Help a new guy, 4 cars to choose from...

[aututto]

Hey all,

Sorry sort of a noobish post but I would like to get some forum input. I've been searching for a B8 A4, lower miles, 2 owners or less, quattro with auto or manual. I have narrowed down to these 4 cars, I'll share 3 main things that stand out with each car. I'm slightly drawn towards the grey one because of dealer reputation and service history but again, I'm here to see if there is anything I've missed over. Also I fly and by so don't worry about location, I've looked all over the continental US and these seem to be the best bets. I am looking for which one would be, in an experienced owners eyes, the safest bet from a reliability stand point (ie which one would potentially be the best to drive off in and feel comfortable about)

1. 2009 Grey (1 owner)
-Nice color
-Looks like it was cared for insanely well
-Had engine out service to address oil consumption (good thing I think?

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...9184/overview/

2. 2009 Aruba Blue (2 owner)
-Interesting color, only premium package though, no xenons
-Lowest mileage of bunch (50K)
-Closest to me

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...4252/overview/

3. 2010 Scuba Blue (2 owner)
-Highest mileage of bunch but has nav pack and 18" wheels
-Tires look new (I think I can see nipples on the tire in one pic)
-Saw a weird peeling on right side of shifter in pics

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...7868/overview/

4. 2011 Brilliant Black (1 owner)
-Being sold by original owner private sale (ran carfax off plates)
-Newest of the bunch
-The owner wont reply to my emails and has no other form of contact :(

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...8390/overview/

Again I appreciate any and all input you guys throw in! :)

[JeriQo]

Hey all,

Sorry sort of a noobish post but I would like to get some forum input. I've been searching for a B8 A4, lower miles, 2 owners or less, quattro with auto or manual. I have narrowed down to these 4 cars, I'll share 3 main things that stand out with each car. I'm slightly drawn towards the grey one because of dealer reputation and service history but again, I'm here to see if there is anything I've missed over. Also I fly and by so don't worry about location, I've looked all over the continental US and these seem to be the best bets. I am looking for which one would be, in an experienced owners eyes, the safest bet from a reliability stand point (ie which one would potentially be the best to drive off in and feel comfortable about)

1. 2009 Grey (1 owner)
-Nice color
-Looks like it was cared for insanely well
-Had engine out service to address oil consumption (good thing I think?

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...9184/overview/

2. 2009 Aruba Blue (2 owner)
-Interesting color, only premium package though, no xenons
-Lowest mileage of bunch (50K)
-Closest to me

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...4252/overview/

3. 2010 Scuba Blue (2 owner)
-Highest mileage of bunch but has nav pack and 18" wheels
-Tires look new (I think I can see nipples on the tire in one pic)
-Saw a weird peeling on right side of shifter in pics

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...7868/overview/

4. 2011 Brilliant Black (1 owner)
-Being sold by original owner private sale (ran carfax off plates)
-Newest of the bunch
-The owner wont reply to my emails and has no other form of contact :(

link: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...8390/overview/

Again I appreciate any and all input you guys throw in! :)

i initially wanted white or silver.

but when i saw this one i have now, i had to drop my color preference. i got it at 9k miles, only 1 previous owner and the car is from beverly hills.

the white and silver i was looking at first had 30-40k miles. about the same price as the black one with 9k.
i think i made a wise decision.

id say go for the ones with the lowest miles, and best shape. if you want to change color you can always wrap it.

[JeriQo]

id go for the grey one since theyre all above 50k miles lol

[bakedziti]

2011 because of the oil consumption, too bad you can't get a response. Second would be the gray 2009, because the oil consumption was a taken care of. Not #2. Just my $0.02.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...uestion-Thread

[eirebob]

If you go with an auto trans, consider that from 2011, the trans is an 8 speed, as opposed to the 6 speed in '09 and '10. The 8 speed is much more highly regarded on this site ... better performance and highway mileage.

Otherwise, there are all manner of different considerations, but I just wanted to pass along this tidbit.

Another tidbit ... I have the Aruba Blue, and it has always been a great color to me, but I see little else to recommend that second car. Best of luck.

[aututto]

Argh I was afraid of hearing the 2011 would be the way to go. Thats the one I really want, wanted a different car than black, but from what I understand from scouring the forums and is that the reliability and upgraded 8 speed are definitely worth it.....

[Frinkferta]

2011 for sure. Way less headaches in the long run.

[Project Quattro]

2011 because of the oil consumption, too bad you can't get a response. Second would be the gray 2009, because the oil consumption was a taken care of. Not #2. Just my $0.02.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...uestion-Thread

WHY WON'T THEY JUST STICKY THIS THREAD

Aside from that, OP if you're potentially interested in a manual I'd highly, highly recommend waiting and paying up for one. The manual cars feel like a completely different vehicle from the 6AT and 8AT cars.

Edit:
This may be worth checking out. Manual (highly desirable), sport package (desirable), nav (desirable), what appears to be a factory black optics package (generally desirable), rotor wheels (desirable):

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal...5D%5D%5B%5D%5D

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[eirebob]

WHY WON'T THEY JUST STICKY THIS THREAD

Aside from that, OP if you're potentially interested in a manual I'd highly, highly recommend waiting and paying up for one. The manual cars feel like a completely different vehicle from the 6AT and 8AT cars.

