Looking to get a used 2006+ Audi A4

[kumarshah]

So, I am in the market for my first car and I decided to look at the Audi A4s out there. I have a few questions though:

1. The 2006 has the 4 year or 50k warranty, so if I buy that model the warranty would expire sometime in 2010. Am I understanding that correctly?

2. I have looked at CarMax and also the local Audi dealers. In terms of 2006 models, Carmax has 2-3 of them, around 20k miles for 20-22k. Dealer has 2006 model with 37k miles for 22k too and its CPO. Would there be a preferred choice in this case?

3. Does anyone have experience with financing the car through Audi itself? Is it good or should I be looking at 3rd party financing?

Thanks

[Nikoman]

If you plan on keeping the car for a while, CPO is the way to go. [up]

$85 deductable per visit, and they cover almost everything the original warranty does. You can also usually find a dealer that doesn't care about the mods as long as they are not too excessive and lead to specific issue because of them. I've brought my 2006 APR Stage 2 to the dealer 3 times already with no warranty issues. I have 43k miles now.

Original sticker was $42k, bought two months ago with 41k miles at $23k, financed through Audi financial for two years at a SWEET less then 1%...

[B-Time]

1. The 2006 has the 4 year or 50k warranty, so if I buy that model the warranty would expire sometime in 2010. Am I understanding that correctly?

A 2006 could have been purchased in 2005, therefore the warranty could expire in 2009.

[RedS-line]

^agreed. 2006 is not a reliable model year so buy it CPO. The extra money buys you peace of mind. You wouldnt want a just a 4 month warranty on a 20k+ car. Also get a carfax on what you buy.

[kumarshah]

^agreed. 2006 is not a reliable model year so buy it CPO. The extra money buys you peace of mind. You wouldnt want a just a 4 month warranty on a 20k+ car. Also get a carfax on what you buy.

When you say that 2006 is not a reliable model, am I looking at high maintenance costs?

Also, are the 2007/2008 models better in terms of reliability?

[Con]

06 has free scheduled maintenance.

25k,35k.45k?

[Tanner]

2006 is not a reliable model year so buy it CPO.

Not sure what you mean by "2006 is not a reliable model". 4.5 years of ownership, and it's been running fine. There have been a few recalls but nothing serious (replacement of the PCV, ECU reflash, intake manifold flap controller, etc.) and really haven't had any issue aside from a DV failing on me shortly after I got chipped.

Knock on wood of course and never got the CPO which was an option when I bought out the car.

[Glassnpowder98]

When you say that 2006 is not a reliable model, am I looking at high maintenance costs?

Also, are the 2007/2008 models better in terms of reliability?

It's an Audi, so maintenance and repair bills will be higher no matter what. If you want peace of mind from ending up with an expensive repair bill in the next few years, I would recommend going the CPO route. While the B7 is for the most part pretty reliable, there are some common issues that pop up pretty often. Most specifically, the fueling system (Fuel Pump, cam follower, camshaft) tends to be the most common. With preventative maintenance (checking and replacing the cam follower at the first sign of wear, $50 part), expensive repairs can be avoided.

[CBRmatt600]

Not sure what you mean by "2006 is not a reliable model". 4.5 years of ownership, and it's been running fine. There have been a few recalls but nothing serious (replacement of the PCV, ECU reflash, intake manifold flap controller, etc.) and really haven't had any issue aside from a DV failing on me shortly after I got chipped.

Knock on wood of course and never got the CPO which was an option when I bought out the car.

I think he means that on the whole, the earlier models had more issues than the later models. Which is pretty much the case with any car, the later models have all the bugs worked out that the earlier models dealt with.

[Tanner]

So I wouldn't exactly say it's not reliable, just certain items are "due" to be replaced because of wear and tear. So it's a matter of how much you're willing to spend on a used 2006 vs a 'newer' used car in the end. I'm budgeting about $2000/year for maintenance which should cover it for the most part. Front brakes were recently replaced and that was about $800 but a CPO vehicle should have good brakes all around - I don't think these are covered by CPO.

