B5 A4 or B6 A4 - Basic Commuting Car

[AnimalVZ9]

Everyone,

Been a long time since I visited this forum, now a regular in the C6 A6/S6 forum as I have a C6 S6. It's a great car, I love it, BUT I do drive a lot for business and commuting. As a result, I want to scoop up a more basic used A4 for more everyday use, keep miles and maintenance costs on the S6 down. With that said, had a 99 B5 A4 2.8q back in the day and an 04 A4 3.0q avant years back, as well. So certainly not new to these platforms.

I'm thinking in the 80k-100k range for either, with reasonable maintenance records and big items like timing belt/water pump and control arms, etc. being done. Is this a suitable mileage range if upkeep was pretty good? What else should I be looking for? Reliability wise is it smarter to go with the 2.8 or 3.0 to avoid turbo mishaps or is it one and the same? I won't really be modding this car so its more a reliability thing and not tuneability.

Price wise, I'm in SF Bay Area, and feel a B5 A4 in that mileage range is feasible at $4500 and B6 A4 in that mileage could be found in the $6000-7000 range. Agreed?

Thanks all

[Fast4esT]

2.8s in my experience are pretty cheap to own and very reliable even after 200,000 miles

[AnimalVZ9]

How about an 04 USP 1.8t w only 88k miles? Timing and all has been done. Pretty good condition in and out. Sports package. I haven't seen many B5s that excite me much as they approach 13-15yrs of life

[SJorge3442]

USPs are awesome and if you dont get a USP you will still be searching for USP body parts, since thats what everyone on here does. All in all, worst case scenario is that you'd need a new turbo soon, but that just means more speed!

[AnimalVZ9]

04 1.8t USP w 88k miles... I know there are A LOT of variables, but let's just say its in good condition, physically and mechanically, what would yall deem a fair purchase price or a price to aim for... KBB is 7200-7500...

[tim04USPa4]

To bad you're not east coast. Would cut you a killer deal on my USP, lol. Have the itch for a newer Audi.

[AnimalVZ9]

Family is East Coast, I am back regularly for visits or for work. I've driven XC three times SOOO how killer are we talking here? Throw a # at me via PM w some details.

To bad you're not east coast. Would cut you a killer deal on my USP, lol. Have the itch for a newer Audi.