Upgrade the B5 or Upgrade to a B6?

**OttaCee** · 09-28-2008 05:55 PM

Ive cross-posted this at PassatWorld for feedback so ive come here to ask everyone what to do.

Currently own a 2000 Passat 1.8T 5 speed with 100k. Never any major problems with the car, just basic maintenance like TB @ 80k, Valve Cover gasket @90k, Control Arms @75k. The car drives great but I feel this cars luck could run out anytime.

Been looking at Audi A4 (B6) models and found one that caught my eye. 2004 A4 1.8TQ 6 speed, sport package with 47k. Ive talked them down to 15k for the car but told them I need to secure financing through my bank. The whole car is a upgrade over mine.

Driving home, I realized that my current love, my B5 isn't that bad. Maybe it just needs some "upgrades" and preventative maintenance done to it. Here are list of things I would do:
Chip ($500)
Suspension ($600-$1000 installed)
Wheels+tires ($600-$1000)
Leather upgrade ($ ???)

So do I spend $2000+ on my 100k car or do I drop 15k on a newer Audi?

**F16HTON** · 09-28-2008 06:05 PM

Is you Passat FWD? 99.9% sure since the 4Motion was only a V6 as fas as I know.

I would not do any power mods to a FWD car.

**OttaCee** · 09-28-2008 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by 400HPA4

Is you Passat FWD?

Yes, its FWD. So your saying I shouldn't do any power mods even though its a light-moderate change (like going Stage I?)

**romell** · 09-28-2008 06:37 PM

i agree with greg.. get the a4 if u got the money and are finincially secure to make the payment for the next 2-5 years...

the a4 heavy, slow at factory... is still a great car. always get complitments from my car... the best one that i got was last night driving my girlfriend... just got my custom exhaust and my front bumper repainted/fixed from my accident.. and the guys words were... "yo kid.. your is looking fresh!"

gained some points with my girlfriend and ill tell you.. it made me feel good.
not saying ur passat is ugly or anything.. but a b6 looks really really pretty.

**romell** · 09-28-2008 06:37 PM

but do try gettinga USP you wont regret it.. u will be 1000000 times happier. and i think everyone can vouch for me on that.

**AudiA4Turbo22** · 09-28-2008 07:01 PM

remember just because it is newer doesnt mean anything u can have tons of problems any real mechanic can tell u german cars are only truely broken in after 100k

**LampyB** · 09-28-2008 08:33 PM

i wouldn't start adding power to a car with 100K. in 15K more miles your car will be about 9 years old and you'll have spent that $2000+ on upgrades and you'll probably want to sell it by then. just get the B6 audi not only because it looks 10x better, but a year from now you'll probably have the money to start upgrading a much newer car. you'll be able to enjoy the mods for several years after this, rather than about a year or so on the B5. and +1 to the comment above about finding an Ultrasport...you'll be soo much happier with one of these than a standard sport edition B6. almost any expensive exterior mod is already taken care of by the OEM USP look.

yes your car will probably run for a very long time, but you're still going to have a ton more stuff to replace as parts get older. a B6 at 47K isn't going to have nearly as many maintenance issues as long as the car is an '04+ (better consumer reports, less issues).

**romell** · 09-28-2008 08:36 PM

^^ well said

**yung turbo** · 09-28-2008 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by 400HPA4

Is you Passat FWD? 99.9% sure since the 4Motion was only a V6 as fas as I know.

I would not do any power mods to a FWD car.

in 2005 the were a few 4motion 1.8Ts. i found one here in ny for $13k. pass on it because i dont like the body though.

**OttaCee** · 09-29-2008 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by LampyB

i wouldn't start adding power to a car with 100K. in 15K more miles your car will be about 9 years old and you'll have spent that $2000+ on upgrades and you'll probably want to sell it by then. just get the B6 audi not only because it looks 10x better, but a year from now you'll probably have the money to start upgrading a much newer car. you'll be able to enjoy the mods for several years after this, rather than about a year or so on the B5. and +1 to the comment above about finding an Ultrasport...you'll be soo much happier with one of these than a standard sport edition B6. almost any expensive exterior mod is already taken care of by the OEM USP look.

yes your car will probably run for a very long time, but you're still going to have a ton more stuff to replace as parts get older. a B6 at 47K isn't going to have nearly as many maintenance issues as long as the car is an '04+ (better consumer reports, less issues).

Thanks for the words. USP definitely would put me in the right direction but those 18" with Boston roads dont mesh well. So far the only USP ive found is a 04 USP FrontTrack with 60k for $16k.

Im going to give it another week or so before I make my decision...keep you guys informed!

**durfA4** · 09-29-2008 07:16 AM

I have a 05 USP in Boston And dont have any issues with the roads and pot holes, I would be more concerned with after market rims than these OEM rims. Its part of the reason why i refuse to change my rims. Except for winter and those are meaty snow tires.

If you want to enjoy your car go with a USP, because as soon you see one after you buy a regular A4 you will think i should of bought that. it is worth an extra $1000 or more to most people. But you can always convert a stock one to USP.
Good luck with your choice and take you time to find the one you want with the options, you have it for quite a few years. might as well enjoy it.