But as a whole, my car has been pretty reliably, but more small problems when compared to my 2001 A4. The only significant difference between the B7 A4 is the engine when compared to the B6 of course and that's where some of the major problems are. Fortunately, (or unfortunately), these issues have been addressed with the newer 2.0T in the B8 (ie.: intake valves gunking up, cam follower, etc.)

[Bart-Man]

I have had the 2005.5 model for 2 years. And have only had the intake manifold flap controller and PCV crap out on me

[yakky]

^agreed. 2006 is not a reliable model year so buy it CPO. The extra money buys you peace of mind. You wouldnt want a just a 4 month warranty on a 20k+ car. Also get a carfax on what you buy.

2006 is one of the few Audi's in Consumer reports ratings that gets an above average reliablity rating. Before you slam CR, this is based on owner surveys, not opinion.

[kumarshah]

So, carmax just got this car listed:
http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/default.html?AVi=0&id=5472703&D=90&ASTc=Audi%20A4&zip=28209&No=0&Ep=homepage:homepage&Rp=R&PP=20&sV=List&Us=2&CD=10+14+240+190+9&Q=8f5f8f3d-65cd-4192-8f7c-82d2096f5b98

Any opinions on this one?

I will probably be visiting the dealer Thursday to see their inventory, because the online stock listings for the dealer were very limited. Currently they have:
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUDF78E36A279369
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUDF78E46A128167
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUEF78E97A011366

[yakky]

So, carmax just got this car listed:
http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/default.html?AVi=0&id=5472703&D=90&ASTc=Audi%20A4&zip=28209&No=0&Ep=homepage:homepage&Rp=R&PP=20&sV=List&Us=2&CD=10+14+240+190+9&Q=8f5f8f3d-65cd-4192-8f7c-82d2096f5b98

Any opinions on this one?

I will probably be visiting the dealer Thursday to see their inventory, because the online stock listings for the dealer were very limited. Currently they have:
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUDF78E36A279369
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUDF78E46A128167
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUEF78E97A011366

Use the audi website to search your area and beyond for CPO. Carmax prices are as high, if not higher than CPO prices. Carmax adds about 2k to give you the same warranty the CPO car came with.

[Tanner]

It's a FWD :p

[CBRmatt600]

FWD and Auto= Fail.

[kumarshah]

I know one would prefer a 4WD/AWD here, but is there something wrong in terms with the 2WD/FWD Audis, or just a matter of driving experience?


Use the audi website to search your area and beyond for CPO. Carmax prices are as high, if not higher than CPO prices. Carmax adds about 2k to give you the same warranty the CPO car came with.

There is only one Audi Dealership in Charlotte Proper. There are a few others 60-100 miles away.

[boosted4life]

I have an 05.5 quattro ill sell you. PM me if interested.

[Scott2.0]

I personally would never buy a FWD or an automatic A4. For that matter you might as well just get an Accord and save yourself $10K. I guess I just don't see the point.

[yakky]

I know one would prefer a 4WD/AWD here, but is there something wrong in terms with the 2WD/FWD Audis, or just a matter of driving experience?



There is only one Audi Dealership in Charlotte Proper. There are a few others 60-100 miles away.

I drove 300 miles to get mine. You are going to own the car for a few years, what's wrong with spending a day or two to find a nice one? If you are worried or pressed for time, you can have a certified inspector look at one and have him send you a full report with pictures for about $100.

[Tanner]

Personally Audi to me means quattro, though they do sell quite a few FWDs especially in the southern states and outside of North America. Though if I was looking at FWD, it wouldn't be a FWD, probably a RWD BMW instead.

[Scott2.0]

I took two flights and drove back 12 hours to buy mine. That may be a bit excessive but why settle?

[CBRmatt600]

Exactly. If I was going to get something with 2 wheel drive, it definitely wouldn't have been a FWD Audi.

