Hi all,
I have liked the A4 1.8T since the '02 body style. I am now in the position to purchase one and have found an '02 with 20k miles and everything I want. It's sitting in my driveway right now (dealer let me take it home to test) My dillemma is, I have been driving an EXCELLENT '96 Prelude for 6 years now, has 182k miles on it and had NO major problems, only minor ones that I was able to fix myself, and can go for many more. I am very nervous about giving it up and taking on payments (preludes paid off)and/or problems that may come with this A4. I have been reading posts on this site and others and am now sketchy about the reliability and repairs on Audis. It seems to me that problems are occuring at very low miles. I am used to making repairs and doing ALL maintenence myself (I don't often trust outsiders to work on my cars), but I don't know how easily that can be done on this car and don't look forward to having to make any repairs on it anytime soon, not to mention that I do not know much about Audi, mechanically speaking. I guess what I'm looking for is someone to ease my mind should I sign papers on this A4 when I go back to the dealership tonight. Any suggestions/advise?? Obviously, everyone in this forum is partial to Audi's, but I need honest suggestions/advise. I'm nervous!!!Is there anything I should question or have the dealership do if I decide to get it?

 

have you negotiated for an extended warentee??? I would say it is a must. A car that new I would think it had one?

 

eh? you should be fine with the factory warranty until 2006 or 50K miles - especially if you like to do your own maintenance. I do ALL my own maintenance on my A4 - you just need to educate yourself about the car. I had never owned one before and now after nearly 3 years I have done jobs on my car that most people shudder at.

And German engineering is much different than Japanese. They do things differently - sometimes more complicated than it needs to be (but gives more refinement and quality up front). But the added technology or more complicated engineering means more maintenance and more things that will break over time.

I like the Prelude - its a nice and fun car - but it's no A4.

Buy that sucker! Then just keep up with the various Audi forums when you get a chance - you will learn all kinds of stuff.

cheers

 

Well, I bought the car last night! Thanks for your replies. I was nervous signing the papers, but I don't regret it, I have wanted this car for a couple of years now and I love it. It has 30k miles left on the free scheduled maitenance warranty and it's a Certified pre-owned so it has 4yrs or 100k repair warranty which made me feel better. I'm sure I will be posting many questions when I have to start doing the maintenance/repairs myself! You guys seem to know what you're talking about!

Thanks!
Proud new owner, A4 1.8T, Blk/blk, 20k miles, Sport Pkg, lighting pkg

 

Congrats and welcome to the Audi family! Now you have to post some pictures for us!

 

great, man! Congrats on the purchase!
We need pics!!! It is customary or we come lynch you. <img border="0" src=smileys/smiley14.gif border="0">

 

The dealership is detailing it tomorrow (bought it LATE last night-detailers already gone home)so pics will come after that.

P.S. I'm a female (Brrman) <img border="0" src=smileys/smiley2.gif border="0">

 

So Kns0678 I saw you drive an Audi, me too! SoooCome here much?

 

that line is so lame jestnomen.....Can I buy you a drink Kns0678?...or two or three? any lady with an audi is a friend of mine<IMG src=smileys/smiley2.gif border="0">

 

hah hah - we already have more women drivers than AW.
We can still lynch women right? right?<img border="0" src=smileys/smiley8.gif border="0">