Looking to get into an A4
02-28-2011, 09:01 AM
#1
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Kitchener
Posts: 29
Looking to get into an A4
Hi, new to the forum and looking for some advice. I am interested in getting into a 2006-2008 A4 quattro with 6 speed manual. I have a 2008 Civic now and want something a little more interesting 
. I have been looking around and lots are out there for sale (mostly 2.0 almost no 3.2's), is there anything in particular I should be looking for? Any major trouble spots? I know that the timing belt/tensioner/water pump needs to be done around the 150K mark but not sure about anything else. Also the S-line package what is all included in that and is it worth getting?
Thanks in advance for the advice, have learned a bunch already!
. I have been looking around and lots are out there for sale (mostly 2.0 almost no 3.2's), is there anything in particular I should be looking for? Any major trouble spots? I know that the timing belt/tensioner/water pump needs to be done around the 150K mark but not sure about anything else. Also the S-line package what is all included in that and is it worth getting?Thanks in advance for the advice, have learned a bunch already!
02-28-2011, 05:29 PM
#2
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 92
Re: Looking to get into an A4
I have an '06 3.2
Finding one for sale is hard to find, frankly getting mine was just what was on the lot when we got it. My family bought 5 cars from one place. With this engine - from my understanding/experience, there isn't that much to worry about, my car is only at 91,000km. It doesn't have a timing belt which is good I guess, there is a timing chain which should never need replacing (aparently)
the S-line package is hit and miss for me. I prefer my colored dash screen vs the red only one, but that doesn't always come with the S-line I think. You need to have the technology package I think. I also like my wood trim
Finding one for sale is hard to find, frankly getting mine was just what was on the lot when we got it. My family bought 5 cars from one place. With this engine - from my understanding/experience, there isn't that much to worry about, my car is only at 91,000km. It doesn't have a timing belt which is good I guess, there is a timing chain which should never need replacing (aparently)
the S-line package is hit and miss for me. I prefer my colored dash screen vs the red only one, but that doesn't always come with the S-line I think. You need to have the technology package I think. I also like my wood trim
02-28-2011, 06:48 PM
#3
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 161
Re: Looking to get into an A4
First of all, I'd like to say: Welcome to the Forum!
Now for the A4:
The only major trouble spot is the timing belt that has to be done with every Audi, correct me if I'm wrong, around 80,000 kilometers. Other than that an Audi will probably be one of the best cars you've owned, and i don't mean to brag.
The type of Audi/A4 really depends on your preferences. Even though my A4 is a bit older, I find that my 1.8 liter turbocharged engine is enough to have a sporty feel, since I could beat most of the "sporty" cars in my area.
If you're thinking about fuel consumption there is, according to what I've read, little difference between the 2.0 liter and the 3.2 liter engine since the weight of the vehicle is dispersed between 6 cylinders instead of four.
I would definitely advise getting Quattro. Just recently we got about 20 cm (almost a foot) of snow/ice, which is rare for the area that I live in and I had no problem gripping on the road with almost bare tires.
A 6 speed transmission is required if you want a more sport-like feel.
That's all I can think of at the moment,
Nick
Now for the A4:
The only major trouble spot is the timing belt that has to be done with every Audi, correct me if I'm wrong, around 80,000 kilometers. Other than that an Audi will probably be one of the best cars you've owned, and i don't mean to brag.
The type of Audi/A4 really depends on your preferences. Even though my A4 is a bit older, I find that my 1.8 liter turbocharged engine is enough to have a sporty feel, since I could beat most of the "sporty" cars in my area.
If you're thinking about fuel consumption there is, according to what I've read, little difference between the 2.0 liter and the 3.2 liter engine since the weight of the vehicle is dispersed between 6 cylinders instead of four.
I would definitely advise getting Quattro. Just recently we got about 20 cm (almost a foot) of snow/ice, which is rare for the area that I live in and I had no problem gripping on the road with almost bare tires.
A 6 speed transmission is required if you want a more sport-like feel.
That's all I can think of at the moment,
Nick
02-28-2011, 09:02 PM
#4
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 92
Re: Looking to get into an A4
First of all, I'd like to say: Welcome to the Forum!
Now for the A4:
The only major trouble spot is the timing belt that has to be done with every Audi, correct me if I'm wrong, around 80,000 kilometers. Other than that an Audi will probably be one of the best cars you've owned, and i don't mean to brag.
The type of Audi/A4 really depends on your preferences. Even though my A4 is a bit older, I find that my 1.8 liter turbocharged engine is enough to have a sporty feel, since I could beat most of the "sporty" cars in my area.