Edit:
This may be worth checking out. Manual (highly desirable), sport package (desirable), nav (desirable), what appears to be a factory black optics package (generally desirable), rotor wheels (desirable):

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal...5D%5D%5B%5D%5D

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Agree with PQ ... manual trans and sport pac is a real sweet spot for the A4. Not a huge fan of the silver, but given the spec sheet, that's a great find by PQ on autotrader. By the way, if you go to the dealer site, their spec sheet notes 17 inch wheels. Those in the photos are definitely 19 inchers.

[B G 8er]

+1 keep searching. If you have the time, be patient. You'll know the right car when you find it. Manuals are rare but for whichever trans you go with look for one with a sport package. It will give you a slightly lowered stance and the 18 inch wheels (unless you plan on lowering the car yourself then that's not even a selling point) but the sport package does come with the sport seats that are way more aggressive than the standard seats. Solid point on the 8 speed tranny on the 2011+. The xeon-led headlights can be retrofitted with pre-owned and adapter cables and some simple VAG Com programming for about $800. Also, 2011 can possibly be effected by the oil consumption though it seems much rarer as production progressed from 2009 through 2011.

I'd also have an independent mechanic check over what ever car you buy to make sure the car is sound and hasn't been in a flood, major accident, etc.

[Project Quattro]

Agree with PQ ... manual trans and sport pac is a real sweet spot for the A4. Not a huge fan of the silver, but given the spec sheet, that's a great find by PQ on autotrader. By the way, if you go to the dealer site, their spec sheet notes 17 inch wheels. Those in the photos are definitely 19 inchers.

I noticed that too... I think that's because different 10 spoke 17 inch wheels were included with Prem+, and then overridden by the Black Optics package (which I assume they're not even aware that it has)?


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[Party_Marty]

I absolutely agree with the guys above . BE PATIENT if its not the car you REALLY desire. I waited a good while to find my 6spd. I even gave up all other preferences I had for the car to find a low mileage 6spd (20,500 miles ). I finally came across one that a guy traded in literally 24 hours beforehand (hadn't even been washed or cleaned by the dealer ) and drove a couple hours to go check it out and bought it on the spot. I bought it at the end of October and I drive my baby every day (put on roughly 5k so far) and I can tell you I'm happy every second I drive it. No regrets. Some people love manual, some people love automatic, some people love lamp (Anchorman reference ). Pinpoint a few things you absolutely can't get around and go from there.

[kaz02a4]

WHY WON'T THEY JUST STICKY THIS THREAD

Aside from that, OP if you're potentially interested in a manual I'd highly, highly recommend waiting and paying up for one. The manual cars feel like a completely different vehicle from the 6AT and 8AT cars.

Edit:
This may be worth checking out. Manual (highly desirable), sport package (desirable), nav (desirable), what appears to be a factory black optics package (generally desirable), rotor wheels (desirable):

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal...5D%5D%5B%5D%5D

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That's a sweet package. Boom. PQ really, really needs his thread stickied, it's a great read with helpful information...

I'll echo what everyone else has said. Wait. Find a car with EXACTLY what you want on it. If you don't, you'll constantly want to swap things out. I did this with my B7, and spent way too much time and money on trying to get it exactly where I wanted it. I will say two things: the MMI is awesome to have, and try to get something 2011 or newer to avoid oil consumption issues. Other than that, good luck!

[bakedziti]

WHY WON'T THEY JUST STICKY THIS THREAD

Aside from that, OP if you're potentially interested in a manual I'd highly, highly recommend waiting and paying up for one. The manual cars feel like a completely different vehicle from the 6AT and 8AT cars.

Edit:
This may be worth checking out. Manual (highly desirable), sport package (desirable), nav (desirable), what appears to be a factory black optics package (generally desirable), rotor wheels (desirable):

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal...5D%5D%5B%5D%5D

Sent from the Pedal Responce Emergency Bat Phone

Not sure why its not a sticky, but it would really help for the people considering the platform. Its a good thread!

OP - to echo what everyone has advised since last night, wait for the exact car you're looking for, and then pull the trigger. I am partial to the manuals, and the sport package, so I would definitely suggest waiting for one.

[JeriQo]

That's a sweet package. Boom. PQ really, really needs his thread stickied, it's a great read with helpful information...

I'll echo what everyone else has said. Wait. Find a car with EXACTLY what you want on it. If you don't, you'll constantly want to swap things out. I did this with my B7, and spent way too much time and money on trying to get it exactly where I wanted it. I will say two things: the MMI is awesome to have, and try to get something 2011 or newer to avoid oil consumption issues. Other than that, good luck!

browsing this forum will make you buy parts youve never even thought of lol

never even thought steering wheel swaps was a necessity. never.

til i saw the FBSW.. jsut bought it

[aututto]

Oh wow you guys a great help.....and kinda not making me aware of all these packages and second guessing everything! Haha.

But really I'm just wanting semi dependable transportation (I understand the limitation of European reliability, my previous cars were an 06 Range Rover and 06 XJ8).

