B8/B8.5 Buyer's Guide and "Looking to buy" Question Thread

[Helobubba]

Hey All:

I have an 09 B8 A4 Quattro with stock 17 inch wheels and it's time for me to get some new tires. I'm specifically looking for the "best" all season tires that I can purchase from Tire Rack or perhaps elsewhere. I live in New Jersey and while its 85 and sunny today, our winters can get pretty harsh. Any advice will be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

I recommend posting your question in this thread: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ire-Thread-***

[DeeInSeatown]

As far as I'm aware, even the facelift cars need Prestige + nav + possibly B&O in order to get factory Bluetooth audio. Something like that, anyway. They're uncommon.

Ah, ok. Thanks. I think that's been a lot of what I've been targeting. Does limit the available stock for purchase quite a bit. I wouldn't be surprised to find even if I found one with the options, it doesn't have the best functionality. Maybe I'll start a thread on the topic and see what turns up.

[DrGER]

As far as I'm aware, even the facelift cars need Prestige + nav + possibly B&O in order to get factory Bluetooth audio. Something like that, anyway. They're uncommon.

The description over at http://audi-intelligence.com/bluetooth/prod/ suggests that MMI Navigation Plus systems have BT audio streaming capability. Our 2014 Premium Plus has this system & it works fine with my (old) Samsung S4.

[DeeInSeatown]

The description over at http://audi-intelligence.com/bluetooth/prod/ suggests that MMI Navigation Plus systems have BT audio streaming capability. Our 2014 Premium Plus has this system & it works fine with my (old) Samsung S4.

My google-fu wasn't able to scare that page up. Thanks for the link, that's a helpful source.

[DeeInSeatown]

Looking at this car:

http://www.crownlexus.com/VehicleDet...-CA/3023134823

It checks most of the boxes in what I'm looking for. Has low miles, price seems to be on par with similar sales I've seen lately, California car so should be good on the rust scene, and the Carfax shows what looks to be a well maintained vehicle. If I had my druthers, ultimate would be pretty similar to this, only in the B8.5 with the 19" titanium wheels, but then I'd be giving up some more cash to get there. Water pump has been replaced and unfortunately the dealer did an oil change on intake, so I really don't know what the oil level was when it came in (i.e. oil consumption?)

Wonder if anyone has any thoughts on it?

[audrobotic]

Looking at this car:

http://www.crownlexus.com/VehicleDet...-CA/3023134823

It checks most of the boxes in what I'm looking for. Has low miles, price seems to be on par with similar sales I've seen lately, California car so should be good on the rust scene, and the Carfax shows what looks to be a well maintained vehicle. If I had my druthers, ultimate would be pretty similar to this, only in the B8.5 with the 19" titanium wheels, but then I'd be giving up some more cash to get there. Water pump has been replaced and unfortunately the dealer did an oil change on intake, so I really don't know what the oil level was when it came in (i.e. oil consumption?)

Wonder if anyone has any thoughts on it?

Given that is not a B8.5 I wouldnt risk it. And it seems like its had continous minor problems and it's out of warranty. If youre really set on it, maybe have some sort of service inspect it since it seems like you may be out of state. And you could call the dealer and ask questions about the maintenance record. (It's always been to one dealer so thats good). Cafax is very vague in their repair/service descriptions and important info could be missing.

[DeeInSeatown]

Given that is not a B8.5 I wouldnt risk it. And it seems like its had continous minor problems and it's out of warranty. If youre really set on it, maybe have some sort of service inspect it since it seems like you may be out of state. And you could call the dealer and ask questions about the maintenance record. (It's always been to one dealer so thats good). Cafax is very vague in their repair/service descriptions and important info could be missing.

Thanks for the input. Are the B8.5s more reliable or is that just a nod to my preference?

Reading the carfax, I noticed the car had been in a lot, but at first glance it didn't seem like that much for the cars age. On second glance though, it is pretty regular. Lot of driveability checks and tire related issues. I tried calling the dealer that serviced the vehicle earlier today but since I'm not the owner, they wouldn't give me info on the car. I am out of town too. Since I'm trying to find an s-line/prestige car with the B&O stereo and alcantra seats, I'm casting a pretty wide net.

[audrobotic]

Thanks for the input. Are the B8.5s more reliable or is that just a nod to my preference?

