Newb question...1.8t or 3.0 convertible? Looking for advice.

[JRB4ME]

As the topic says, I'm new to Audi's but not to cars or performance. I currently looking at both a 1.8t and 3.0 2005 convertible and am kind of favoring the 3.0 simply because it's a normally aspirated motor with torque.

I've done some searching but could use some first hand advice on the benefits of one over the other or if there is a good reason to stay away from one over the other?

[kwilson]

I just bought my wife a 2004 3.0 quattro cabrio. Unfortunately, Audi didn't make a 1.8t quattro model, nor any MT models. So, your choices are 1.8t FWD with a CVT, a 3.0 FWD CVT, or a 3.0 quattro Tiptronic.

The CVT is garbage, so for us, the best option was the 3.0 quattro. Research the 3.0 cam issue, and stay away from the earlier years. Would have loved to buy a 1.8t quattro MT to match my avant, but no dice.

We found that January is an excellent time to buy a convertible - got an amazing deal.

[imnuts]

I'd say the 3.0 would be a better convertible cruiser IMO. Just make sure it isn't a FWD, auto transmission vehicle regardless of engine choice. In general, the 3.0 seems to be more reliable and problem free, but with any used car, pick one with a good service/maintenance history, and keep taking care of it.

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[JRB4ME]

Ok, this is what I was looking at. I pulled a Carfax and it has a pretty good service history on it. I am looking to get out of a car payment for a while and live in the desert so I can really take advantage of the convertible. (Was 79 and cloudless all weekend here) So the CVT is garbage even if it would be a daily commuter to school until I graduate and get a new S4?

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5449164100.html

[imnuts]

Yes, the CVT has a class action suit against Audi for the transmission and problems. They tend to fail around 100k miles and it can be quite expensive to fix, at least at the dealership. I personally would avoid any FWD, automatic Audi as there is no telling when the transmission will have issues, but there are some people here that do have them and have had relatively few issues with them. I wouldn't want to take the risk though.

[JRB4ME]

Yes, the CVT has a class action suit against Audi for the transmission and problems. They tend to fail around 100k miles and it can be quite expensive to fix, at least at the dealership. I personally would avoid any FWD, automatic Audi as there is no telling when the transmission will have issues, but there are some people here that do have them and have had relatively few issues with them. I wouldn't want to take the risk though.

Damn. I absolutely love the white and red color combo of that car I'm looking at, but looks as though it would be too much of a crap shoot. Damn

[SJorge3442]

Damn. I absolutely love the white and red color combo of that car I'm looking at, but looks as though it would be too much of a crap shoot. Damn

Yeah, runaway from those CVT's. Not worth it at all. Plus, a 6 speed really makes these cars enjoyable to drive. I would have never bought my 3.0 if it had an auto (cvt OR Tip). Especially the 3.0. Having the torque down low is fun and having a 6 speed really makes it fun, especially when you're not scared to get some clutch action in.

[mromanik]

I've had my '04 3.0 Quattro convert for a year now. No problems of any kind. I don't drive much any longer about 2000 miles a yr. I like the awd for winter.

[AudiA4_20T]

There are plenty of people with CVTs that don't have issues. You just need to weigh your risk tolerance.

[imnuts]

Get the maintenance history on the car. If the owner has documented transmission fluid changes, then I'd consider it if you were only looking for a short term car.

One of the contributors to CVT issues is lack of fluid flushes. People that have flushed the fluid regularly seem to have fewer problems. If still proceed with caution though with any FWD Auto Audi.

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