Looking for a new DD?

[LS2GTO]

Currently have a 97 Integra GSR as my daily driver, would like to trade it for something...more practical I guess. I've been having quite a few problems with it, and would like to get something else.

Questions:

How reliable are A4's as Daily drivers? I've heard claims of transmission and electrical problems, especially after 100k. Is this true?
What should I look out for when looking for an A4?
Are A4's creaky, do they rattle?
How is the fuel economy on the 1.8T/V6? Which motor seems to be more reliable?
I hate my GSR leather, primarily because there are no holes where my back can breathe...resulting in a sweaty driver when temps go above 80-90. How "breathable" is A4 leather?

Thanks!

[A4Shizzle]

I think they're about as reliable as most german cars. You'd want to keep up to date on all your maintanence, but beyond that its all just luck I suppose. I've had one electrical problem related to the transmission in the last 2 years I've owned mine, but nothing else that I would consider major (it just needed some codes cleared from the computer and all was well). Repairs and maintanence are going to be significantly higher on this car than an acura I think.

Make sure you buy one that's had its timing belt changed every 60 to 80k and don't buy one if it hasn't been changed recently, or it'll be your turn to change it. Make sure they've always put synthetic in it or it could be a sludge filled time bomb.

My A4 is pretty quiet, the only rattles are the door handles and speaker occasionally.

Economy is obviously going to be better with the 1.8T than V6, better with manual than auto, and better with FWD than quattro, but who wants a FWD audi? I get about 22-24 with a quattro, automatic, so you should be seeing a little more if you got a stick.

Since the timing belt is the same scenario for the V6 as the 1.8T be aware that it will cost more to change on a V6 and that there are more areas for oil to leak from on that motor, as well as the fact that it is more expensive to fix. With that in mind, you don't have to deal with turbo/boost issues on a V6 motor, making the sludge problem less relavant.

The leather on A4s is really pleather, and all in all it feels a little cheap, but my gray interior doesn't get as hot as my girls Lexus with real chocolate leather. It does breathe pretty well too. As long as the AC is working good I don't really sweat in the cali heat. I like it alot better than cloth seats, which always seem to make my back itchy and sweaty on long drives not matter how hot it is.

[boostedup]

^^ what he said, i would look for a 98.5 and up 1.8T with Quattro and manual.

[m5racer]

i think he means look for a 99.5 and up A4 beyond that your set. The pleather seats are perferated so you should be good

[onemoremile]

The 1.8t got pleather, the 2.8 got leather, and the S4 got silk nappa leather which is very nice.

As far as reliability is concerned the Audi won't be as reliable as an Acura.

[AudiA4_20T]

1. How reliable are A4's as Daily drivers? I've heard claims of transmission and electrical problems, especially after 100k. Is this true?

2. What should I look out for when looking for an A4?

3. Are A4's creaky, do they rattle?

4. How is the fuel economy on the 1.8T/V6? Which motor seems to be more reliable?

5. I hate my GSR leather, primarily because there are no holes where my back can breathe...resulting in a sweaty driver when temps go above 80-90. How "breathable" is A4 leather?

1. Theyre great but they need maitenance, little things can go and the dealer might charge a bunch, but they are usually easy fixes and many of the DIYs are right here on AZ

2. Check if the timing belt was done and also on the older A4s if synthetic was used in oil changes. If not, these motors are prone to sludging. However, an engine treatment or two can greatly reduce the risk of this

3. No, they are tanks, You can be doing 140 and it will feel like 65

4. I get 30mpg+ highway on my 1.8T, the V6 gets around 25 probably, but it is the more reliable motor by a longshot

5. The pleather is OK but on a hot day without the AC your back will get sweaty

I hope that helps

[TMorris]

Pics of said acura?

[le91688]

Ill trade ya ha. Was going to get a black on black gsr before i found my A4 2.8 but the dealer sold it out from under me.

[speedydragon]

If you're on a budget, I'd keep the gsr.

[UN-PIMP-Z-A4]

Expensive to maintain...
Get a tsx or 00+ Maxima much more reliable and faster stock for stock

[biketsai]

Or... if you have $13.5k to spend. Buy my T28 A4

[UN-PIMP-Z-A4]

Or... if you have $13.5k to spend. Buy my T28 A4

Or spend half of that and buy my gt28r powered Stage 3 A4...