Reading the carfax, I noticed the car had been in a lot, but at first glance it didn't seem like that much for the cars age. On second glance though, it is pretty regular. Lot of driveability checks and tire related issues. I tried calling the dealer that serviced the vehicle earlier today but since I'm not the owner, they wouldn't give me info on the car. I am out of town too. Since I'm trying to find an s-line/prestige car with the B&O stereo and alcantra seats, I'm casting a pretty wide net.

The B8.5 is more reliable. 2012 was sort of a transition year where things started to improve but 2013 was a more definite improvement year. (For example the oil consumption problem was pretty much solved by 2013).

[DeeInSeatown]

The B8.5 is more reliable. 2012 was sort of a transition year where things started to improve but 2013 was a more definite improvement year. (For example the oil consumption problem was pretty much solved by 2013).

Thanks. Top-line post of this thread counts the 2012 in the pretty decent vehicle column.

Spoke with a service advisor at the dealer yesterday and he really didn't see much in the way of red flags on the car. Just typical maintenance, updated water pump, PCV valve. No oil issues reported, and didn't know about the timing chain tensioner. Poking around a little last night, noticed that updating the MMI to the newer 3g+ isn't too daunting either, which was a bit of a sticking point for me.

[Project Quattro]

Thanks. Top-line post of this thread counts the 2012 in the pretty decent vehicle column.

Spoke with a service advisor at the dealer yesterday and he really didn't see much in the way of red flags on the car. Just typical maintenance, updated water pump, PCV valve. No oil issues reported, and didn't know about the timing chain tensioner. Poking around a little last night, noticed that updating the MMI to the newer 3g+ isn't too daunting either, which was a bit of a sticking point for me.

'12s are ok. 2013+ are ideal but I wouldn't stress a 2012.

[DeeInSeatown]

There's this 2014 local, but it's a little more money, has more miles, and has the Premium+ package rather than Prestige, so missing out on the alcantra. 2012 seems like a better value all in all

http://www.auditacoma.com/used/Audi/...85eaed9ec5.htm

They've also got a titanium package 2014 premium+ s-line for about 2k less. My guess is if you try to work price with them, they'd push to the higher mileage vehicle.

[DeeInSeatown]

There's this 2014 local, but it's a little more money, has more miles, and has the Premium+ package rather than Prestige, so missing out on the alcantra. 2012 seems like a better value all in all

http://www.auditacoma.com/used/Audi/...85eaed9ec5.htm

They've also got a titanium package 2014 premium+ s-line for about 2k less. My guess is if you try to work price with them, they'd push to the higher mileage vehicle.

Whelp, I'm now the owner of a monsoon grey, 2014 A4 P+. Alcantra would have been nice, but I think this one will work just fine. Was hoping for less than 50k miles, but this isn't bad. Able to talk them down on the price a bit too. $22,650. Not bad considering the '12 in Cali would have had about $1000 in shipping charges and asking was $21k

So third Audi adventure, starts today...'91 200 20v turbo quattro>'99 A4 V6 w/sport package and 5-speed, and now a '14 A4 P+.

[DrGER]

Whelp, I'm now the owner of a monsoon grey, 2014 A4 P+. Alcantra would have been nice, but I think this one will work just fine. Was hoping for less than 50k miles, but this isn't bad. Able to talk them down on the price a bit too. $22,650. Not bad considering the '12 in Cali would have had about $1000 in shipping charges and asking was $21k

So third Audi adventure, starts today...'91 200 20v turbo quattro>'99 A4 V6 w/sport package and 5-speed, and now a '14 A4 P+.

Is that the A4 from Audi Tacoma ? Very nice. We upgraded recently from a 2009 P+ to a similar 2014, except with the 6MT gearbox (our post is on the previous page). While the Monsoon Grey Metallic is nice (much better than Black, IMHO), I miss the Brilliant Red. Still, it's a beautiful & capable car. Also: if you're looking for basic 3G for (essentially) free for the MMI 3G+, see my post using a FreedomPop SIM on the AT&T network ( http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...i-Connect-Yes-! ).

[DeeInSeatown]

Is that the A4 from Audi Tacoma ? Very nice. We upgraded recently from a 2009 P+ to a similar 2014, except with the 6MT gearbox (our post is on the previous page). While the Monsoon Grey Metallic is nice (much better than Black, IMHO), I miss the Brilliant Red. Still, it's a beautiful & capable car. Also: if you're looking for basic 3G for (essentially) free for the MMI 3G+, see my post using a FreedomPop SIM on the AT&T network ( http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...i-Connect-Yes-! ).

