1.8t, or 2.4/2.8
Discussion
For the A4 I think the 1.8T is fine, and returns reasonable MPG. Never driven and A4 2.4 but have driven the 3.0 and was not overly impressed by the extra performance. I would imagine the 2.8 is of the same ilk. Baring in mind the mpg / insurance costs, the 1.8t would be my choice, and has been said before you can get a remap for some extra bhp 
As for quattro - you can get this in various forms - really depends on the year and model - they did do a 1.8t quattro I think. They also did / do a 1.9Tdi Quattro and a 2.8.
Spec wise - make sure it has Climate control. The SE spec ones came with this (in lieu of sunroof). I also like my tunes so I had the Bose stereo and CD autochanger. As for resale, people always like Silver and the other bright metallic colours.
>> Edited by iains on Monday 12th July 01:02
As for quattro - you can get this in various forms - really depends on the year and model - they did do a 1.8t quattro I think. They also did / do a 1.9Tdi Quattro and a 2.8.
Spec wise - make sure it has Climate control. The SE spec ones came with this (in lieu of sunroof). I also like my tunes so I had the Bose stereo and CD autochanger. As for resale, people always like Silver and the other bright metallic colours.
>> Edited by iains on Monday 12th July 01:02
I had an A4 with the 2.6 V6 engine in – on a manual. I was looking to change this at the start of the year to a newer A4. I tried most combinations. The 1.8T I found to be not to my liking (esp the Quattro – v.slow). It had little or torque, compared to my V6, i.e foot down at 2k, nothing happens, compared to the V6, which would pull very cleanly. I suppose I’m just not a fan of revving engine’s (well not my everyday car, anyway), the V6’s are almost done at 5k, where the Turbo’s are still pulling well. I suppose it’s how you want to drive. Me I like torque.
I agree with the comments about the 3.0, not much extra performance for the ‘cc’. I drove both tip and manual, the tip was no faster than the 2.6, and if anything a little harsh when pushed over the 5k mark, the manual was faster, but not as fast as I expected.
I would say, 2.4 V6 if you like a relaxed drive, 1.8T if you like a bit of speed (+ noise + like to rev!), what about a 1.9 TDI – things are amazing (if you can live with a tractor).
jj (not a fan of turbo's - even felt the TT was dog slow!)
I agree with the comments about the 3.0, not much extra performance for the ‘cc’. I drove both tip and manual, the tip was no faster than the 2.6, and if anything a little harsh when pushed over the 5k mark, the manual was faster, but not as fast as I expected.
I would say, 2.4 V6 if you like a relaxed drive, 1.8T if you like a bit of speed (+ noise + like to rev!), what about a 1.9 TDI – things are amazing (if you can live with a tractor).
jj (not a fan of turbo's - even felt the TT was dog slow!)
Not all 6 pots are Quattro mine wasn’t (2.6 V6). I believe most of the 2.8 were, none of the 2.4’s are and only some 2.6 were, but I believe they are quite rare.
Similarly you could get 1.8T Quat and even a 1.9 TDI Quat – although v.rare.
However, in the newer A4, 2001 + you can get (pretty much) any combo of engine/Quattro you want. I think even a 2.5 TDI Quat convertible is available.
jj
Similarly you could get 1.8T Quat and even a 1.9 TDI Quat – although v.rare.
However, in the newer A4, 2001 + you can get (pretty much) any combo of engine/Quattro you want. I think even a 2.5 TDI Quat convertible is available.
jj
What you want is a 1.8T SE. Simple. Unless you need 4WD steer away from the quattro's as they are a bit slow even though they had a few extra BHP (180?)
You'll get the toys, good flexible and punchy engine and as others have said, easily chippable to virtually whatever you want. They're perfectly adequate as standard (150bhp for the age you're talking about) and can hold their own.
Remember also that A4's have a lot of the engine (weight)in front of the front 'axle line' - you want the lightest engine that gives the best power and that, for the A4, is, IMOP the 1.8T.
If you want to have a go in mine I'm in Bristol 2 or 3 times a week.
You'll get the toys, good flexible and punchy engine and as others have said, easily chippable to virtually whatever you want. They're perfectly adequate as standard (150bhp for the age you're talking about) and can hold their own.
Remember also that A4's have a lot of the engine (weight)in front of the front 'axle line' - you want the lightest engine that gives the best power and that, for the A4, is, IMOP the 1.8T.
