How bad is the B6 Audi A4?

[Throckmorton]

Sorry, it's not bullshit. Some people actually have a passion for cars and want something fun to drive vs a typical FWD slushbox. Just because they aren't "rich" doesn't mean they can't have what they want.

OP, have you looked into Subarus? There is a few of them, Legacy for example, you can get for cheap and also has symettrical AWD and manual transmission. Also, you might want to increase your budget and try to get better maintained vehicles with lower mileage. It's hard finding a sensible FWD slushbox that's well maintained for $5k nowadays, let alone a car that you want.

Yeah, I don't think people who aren't car enthusiasts or who just buy cars for status and dump them after a couple years really get it.

There aren't many Subarus in Texas, much less manual ones. I don't think I'm going to get that Audi though, because the AWD is completely unnecessary. I'll either get another E36 or an E46.

 

[manimal]

There aren't many Subarus in Texas, much less manual ones. I don't think I'm going to get that Audi though, because the AWD is completely unnecessary. I'll either get another E36 or an E46.

just buy a used engine and pay someone 400 bucks to drop it in for you on your current car. Hell you could while your at it swap in a m50 pretty easy if you buy the kits.

 

[Throckmorton]

just buy a used engine and pay someone 400 bucks to drop it in for you on your current car. Hell you could while your at it swap in a m50 pretty easy if you buy the kits.

Yep I can if that's what it comes to but I'm still not sure I want to spend every weekend for the next year working on the car, and the interior seems to be unfixable. I don't like the color either

I found this one that is in my favorite color and seems to have a lot of parts already replaced including a cooling system overhaul, but of course the downside is I know it has overheated http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3699953861.html

 

[Fritzo]

Or how about another VAG car... the 1st gen Boxster? I assumed they are difficult to work on with a flat 6 mounted in the middle of the car, but according to this thread they are relatively easy to work on!?! http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforu...424543-boxster-difficult-to-diy-maintain.html

LOL- Boxsters are NOT easy to work on. You can change oil, brakes, and maybe a couple of hoses, but a lot of repairs require dropping the engine. Not sure what the hell they're smoking.

 

[Vdubchaos]

As any used car, it all depends how it was treated prior to your ownership.

Make sure you check/get ALL service records before you buy any used car. DO NOT even consider a car without service records!!!!

Also, my personal rule of thumb (keep in mind I'm a European car enthusiast of 15+ years and have spent those years working on these cars and watching other people experiences).....don't EVER buy a German car without warranty, or it's just a matter of time before your wallet will hate you.

Many here disagree with me as we have tons of "eurosnobs" around these ways. It's simply my opinion/advice, take it how you want it.

LOL- Boxsters are NOT easy to work on. You can change oil, brakes, and maybe a couple of hoses, but a lot of repairs require dropping the engine. Not sure what the hell they're smoking.

Yeah, not to mention that 1st gen Boxster SUCKED BALLS/was slow and was pretty unreliable.

 

[Throckmorton]

As any used car, it all depends how it was treated prior to your ownership.

Make sure you check/get ALL service records before you buy any used car. DO NOT even consider a car without service records!!!!

Also, my personal rule of thumb (keep in mind I'm a European car enthusiast of 15+ years and have spent those years working on these cars and watching other people experiences).....don't EVER buy a German car without warranty, or it's just a matter of time before your wallet will hate you.

Many here disagree with me as we have tons of "eurosnobs" around these ways. It's simply my opinion/advice, take it how you want it.



Yeah, not to mention that 1st gen Boxster SUCKED BALLS/was slow and was pretty unreliable.

I've never seen a used car for sale with full service records. Maybe if you're buying a Porsche 911 or something like that owned by a true enthusiast it will have records.

I'm not a Eurosnob, it's just that there are no good American cars for a decent price. Have you looked at the price of a 2005+ Mustang? It's like they hardly depreciate at all. A piece of crap 4.0L V6 is like $12k. I don't know about the other Euro brands but if you look at parts prices, but 3 series parts are cheap. If you go to a dealer you'll pay a huge markup, but I buy from FCP Euro and Pelican. I've compared some parts to the equivalents for 90s Mustangs, and the prices are the same. And these are OEM union built German parts from Lemforder, Meyle, etc.

 

[Vdubchaos]

I've never seen a used car for sale with full service records. Maybe if you're buying a Porsche 911 or something like that owned by a true enthusiast it will have records.

I'm sorry to hear.

If you are willing to take a chance of someone else's neglect (especially a German car)......that's your choice. Just don't complain when shit hits the fan, you paved your own road.