Yep, thats the one I picked up. Personally I'm a fan of the color and thought about manual but traffic is so bad where we live, thought I'd give an automatic a go.

Saw that thread too on the activation. We actually have a spare T-mobile sim I've been trying to use. I don't know what I'm missing, but I can't get the data connection to work.

[BucDan]

There's a one-man Audi/VW shop Autoexcel, his name is Boris and he also buys/sells a few cars. I think he goes to the car auctions and if you tell him what youre looking for he can try to find it. His shop is off Miramar road in San Diego.

I'm skeptical of auction cars. The guy is about a mile away from where I work. Does he do good work on Audis versus the dealership? That's pretty much the next step in this search.

I bought it from this dealer in Frederick, MD. Here's an almost identical model to the one I bought, but it had about 50k miles on it. Mine also had a light gray interior:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Audi-A4...UAAOSwQAhZeQRd

They've lowered the price about $1700 from what I remember when I was there. The folks at the dealership were really pleasant to work with. They're a relatively small outfit that deals in quality used cars. You can check their store to see what else they're offering. Mine turned out to be a previously leased vehicle that was sold at auction. I'm a huge proponent of buying leased vehicles for many reasons. They're usually only three years old, have relatively low mileage, have been well maintained, and are usually showroom perfect. I'm really loving mine so far.

Hey, if anyone decides to buy from this dealership send me a PM and I'll give you my name. They have a referral rewards program and I'd get a $150 gift certificate if I refer someone.

That car sold for so cheap!

What do you guys think about Tornado Gray Metallic as a color?

[audrobotic]

I'm skeptical of auction cars. The guy is about a mile away from where I work. Does he do good work on Audis versus the dealership? That's pretty much the next step in this search.

...What do you guys think about Tornado Gray Metallic as a color?

I think he does good work. I havent really used many independent shops because I've usually had Audicare. But he changed my brakes a few years back. He seems like really nice guy.

Most used cars on dealer lots are from auctions anyway.

I'm generally not a fan of grey cars, but a neighbor had tornado grey A4 and I thought it looked really good on the A4.

[BucDan]

I think he does good work. I havent really used many independent shops because I've usually had Audicare. But he changed my brakes a few years back. He seems like really nice guy.

Most used cars on dealer lots are from auctions anyway.

I'm generally not a fan of grey cars, but a neighbor had tornado grey A4 and I thought it looked really good on the A4.

Is that really the case for actual Audi dealerships? They buy auction cars and resell? I guess it's hard to know until the carfax of where the car had been, is read. I thought small mom and pop dealerships only did the car auctioning.

I'll give him a consideration when the time comes around.

I need to ask, as a general new hopeful future Audi owner, why do you guys pick the A4 over the S4? Is it a case of settling, or the A4 is just right with its appeal?

[Project Quattro]

Is that really the case for actual Audi dealerships? They buy auction cars and resell? I guess it's hard to know until the carfax of where the car had been, is read. I thought small mom and pop dealerships only did the car auctioning.

I'll give him a consideration when the time comes around.

I need to ask, as a general new hopeful future Audi owner, why do you guys pick the A4 over the S4? Is it a case of settling, or the A4 is just right with its appeal?

I'm not sure about CPO cars but generally all dealerships buy from and sell to auctions to keep their inventory at the right place. Every CPO I've heard of is off lease or a 1-owner car so I'm guessing they don't buy from auctions for that.

Most of us with A4 sedans didn't want to or couldn't pay for an S4. A lot of the guys with Avants and Allroads wanted the extra space. But, the A4 does have some few benefits over the S4 on its own:

- cheaper, obviously
- better gas mileage
- lower maintenance and repair costs

And depending on your performance goals and preferences, you can install a K04 reach stock S4 power levels for a few thousand dollars and have a lighter car with the same power.

The flipside is that that's essentially the ceiling for a 2.0T, unless you're doing a serious build, whereas you can spend the same few thousand dollars on the S4 and get over 400 whp and 400 wtq.

