Ann

I'm on the fence about whether to purchase a 96 A4 Quattro with 76K miles at $18K versus buying a 96 A4 2.8 with 53K miles at $23K. Any thoughts?<p>

Cathleen

Couple questions for you.<br>The $18k is a quattro, is the other 2.8 a front wheel drive (FWD)? I assume it is by your omission.<br>Quattro is a great option if you live where it rains or snows. A point in favor of A4 with quattro.<br>What has been done to both vehicles? I'd look at what maintenance records say. <br>Has the 53k mile car had a 60k service? Doubtful. Are you buying from a dealer? They may have a maintenace/warranty program for you which may help in those upcoming service charges. Otherwise, the 60k service can be a few $$ so that is one plus for the higher mileage car that has most likely had the 60k service.<br>I have a red/black '96 A4 2.8q 5 sp. with 65k. Great car! I'm also selling my Dad's Black/Black '96 A4 2.8q 5 sp. loaded for $19,500. It has 64k but HAS had the 60k service, has new Dunlop D40 tires, new rear brakes/pads, newer front brakes/pads. These are important things to check. See what NEW stuff is on the car so you don't have to replace items or get service right away.<br>Hope that helps!<br>-Cathleen (another A4 nut)

kerry

cathleen has brought many great points. i was in the same dilemma when i started shopping for my 1st audi. turns out my dealership had a leftover 98 that they couldn't sell. they offered a great deal and it turned out to be much better in the long run. (4/5 year loan) (maint cost) etc...<p>i think you can hold out and find some better deals. the cars in question have considerable mileage for only 3 years service. if you have access, find a TRUSTED mechanic or shop to look at all of the systems and have them give you their professional opion. <br>Good Luck, Kerry <br>p.s. once you do get and audi don't forget to get a personalized license plate . mine (PARDNER)<p>

Ray Calvo

With Quattro, I think you get better winter traction (naturally) plus better dry weaterh traction (power spread more evenly front-to-rear so get less understeer)<p>Now, $23K for a '96 sounds high; I feel you can get a new 1.8T for not much more (much as I hate turbos). Checking local Pittsburgh Sunday paper, have the following:<br> '97 2.8 Quattro, CD changer, 25K miles,$23500 (724-327-4626)<br> '97 1.8T, 7/75K warranty, $25K (dealer;724-327-4900)<p>Local dealer has 2 '96s, 2 '97's with sig. less mileage (724-941-7000)<p>In summary, don't be in a hurry. Find the best low-mileage car you can (and 53K is NOT low miles). Be patient, and you'll find your dream car.

Cathleen

Since Audi's go well over 200k, I don't think 53k is that bad. That's 17k miles per year. Most people I know have a long commute and put more on than that.<br>Now, a lower mileage car may be better but my car which is driven hard and has quite a few miles, drives much better than some I've driven which were babied, sat in a drive a lot and only went to a grocery store or mall.<br>The car's repair history would be more important to me than the miles, anyway.<br>-C.<p><br>

Todd W

<br>I am constantly befuddled by people that refuse to drive a car with more than 60K on it. I haven't had regular access to a car with less than 100K in at least ten years, and I don't miss it. I find my 86 5KTQ with 200K to be nicer to drive and at least as reliable as most new cars (A6 excepted of course).<p>If I had all the money in the world, I would still probably buy a car with 50-80K on it. That way I take advantage of the people that are afraid of high mileage and get a practically new car at a discount and without the hassle of service at a dealership.<p>That said, I would try to talk them down from $23K because it is only $28 for a new one ($25 is low for quattro and similar trim). You're right that there are better deals out there and that patience is king.<p>Todd W

Ray Calvo

Agree that no. one thing is maintenance record. However, when difference between 20K and 50K mileage car is maybe about $2000, then I say go for lower mileage. That would give you 1-2 more years of service, prolonging the time in between car purchases.<p>Re Audis go well over 200K ; true, but as you get around 120-130K, then things start cropping up that can give you the ******* (A-arm bushings, clutch, center driveshaft bearing, upper strut bearings, many engine compartment electrical connections, potentially valve lifters, water pump, alternator, starter, - all of which started cropping up on Coupe Quattro between 100 and 130K miles). Most of these are things that are repaired once and last for long time afterwards, but it gets you (well, me) wondering as to what will be next, and can I take that 500 mile trip I want to take and make it without a call to AAA.

Nick T.

and I expect it to last for a long while!!!!<p>