Personally, I've seen plenty of used cars with service records before. But I also had to do some homework as well. When I bought my car (used) I had to do a lot of research/looking around (calling dealers etc) to get the information I needed. If I wasn't able to confirm the service records/history I would've never bought the car. Unless you are talking 80s diesel benz or something, German cars have a long history of reliability issues, especially in the worst area of them all (electronics).

YET, they put more crap/"technology" in their cars than just about any other maker. hehe

You have to remember, service departments make up 70-80% of dealership revenue and are a big money maker for manufactures as well.

Buying a car is 2nd biggest purchase of our lives. It's very important to protect yourself when doing so. ESPECIALLY when buying a car with questionable reliability history.

 

[Fritzo]

Yeah, not to mention that 1st gen Boxster SUCKED BALLS/was slow and was pretty unreliable.

The 98/99 years were terrible. 2000-2004 were actually pretty good, with the 2003/2004 being the best 986.

But yeah, if you're going to get a Boxster, get a 2006+ (2005 was a bit of an almost, not quite year). The 987 is better in every way.

 

[Vdubchaos]

The 98/99 years were terrible. 2000-2004 were actually pretty good, with the 2003/2004 being the best 986.

But yeah, if you're going to get a Boxster, get a 2006+ (2005 was a bit of an almost, not quite year). The 987 is better in every way.

Agreed :thumbsup:

 

[Throckmorton]

I'm considering another Miata, but this time an NC (2006+). They're supposed to be much better highway cars than the NA/NB. The downside is there's no good way to carry a kayak or surfboard unlike a Boxster or Audi wagon.

 

[halik]

Yep I can if that's what it comes to but I'm still not sure I want to spend every weekend for the next year working on the car, and the interior seems to be unfixable. I don't like the color either

I found this one that is in my favorite color and seems to have a lot of parts already replaced including a cooling system overhaul, but of course the downside is I know it has overheated http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3699953861.html

Heh you have a high mile BMW that you don't have the skills to fix yourself, so you're gonna replace with another high mile BMW and expect different results. Facepalm and likely this

Get a focus SVT or similar while you learn how to work on cars and save some money. Paying someone to fix 150K mile 20 year old bmw is the definition of idiocy.

 

[Arkaign]

Do you have some space? Do you have moderate income and an iron will along with the commitment to work on it 30 hours a weekend for a couple months to get it perfect? Do an LS swap. The 5.3 with a little polish can be a solid 300hp motor, and your fuel economy will be a shade better to boot. Those 5.3s can be had as good long blocks for way under a grand. You'll need to buy a kit as well (can do it without, but wouldn't recommend DIY to that degree until you've done a few of these kinds of jobs). Overall you can get it done for less than $6k if you are willing to work for it. And a rebuilt LS will be tons more reliable, cheap to run, and entertaining than even the S50. You'll probably want to pair the LS with at least a decent T56.

As time goes by you can go further to make it how you want it. Better seats, better suspension, better brakes, CF dash, roll cage, good paint, and finish it with a race-built LS2 or better along with a T56 magnum. 800whp pump gas E36? Yes please.

 

[Jimzz]

I'm considering another Miata, but this time an NC (2006+). They're supposed to be much better highway cars than the NA/NB. The downside is there's no good way to carry a kayak or surfboard unlike a Boxster or Audi wagon.

I'm sure there might be carry racks for them? Miata's have such a large following you be surprised what there is in the aftermarket.

 

[Arkaign]

Oh yeah, forgot the end to my swap rant up there. Buy a $500 beater to get to work in, just so that you're so disgusted by it that you spend every spare minute building your LS monster.

 

[foghorn67]

Buy a reliable FWD compact car.
Contemplate life, stop being compulsive.
You are completely compulsive if you are justifying all that stuff because you think you NEED a RWD you can afford quickly.
Save up for it. Instance gratification bites back hard.
It's concerning you didn't learn your lesson from blowing up your BMW into a dilapidated heap.
You said we don't understand because we aren't broke.
There is a reason we aren't broke, figure it out.
Halik figured it out because he concentrated on making the means for a lifestyle he wants. Then comes in the fruits of labor.

Right now you're biggest worry is a friggin kayak. Your first worry is to seek a car that won't the hinder your efforts to better yourself.

 

[Throckmorton]

Heh you have a high mile BMW that you don't have the skills to fix yourself, so you're gonna replace with another high mile BMW and expect different results. Facepalm and likely this

Get a focus SVT or similar while you learn how to work on cars and save some money. Paying someone to fix 150K mile 20 year old bmw is the definition of idiocy.

I live in an apartment, I can't do most work even when I know how to do it. Paying someone 1/3 normal labor rates is fine, I just don't want to waste time. The dude lives an hour away!

