Picking Up a B7 A4 for $21-23K, Need Advice!

**MJH 102383** · 09-15-2008 02:53 PM

I am looking to pick up a 2005.5 or 2006 Audi A4 in the next few weeks. I was deciding between a G35 coupe and an A4 and because I've never owned a stock turbo car I went with the A4, I just hope it holds up like the Nissan will! My requirements are pretty specific, I want 2.0T, Quattro, 6-speed, and I only want the car in black, dark grey, white, or red.

I wanted the lighting package, but I know that seems pretty rare. How hard is it to throw xenon's in these cars? I'm hoping relatively easy with no check engine lights, etc.

Is there a reason to get a 2006 vs. 2005.5? Is there anything specifically that I should be looking for? It seems most in my price range have between 35-45K miles. Is that an issue in terms of modding the car? I'll probably drive it to 100K miles and definitely mod the engine a bit. The stock power is definitely nowhere near fast enough for me, lol.

**eMacPaul** · 09-15-2008 02:54 PM

The '06 has a service plan built-in.

**MJH 102383** · 09-15-2008 03:19 PM

What do you mean service plan built-in? Thanks!

**bcramer** · 09-15-2008 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by MJH 102383

What do you mean service plan built-in? Thanks!

All scheduled maintenance up to 50,000 miles or 4 years is included and pre-paid when you buy the car. There are some exclusions from the plan, it's mostly for oil changes.

**MJH 102383** · 09-15-2008 03:31 PM

Ahh, okay, but how reliable is the B7 A4 from 50-100K miles? Is there any extremely costly maintenance? How hard is it to throw in a xenon kit on the B7 A4?

Thanks!

Is there any reason to buy a 2006 vs. 2005.5?

**bcramer** · 09-15-2008 03:36 PM

I don't how reliable or unreliable they are in that mileage range. It seem like most people on here don't have their cars for that long. Also, considering the average person drives 15,000 miles a year 3 years x 15,000 miles/year = 45,000 miles so the average consumer is just now going to getting into the mileage range.

As far as putting bi-xenons in. You would want to purchase the housings from www.ecstuning.com and then talk to Jens (user name lowestA4) on getting the other required parts. It ends up being a pretty spendy venture. It's supposed to be a pretty simple process though.

**peta8368** · 09-16-2008 09:28 AM

for the bi-xenons, you can also wait until jens have a set of housing for sale. His last few sets (complete kits with everything you need) sold for 900-950. The swap will take you about 4-5 hours the first time as long as you know your way around basic tools.

and these kits are EU spec light pattern OEM housings, so they fit perfectly, works perfectly, and thorws down better light pattern then US spec ones.

Peter

**marcink99** · 09-16-2008 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by bcramer

All scheduled maintenance up to 50,000 miles or 4 years is included and pre-paid when you buy the car. There are some exclusions from the plan, it's mostly for oil changes.

Wait what i have 06 are you telling me that my oil changes and service manuals are free!!!!!! ? what about brake pads? when is the next service do i had one at 25000

**TheHeggi** · 09-16-2008 11:57 PM

I have an 05.5 w/free scheduled maint. Didn't know it until I just brought her into the dealer for a window regulator and the 45k mile service, brake flush, front rotor, and all brake pads were all done/replaced for free. Mine had 42k when I bought it and picked it up for 19k at a legit dealer.

**UrKurt** · 09-17-2008 12:07 AM

This is called the "Audi Care" package... it does not include tires but does include scheduled maint. Warranty items are always covered. It's not standard on the newest models, but it's like $500 so I think a lot of people just do it. I guess Audi figures if you're paying this much money for a car, what's another $500? If you're planning on buying CPO, check with your dealer whether you have to pay for it or not, but it goes up to 90k or something on a CPO as opposed to 45k on a new car. If you're buying from private party and it's got Audi Care, the 45k is transferable.

**mdfast1** · 09-17-2008 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by TheHeggi

I have an 05.5 w/free scheduled maint. Didn't know it until I just brought her into the dealer for a window regulator and the 45k mile service, brake flush, front rotor, and all brake pads were all done/replaced for free. Mine had 42k when I bought it and picked it up for 19k at a legit dealer.

The dealership replaced the pads and rotors for free? Is this typical of most dealers? Pads and rotors sound like a wear and tear item to me.

**TheHeggi** · 09-17-2008 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by mdfast1

The dealership replaced the pads and rotors for free? Is this typical of most dealers? Pads and rotors sound like a wear and tear item to me.

Just found out in another post that the 05.5 brakes were covered, but that stopped in 2006.

**gervi** · 09-17-2008 07:41 PM

Yeah, the 2006 maintenance package doesn't cover brake pads. Though it'll cover a brake fluid flush and oil/filter changes. Also, I don't think its been brought up yet but try getting an S-Line package A4 as you'll most likely regret not getting it the first place. Good luck and keep everyone here posted and post a picture when you get one.