Should I consider a B7 A4? or brush it off?

[xxForgedxx]

Well I must insist that I an extremely fond of the B7s appearance. However in stock form I hear they are extremely bland, especially coming from a 13 second 2.4 Turbo car with only $700 bucks in modifications. I really love the german fit and finish but reliability issues have pushed me away from the S4 and many other Audi/VW/MB/BMWs.

-At least 16mpg without having to drive like a B****

-Can handle bad weather (snow/rain) and will allow me to drive it without having to cross my fingers due to a bad twitch of the wheel

-2 seats won't cut it

-Reliability!!! I can't stress this enough. It can't be FINICKY, UNPREDICTABLE, prone to BIG DOLLAR boo-boos, PITA to own, Can't stand up to the driving it was BUILT for in the first place. This leaves German cars to be VERY questionable on this list unfortunately

-German fit and finish or close to: I always liked how it felt driving say a Vdub with those bluey/purpley and red guages... Really nice and relaxing

-Fast stock (if it happens to suck at mod response) or can reach my goal with bolt ons, I don't want to have to dig deep to get where I want to be. Between 12-14 second 1/4 stock or can be MADE into one easily...

-Handles well, slush boxes are OUT

-When made into, or in stock form 12-14 Second car, it is STILL strong and true/reliable... for example, B5 S4 = no effing WAY!

The things I need out of the car are exactly that. I was told that with minor modifications the 2.0L A4 can be made into a car that can provide great performance satisfaction. I know the MKV GTI can put down 270+whp easily with a Stage 2 set up, but it is also lighter than the A4 I believe and doesn't have to put that power down to 4 wheels, just 2. My MAIN concern however, is how STRONG these cars are. How strong the drivetrain is, and how strong the rest of it is. I would love to buy one of these, mod to my liking and not have to worry about the thing making me hate it with random/unpredictable dumb small yet expensive repairs or BIG EXPENSIVE repairs etc. I think you get the idea, anyone have any input?

[cstarky15]

well you are in a b7 forum so of course you should get one. I'm getting 27mpg mixed high/city. I love the look of the b7. If you get a b7 make sure you get one that still has a warranty. You can get a 06 which still includes upto 50k miles services. so get a b7 with 20k and you still have factory warranty and service for 30k. There a common things that go wrong, Like the DV, the intake flaps etc. but if it is in warrant you won't pay for anything. I am much happier that i went with a 06 A4 vs 01 S4.

[xxForgedxx]

well you are in a b7 forum so of course you should get one. I'm getting 27mpg mixed high/city. I love the look of the b7. If you get a b7 make sure you get one that still has a warranty. You can get a 06 which still includes upto 50k miles services. so get a b7 with 20k and you still have factory warranty and service for 30k. There a common things that go wrong, Like the DV, the intake flaps etc. but if it is in warrant you won't pay for anything. I am much happier that i went with a 06 A4 vs 01 S4.

I am hoping for unbiased opinions on the matter with criteria in mind. If these issues are small tid bits then I will not worry. I am not going to be buying for another year or so I am doing homework now. I know these cars can make decent power and be fun but as I stated above my MAIN concern is longevity, durability (what these cars can take for hard driving/play) and what goes wrong, when and why. If these cars are no longer like Audi of the past and on the lines of say a more expensive to keep going (via services) than a Japanese car I think I'll be ok. I do not want to modify or drive an EGGSHELL.

[pyro]

great car, but for the money i would look at the competition too. i love my a4, but i think for the price you pay, you can get more car stock unfortunately.

[xxForgedxx]

great car, but for the money i would look at the competition too. i love my a4, but i think for the price you pay, you can get more car stock unfortunately.

What would you suggest. I will be honest, if the B7 A4 didn't respond to mods so well it wouldn't even be on my list.

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

The A4 on it 6 speed MT ( FWD or Quattro) form is a very robust platform, If you get one of the newer ones the only issue they have is the diverter valve ( only when chipped ). Once you go stage II the cars put down a very good amount of power they actually produce more torque than the GTIs and GLIs.

My car is CVT and allot of times I abuse it and so far 2 years without a hick up, this cars can play ball all day long ( For gods sake I even wear out the edge of my side walls).

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

What would you suggest. I will be honest, if the B7 A4 didn't respond to mods so well it wouldn't even be on my list.

Just do it my way, I whore on 335s ( stock ones ).

[KMHPaladin]

You'll get way over 16 mpg driving the 2.0t like you stole it.

In my completely unscientific opinion a quattro Audi will handle bad weather as well or better than any car out there, all other things (tires etc.) being equal.

You're in luck; the sedan has seating for five.