If you want to have a go in mine I'm in Bristol 2 or 3 times a week.
silverback mike said:
Appreciate that Minghis, I am off to look at an A4 1.8t estate tonight so hopefully it will push the right buttons.
Anything I need to look out for on an A4, any weak spots?
What are the signs of a failing turbo or are they pretty bombproof?
I'm no mechanical expert, but I believe this is about right:
The A4's should be OK with a full Audi Service History. The turbo's should be OK as long as the services are kept up. When you drive the car you'll feel the turbo working at about 2000rpm and you'll probably hear a slight whistling noise, it'll go at about 3000rpm which is when the BHP takes over from the torque which is what the turbo is there for.
My engine sometimes sounds a bit rattly at first but it goes when warm - this is common as the valves are hydraulic, I think..
The seats'll be hard initially but you get used to them. If it's a sport it'll hve less kit than an SE but an SE won't have the sports seats and stuff. Audi spec's take a while to understand..
Generally, I would say that if everything works, it performs well with no coughs or splutters and it has a fully stamped up book you can't go wrong.
I hope....
silverback mike said:
Anything I need to look out for on an A4, any weak spots?
They are quite hard wearing on the front suspension arms! Slight clunking noise over undulations in the road. Exterior door trims use mild steel clips so rust and fall off- check for fit! £100 to replace all. On board computer and climate control displays - check for any fading in the corners (£400 to replace) Coil packs on 1.8T's. All in all though fairly solid and reliable.
We've got no complaints!Agree on the front suspension arms. I replaced them on mine at 110k miles. Main dealer said only one needed doing – you can hear them clunking over bumps/speed humps etc. Replaced it at a cost of £150, made no difference what so ever, still annoying noise. They then said, ‘oh in that case well have to replace….’, I lived with it in the end.
Oh and dash board bulbs (inc odometer). For some reason mine eat about 4/5 bulbs over a 4 yr period. About an hours labour if Audi do it, as the ignition cover, steering wheel and whole instrument cover have to be removed. Right pain just for a .69 p bulb.
jj
>> Edited by jj. on Wednesday 14th July 11:50
Oh and dash board bulbs (inc odometer). For some reason mine eat about 4/5 bulbs over a 4 yr period. About an hours labour if Audi do it, as the ignition cover, steering wheel and whole instrument cover have to be removed. Right pain just for a .69 p bulb.
jj
>> Edited by jj. on Wednesday 14th July 11:50
Just found this while trying to find something else.
This is for the older shape, 1995-2000.
What's Good
Handles quite nicely. Good looking, galvanised body. 14' 8" long by 6' 1" wide and weighing from 1,195kg. Avant estate from March 1996. Old 150 bhp 2.6 V6 is a nice engine and easily delivers 30 mpg. TDI 90 and TDI 110 deservedly popular, offering up to 50 mpg driven fairly carefully. 150bhp TDI V6 well liked. Other engines: 100 bhp 1.6, 125 bhp 1.8 20v, 150 bhp 20v Turbo, new 165 bhp 30v 2.4 V6; 193 bhp 2.8 30v V6; 265 bhp S4 Quattro. Comprehensively re-thought in Spring 1999. Got 115 bhp 'Pumpe Duse' TDI option from late 1999. Seventh most reliable car in 2001 Fleet News Survey of 620,000 fleet cars mostly under 3 years old. Limited production 350bhp RS4 marked end of the line. Low 3 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in A4s generally. Petrol 95-97 models average for breakdowns, problems and faults; 98-2000 petrol models average for breakdowns and faults and fewest problems in 2003 Which survey. 98-2000 diesels average for problems and faults and lowest for breakdowns in 2003 Which survey.
