funkedelic

Hi guys, well i am looking into buy an 03 audi a4 and i was wondering if you guys could give me some suggestions or any help on buying this car.

I am a big BMW guy. I have owned 3 with my last one buying an '08 335i, i am looking into buy an e92 m3 soon, but i want a reliable nice everyday driver.

The model im looking into has 130k, guy states that it is in good condition. Timing belt and clutch were recently replaced and new tires all around.

It is the v6 manual model. It's silver and body seems to be in pretty good shape from what i can tell.

So my question to guys (the experts) is whether or not these cars are reliable. Is one engine more reliable then the other? What issues are common on a4's and what should i be asking and looking for at the currently milage?

If everything checks out, then i will be picking it up this weekend but would like some feedback first. Other cars im considering are wrx/impreza and rx8.

Thanks in advance for your help!

a4audi4fun

I have a V6 3.0 now and had a 2.8 V6 before.

Timing belt replaced is goodness for another 90-100Km. Inspect for any coolant, oil and power steering leaks. Beyond that you should be fine. The V6 is very smooth, lots of torque vs the 4 cyl which is more "buzzy".

Make sure alignment is good and your tyres will provide good service. Check all the electrics work - abs, windows, radio, sunroof, remote alarm etc. Audi electronics can be termperamental though I haven't had any big issues with the electronics in any of my Audis (have had 3 in total).

Drive-wise - you will find this car will have a heavier feel vs the RX8/WRX - they really are different classes of cars. Be warned though, you won't be a winner in drag racing but cruising at 60-80 mph will be fabulous.

Good luck.

funkedelic

Thank you for the informative reply. I will make sure to all that In mind!

seanf

I have an 02 1.8t, I've had it for the last 6 months and it hasnt left me stranded, typical Audi electronics, brake light switch failing, tail lights burning out and a few coolant hoses needing replacement, if your at all mechanically inclined these little fixes usually end up costing less than $20.

Check out the front end, control arms regularly fail and start clunking, expensive fix at a shop vs buying a kit with all 8 arms online and doing it yourself.

mikeh

You certainly don't sound like an amature at purchasing German cars. Take it to a mechanic for a going over. The $ spent will be well worth it. The mechanic should check compression and other things that would be missed visually.