Myself I'm perfectly happy with my stage 1 A4 for now, I don't regret saving the money over getting an S4. A tuned Quattro manual sport package A4 is a great balance of practicality, fun, and reliability for daily driving.


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[BucDan]

I'm not sure about CPO cars but generally all dealerships buy from and sell to auctions to keep their inventory at the right place. Every CPO I've heard of is off lease or a 1-owner car so I'm guessing they don't buy from auctions for that.

Most of us with A4 sedans didn't want to or couldn't pay for an S4. A lot of the guys with Avants and Allroads wanted the extra space. But, the A4 does have some few benefits over the S4 on its own:

- cheaper, obviously
- better gas mileage
- lower maintenance and repair costs

And depending on your performance goals and preferences, you can install a K04 reach stock S4 power levels for a few thousand dollars and have a lighter car with the same power.

The flipside is that that's essentially the ceiling for a 2.0T, unless you're doing a serious build, whereas you can spend the same few thousand dollars on the S4 and get over 400 whp and 400 wtq.

Myself I'm perfectly happy with my stage 1 A4 for now, I don't regret saving the money over getting an S4. A tuned Quattro manual sport package A4 is a great balance of practicality, fun, and reliability for daily driving.


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Luckily, I'm not the performance modder type. If anything, it would be aesthetics at most. I've always been between the two, but the extra $10k has always made me take a step back. But this guy showed up:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ink=true&Log=0

Of course, it's a couple thousand more than an A4, though has twice as much mileage on it. I read that 60K miles is where the major tune ups happen, is that true? The kicker is that it's had 3 owners according to the carfax, not sure if they're mostly just dealerships owning it or private users. I'm probably being dumb by looking at it, considering it's been passed around quite a bit.

Still eyeing the Audi I posted earlier though, apparently has gotten more interest, but no one has bit yet. Must be something off about that. And like you said, it's fully loaded too, so it would be a great balance.

[Project Quattro]

Luckily, I'm not the performance modder type. If anything, it would be aesthetics at most. I've always been between the two, but the extra $10k has always made me take a step back. But this guy showed up:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ink=true&Log=0

Of course, it's a couple thousand more than an A4, though has twice as much mileage on it. I read that 60K miles is where the major tune ups happen, is that true? The kicker is that it's had 3 owners according to the carfax, not sure if they're mostly just dealerships owning it or private users. I'm probably being dumb by looking at it, considering it's been passed around quite a bit.

Still eyeing the Audi I posted earlier though, apparently has gotten more interest, but no one has bit yet. Must be something off about that. And like you said, it's fully loaded too, so it would be a great balance.

Not sure about S4 maintenance, unfortunately, but around that mileage you could be looking at things like brakes, clutches etc depending on how it's been driven. The S4 forum would know better. Certainly a nice looking car, though, and well-equipped.


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[AL.]

What do you guys think about this: https://cargur.us/j5fN4

At first I thought the price is suspiciously low for a nice prestige like that and there must be something wrong with the car, but maybe the high mileage explains it? I'm trying to stay away from potential oil consumption issues and for that the 3.2 would be a safe choice. I've been looking for non-quattro models since they get better MPG and living in SoCal the practical need for AWD is nonexistent, however I've seen so many people saying how quattro is the best thing ever so I'm tempted to give it a try.

Is the timing chain tensioner the same in the 2.0 and 3.2? Since this one has over 100k that's one thing I'd have to check.

[Project Quattro]

What do you guys think about this: https://cargur.us/j5fN4

At first I thought the price is suspiciously low for a nice prestige like that and there must be something wrong with the car, but maybe the high mileage explains it? I'm trying to stay away from potential oil consumption issues and for that the 3.2 would be a safe choice. I've been looking for non-quattro models since they get better MPG and living in SoCal the practical need for AWD is nonexistent, however I've seen so many people saying how quattro is the best thing ever so I'm tempted to give it a try.

Is the timing chain tensioner the same in the 2.0 and 3.2? Since this one has over 100k that's one thing I'd have to check.

I can't comment on the reliability but that price is probably about right. Do not get a FWD car, the CVT transmission is horrendous. Quattro does improve handling, but the larger reason to get it is the lack of a CVT transmission.

[DeeInSeatown]

Not sure if this is the best place for this question...but what are people's thoughts on extended warranties? They added one onto the vehicle at purchase that covers 4 years/48k. I do have the option to cancel for a little bit. Again, car is a 2014 A4 w/54k.

