Opinions - B5 Audi A4

[GTTpower]

Looking at getting one towards the end of the year, and would like to hear some thoughts on them. Prefer informed opinions rather then blanket 'eww euro' comments.

Example - B5 Audi A4 (facelift)

[Leon]

I've driven one of those a couple of times.

It's an ok commuter car, but to be blunt about it, I was amazed at how little power it had. Smooth yes. Comfy yes. Fast, well, no.

This opinion is coming from a 4AGE Corolla owner, so it isn't as though I hopped from a Supra to the Audi either.

So, really it does depend what you want the car for. Daily driver all good, and no doubt it will cruise at highly illegal highway speeds all day.

[fuel]

That is very over-priced. Yes it is manual and NZ-new, but it's now 10 years old with 130,000kms. It should be well under $10,000, especially for a private sale. That money should be getting you a B6 A4, which is a far far better car in terms of styling and features.

Don't buy one if you are afraid of something which is percieved to be unreliable, do buy one if you want something exciting and a change from your typical whiteware-like cars - you will be impressed with the finishing touches and all those little extra nice features.

[dnalunchie]

Spent around a year driving one in the states, 5 speed manual, 1.8 turbo.

Was super comfy but yeah... very dissapointed with performance

10k would get you into a nice condition 325 or 328 BMW.

Both of which I have driven and quite liked.

If you are not worried about speed then you will probably like the audi

[fuel]

Yeah the 1.8T isn't really meant to be a performance machine, just something with usable mid-range torque and an alternative to the V6 engine offerings. Depending on spec it can be from 110kW to about 130-140kW, however with a ECU reflash and a turbo upgrade (check on trademe, some are just as cheap as Jappa turbos), 200kW isn't out of the question.

[Mr Revhead]

is it coz they are gutless, or long geared for euro motorways?

[Leon]

The one I drove, it wasn't really about the gearing, it was just that you never got a good "push in the back" sensation when it came on boost in any gear.

It wasn't really about tall gearing, more the seamless delivery of a moderate amount of power. Emphasis on moderate.

Though it was vastly better than a slightly older Saab turbo I drove, which delivered no noticable power at all Though it did have a sunroof.

[GTTpower]

Thanks for the replies. Im looking at $8-10k as a price range, well below the B6 A4's unless their basement spec.
Not set in stone atm so im open to other options. Have considered staying Toyota but nothing really interests me apart from the Altezza, and they don't seem that interesting considering how overpriced most are.

[BZG Wagon]

I think the dog & lemon guide rated it very poorly and it's also had a lot of negative reviews in terms of reliability?

[dnalunchie]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 073257.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 669692.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 925959.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 474944.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 509755.htm

[dnalunchie]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 425916.htm

thats kinda nice for an Audi

[Al]

I think the dog & lemon guide rated it very poorly and it's also had a lot of negative reviews in terms of reliability?

Dog and Lemon guide hates everything apart from 2E powered Corollas and 5SFE Camrys.

[Bling]

Yes please.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 472311.htm
I wonder if I could order a spare key from the key tag info

[Dell'Orto]

I think the dog & lemon guide rated it very poorly and it's also had a lot of negative reviews in terms of reliability?

Dog and Lemon guide hates everything apart from 2E powered Corollas and 5SFE Camrys.

No, they hate those too

[matt dunn]

I wonder if I could order a spare key from the key tag info

Probably.
We can order computer cut pre programmed transponder keys for BMW's from a rego number.

Just have to wait 3 weeks for them from Germany.

[Bling]

Gone in 60 seconds style aye

[snwtoy]

Workmate had one this shape with the CVT. Don't think it was turbo, but it sure was gutless.
Had no end of issues with it, spent around 5K on repairs then sold it and bought the next generation quattro 2l turbo. Complains that his car is nowhere near as fast as my stock(ish) caldina GTT.

Very nice interior though.

[iOnic]

Reliability is a direct result of maintenance. Worked on plenty of B5's chasing 250,000kms+ that still drive like new. Get the lowest km's example you can afford with the most comprehensive service history you can get. People buy cheap grey imports with no history and then complain when things go wrong - go figure.

Performance: Yes they're a bit lack lustre in that department but that's what they're designed for. Audi makes properly fast cars, they don't need their mid range vehicles to be fast too. 1.8t's are tuned for good midrange torque and fuel economy not all out top end performance. Yes they're slower than a Caldina/Evo/GSR/WRX etc - but then again none of those cars will do 700kms to 50ltrs of fuel.

[thornz]

Pretty much an Audi, and go pretty well also. Nice cars with full leather, feel very high end considering what they are worth these days. Luxury at a good price.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 848755.htm

[GTTpower]

Sorry, should have said it has to be manual