These cars are reasonably reliable. If you're not willing to tolerate the vagaries of a German car, you should probably get a Toyota. That seems to be the crux of your question, but it's not one anyone can answer. Any brand will have cars that have problems and you're going to hear about them on the internet. Germans cars more so than Japanese. I guessed from your comment and verified from your other thread that you owned an SRT-4 before. It's a whole different ball game. Mods are more expensive, so take that into account.

as far as fit and finish, it's an Audi. Some of the best interiors on the market.

Fast? It's not going to be a rocket ship. Pure and simple. The 2.0t is a real nice improvement on the 1.8t, but it's still a four banger with a small turbo. You can look at the quarter mile times for chipped cars. With a chip, you're going to be in the low 14s, maybe high 13s although I suspect those people had a tail wind. A chip should not significantly compromise reliability.

http://www.mjbmotorsport.com/sitebui...medatabase.htm

Handles well? Sure. Sport suspension isn't bad. Aftermarket coilovers help dramatically.

[xxForgedxx]

Just do it my way, I whore on 335s ( stock ones ).

Sure thing, if I knew HOW you did it. PM me your list and recommendations and PICTURES!

[xxForgedxx]

You'll get way over 16 mpg driving the 2.0t like you stole it.

In my completely unscientific opinion a quattro Audi will handle bad weather as well or better than any car out there, all other things (tires etc.) being equal.

You're in luck; the sedan has seating for five.

These cars are reasonably reliable. If you're not willing to tolerate the vagaries of a German car, you should probably get a Toyota. That seems to be the crux of your question, but it's not one anyone can answer. Any brand will have cars that have problems and you're going to hear about them on the internet. Germans cars more so than Japanese. I guessed from your comment and verified from your other thread that you owned an SRT-4 before. It's a whole different ball game. Mods are more expensive, so take that into account.

as far as fit and finish, it's an Audi. Some of the best interiors on the market.

Fast? It's not going to be a rocket ship. Pure and simple. The 2.0t is a real nice improvement on the 1.8t, but it's still a four banger with a small turbo. You can look at the quarter mile times for chipped cars. With a chip, you're going to be in the low 14s, maybe high 13s although I suspect those people had a tail wind. A chip should not significantly compromise reliability.

http://www.mjbmotorsport.com/sitebui...medatabase.htm

Handles well? Sure. Sport suspension isn't bad. Aftermarket coilovers help dramatically.

Sounds like with minor mods the car will do the trick in the power department. I understand German has it's woes and as long as they are not wallet busting big deals I think I can manage. Quirks are one thing, major things are another. I am concerned however that the t-case/clutch/trans/dif will not like the HP these cars are producing to run 13's along with hard driving. I can see it nowww (WHATS THAT GRIND NOISE! WHERE IS THAT WHINING SOUND COMING FROM! AHHH 2nd GEAR IS GONE< SO ISNT MY CLUTCH)

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

Sure thing, if I knew HOW you did it. PM me your list and recommendations and PICTURES!

Look at my mod list. all I do is press a little switch and pick up 120whp. My car is a bit over done, but stage II on Revo is allot of fun.

[KMHPaladin]

Yeah, nitrous is just what I'd suggest if reliability is a real concern...

Forged, with a chip and exhaust, you should be at the 14.0 area (give or take). The two 13.x times came at Old Bridge and Atco in NJ, which I recall seeing referred to as 'fast' tracks, so your mileage may vary. I wouldn't assume that driving the car hard is going to net you a 13 second car. In fact, I would say if your chief goal is a car that goes fast in a straight line, you're probably looking at the wrong car. It's a great looking vehicle, a fun car in the twisties, it handles very nicely, fantastic in bad weather, nice power, but the B7 A4 is not a drag racer without more significant modification.

But then again, as I recall there was a thread going around the web a month or two ago with a guy with a modded SRT-4 who'd blown a chunk of his block out. Any car has its limitations.

[minameismud]

if you're really going to stick with your original criteria, get a v6 camry.

moving on, looking at only the b7 a4, if you want reliability, go for the 3.2 v6 over the 2.0T engine. only downside with the 3.2 is that, aside from a new intake or custom exhaust, there aren't really any go-juice mods. the 2.0T has the capability for gobs of hp/tq, but has a couple normal issues, those being DV and PCV. search the forums for these. as a previous poster said, they are covered during the warranty period. KMHPaladin is right - if you're looking for a straight-line car, look somewhere else. while the 2.0T can go straight nicely, the a4 shines in the twisties.

if you're looking at new, hurry up, because the b8s will be in showrooms soon.

[pcdrj]

Again your on a B7 forum so... Another option is a Pontiac G8. It fullfils everything you describe with no mods and is very affordable. Add a superchanger and its 450+ rwhp. Interior materials is where you'll notice the biggest difference.