My inclination is not to take the warranty out. Every Audi I've owned has had some issues, but nothing catastrophic. I've always worked on my own car, although Im getting less likely to do that these days. Last A4, had to replace the front swing arms and get the ABS unit rebuilt, had some coolant leaks, and now I have a flakey front window and squeaky rear control arms. This was in 100k miles of driving and a bit of this wouldn't have been covered under an extended warranty. From what I'm reading, the 2014 are more reliable than the B5 so I'd expect even less issues.

I guess it's a judgement call, but for a warranty that only covers failures (i.e. not scheduled maintenance), I have a hard time seeing repairs coming up that have costs comparable to the warranty cost. Sure, it'd be good in the event of catastrophic issue, but those are so rare as to not really be worth thinking about.

[AL.]

I can't comment on the reliability but that price is probably about right. Do not get a FWD car, the CVT transmission is horrendous. Quattro does improve handling, but the larger reason to get it is the lack of a CVT transmission.

Having something more reliable definitely wouldn't hurt and that car seems to have pretty much all the features I'm looking for so I can live with lower MPG. As reliable as my old FWD A4 with CVT has been it sounds like quattro is the better choice in many ways. I used to think the only difference is handling, when I lived in Finland with the brutal winters AWD made all the difference, like night and day. Now in SoCal I didn't really see a point for AWD until you brought up the reliability. Thanks!

[BucDan]

Not sure if this is the best place for this question...but what are people's thoughts on extended warranties? They added one onto the vehicle at purchase that covers 4 years/48k. I do have the option to cancel for a little bit. Again, car is a 2014 A4 w/54k.

My inclination is not to take the warranty out. Every Audi I've owned has had some issues, but nothing catastrophic. I've always worked on my own car, although Im getting less likely to do that these days. Last A4, had to replace the front swing arms and get the ABS unit rebuilt, had some coolant leaks, and now I have a flakey front window and squeaky rear control arms. This was in 100k miles of driving and a bit of this wouldn't have been covered under an extended warranty. From what I'm reading, the 2014 are more reliable than the B5 so I'd expect even less issues.

I guess it's a judgement call, but for a warranty that only covers failures (i.e. not scheduled maintenance), I have a hard time seeing repairs coming up that have costs comparable to the warranty cost. Sure, it'd be good in the event of catastrophic issue, but those are so rare as to not really be worth thinking about.

For a European car, I'd keep the extended warranty on top of the last few months of original warranty. The B8.5 are known to be the most reliable generation for Audi, but you never know.

That begs the question, does any Audi owner know a good place to buy the extended warranty from for cheap?

[audrobotic]

Having something more reliable definitely wouldn't hurt and that car seems to have pretty much all the features I'm looking for so I can live with lower MPG. As reliable as my old FWD A4 with CVT has been it sounds like quattro is the better choice in many ways. I used to think the only difference is handling, when I lived in Finland with the brutal winters AWD made all the difference, like night and day. Now in SoCal I didn't really see a point for AWD until you brought up the reliability. Thanks!

There's no real issue with the B8 CVT reliability. Maybe theres been a few bad ones here and there, but no real reliability issue to speak of.

[audrobotic]

For a European car, I'd keep the extended warranty on top of the last few months of original warranty. The B8.5 are known to be the most reliable generation for Audi, but you never know.

That begs the question, does any Audi owner know a good place to buy the extended warranty from for cheap?

I got my extended warranty thru the local credit union Mission Federal. Its branded as Autoland. https://www.autoland.com/core/mbp/faq.aspx#mbp2

I think it was about $2600 for an additional 4 years. up to 100k total miles. One step down from the highest level of coverage, with $200 deductible for each visit. As they say, it's for piece of mind. It was rolled into the financing.

[AL.]

What do you guys think about this: https://cargur.us/j5fN4

At first I thought the price is suspiciously low for a nice prestige like that and there must be something wrong with the car, but maybe the high mileage explains it? I'm trying to stay away from potential oil consumption issues and for that the 3.2 would be a safe choice. I've been looking for non-quattro models since they get better MPG and living in SoCal the practical need for AWD is nonexistent, however I've seen so many people saying how quattro is the best thing ever so I'm tempted to give it a try.