What's Bad
Takes a few days to get used to the steering, seats and over-servoed brakes. Weight of TDI V6 takes edge off handling. Limited market for 1.6s without sunroofs or aircon. Similar expensive front wishbone bush problems as A6 and Passat - eliminated late 1999. Average performance in NCAP crash tests. Heavy salted road spray may make brakes feel spongey. In Germany, deflectors are available FOC to cure this ('Auto Bild' magazine 24/11/2000). Poor AM radio reception. Last of the line, ultra quick RS4s suffered from 'soft' alloy wheels easily damaged by potholes. Lock of front passenger door can fail. According to J.A., the fix is to remove 3 screws that hold the door trim on, then remove or stick back the sound insulation inside the door to the outer door skin, making sure that none is jammed in the lock mechanism. In 95% of cases the door lock will now lock and un lock on demand. Total cost 15 minutes time. 1.8 20v engines are snapping their timing belts at 70,000 - 80,000 miles and the extensive damage this causes is not repairable. The car will need a replacement engine. 1.8 20v timing belt drives waterpump. 1.8 20Vs also suffering problems with air mass sensors which cost around £200 to replace. Protective rubber strips at bottoms of doors held on by mild steel clips which rust badly and disintegrate. Power loss on TDI 90s and 110s over 3,000rpm can be cured by replacing a thin hose that runs from the exhaust, near the turbo, to the ECU. Corrosion of alloy washers on rear brake caliper pipe unions can result in sudden and rapid loss of brake fluid. Joint third bottom in 2002 Which reliability survey of cars up to 2 years old; 53 cars surveyed. Average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 101.16 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk 95-97 diesels average for breakdowns and problems but poor for faults in 2003 Which survey.
What to Watch Out For
Rear discs rust first. Rattling catalytic converters (especially on 2.6, which has two costing £650 apiece). Cats also fail on 1.9 TDIs built before August 1998. Quite a few coming off the fleets, so look out for signs of clocking and inadequate maintenance. Look for accident damage repaired with non-galvanised panels or with bad welds. Plastic water pump impellers on early 1.8 20v engines fail. Newer water pumps have metal impellers. Possible oil consumption problem with 30v V6s, so have emissions checked for excessive HCs before buying. Some A4s develop a fault with the immobiliser ignition switch transmission reader coil. Some develop faults with both the reader coil and the key transponder. If the car comes with two different keys, this is why. Creaks from front suspension indicate wishbone problem: budget for £500 - £700 to replace unless carried out under recall programme. Mixed metal corrosion at unions of flexible brake pipes to rear wheels.
Recalls
1997 (built Feb-March 1997): check front seatbelt top mounting height adjusters. (Built '95-'96): airbag may inflate while stationary. 1998: 4,574 2.4 litre V6 cars built Aug '97-Feb '98: possibility of throttle jamming. 1999: 'S' reg 2.5 V6 TDIs recalled for brake modification; 2.5 V6 TDIs recalled for major engine modifications. 2000: A4 manuals built July '94-August '95: brake pedal may become loose; A4s built March '98 to August '98: steering ball joints could fail. Also Recall 13A9 vibration damper, Recall 17B4 oil pump and Recall 46C7 brake pads. March 2001: Worldwide recall of 560,000 1999 model year A4s, A6s, A8s and VW Passats to replace steering ball joints (track rod ends). Announced Auto Bild 11/3/2001: Wordwide recall of all VW passats from 1996 to July 2001, Audi A4s from 1994, Audi A6s from 1997 to replace faulty front lower wishbones (this recall is not acknowledged or applied by Audi UK). Recall announced in Auto Bild 26/8/2001: The ball joint can fail and the the two other flex connections can fail. (These are the long arms that go from the bottom of the front hubs to the body.) 16-10-02: On cars with 3 spoke steering wheels airbags may not work. Airbag to be replaced, but affects only 79 of 4,400 cars. April 2004: Worldwide recall of 870,000 1996-1999 Passat, 1994-1999 A4, 1997-1999 A6 and 1994-1999 A8s for "free check for possible damage of the rubber bellows of the front axle. The problem could lead to premature wear and, in isolated cases, to the failure of the bearing arm."
This is for the older shape, 1995-2000.
What's Good
Handles quite nicely. Good looking, galvanised body. 14' 8" long by 6' 1" wide and weighing from 1,195kg. Avant estate from March 1996. Old 150 bhp 2.6 V6 is a nice engine and easily delivers 30 mpg. TDI 90 and TDI 110 deservedly popular, offering up to 50 mpg driven fairly carefully. 150bhp TDI V6 well liked. Other engines: 100 bhp 1.6, 125 bhp 1.8 20v, 150 bhp 20v Turbo, new 165 bhp 30v 2.4 V6; 193 bhp 2.8 30v V6; 265 bhp S4 Quattro. Comprehensively re-thought in Spring 1999. Got 115 bhp 'Pumpe Duse' TDI option from late 1999. Seventh most reliable car in 2001 Fleet News Survey of 620,000 fleet cars mostly under 3 years old. Limited production 350bhp RS4 marked end of the line. Low 3 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in A4s generally. Petrol 95-97 models average for breakdowns, problems and faults; 98-2000 petrol models average for breakdowns and faults and fewest problems in 2003 Which survey. 98-2000 diesels average for problems and faults and lowest for breakdowns in 2003 Which survey.