[davis449]

I think you can get everything you want out of the B7 A4. However, it will be expensive to mod ($3K+) to get it anywhere close to what you were used to. Chip alone is nice, but it won't be enough to satisfy your needs. If you mod it correctly, it will be exactly what you want. If you do decide to go with the B7, I would suggest using APR mods on your car. Here's why, their stated goal always has been that whatever mods they put out it must be able to be daily driven. I know there's people who have no problem with other companies, but when it comes down to it, APR is the way to go for reliability IMO at least as far as the chip tuning and fuel pump is concerned.

[pcdrj]

On paper, I would never bought an A4. I've never liked Audi's and am not impressed by their supposed badge. I never considered Audi to be in BMW's league.

I drove a G35, 328, Outback Spec B, even the A4 3.2 all of which have more power, better accelleration, etc, than a stock A4 2.0 Quattro (not sure about 328). Recently I looked at G8 and e46 M3. Other than possibly the M3 none of these cars would coax me out of my A4 based on driving impressions. Sure HP, 0-6 times, etc don't lie but driving impression, like art is subject to preference. I have a road course prepped 500+hp mustang, 11.8 1/4 mile, 1.0+ g skidpad and braking. I ran away from 911's, SLK's, S4, M3 at Pocono. I still enjoy driving the A4 Quattro.

Drive it!

[a4dc89]

i would chekc out the pontiac g8, its a very good car. I would also look into the 335, i love that car but when it comes to all around smoothness, fuel economy, and solid feeling i like the a4

[B7A4Sport]

All of what has been said so far is very valid, the most of which is the subjectivity to reliability. Sure, car brands/origins of production have general reputations, but when it comes down to asking "will the A4 I get have problems?", there is just no way to be sure. I'm sure some people have had nightmare lemons, and others have driven years without problem. Personally, both my dad and I own Audis (he has an A6), and we both haven't had any problems to speak of; he's had his for over a year now.

The person who suggested going used for an '06 is spot on; I have a 2006 Certified Pre-Owned 2.0T Quattro, had 21kmiles, TIP tranny and got it for $27 sticker. Bought it in February this year, and haven't had one problem to complain of yet (**scrambles to find a piece of wood in his empty cubicle!**). Not only that, schedule maintenance stops (all mile-marked stops) are free until the warranty runs out. NOTE, THAT PACKAGE ONLY COMES on 2006 A4's! Frankly, anyone who buys a B7 new is crazy, because w/ good options they run almost $40, and I got mine for near half that. No offense to the Pontiac or the Mustang either, but I just have a stigma against driving cars that are, or feel like they are, predominantly part of rental-car-company fleets.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet, and while it depends on gender/sexual preference.........CHICKS DIG AUDI!!!

[muffinman]

After MY2006, the Audi maintenance service package is no longer standard, but it only costs an additional $400, give or take, to tack on... well worth it if you want the dealer to service your car. Many people have gotten it thrown in for free.. negotiate. If you get a CPO'ed A4, you're covered for 100,000 miles.

www.truedelta.com has some real-life realiability data for the B7A4.. check it out, our A4's have been doing well thus far. Problems appear to be pretty minor (DV, PCV); you seem like a knowledgable guy - shouldn't have any problems dealing with those. For what it's worth, I've had mine for roughly 13,500 miles and have been 100% problem-free.

We just had a rain torrent in Seattle last night... I made a trek through the rain with no problems; I gun it anywhere, anytime and never lose traction; the car/quattro just stays planted, PERIOD. You really can't do much better for bad weather driving.

If you liked VW's interior, you'll absolutely DIG the Audi's.

Get a 3.2 V6 for fast stock, a 2.0T for modability. The 2.0T responds very well to modifications... a simple chip $500-$600 can get you 250hp/290tq.

I can relate to where you're coming from... my family and I are Japanese car lifers... all Toyota, Honda, Lexus.. was initially worried about making the jump to German but I'm so glad I did.

[Bmeister]

It is not perfect, but very refined and recommended if you just enjoy driving. I bought the B7 A4 as a light travel vehicle and to have some fun with while making a lesser environmental impact. The B7 I found was used, but it had the combo I sought: 2.0T-Q-6M. Although there are 40,000+ miles on it, the car is as solid as one with 5,000 miles on it. No squeaks, rattles or clunks and that is when driving it on Chicago's potholed paradise of roadways for many of the almost 3000 miles I've logged in just under 2 months. It feels as solid as a Mercedes E and just as quick as a BMW 330 but with much better fuel economy.

There is a HUGE tuning market for the A4 because of the shared engine (2.0T) in the VW lineup and of course I wanted the car with the near-bulletproof manual transmission. At the local dragstrip (Rt 66) last fall I watched a 2006 A4 2.0T quattro lay down high 12s without drama. Not knowing much about A4s at the time, all I remember the owner saying was that she (yes, a she) had upgraded the fuel injectors, upgraded the fuel pump, and put in a larger turbo along with an accompanying ECM flash (REVO). No dyno numbers were discussed. So, you only have to ask: "How fa$t do you want to $pend to tweak the A4?"