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Audi A4 2004 and earlier

6042 messages,  Last post on Sep 20, 2011 at 4:33 PM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A4, Sedan

Messages Page 596 of 605

#5946 of 6042 buying tips for 2002 a4 avant by wagonsho

May 10, 2006 (10:02 am)

i've had it for a week now...a 2002 a4 avant with 3.0 v6 and tiptronic, sport pkg, luxury pkg, everything but the Bose stereo and navigation (which i've used and isn't very good for this model year - i don't pay them much attention anyway...i'm too involved in driving). so far no problems at all. i'll keep you posted as i put more miles on the odo.
 
got a great deal from the dealer including a bumper to bumper warranty for 4 yrs and 48k miles...yep, an out of warranty car is now completely covered, and the warranty cost me next to nothing (this is goes way beyond the CPO warranty they offer). i did my research and got a screaming deal on this after negotiating with the dealer - i went as far talking to several of the sales people and with the managers so that when it comes in for service, i'm not just dealing with them as car sellers but more of a bunch of friends. the dealership was fantastic, and possibly the least pushy staff i have ever encountered at a car dealership. it was refreshing since i had been test driving cars for a month and began to loathe going to any dealer. another plus...Audi is replacing the rims (previous owner scratched them while parking) and back bumper (because of a tiny scratch i couldn't even see...but they say it happened when they were moving the car on the lot so it must be replaced - now that's honesty and service). not sure if i can mention the dealership name here...
 
i've wanted this car for a while and waited until the year, color, engine, trans, accessories, etc were exactly what i wanted and could afford...i think the 2002-2005 platform look is the best Audi has made. the new large-mouth bass grill for 2006 is okay but the previous version is a 10 for looks inside and out - i think the wagon is far more attractive than the sedan, which is no slouch itself. driving dynamics are great and the sport suspension makes any stretch of open road or sweeping turn a pleasure to blast through. while only a bit less refined than a bmw engine, the 3.0 v6 with tiptronic is great and has plenty of power. not to mention 22-28 miles per gallon at 75-80 on the highway. because of Audi's drive-by-wire electronic throttle, using the cruise control improves gaas mileage on the freewat by 4-6 mpg over using your foot the whole time.
 
i'm not completely star-struck here...i know German cars a bit (have had 3 of them now...MB, BMW, and the Audi) and expect some little gremlins to develop given the high level of technology in the car. but with my warranty, i won't have to pay to play. to give you an idea, i spent nearly as much in repairs last year for my outgoing 1990 Mercedes wagon (out of warranty) as i will in car payments on this newer Audi. i loved the Benz wagon for its size and feel on the road, but it was simply getting ridiculous to spend $1000 for repairs a few times a year on a car worth less than $10k. but for a car with over 150k on the odometer, the car still drives/maintains very well. not even Mercedes makes cars like that anymore, with a llifetime measured in decades not years. the Benz can easily go another 150k on the motor, so i didn't have to get rid of it if i didn't want to.
 
tip...when test driving a car, drive the exact same car (if possible) on several different days at different times of the day including at night to get the feel for it. this will also let you determine how comfortable you are with the view, the cockpit and controls (is everything within reach? and lit at night for use?), the dynamics of the suspension (drive over some potholes, speed bumps, etc...expansion joints on sothern California freeways is a good test of any car's composure at high speed) and how well the engine responds in different scenarios - merging onto the freeway or merging into city traffic on a busy street. watch the gas gauge as you drive too...is the engine gulping gas when you drive hard around town? a half hour to hour long test drive will let you know...if the dealer is reluctant to do this, spring for the cost of the gas yourself, and then be weary of a dealer that won't spend a few bucks on gas to sell a $20k plus car.
 
overall, i am very happy with the entire experience and the car too. my apologies to Audi owners who got a "bad one." it happens with every manufacturer, especially the higher end cars loaded with gizmos. that is the price you pay for having a car that is more than just transportation. if i didn't enjoy driving so much, i would have gotten a different car and saved some money.
 
put it/keep it under warranty, test drive the heck out of it (i test drove the car i bought three separate times over the course of a week totaling about 2-3 hours behind the wheel), and enjoy.

#5947 of 6042 Re: 2002 Audi A4 IAT sensor??? [4ringer] by wagonsho

May 10, 2006 (10:09 am)

Replying to: 4ringer (May 09, 2006 9:10 am)
where did you get your chip? i want to chip mine too, but there don't seem to be too many chips for the 3.0.

#5948 of 6042 Re: 2002 Audi A4 IAT sensor??? [wagonsho] by 4ringer

May 10, 2006 (10:36 am)

Replying to: wagonsho (May 10, 2006 10:09 am)
I bought a chipe from contestmotorsports.com. it was about $30 bucks with shipping. I got it in, but I cant seem to locate the IAT sensor to install. I don't really feel like ordering a chilton for this. There is also a chip called black ice.