Is the timing chain tensioner the same in the 2.0 and 3.2? Since this one has over 100k that's one thing I'd have to check.

I went to test drive this one last night. The car had a few minor dings, a broken fog light and the inner fender was missing on the front passenger side. The dealer said they're going to replace the fender and put new tires in. During the test drive I noticed vibration while driving the car, the front passenger side felt very wobbly. Looking underneath the car I could see one of the metal supports under the front bumber was bent and broken so the car clearly took a hit. The dealer claimed the vibration was because of worn out tires and would get fixed with new tires, which was a pretty ridiculous claim. They're also going to do a mechanical inspection and get back to me when the vibration is fixed.

I guess I'm going to wait and see what they do to the car, if they call me saying they just replaced the tires and everything's fine, I'm going to pass on this one. It clearly needs more work than that. But if everything's properly fixed I might consider it. I did notice some minor bubbling on the driver's side door paint, which also concerned me. That's probably only going to get worse over time.

[audrobotic]

I went to test drive this one last night. The car had a few minor dings, a broken fog light and the inner fender was missing on the front passenger side. The dealer said they're going to replace the fender and put new tires in. During the test drive I noticed vibration while driving the car, the front passenger side felt very wobbly. Looking underneath the car I could see one of the metal supports under the front bumber was bent and broken so the car clearly took a hit. The dealer claimed the vibration was because of worn out tires and would get fixed with new tires, which was a pretty ridiculous claim. They're also going to do a mechanical inspection and get back to me when the vibration is fixed.

I guess I'm going to wait and see what they do to the car, if they call me saying they just replaced the tires and everything's fine, I'm going to pass on this one. It clearly needs more work than that. But if everything's properly fixed I might consider it. I did notice some minor bubbling on the driver's side door paint, which also concerned me. That's probably only going to get worse over time.

That car sounds like trouble. The only thing is has going for it is the 3.2 6cyl. And I wouldnt even step foot on a independent used car dealer lot (that isnt part of an auto dealership). These independent used car dealers are some of the shadiest people on earth. And they select the lowest quality vehicles at the auctions.

[AL.]

That car sounds like trouble. The only thing is has going for it is the 3.2 6cyl. And I wouldnt even step foot on a independent used car dealer lot (that isnt part of an auto dealership). These independent used car dealers are some of the shadiest people on earth. And they select the lowest quality vehicles at the auctions.

I was definitely disappointed. The car only has one previous owner and based on Carfax the guy took really good care of it and had all the scheduled maintenance done at a dealership, so I was expecting it to be in a better condition. I guess it "looks good from far but is far from good" as they say.

I've actually never dealt with independent dealers before but I'm pretty much stuck with shady dealers or buying directly from owners. I wish I could buy from Audi dealership but their pre-owned inventory is out of my budget. But I'm not in a rush so I'll keep looking, and if anyone has recommendations for a place to buy a b8 in SoCal I'd love to hear it.

[BucDan]

I was definitely disappointed. The car only has one previous owner and based on Carfax the guy took really good care of it and had all the scheduled maintenance done at a dealership, so I was expecting it to be in a better condition. I guess it "looks good from far but is far from good" as they say.

I've actually never dealt with independent dealers before but I'm pretty much stuck with shady dealers or buying directly from owners. I wish I could buy from Audi dealership but their pre-owned inventory is out of my budget. But I'm not in a rush so I'll keep looking, and if anyone has recommendations for a place to buy a b8 in SoCal I'd love to hear it.

Always be wary of the small shop, independent dealers. Lots of times the cars seem like a bargain, but boy, they do their best to hide problems. At least, if you buy it from... let's say a real Ford dealership, they'll at least do the run down on getting it in relatively good condition before reselling it. Do yourself the favor and save a bit more for a real dealer. It would suck to be out of money when crap starts breaking shortly after ownership.

It sounds like lots of information wasn't submitted to the carfax reports.

[fallingreason]

Do 2009's have retail that is fairly consistent with KBB still? Has their value taken any hit due to the problems they have vs later year B8's?

I'm looking at a 2009, it had the piston ring rebuild by a dealer, but turbo, intake manifold, control arms, struts, shocks are all original. I am aware of the wastegate/underboost codes these cars can get. Any percentages of cars affected by faulty waste gates?

The other issues seem like they wouldn't be such a big deal.