[boosted4life]

Yeah, I wouldn't settle for anything less than AWD. I don't mind having an automatic because its a luxury car AND it has 6 gears. I spent almost a month finding my Audi.. I practically stole it I got such a good deal on it.. I swear the dealership didn't know it was a B7 or something.

[Scott2.0]

Yeah, I wouldn't settle for anything less than AWD. I don't mind having an automatic because its a luxury car AND it has 6 gears. I spent almost a month finding my Audi.. I practically stole it I got such a good deal on it.. I swear the dealership didn't know it was a B7 or something.

I hate to come off like I'm picking a fight but IMO an A4 is NOT a luxury car. An A8 is a luxury car. An A4 is a sport sedan and therefore should have a manual trans.

[Con]

So, carmax just got this car listed:
http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/default.html?AVi=0&id=5472703&D=90&ASTc=Audi%20A4&zip=28209&No=0&Ep=homepage:homepage&Rp=R&PP=20&sV=List&Us=2&CD=10+14+240+190+9&Q=8f5f8f3d-65cd-4192-8f7c-82d2096f5b98

Any opinions on this one?

I will probably be visiting the dealer Thursday to see their inventory, because the online stock listings for the dealer were very limited. Currently they have:
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUDF78E36A279369
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUDF78E46A128167
http://audiofcharlotte.com/auto_detail.asp?VINID=WAUEF78E97A011366

I might be mistaken, but isn't a S line have different wheels (read 6? spoke wheels) than the normal a4? double spoke 5?

i'm looking at the l1st ink

[Tanner]

Guessing somebody or the dealer swapped out the wheels with somebody else which could be the case, but it does appear to have the external S-line stuff, aside from the rims.

[CBRmatt600]

The first link is not an S-line. It is a 2008, so it has the S-line exterior bits, like every other 2008.

[RedS-line]

2006 is one of the few Audi's in Consumer reports ratings that gets an above average reliablity rating. Before you slam CR, this is based on owner surveys, not opinion.

Hey guy, look to the left of my post. I have a 2006. I have also had it to the dealership for problems for more times then i can count on two hands. CR reports problems with the Electrical and Fuel system for 2006 and they are spot on. Some of these problems were fixed with new revisions of parts in the newer models, 07 and 08, and their ratings are better. The other aspects of the CR review for the 2006 are good scores, but the black dots anywhere on a car rating means that you can expect problems and thus the 2006 and the 2005.5 are less relaible cars than the 2007 and 2008 ones. Im just trying to warn the OP to buy a reliable year especially if he goes through Carmax.

[elwigglero]

Hey guy, look to the left of my post. I have a 2006. I have also had it to the dealership for problems for more times then i can count on two hands. CR reports problems with the Electrical and Fuel system for 2006 and they are spot on. Some of these problems were fixed with new revisions of parts in the newer models, 07 and 08, and their ratings are better. The other aspects of the CR review for the 2006 are good scores, but the black dots anywhere on a car rating means that you can expect problems and thus the 2006 and the 2005.5 are less relaible cars than the 2007 and 2008 ones. Im just trying to warn the OP to buy a reliable year especially if he goes through Carmax.

The majority of 06 a4's don't have ecu reflashes and other performance enhancing, reliability destroying mods, though. It really depends on driving style and whether or not he plans to modify the car.

[b6onboost]

The ratings are somewhat flawed because newer cars with less mileage and use won't see as many problems. For example, its 2009...ofcourse there are less reported issues with 2008 models than 2006 models. You really need a few years to pass by before you can really say an 08 is that much more reliable than an 06.

However, time has proven than most of the time the first year or two of a models production are the least reliable.

[RedS-line]

The majority of 06 a4's don't have ecu reflashes and other performance enhancing, reliability destroying mods, though. It really depends on driving style and whether or not he plans to modify the car.

