2CL with 140k miles on it and the thing drives like its brand-new. In the last 4 years I have had to put a new starter in it ($120), change the oil and put gas in it.
Thats it. I don't think anyone with an Audi can claim that kind of reliability..
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If reliability is top on your list look elsewhere...
the problems I had under warrenty were 2 clusters, a sunroof switch (ghost in the machine opened it in the rain at night, joy), fuel pump relay, sunroof track, and a leak in the locking system. Problems since were another cluster, tie rods ends, throttle cable, and a wastegate control valve. Maintainence has included many tires (my own fault, I like power sliding), and a T-belt job (mind you I wouldn't have done one so early, but 1.8Ts have been seeing some nasty failures). All on a car with 35K miles (I live close to work). I love this car when it is working right, and if I didn't do my own work it would eat me alive (labor is quite high). For reference my Subi hasn't needed anything, and it is the same year with more miles. So if you look at these things do it with your eyes open, they are nice to look at, and wonderful to drive, but their reliability is not a strong point.
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I WAS IN THE SAME SITUATION
Last week I bought my '98 A4 with 48,000 mi for $11,000. A few months back I was in the same situation as you were. I had driven Hondas all my life. And I was looking for a prelude. They were expensive, because every single Asian in California is looking for one, therefore driving up the price. While I was shopping I ran into the Audi and I fell in love. I went to the forums and I asked around, and just like you I was told that I had to have my TM replaced, and that the car wasn't very reliable. BUT just look around. I still bought the car. It's great. Look around the forums and look at some of the rides the cars are simply beautiful... and they are gems.. So in the long run I hope you make the right decision.
Hope this helps..
Hope this helps..
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