[Project Quattro]

Do 2009's have retail that is fairly consistent with KBB still? Has their value taken any hit due to the problems they have vs later year B8's?

I'm looking at a 2009, it had the piston ring rebuild by a dealer, but turbo, intake manifold, control arms, struts, shocks are all original. I am aware of the wastegate/underboost codes these cars can get. Any percentages of cars affected by faulty waste gates?

The other issues seem like they wouldn't be such a big deal.

Wastegate issue was huge and didn't just affect the A4, it was a bad batch of K03s that VAG got. Unless 2011+ cars are outside your budget and you can't stretch, I'd advise caution or a big rainy day fund for maintenance and repairs.


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[Mullah88]

Pretty sure this has been covered but please forgive me there's 273 posts to comb through. Coming from a 2010 Cadillac cts wagon awd and all the troubles I've faced with the front diff, driveshaft and transfercase, let's just say I'm weary of any awd system. I'm currently looking for a 2013-2014 allroad and I plan on lowering it as I did my cts. What are the huddles I'll be facing and what pesky issues in general should I be on the look out for? I.e if someone was looking at a cts wagon I'll tell them to avoid the awd models, 3.0 engine, Check the headliner for watermarks, tail lights pulling away from the body, clogged sunroof drainage....oh and avoid the awd model lol. Looking at a 2013 allroad premium plus, I appreciate all the help

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[A4Qwattro]

Audi Torsen AWD is bulletproof. Issues are the exception and anything but normal. Even lowered. 2013 MY is reliable. Nothing really goes wrong on those.

[Mullah88]

Audi Torsen AWD is bulletproof. Issues are the exception and anything but normal. Even lowered. 2013 MY is reliable. Nothing really goes wrong on those.

Glad to here, it's been a nightmare dealing with gm. Any interior rattles? Does mileage matter? I read the op and what to check for if the car is close to or over 100k. I'll keep an eye on those. But I would rather like to hear from owners of any pesky issues that wasn't covered in the op.

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[A4Qwattro]

Glad to here, it's been a nightmare dealing with gm. Any interior rattles? Does mileage matter? I read the op and what to check for if the car is close to or over 100k. I'll keep an eye on those. But I would rather like to hear from owners of any pesky issues that wasn't covered in the op.

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I have the B8.5 Sedan but the cars are similar in many areas mechanically. No interior rattles, no real drama. A few weeks ago I broke the sun visor clip and had to by the color matched part for $35...One time in the winter, the rear parking sensors made the fault tone.
At some point with higher miles you will need to replace the front control arms and maybe a wheel bearing or 2 but B8.5s are quite reliable. Mileage doesn't really matter on these. Figure that around 100k it may need front control arms and valve cleaning due to carbon build up (typical of direct injected motors). As far as recommendations for the A4 platform (along the lines of your comments about the CTS Wagon), it's basically to just avoid 2009-2012 (oil consumption and faulty timing chain tensioner which can cause engine failure).

[Mullah88]

I have the B8.5 Sedan but the cars are similar in many areas mechanically. No interior rattles, no real drama. A few weeks ago I broke the sun visor clip and had to by the color matched part for $35...One time in the winter, the rear parking sensors made the fault tone.
At some point with higher miles you will need to replace the front control arms and maybe a wheel bearing or 2 but B8.5s are quite reliable. Mileage doesn't really matter on these. Figure that around 100k it may need front control arms and valve cleaning due to carbon build up (typical of direct injected motors). As far as recommendations for the A4 platform (along the lines of your comments about the CTS Wagon), it's basically to just avoid 2009-2012 (oil consumption and faulty timing chain tensioner which can cause engine failure).

Thank you

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[fordalols]

Hey everyone, I'm looking to get into an Audi later this week and am torn between these two options. Anyone have any insight into these? I know the one has the sport package and Bang and Olufsen sound, other than that they seem fairly comparable.

http://www.speedmotorstx.com/invento...1-ARLINGTON-TX

http://www.topgearmotorcars.com/2010...X_10050467.veh

[fordalols]

Forgot to add that they both have a clean carfax. I've called Audi of America on both of them and they both had the pistons replaced in late 2012 to stop oil consumption. Should I be worried about the chain tensioner problems with them or is it likely that they were fixed when the pistons were replaced?

Sorry for the double post, couldn't find the edit button on this forum.