Really my main beef is finding a CLEAN car, well cared for. That one you shared PQ is nice but the driver seat looks awfully worn for that mileage compared to others. I should also say that 6 speed isn't necessary, I'd like it, but I'm looking for a clean DD that has an aux port so I can play my music!

Also, besides reverse camera, what benefits does Mmi really give? Don't think I'll use nav, is there a parking brake override kit for DVD?

[aututto]

I got a pic of that peeling from the 2010 blue. I'm assuming this could be a headache to fix?

[mgm58a4]

I'd goes with the grey one because it's a manual Quattro. They are pretty rare.

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[b6onboost]

Buy the newest, lowest mileage, best condition A4 in your price range.

I would not let something like color define you choice of an 09 if a 11 is available for similar price. I'd avoid the 09s in general due to much higher likelihood of first model issues. If you're getting a manual a 2010+. If auto 2011+ for the 8 speed.

[Project Quattro]

Oh wow you guys a great help.....and kinda not making me aware of all these packages and second guessing everything! Haha.

But really I'm just wanting semi dependable transportation (I understand the limitation of European reliability, my previous cars were an 06 Range Rover and 06 XJ8).

Really my main beef is finding a CLEAN car, well cared for. That one you shared PQ is nice but the driver seat looks awfully worn for that mileage compared to others. I should also say that 6 speed isn't necessary, I'd like it, but I'm looking for a clean DD that has an aux port so I can play my music!

Also, besides reverse camera, what benefits does Mmi really give? Don't think I'll use nav, is there a parking brake override kit for DVD?

Audi seats can stretch with time, that doesn't seem concerning to me.

You'll want the manual, trust me, and that particular configuration (6MT sport nav black optics) is a unicorn at a surprisingly good price if the title and Carfax are clean. Buy nice or buy twice... check my signature, I've bought twice.

[zokissima]

Spec and price wise they're pretty close. Also not a huge difference in mileage. Go for the 2011 or keep looking.

[bakedziti]

Oh wow you guys a great help.....and kinda not making me aware of all these packages and second guessing everything! Haha.

But really I'm just wanting semi dependable transportation (I understand the limitation of European reliability, my previous cars were an 06 Range Rover and 06 XJ8).

Really my main beef is finding a CLEAN car, well cared for. That one you shared PQ is nice but the driver seat looks awfully worn for that mileage compared to others. I should also say that 6 speed isn't necessary, I'd like it, but I'm looking for a clean DD that has an aux port so I can play my music!

Also, besides reverse camera, what benefits does Mmi really give? Don't think I'll use nav, is there a parking brake override kit for DVD?

Be sure you're aware of the audio situation before your purchase. No standard BT audio streaming on B8s prior to 2012 or 2013. There are aftermarket solutions, or an AMI/MMI to aux; along with a few other connectors. Standard, or at least most common, was the 30 pin dock connector.

[aututto]

Audi seats can stretch with time, that doesn't seem concerning to me.

You'll want the manual, trust me, and that particular configuration (6MT sport nav black optics) is a unicorn at a surprisingly good price if the title and Carfax are clean. Buy nice or buy twice... check my signature, I've bought twice.

Argh and just as you had me convinced they pulled the ad, I'm sure they got their asking price as well :(

[Project Quattro]

Argh and just as you had me convinced they pulled the ad, I'm sure they got their asking price as well :(

Worth a phone call, isn't it?


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[aututto]

Worth a phone call, isn't it?


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Yeah I will try to call in morning. My experience though is once an ad is down from a dealer it's normally already sold a few days prior. If the pack is as rare as you say it very well may be gone. I mainly am upset because I am a SUCKER for piano black trim. Wheels can always be bought and again as a DD I'm not really killing for a manual, only if it's there and it's the right deal.

[Slick_B8]

If you want to be different, get the Aruba blue. Hard color to come by, only came in 2009 and maybe some 2010 for the b8 model

[JeriQo]

Yeah I will try to call in morning. My experience though is once an ad is down from a dealer it's normally already sold a few days prior. If the pack is as rare as you say it very well may be gone. I mainly am upset because I am a SUCKER for piano black trim. Wheels can always be bought and again as a DD I'm not really killing for a manual, only if it's there and it's the right deal.

You cab always wrap.

I wrapped mine and saved me 2k. Dealer was charging 1800 for a wood grain set

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[Darksol80]

If you go with an auto trans, consider that from 2011, the trans is an 8 speed, as opposed to the 6 speed in '09 and '10. The 8 speed is much more highly regarded on this site ... better performance and highway mileage.

Otherwise, there are all manner of different considerations, but I just wanted to pass along this tidbit.

Another tidbit ... I have the Aruba Blue, and it has always been a great color to me, but I see little else to recommend that second car. Best of luck.

The quickest A4 on here is a 6 tip (lettuce)! The 8 may get better gas mileage by a mile or two. If that sways a buyer maybe they aren't interested in performance?

I have a 09 that had it oil issues addressed before I got it. I would recommend getting the lowest mileage possible and buy a car that has had its scheduled services documented.