Parts are cheap. I ordered a pump, thermostat, both hoses, and the gaskets, for $109 today. These are OEM German union built parts. I'm going to fix the coolant system myself

 

[Throckmorton]

Buy a reliable FWD compact car.
Contemplate life, stop being compulsive.
You are completely compulsive if you are justifying all that stuff because you think you NEED a RWD you can afford quickly.
Save up for it. Instance gratification bites back hard.
It's concerning you didn't learn your lesson from blowing up your BMW into a dilapidated heap.
You said we don't understand because we aren't broke.
There is a reason we aren't broke, figure it out.
Halik figured it out because he concentrated on making the means for a lifestyle he wants. Then comes in the fruits of labor.

Right now you're biggest worry is a friggin kayak. Your first worry is to seek a car that won't the hinder your efforts to better yourself.

Bettering yourself by giving up on life? That's a very Houston attitude and I absolutely cannot stand it. They just accept blindly their droll lives, living in treeless suburbs, commuting 2 hours a day, maybe deriving a tiny amount of pleasure from Sunday church service. They look at you like you're mars when you tell them you won't buy an automatic car, or buy a house in their bleak neighborhoods. I think it's disgusting. Quality of life is important. Mental health is important. I'm sorry if you've given up and are waiting to die.

You do know that when a FWD car breaks, it's often more expensive to fix than a RWD one right? Are you under the impression that a FWD $10k car is somehow more reliable than a RWD $10k car?

 

[foghorn67]

Bettering yourself by giving up on life? That's a very Houston attitude and I absolutely cannot stand it. They just accept blindly their droll lives, living in treeless suburbs, commuting 2 hours a day, maybe deriving a tiny amount of pleasure from Sunday church service. They look at you like you're mars when you tell them you won't buy an automatic car, or buy a house in their bleak neighborhoods. I think it's disgusting. Quality of life is important. Mental health is important. I'm sorry if you've given up and are waiting to die.

You do know that when a FWD car breaks, it's often more expensive to fix than a RWD one right? Are you under the impression that a FWD $10k car is somehow more reliable than a RWD $10k car?

Lol. If you are so content, stop wanting things that you can't afford.
If you were in good mental health, you would just be just as happy in a FWD hatchback. Those come in manuals too you know.

 

[Throckmorton]

Lol. If you are so content, stop wanting things that you can't afford.
If you were in good mental health, you would just be just as happy in a FWD hatchback. Those come in manuals too you know.

What exactly would I gain by buying a 2007 Focus instead of a 2006 Miata?

I'm not content. I'm extremely discontented. I live in one of the worst cities of America and it's filled with stupid narrow minded people who don't understand the concept of a "train" and don't know what Muslims are.

 

[foghorn67]

What exactly would I gain by buying a 2007 Focus instead of a 2006 Miata?

I'm not content. I'm extremely discontented. I live in one of the worst cities of America and it's filled with stupid people who don't understand the concept of a "train" and don't know what Muslims are.

"Drive". Miata.

But my hobbies demand I buy something bigger. Oh, generalizing them is just as bad as what they are doing.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Bettering yourself by giving up on life? That's a very Houston attitude and I absolutely cannot stand it. They just accept blindly their droll lives, living in treeless suburbs, commuting 2 hours a day, maybe deriving a tiny amount of pleasure from Sunday church service. They look at you like you're mars when you tell them you won't buy an automatic car, or buy a house in their bleak neighborhoods. I think it's disgusting. Quality of life is important. Mental health is important. I'm sorry if you've given up and are waiting to die.

You do know that when a FWD car breaks, it's often more expensive to fix than a RWD one right? Are you under the impression that a FWD $10k car is somehow more reliable than a RWD $10k car?

Christ I'm glad I don't live in Texas. I can definitely relate to what you say, I just bought the most boring car on the planet, but I don't think buying a $6k Audi is the answer to your problem. You are almost guaranteed another money pit.

Maybe look for a Mustang GT Convertible?

 

[Throckmorton]

Christ I'm glad I don't live in Texas. I can definitely relate to what you say, I just bought the most boring car on the planet, but I don't think buying a $6k Audi is the answer to your problem. You are almost guaranteed another money pit.

Maybe look for a Mustang GT Convertible?

I prefer a hard top-- I wish the Miata came with a hard top and a hatchback. I was looking at 2005 Mustang GTs yesterday and they seem to be about $12k. That seems ridiculous. A 9 year old car for half the price of a new 3.7 with the same power and better mileage? If I can get one for $10k and I like how it drives, I'll take it.

BTW I discovered that the S197 Mustang has a better front strut setup than the BMW 3 series. BMW gives its strut cars 0-1 degree camber (according to the spec) and there is no camber gain when the suspension compresses. Apparently BMW doesn't trust its buyers to actually be able to handle RWD so they saddle their cars with understeer. The Mustang actually has a lot of camber gain.