Need reliable daily car for New Jersey
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Need reliable daily car for New Jersey
Just bought a fun car (1995 Porsche 911 cabriolet). I love it! However, I live in a hilly part of New Jersey, we do get our share of snow, and I have no intention of driving this rear wheel drive convertible in the winter.
Am thinking of getting a moderately priced ($10k or less) 'practical' car for this purpose. Will only be driving 6k-8k per year. Am considering:
- Audi (probably A4, given price range)
- 1988-91 BMW 325 ix "e30"
- 1994-95 MB E series 4Matic "w124"
Have always been a fan of Audi styling, but my impression (from Consumer Reports and the like) is that Audi reliability record is 'mixed', certainly compared with Lexus or Acura, not certain relative to BMW or MB. What are your experiences?
- Overall reliability, and in particular the electrical systems?
- Are the front wheel drive A4s any less/more reliable than the Quattros?
- Comparison of 4wd systems Audi vs. the above BMW, MB?
- Can I expect to get a dependable A4 for $10k or less?
Many thanks in advance!
Am thinking of getting a moderately priced ($10k or less) 'practical' car for this purpose. Will only be driving 6k-8k per year. Am considering:
- Audi (probably A4, given price range)
- 1988-91 BMW 325 ix "e30"
- 1994-95 MB E series 4Matic "w124"
Have always been a fan of Audi styling, but my impression (from Consumer Reports and the like) is that Audi reliability record is 'mixed', certainly compared with Lexus or Acura, not certain relative to BMW or MB. What are your experiences?
- Overall reliability, and in particular the electrical systems?
- Are the front wheel drive A4s any less/more reliable than the Quattros?
- Comparison of 4wd systems Audi vs. the above BMW, MB?
- Can I expect to get a dependable A4 for $10k or less?
Many thanks in advance!
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
I would get the bmw
The 325ix has been known to go for 250k+ miles without opening the engine. They're fun to drive and are very robust.
W124 mercedes are great, but the AWD system is expensive and trouble-prone. They went with a much simpler setup for the W210 E-class.
No long term experience with Audi A4s. I love the interiors, and they're certainly newer and quieter... but have heard stories about frequent replacements of suspension parts and electrical gremlins. YMMV.
W124 mercedes are great, but the AWD system is expensive and trouble-prone. They went with a much simpler setup for the W210 E-class.
No long term experience with Audi A4s. I love the interiors, and they're certainly newer and quieter... but have heard stories about frequent replacements of suspension parts and electrical gremlins. YMMV.
Trending Topics
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Re: Need reliable daily car for New Jersey
There was an article a few months back in European car on a winter beater. THe feature was an Audi 90 quattro.
I've got a BMW as well as an A4. THe A4 is a fantastic winter car! Some of the guys in my bmw club have the ix and xi models. Even though they have 4x4 they don't compare in the snow to an A4.
A co-worker has a volvo cross country (AWD) and a Subaru Legacy (AWD). His subaru is much more reliable and handles better in the snow. However, I think that my A4 handles much better in weather than his suby. Audi seems to be a safer car.
Any car can be a money pit. I would say that you should carfully check some cars out, decide waht features you like,take them for test drives then when you've finally decided what type of vehicle you like have a shop you trust to have them do a pre-purchase inspection.
Good Luck!
I've got a BMW as well as an A4. THe A4 is a fantastic winter car! Some of the guys in my bmw club have the ix and xi models. Even though they have 4x4 they don't compare in the snow to an A4.
A co-worker has a volvo cross country (AWD) and a Subaru Legacy (AWD). His subaru is much more reliable and handles better in the snow. However, I think that my A4 handles much better in weather than his suby. Audi seems to be a safer car.
Any car can be a money pit. I would say that you should carfully check some cars out, decide waht features you like,take them for test drives then when you've finally decided what type of vehicle you like have a shop you trust to have them do a pre-purchase inspection.
Good Luck!
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
10 Strangest Audi Designs That Actually Made Production
Joe Kucinski
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post