Ok Im not going to get into an argument with you on "reliability destroying" mods but just note that the 5 common problems with these 2.0t's happen on stock cars just as well. He may choose to stay stock, but most people on here are enthusiasts, and do not stay stock for long.

[Hockenheim]

non quattro audi is like a hot girl without breasts.

[JRMSLINEA4]

non quattro audi is like a hot girl without breasts.Wouldn't that make it a guy?[:p]

[BLK JDM]

Just purchased a 06 A4 2.0T Quattro S-line 6spd blk w/ blk leather w/ 29k miles no NAV, no Bi-Xenon headlamps but every other mod possible for $23k from a local dealer w/ 100k Warranty. It was a lease turn in and had full service history from that same dealer. Financing was through the dealership but it wasn't Audi financing. It was through BB&T but interest rate of only 4.3% and this is my first financed car. I couldn't be happier. I put down $5k so my payments aren't that bad. I love having the piece of mind of having the Audi Warranty.

I was actually looking at B6 Ultrasports but people were asking so much it made more sense to get a Certified used B7 for the long haul. I couldn't be happier w/ the 2.0T over the 1.8T. And I get that big face grill and redesigned rear end. Oh and S-line badges are the BEST!! Sorry just so excited about this purchase.

[boosted4life]

I hate to come off like I'm picking a fight but IMO an A4 is NOT a luxury car. An A8 is a luxury car. An A4 is a sport sedan and therefore should have a manual trans.

If you compare it to a Honda Accord, its a luxury car. I absolutely hate seeing manual transmissions in Audi's and BMW's (unless its an R8 or an M3, M5, etc). If you want a manual, buy a Camaro or a Corvette. Basically.. if its meant for performance, buy a manual, if its meant to look nice and get you around, buy an automatic. But that's just my opinion.

[kumarshah]

Just purchased a 06 A4 2.0T Quattro S-line 6spd blk w/ blk leather w/ 29k miles no NAV, no Bi-Xenon headlamps but every other mod possible for $23k from a local dealer w/ 100k Warranty. It was a lease turn in and had full service history from that same dealer. Financing was through the dealership but it wasn't Audi financing. It was through BB&T but interest rate of only 4.3% and this is my first financed car. I couldn't be happier. I put down $5k so my payments aren't that bad. I love having the piece of mind of having the Audi Warranty.

I was actually looking at B6 Ultrasports but people were asking so much it made more sense to get a Certified used B7 for the long haul. I couldn't be happier w/ the 2.0T over the 1.8T. And I get that big face grill and redesigned rear end. Oh and S-line badges are the BEST!! Sorry just so excited about this purchase.

Thats pretty nice.

Car Max is tranferring the 2008 model to Charlotte, so I hope to take it for a test drive soon. Vising the Audi dealership tomorrow evening to check out their stock.

I did have an additional question, what is the difference between non S-line and S-line?

[BLK JDM]

Thats pretty nice.

Car Max is tranferring the 2008 model to Charlotte, so I hope to take it for a test drive soon. Vising the Audi dealership tomorrow evening to check out their stock.

I did have an additional question, what is the difference between non S-line and S-line?

S-line models have a different front bumper, grille, lower door blades, S-line badge on front grill and rear doors, sport steering wheel w/ badge, interior door sills w/ badge, sport suspension, and rear trunk. I may be leaving something out.

Basically an appearing package with a sportier suspension. Hope this helps.

[Scott2.0]

If you compare it to a Honda Accord, its a luxury car. I absolutely hate seeing manual transmissions in Audi's and BMW's (unless its an R8 or an M3, M5, etc). If you want a manual, buy a Camaro or a Corvette. Basically.. if its meant for performance, buy a manual, if its meant to look nice and get you around, buy an automatic. But that's just my opinion.
You sir, are a fucking moron. You hate seeing manual transmissions in an A4, a sport sedan? Why are you on a forum for auto enthusiasts? It is an Audi, not a Buick and therefore you, the driver, should have full involvement in the driving experience. How do we ban this guy?