If you're thinking about fuel consumption there is, according to what I've read, little difference between the 2.0 liter and the 3.2 liter engine since the weight of the vehicle is dispersed between 6 cylinders instead of four.
I would definitely advise getting Quattro. Just recently we got about 20 cm (almost a foot) of snow/ice, which is rare for the area that I live in and I had no problem gripping on the road with almost bare tires.
A 6 speed transmission is required if you want a more sport-like feel.
That's all I can think of at the moment,
Nick
Now for the A4:
The only major trouble spot is the timing belt that has to be done with every Audi, correct me if I'm wrong, around 80,000 kilometers. Other than that an Audi will probably be one of the best cars you've owned, and i don't mean to brag.
The type of Audi/A4 really depends on your preferences. Even though my A4 is a bit older, I find that my 1.8 liter turbocharged engine is enough to have a sporty feel, since I could beat most of the "sporty" cars in my area.
If you're thinking about fuel consumption there is, according to what I've read, little difference between the 2.0 liter and the 3.2 liter engine since the weight of the vehicle is dispersed between 6 cylinders instead of four.
I would definitely advise getting Quattro. Just recently we got about 20 cm (almost a foot) of snow/ice, which is rare for the area that I live in and I had no problem gripping on the road with almost bare tires.
A 6 speed transmission is required if you want a more sport-like feel.
That's all I can think of at the moment,
Nick
great pointers Nick!
I will say for sure, the mileage isn't a huge difference between a 2.0t and my 3.2, I've driven both. Also my 3.2 actually gets better KM's than my sisters 1.8t. I get about 500km city per tank, and nearly 900km highway.
personally, I love the off the line power of my 3.2 vs the 1.8 or 2.0 turbo. However I wish my 3.2 had the oomph of the turbo hitting in later around 30-50km/h. but If the v6 is warmed up, it's quick.
ultimately get an s4 if you want power!
03-02-2011, 07:53 AM
#5
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Kitchener
Posts: 29
Re: Looking to get into an A4
Thanks for the replies!
I took test drives in a 2004 1.8 and a 2008 2.0 S line both 6 speed. The 2004 was not in the best shape, it had a new clutch and was really grabby. The 2.0 has quite a bit more power. Does the S line have different suspension? It rode firmer and handled quite a bit better. Also I think I would have to get a B7 just because of the improved cup holder LOL!
I took test drives in a 2004 1.8 and a 2008 2.0 S line both 6 speed. The 2004 was not in the best shape, it had a new clutch and was really grabby. The 2.0 has quite a bit more power. Does the S line have different suspension? It rode firmer and handled quite a bit better. Also I think I would have to get a B7 just because of the improved cup holder LOL!
03-02-2011, 10:26 AM
#6
Audi Forum - Posts like a Q5
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Vancouver,BC
Posts: 583
Re: Looking to get into an A4
If the S-Line has the full sports interior package, then it will have different suspension. You can tell if that package is installed by:
Many of these can be changed by the previous owner so YMMV in using them as proof of a full sports package. All except for the black trim apply with my B7 Avant that was odered with the full interior sports package. 2008 A4's all came with the exterior S-Line cosmetics.
- seeing if the interior trim has a satin or black finish rather than fishscale.
- shocks have an orange colour at the top
- ride height is lower compared to non-S-Line
- steering wheel is 3-spoke with S-Line badge
- 1BE is one of the listed option codes; this is the sports suspension
- car has 18" RS6? style wheels
- car has black trim around the windows and grill; this is part of the Titanium package which only applied on top of the full sports package
Many of these can be changed by the previous owner so YMMV in using them as proof of a full sports package. All except for the black trim apply with my B7 Avant that was odered with the full interior sports package. 2008 A4's all came with the exterior S-Line cosmetics.
03-02-2011, 10:36 AM
#7
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Kitchener
Posts: 29
Re: Looking to get into an A4
OK this was a wannabe S-line! Regular wheels, 4 spoke steering wheel, fish scale trim and ride height was higher, just the exterior and door threshold badges. I saw a picture of a 2007 S-line and the difference was noticeable. Was a used car dealer and he was trying to tell me it was a special package with more hp. I hate used car salesman!
03-02-2011, 08:42 PM
#8
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 92
Re: Looking to get into an A4
OK this was a wannabe S-line! Regular wheels, 4 spoke steering wheel, fish scale trim and ride height was higher, just the exterior and door threshold badges. I saw a picture of a 2007 S-line and the difference was noticeable. Was a used car dealer and he was trying to tell me it was a special package with more hp. I hate used car salesman!
03-02-2011, 08:59 PM
#10
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Toronto, ON
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