about to buy an A4..first timer

[bb1lovin]

Hey guys i've been thinking about getting an a4 one day and now is the time..i hope.

I currently drive a Prelude, and im thinking about buying an Audi B5 A4 1.8t 5speed.

The problem is i don't know much about audis.

I was wondering if you guys had any tips for what to look out for when purchasing a used a4.

Also what are the common problems of these cars?

I'm a college student so i don't have much money to have a car full of problems..
and also what's the average gas MPG you B5 owners get on the 1.8t 5speed?

the average a4, B5 generation around her goes for 5.5-7k with about 120K mileage...is that too much?

[NjKreuzer27]

buy an 04 6speed ultra sport....no 5 speeds

[nomoore]

Some common issues on the B5 A4 are:

Control Arms. Updated ones will still make noise (creaking) but are not neccessarily "bad".
Coil Packs
Wheel Bearings
Engine Oil Sludge (1.8t only)
Timing Belt Tensioner on 1.8T (replace at 60,000 miles)



If you plan on ever modding the car or even think you might, maybe, some day... make sure you get a 1.8t. It can be brought up close to the level of the 2.8 with a simple chip upgrade ($500).

Most people will say get the Quattro (AWD), including me. The Frontrak (FWD) is lighter though and can be faster in the 1/4 mile. But if that's all you're looking for I'm sure there's much better cars for that than the A4.

I average about 23 MPG combined but some people average a bit less. Mine is an unmodified 2000 1.8t Quattro Tiptronic (automatic).

These cars can have some problems. They are not as reliable as a Honda. I would say they are middle of the road for reliability. The engines are strong and will last past 200,000 miles if you take care of them. You will have electrical problems from time to time and the above mentioned mechanicals.

To prevent the oil sludge you MUST change the oil every 3-5k miles with VW502.00 approved SYNTHETIC oil. I change mine every 3,333 miles to be on the safe side.

If the timing belt tensioner breaks you will have major engine damage. Replace the belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles.

[BONFIRE074]

Hey guys i've been thinking about getting an a4 one day and now is the time..i hope.

I currently drive a Prelude, and im thinking about buying an Audi B5 A4 1.8t 5speed.

The problem is i don't know much about audis.

I was wondering if you guys had any tips for what to look out for when purchasing a used a4.

Making sure the timing belt, water pump, thermostat have all been done. Check for engine sludge. Control arms.

Also what are the common problems of these cars?

These cars eat up control arms, most people go out and buy the whole kit for around $500 dollars and do them all at once. Iv done 3 so far on my car and i should have just bought the whole kit.

ABS module goes bad.

Vac. lines.

Coolant temp sensor.

Leaky valve cover gasket and cam tensioner seal.

Once people go chipped, DV can fail, as well as the n75 valve.

theres lots of little things, that are common, theres a few.


I'm a college student so i don't have much money to have a car full of problems..

If you can do most of the work yourself your golden, otherwise bendover for labor rates

and also what's the average gas MPG you B5 owners get on the 1.8t 5speed?

All depends on how you drive, tire pressure etc. but 18-22 around town, and 25-30 highway, again, all depending how you drive.

the average a4, B5 generation around her goes for 5.5-7k with about 120K mileage...is that too much?
Sounds about right, depending on year, condition, etc.

hope that helps some

[le91688]

H22 lude?

[sixfiveoh]

bb1/4 ftw! Almost bought one a few years back.

[theskuh]

I'm a college student so i don't have much money to have a car full of problems..

Stick with your honda.

problems in my car right now.

rear wheel bearing
abs light blinking (could be the module or speed sensor)
aux electric fan doesn't work causing overheating
getting codes for my MAF that it has low signal. (replaced the maf still same problems)
some sort of issue in the front right suspension.
I am sure I am forgetting something...

Not trying to be an audi hater and my car hasn't stranded me anywhere yet but unless you have money and/or a place to fix it spend your college weekends and money hooking up rather than under your car.

[bb1lovin]

i appreciate all your info guys.
my local mechanic also told me to watch out for the timing belts on these cars.

i guess i will hold out until i have a more stable income.

[bb1lovin]

Yeah i currently have the hard to find BB1 meaning its the 4th gen 94' Honda Prelude Vtec with the H22a1.

no major problems at all, i just wanted to go for a euro/ VIP look with the A4.

How do these things handle? The main thing to me in cars is handling, i prefer canyon runs versus 1/4mile

[black99.5a4]

as long as its been maintained, then you're good, but you must keep up with it yourself. shit goes wrong with every car, but we all still drive to work.

[sixfiveoh]

I come from Hondas too dude...





I've had my A4 for about a year now, and honestly I wish I could go back to another Honda sometimes. They (to me) had so much more character than my A4, but that may be because I haven't been able to modify it much since it is a more expensive car to have. But every time I wash my car and look at it glimmering in the sun, or see a person break their neck to look at my car go by as the bypass valve lets out a quick "PSHHHHT" it makes me happy.

One positive is the Audi definitely taught me alot about working on cars, which I am actually very happy about. It's not like it breaks ALL the time, but when it does, shops can charge ridiculous amounts of $ to fix them.

[DamagedGoods]

Dont do it, it will cost you lots of money and lead to many headaches.....

But if you like flushing your hard earned down the toilet like me and most others here then go for it.

[Stampy]

you need to do much research before you buy. You can luck out and never have any real issues like me and many others. You can also luck out and have a new money pit with four rings on the front. It is kind of a shot in the dark. You would always have to have at least $500 around all the time just in case. I own many Honda's and never think twice about them. I can't say that about my Audi's. That being said, I much prefer the company my Audi's gives me when I'm on the road.

Do A LOT of research man. The search button answers so many questions.