How much should I save for maintenance?

[kxl77]

Generally speaking, how much should I have for the proper maintenance of a B7 A4 2.0T? I've heard of Audis being very problematic which has discouraged me from purchasing an Audi. I have a BMW now, and its not bad but it's showing its age and things are falling apart at 160k.

I thought about picking up another BMW too, like a 2006 330xi, but the Audi's exterior is just beautiful and the interior is something to be desired. The quattro system is what attracts me since I live in NY and commute to work.

If I were to budget $200 a month for pure maintenance, would that be okay?

I guess the underlying question is, "Is this car going be a money pit?"

Yes, I know this question is vague and hard to answer, but any type of feedback is appreciated.

And for reference, I'm working full time with a secure career.

[Auditude2.0T]

I have my car for 14 months now put 11k on the car and drive the car 90% City/Town driving which is generally harder on the car. The car has yet to have been to the dealer for any warranty work and have not put a dollar in the car maintance wise. I have also modded the car alot and the car has proven very solid to me. My dad has an RS4 which he has had for 2 years now and the car has also yet to be at a dealer and not one dollar in maintance. Prior to the RS4 my dad had an A6 4.2, that car he bought in mid 2000 got totaled in 2007 that car in 7 1/2 years of ownership not once at the dealer aswell. Audi's for my family atleast have proven amazingly solid!!

[IceMole]

$200 a month for what exactly? maybe mods. Over the last year of this b7 I've paid $0, but that's under the included maintenance package. The only thing you really should budget for is a timing belt when it becomes due. If you get a car that was cared for, and continue caring for it, you won't have problems.

[Tru NY Player]

x2 on everything said..
put that money into modding..

[Sharkfin]

to set aside $200 for maintenance is not needed, if you are under warranty 99% of things are covered outside the wear items category. I have been very happy with my car and drive it hard (I'm at 52k now).

[Sanjman]

maintaining audis are more expensive than acuras/infinitis (because they don't run on synthetic) Generally, our cars like BMW use synthetic oil which costs approximiately 60 dollars for a change at the stealership. The maintenance manual requires you to change your oil every 10k, most people know to change it a little earlier (5k is the safest bet) but you can do it at 10k... either way assuming you drive 10k miles/year than you have approx. 120/year plus maybe a few complications that will not cost too much (brakes ~220 at the stealership) I'd say at most 300/year on average (assuming you whatever extra money you don't use to roll over to the next year...

[Bmeister]

Most of the people on this forum are mod-oriented. I chose the B7 A4 Quattro over a BMW or another Mercedes because I wanted good performance, manual transmission and AWD for daily use throughout the year. The 2.0T when chipped provides acceptable street performance while easily returning 30+ mpg on the highway; it's not a drag racer and will not compare to a 335xi, but then I find the 335xi horribly "butt ugly" (thanks to Mr. Chris Bangle) and the interior bland and boring. I can jump into an upgraded AMG S55 or Porsche 930 when I want serious street or track performance.

Having put the B7 A4 through its paces over many thousands of miles in all weather conditions and comparing it to other marques I've owned, it has performed without fault and with a highly rewarding driving experience. I bought it used with high miles for use as a basic work-travel appliance (always a risk buying used), but Audis are very well-built vehicles and hold up well even under the abusive hands of teenagers on this forum. The way I evaluate a car is to ask myself if I'd buy it again or buy another...yes without reservation.

FWIW, it's never a bad idea to set aside some money for anticipated maintenance (i.e. $200/mo) that you can apply to something else if it's not needed. Good luck on your decision.

[plokm]

well to me audi is a great car..it got its ups and down here and there but over all its the same as any car. maintain is same o same oh

[b6onboost]

There is absolutely no way maintenance will cost $200 a month.

At a dealer, maintenance costs a lot. At a dealer, repairs cost a lot. But on your own it really isn't expensive or hard to keep an Audi running strong and in top condition. If you look at the maintenance schedule and actual work required...its not much more than oil/filter changes and visual inspections to assure fliuds and wear items like brake pads are still good.

A car becomes a money pit when its driven hard and not properly cared for. A lot of Audi/Bimmers/Benz were leases and beat on pretty hard, so they have a lot of problems. We've bought 2 Audis preowned and both have been exceptionally reliable cars, with hardly anything requiring repairs.

[eMacPaul]

I've had mine a little over a year (bought new, with the maintenance package), and the only things I've paid for are new tires and a windshield.

[08 B7]

i never had a maintenance problem..the only thing i would suggest you save 200 a month is for the hater keying up your car..its hard seeing a beautiful red shiny car with scratches on it.. i took my car to the body shop 5 times i got the car in may..some people get jealus

[eMacPaul]

i never had a maintenance problem..the only thing i would suggest you save 200 a month is for the hater keying up your car..its hard seeing a beautiful red shiny car with scratches on it.. i took my car to the body shop 5 times i got the car in may..some people get jealus

Dang! You need to electrify your car, or something... zap the bastards.

[Kevin2772]

I've noticed the cars don't seem to have many issues until the warranty is up. My old 2000 A4 hit the shitter at 80K on the clock when everything started to become an issue. SO i got rid of it after that. My Bimmer was flawless (with the exception of the downpipe covered under warranty) for 2.5 years and up to 96K on the odometer. My current audi is 11 months old, with 17K on the clock and no issues thus far!

[A4A4A4]

I bought my car brand new about a year ago and have not had a single problem. I drive my car pretty hard and it also goes through Canadian winters without any trouble. The only time it's been to the dealership is for it's scheduled service. I'd say if you budget $10 a month you'd be fine.