What's Bad
Takes a few days to get used to the steering, seats and over-servoed brakes. Weight of TDI V6 takes edge off handling. Limited market for 1.6s without sunroofs or aircon. Similar expensive front wishbone bush problems as A6 and Passat - eliminated late 1999. Average performance in NCAP crash tests. Heavy salted road spray may make brakes feel spongey. In Germany, deflectors are available FOC to cure this ('Auto Bild' magazine 24/11/2000). Poor AM radio reception. Last of the line, ultra quick RS4s suffered from 'soft' alloy wheels easily damaged by potholes. Lock of front passenger door can fail. According to J.A., the fix is to remove 3 screws that hold the door trim on, then remove or stick back the sound insulation inside the door to the outer door skin, making sure that none is jammed in the lock mechanism. In 95% of cases the door lock will now lock and un lock on demand. Total cost 15 minutes time. 1.8 20v engines are snapping their timing belts at 70,000 - 80,000 miles and the extensive damage this causes is not repairable. The car will need a replacement engine. 1.8 20v timing belt drives waterpump. 1.8 20Vs also suffering problems with air mass sensors which cost around £200 to replace. Protective rubber strips at bottoms of doors held on by mild steel clips which rust badly and disintegrate. Power loss on TDI 90s and 110s over 3,000rpm can be cured by replacing a thin hose that runs from the exhaust, near the turbo, to the ECU. Corrosion of alloy washers on rear brake caliper pipe unions can result in sudden and rapid loss of brake fluid. Joint third bottom in 2002 Which reliability survey of cars up to 2 years old; 53 cars surveyed. Average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 101.16 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk 95-97 diesels average for breakdowns and problems but poor for faults in 2003 Which survey.
What to Watch Out For
Rear discs rust first. Rattling catalytic converters (especially on 2.6, which has two costing £650 apiece). Cats also fail on 1.9 TDIs built before August 1998. Quite a few coming off the fleets, so look out for signs of clocking and inadequate maintenance. Look for accident damage repaired with non-galvanised panels or with bad welds. Plastic water pump impellers on early 1.8 20v engines fail. Newer water pumps have metal impellers. Possible oil consumption problem with 30v V6s, so have emissions checked for excessive HCs before buying. Some A4s develop a fault with the immobiliser ignition switch transmission reader coil. Some develop faults with both the reader coil and the key transponder. If the car comes with two different keys, this is why. Creaks from front suspension indicate wishbone problem: budget for £500 - £700 to replace unless carried out under recall programme. Mixed metal corrosion at unions of flexible brake pipes to rear wheels.
Recalls
1997 (built Feb-March 1997): check front seatbelt top mounting height adjusters. (Built '95-'96): airbag may inflate while stationary. 1998: 4,574 2.4 litre V6 cars built Aug '97-Feb '98: possibility of throttle jamming. 1999: 'S' reg 2.5 V6 TDIs recalled for brake modification; 2.5 V6 TDIs recalled for major engine modifications. 2000: A4 manuals built July '94-August '95: brake pedal may become loose; A4s built March '98 to August '98: steering ball joints could fail. Also Recall 13A9 vibration damper, Recall 17B4 oil pump and Recall 46C7 brake pads. March 2001: Worldwide recall of 560,000 1999 model year A4s, A6s, A8s and VW Passats to replace steering ball joints (track rod ends). Announced Auto Bild 11/3/2001: Wordwide recall of all VW passats from 1996 to July 2001, Audi A4s from 1994, Audi A6s from 1997 to replace faulty front lower wishbones (this recall is not acknowledged or applied by Audi UK). Recall announced in Auto Bild 26/8/2001: The ball joint can fail and the the two other flex connections can fail. (These are the long arms that go from the bottom of the front hubs to the body.) 16-10-02: On cars with 3 spoke steering wheels airbags may not work. Airbag to be replaced, but affects only 79 of 4,400 cars. April 2004: Worldwide recall of 870,000 1996-1999 Passat, 1994-1999 A4, 1997-1999 A6 and 1994-1999 A8s for "free check for possible damage of the rubber bellows of the front axle. The problem could lead to premature wear and, in isolated cases, to the failure of the bearing arm."
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff