Audi Newbie, loking at 08 A4 convertible s-line

[wspeake]

Looking to purchase my first Audi, kids are older and don't need the SUV for the room any more. Drove a Acura MDX for many years, looked great and always performed like a champ. Lookng for a convertible and love the look of the A4's.. any practical buying advice? Things to stay away from... From what I have read the 08 are more reliable than the 06's and 07's. Looking at ones under 40k in mileage. I drive quite a bit so i want it to last.

Thanks

Wes

[KushGandhi]

Well to be honest, stay away from convertibles. :)

Just joshing ya, its personal preference.
I would try to invest in an 09 since the b7 platform is ugly.

[Mc Suly]

Well to be honest, stay away from convertibles. :)

Just joshing ya, its personal preference.
I would try to invest in an 09 since the b7 platform is ugly.

:O

[audib7maniac]

Well to be honest, stay away from convertibles. :)

Just joshing ya, its personal preference.
I would try to invest in an 09 since the b7 platform is ugly.

OP dont listen to the guy with one ring, especially to someone who doesnt help out the az community

[Inked]

Well to be honest, stay away from convertibles. :)

Just joshing ya, its personal preference.
I would try to invest in an 09 since the b7 platform is ugly.

Who's this douche bag?

[CorneliusRox]

Well to be honest, stay away from convertibles. :)

Just joshing ya, its personal preference.
I would try to invest in an 09 since the b7 platform is ugly.

Sorry Wes, but I think we can all agree that this guy is just a hater.

Welcome! Lets see some pics soon!

[KushGandhi]

Who's this douche bag?

Sorry guys, I wasn't trying to be a douche or anything. My apologies. Just disregard my post.

[4RingRook]

Looking to purchase my first Audi, kids are older and don't need the SUV room any more. Drove a Acura MDX for many years and it always performed like a champ. Lookng for a convertible and love the look of the A4's.. any practicle buying advice? Things to stay away from. From what I read the 08 are more relaiable than the 08's. Looking at ones under 40k in mileage. I drive a lot.

Thanks
Wes

Welcome. I'll assume you meant 08s being more dependable than previous model years, like 05.5 or 06. It's true that newer models have upgraded DVs. As for what to look for, it's more about options (RNS-e, Xenons vs Halogens, S line vs Non S line, Titanium package, Sport Suspension). When these motors are well maintained, they will run forever. Looking under 40k miles, that shouldn't be an issue. Carbon build up is something that should be addressed when you get into higher mileage, since it will impact power over time.

Well to be honest, stay away from convertibles. :)

Just joshing ya, its personal preference.
I would try to invest in an 09 since the b7 platform is ugly.

[wspeake]

Thanks I definitely like the S-line looks... Titanium package? Nav, looks a little hard to use is the aftermarket stuff any better? Also are there any issues with aftermarket LED headlights?

[cheemn]

Titanium package has the blacked out window trims.......blacked out chrome around grille......piano trim inside.....nice sexy dark grey rims. Basically will add value to your car for resale later on or just look really hot! Look up pics of ones in here. OEM navi is nice and yes older technology but to have a dynavin etc that looks like oem you will have headaches in bugs they have. If ya dont care about the looks of your headunit nothing compares to aftermarket I suppose. However.....OEM navi does show info on your DIS next to your speedo. I am sure others will chime in here. And one other note. on first reply. I think the 09 convertibles actually had b7 bodies. Again please someone else chime in on this. So yeah if its true you can look at 09's also.

[4RingRook]

Thanks I definitely like the S-line looks... Titanium package? Nav, looks a little hard to use is the aftersrket stuff better? Also any issues with aftermarketLED headlights?

RNS e is definitely not tough to use, but most complain that it's not touchscreen and you have to use the wheel to select the letters for destination info.

A few people on here have swapped in those LED headlights (Dectane I believe) without many problems. I'm guessing it's hit or miss like most add on items.

[wspeake]

Cool I only saw a couple of cars with that package.... The 09 seems to have the same body style.

[WtA4WtQ5]

Cool I only saw a couple of cars with that package.... The 09 seems to have the same body style.

