Hello everyone.

My wife has finally decided on her next car, so it's up to me to do all the research I can.

I promise to use the search feature before posting dumb questions, but I'll warn you that I know nothing about Audi.

I'mgoing to get her a hardtop, spending around $20-25k.

So, would anyone mind giving me some pointers on what year/engine/features I should be looking for? She drives annoyingly slow and careful, but I'll likely take it out once in a great while. So far I've read that I should have the timing belt changed at 60k, but that's about it.As for options, I'm thinking we'll go with the Quattro, since my car is useless driving to S. Tahoe in the winter and no room for my snowboard.

Thanks for any pointers!

 

one question yo have to ask is if you want a manual tranny or an auto.
If you want an auto, you're gonna have to go with a 180hp version or an V6 the 225hp version does not come with an automatic.

let me shine some light on the different models:

180HP:
-Turbocharged 1.8 liter I-4, single side mount intercooler, 180 horsepower.
-available with FWD and AWD
-Available 5-speed or auto transmission.
-naturally the cheapest option

225hp
-Turbocharged 1.8 liter I-4, lower compressionm higher boost, twin side mount intercoolers, 225 horsepower.
-available with AWD
-Available 6-speed.
-a little more expensive, still 4cylinder insurance rates.

3.2 V6
-Naturally aspirated 3.2 liter V6, 240 horsepower.
-available with AWD
-Available six-speed or DSG automated transmission
-the most expensive, only available by 2004.

 

Thanks for the info. She does want a manual and I like the idea of keeping it a 4 cyl for the insurance.

Looking over the numbers, I'm thinking that the 180hp should be fine for her. I was reading that there's some turbo lag with the 225hp version. Is it the same with the 180? She's going from a CRX so I'm sure the increase in performance will be great. My only concern is how it picks up through the mountains in passing. Is there anyone around here that owns this version that could give your opinion?

Is there some designation between the two so I can be sure of the correct engine?

Again,
Thanks
-Newb

 

haha get a 180 and chip it and you have a 225 minus lag

ive got a 180 with a chip and i have no complaints, idk about 225's though, i hear they are quite sexy

 

I have a 225 and I have barely any lag, I have the giac program though. 1st is pretty much useless I can run through it so quick. Most turbo cars will have lag, its in a turbo's nature. That is unless you have like multiple turbo's on a bigger engine but even then i'm sure there will be some sort of lag. If you dont want lag get a supercharged car! I havent taken mine into the mountains yet so i'm not sure how it is going up hill, I have read about people having no problem whatsoever passing people in the mtns. The way to tell a difference in engines is the 225 will have dual exhaust and will have a 6th gear. The v6 will also have dual exhaust but i'm not sure that it has the 6th gear. And of course the 180 will have a single exhaust with 5 gears. I have not driven a 180 before so i'm not sure about the difference in turbo spool, I do know that they have a smaller turbo (ko3) than the 225 (ko4) so it should spool quicker but cant hold as much boost. Give this thread a day or two and you should have lots of usefull info, there are some smart freakin people on here with more info than you will ever need. Good luck!

 

$20-25k is high unless it is 2004 and newer with low milesand a 225. I think a recent thread showeda lotof uspaid under $18k for our cars.

Mine is a 2003 with 59k miles. 225 Quattro 6 speed. I paid $17.5 from a dealer.

 

Perfect. This is all the info I"ve been looking for. Thanks and keep it coming.

I drive a CLK430 so as much as I want to keep the speed/power down for the wife, I also want something that I'll enjoy driving.

 

mine is a 02 225 Q 6 speed. had 32k miles on it and paid 18k and i had a 2000 180 Quattro 5 speed about a yr ago w/25k miles on it and paid 18 for it also private seller. so u can pick up some low mileage TTs for pretty cheap. atleast i did anyways...lol

 

No matter what model you get the handling is awesome.

It is overall a fun car to drive.

The 180 is a good choice for economy plus it's got enough power (at least I don't hear the 180 guys complain about it)
If you need more a chip should be enough for the "fun" factor.

Be careful though... You have a good chance of losing to your wifein a race. Especiallyin a 225.

0-60 1/4 mi.
CLK 430 cabriolet - V8 4.3 (275 hp) 7.25 15.58
TT 180 7.3 15.7
TT 225 6.2 14.7

 

Specs are 6.1 / 14 - 1/4mi for the 430 (coupe). They are a bit of a dog off the line, but once you get it over 90mph, she's quite happy to keep going.

Mine is the one I'm focusing on for my driving style. I put Brembo Drilled / Porterfield pads and I'll be switching out the suspension in a couple of months with Bilstein Sport with H&R Springs. I'm sure that once I do that, I'll be satisfied enough to leave the TT to the wife. I'm sure I'll still hit Hwy 1 a couple times, but I shouldn't drive both cars like a cheap *****.

She just made me promise we'd get her new one before I trade mine for the 55 AMG. By the sounds of these prices, I may be able to talk her into both. (yah right)