#5949 of 6042 Re: '99 A4 1.8T 5-speed- Should I Buy? [triplesn8s] by mpt2222

May 11, 2006 (11:39 am)

Replying to: triplesn8s (Mar 06, 2006 10:49 am)
I purchased my 98 A4 1.8t in 2002 for $10k with 80k miles. I now have nearly 110k miles four years later. While I definitely got my money's worth, they are notorious for having problems. It drives like nothing else for the relatively low money (compared to shelling more for a bimmer or benz). My mechanic warned me that both 4 and 6 cyl Audi's are notoriously the most difficult vehicles to work on and are expensive to maintain. In fact, he said the 6 cyl are worse because they pack so much into a small engine compartment. With that said, I recently found out I need to replace the turbo ($1500 repair). This isn't a big deal to me since I hadn't spent anything on repairs in the four years I've had it (Except did replace the timing belt at 85k miles for about $400 as preventative maintenance). If you are looking for simply low cost, most reliable: stick with japanese. If you want fun to drive and with a decent purchase price and are willing to take a risk with expensive repairs, look at the audis. With gas prices as they are, consider the 4 cyl. turbo (but save $$ now for emergency repairs).

#5950 of 6042 Re: My A4's engine exploded [jga4] by genjunk

May 23, 2006 (3:24 am)

Replying to: jga4 (May 03, 2006 6:39 am)
Dear jga4:
 
I encountered the similar experence you had with the A4 last night. It happened at I-5 Washington States while I was driving back to Canada. The situation similar to your description. Since it just happened last night, I have not contacted the Audi service yet. Don't know what they would tell me. What happened to your car now? Did you pay the engine repair cost? My vehicle just did the 300+ point inspection and certification process a month ago, I am hoping that the dealer can takes the responsibilities for that. Also when I do the search about this engine oil signal, I found this article. http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/96-01a4.htm The key point is Audi issued technical service bulletins on this problem and has extended the warranty to eight years with unlimited mileage on the 1.8T engine for all Audi A4s built between 1997 and 2004. The extended warranty is transferable. Owners who have experienced engine damage and paid for repairs can request reimbursement for those repairs provided they can prove the appropriate oil was used and changed at the intervals recommended in the owner's manual.
 
If you were not aware this before, hope this help.
 
Josephine

#5951 of 6042 Timing Belt by kelbelle37

May 23, 2006 (9:54 am)

I have a 2004 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro with 65K miles. My book says I need the timing belt replaced at 75K miles. Any one have any opinions on this? Can I go longer than 75K? About how much should I expect it to cost to have it replaced?
 
Also wanted to tell the folks with engine troubles - I complained to Audi about my electrical problems (took about 4 weeks for an answer) and they agreed to reimburse me for the replacement of the "regulator" for my window. This was my most recent expense. Others were under warranty. They agreed to pay for the part, but not the labor. Better than nothing. I did have to complain to everyone though before they "looked" into the issue.
 
Thanks!
Kelly

#5952 of 6042 35K service for 2004 A4 1.8T by treygp

May 31, 2006 (12:44 pm)

I bought a 04 A4 1.8 T months ago. Now the computer of it tell me to have a service in 300 miles, which will be less than 33k total on it. I called audi dealer and they said it gonna be a 35K service. Because it is still under warranty, that service should be a free one. So what shall I do? go ask them to do service in 300 miles or wait untill 35K but ask them to adjust the cpomputer?
 
BTW, I don't have 2004 A4 manual but a S4 one. Do they have same maintenance? What else should I do to maintain it except following the computer reminder?
 
Thanks, folks

#5953 of 6042 Re: 35K service for 2004 A4 1.8T [treygp] by kelbelle37

Jun 01, 2006 (5:57 am)

Replying to: treygp (May 31, 2006 12:44 pm)
Don't follow the computer reminder. Follow what the book says. I remember my first service was at 5K, then every 10K after that....15K, 25K, 35K, 45K, etc. You can have it checked now if you want, but that will be your 35K service check-up. You won't go back again until 45K. My computer always is a little off. I ask them to adjust it all of the time, but it's usually off by a couple hundred miles.

#5954 of 6042 Replacement Parts by majordad

Jun 13, 2006 (3:53 am)

Does anyone know where to obtain good A4 replacement parts online. I've got a 1.8T '05, and I need to replace the center armrest, the top broke off. Additionally, I'd like to find some custom seat covers or replace the front and rear seats.
 
Also, the center console ashtray cover is broken and won't stay in the closed position.

#5955 of 6042 Up date from satisfied owner of 2004 A4 by 204meca

Jun 13, 2006 (12:59 pm)

As an A4 owner & follower of this forum, I have some great news. No I did not get a great deal on my insurance (thought it is very reasonable)!
 
We got the A4 sedan, 1.8T for comfort, expected to be able to equal or slightly exceed EPA numbers. Big surprise is how Audi has managed to get both plenty of punch & economy in this package. I am a self confessing fuel economy junkie, I am especially pleased with its gas mileage.
 
2004 A4, non-quattro, 1.8, CVT.
 
Last urban driving tank by wife w moderately heavy foot: 70% in town, trips less than 10 miles got 23.8 mpg Have gotten up to 28 mpg in urban driving.
 
Last trip, 423 miles; 5% forest service roads, 15% freeway, 80% two lane blacktop, top speed 80 mph, driven with light foot (only a couple of WOT runs), minimal AC use, average speed overall 49mph (car's computer) got 34.4 mpg. Best was 37 mpg mostly freeway average speed of 65 mph.
 
Considering the best I ever got with 92 Honda Civic Si & 97 Del Sol Si was just under 40, the A4 is bit of a surprise. That plus the fact that it is supremely comfortable & had no mechanical problems for 29,000 miles makes us feel like we have a terrific car in the A4!

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