I'm in the market for a used car. I've narrowed my choices to either a Mercedes E320 of audi A4. I like the look of the Mercedes but am finding it hard to get info on maintenance issues. The A4 is a little more my speed as I would like to add a few mods. The wife doesnt care. What issues were there with the 2001 model A4? Any help is appreciated, I'm already wearing out the search function... Cool site BTW, plenty of traffic.

 

If by issues you mean recalls and technical service bullitans, there is info on that beside the search link at the top of the page. Thats probably where to start.

Two other good forums are www.audiworld.com and www.audizine.com for resources.

Hope you make the right decision.... A4

 

I'm really thinking the A4 is for us. The E320 came into play because there are a ton of them out there with low mileage. I've been involved with drag racing for quite some time so I get my fill during racing season. Not looking for something else to work on LOL. I am interested in a car that sits and sounds nice.

EDIT: When I said issues, Imeant the kind that pop up after you buy something. It's just my luck. "hey, what'd you buy that year for, the turbo sucks, you shoulda got a 2002," that kind of thing.

 

Well that I can't help you with that since i've only had my 2000 A4 for 2 months now... but here are the spec sheets on the various A4s from year to year in case you wanted to check HP, packages, etc.

http://www.audiworld.com/model/historical.html

Depending on the nature of those few mods you want to add, drive by wire vs non drive by wire may be important to you. There are lots of knowledgeable people here who can help you.

 

lol I just went through the same choice.

2003 e320 or 05 a4 quattro

let me tell you..

After driving them both...

Audi is the way.

I purchased my brand new 05 Audi a4 3.0 quatto USP for less than the used 2003 e320 with same options. The e320 had 50 k in milage to get it in the range i was willing to pay.

the audi has better consumer reports, and Jd power ratings, Higher personal reviews on edmunds and msn auto's.

from 97-2003 MB has had very mediocre electrical and mechanical ratings according to JD power and Consumer reports. in 2004 they have seemed to clean up their act.

Where as Audi A4 has been the top pick for 3 years on consumer reports, and in the top 5 for 4.

MY audi has less power than the e 320, but same power as the c320. There still no comparison between the 3.0quattro USP that i purchased and either the 03 e320 or c320 i drove. the e was not 4 matic but the c was.

The audi has them both hands down for handling, and speed. The added weight of the e and c class kill any minor horse power gains they have.

If you really wanted to step up Look at an 05 s4.

 

this ...


or this...

 

How old are you ?
That E320 is such an old person car IMO ..

A4 all the way

 

35, I kinda agree on the 320 being an old feller car LOL. I do have a 2 year old so I need a little space. I think we're sold on the A4, hopefully I can get a deal together in the next 3 weeks. Wheels do wonders for most cars out there, but an A4 with a nice set of wheels just sets it apart form the rest. I've been looking at alot of the pics here compared to the pics of cars people are selling with stock wheels. Huge improvement!

 

i have two carseats in that audi there..

 

wow, mercedes styling is awful...but next to the a4 ultrasport...jeez...the merc just looks hideous.