Welcome to the site. 09 cab's are the B7 older body style and 09's all have the S line exterior with S line option or not.
Most folks buy cabs new in the spring and come off lease in the spring. the 09's will be coming off lease next spring. and are for sale late spring early summer.
My wife got a certified 08 AWD non s line 2.0T last June. Has RNS-E and adaptive xenons and she absolutely loves it. I don't drive it often but it is a nice ride and looks sharp. Gets a lot more looks than my Q5 does as well.

[wspeake]

Thanks for the great advice. I really like the newer body style, but don't want to jump in head first to my first Audi purchase.

I found a 08 B7 s-line, Nav with 31K miles for $24k no visible damage looks amazing. The carfax showed valve gaskets being changed twice for burning oil once at 9k and again at 22k. Is this common or should I stay away because of a larger issue. Car appears to have been at a dealership for all of its service.

[80sGuy]

I personally think the B7s series are a much better looking design than the newer B8's. The valve gasket you mentioned being changed twice was probably caused by a faulty pcv system (pressure regulator valve) which can be an easy fix. Common things to look out for are mainly the valves and sensors; like the PCV as mentioned, the Diverter Valve, N80 Valve, and possibly the Thrust Sensor (fuel pressure regulator sensor). I can tell you now that it won't be like your MDX where you can just drive and go and not have to worry about what's under the hood.

[wspeake]

Thanks 80's guy, the MDX was bulletproof, I got 206k out of before it started to give me any trouble. I know the Audi isn't going to be a Acura. but want to make sure I'm not buying one with a built in problem.

Strange the dealership wouldn't caught the other valve stuff, who knows maybe they did...

[2007B7cabrio]

Looking to purchase my first Audi, kids are older and don't need the SUV for the room any more. Drove a Acura MDX for many years, looked great and always performed like a champ. Lookng for a convertible and love the look of the A4's.. any practical buying advice? Things to stay away from... From what I have read the 08 are more reliable than the 06's and 07's. Looking at ones under 40k in mileage. I drive quite a bit so i want it to last.

Thanks

Wes

What ever you decide remember quattro, even in the cabrio's, I had a B6 cab before with the CVT, first couple of week was OK, but then I just started to hate it more and more, for me the B6 ended with the engine (1.8T) had an oil leak and a CV joint split, I used that to convince my wife that it would be better to trade

I got a 2007 CPO, 2.0T Quattro, it drives better than the CVT, but it is still an open car and it will shake and rattle, it does not have the same dynamics as the sedan or avant.
The 0-60 is quite slower than the sedan/avant, the added weight can really be felt, I have the Revo stg 1 and in our warehouse a RAI HFC, 034 CC and RS4 rear sway bar, I'll most likely go stg 2 by end of the year. just remember that the PCV and DV will fail faster if you tune the engine...

I still love driving it, and still prefer the B7 looks over the B8, the B8 seams to have less personality and the interior of the B8 seams to have less class over it

Picture can be seen in this post;

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-FL?highlight=

[wspeake]

Ok, Decided on a silver 08 A4, s-line, nav w/30k, its beautiful and can't wait to drop the top and drive it tonight. Thank you to everyone that provided info. Helped me make my decision.
Definitely looking at some mild mods soon.

[WtA4WtQ5]

Ok, Decided on a silver 08 A4, s-line, nav w/30k, its beautiful and can't wait to drop the top and drive it tonight. Thank you to everyone that provided info. Helped me make my decision.
Definitely looking at some mild mods soon.

Congrats! Enjoy.

[2007B7cabrio]

Ok, Decided on a silver 08 A4, s-line, nav w/30k, its beautiful and can't wait to drop the top and drive it tonight. Thank you to everyone that provided info. Helped me make my decision.
Definitely looking at some mild mods soon.

Congrats and welcome I'm sure you will enjoy the new ride

BTW look into smart top module, it will let you open / close the top from the remote control, make the button in the car a one-touch so you do not need to hold it + it will allow you to open and close during driving ( you can set a max speed limit so that it will not happen at highway speeds)

[Inked]

Pics?

[wspeake]

I'm in love, I bought it sight unseen (besides the dozens of pictures), watching it come off the truck was a great feeling. Definitely want to get a few things soon. Pic's are a pain in the butt to post I'll work on it tonight.

Sirius Module
Smart Top Module
Stage 1

that's probably about it..
Oh ya... new PCV...

Thanks agian.

[2007B7cabrio]

Where are the pics...