Dano58

On May 14, 9:12 pm, "Tri Duck" <pbdr...@nospammingctc.net> wrote:
> I am looking at purchasing a 2004-5'ish A4.... anything in particular I
> should be on the look out for? Any pervasive issues with this model year
> (recalls, major repair issues etc)? Any scheduled maintenance I should be
> on the look out for etc? I read one review that recommended the 5 speed
> over the auto, thoughts on this? I know this is a decidedly pro Audi
> audience, but general thoughts on the BMW 325 vs Mercedes C230 vs A4 would
> also be appreciated.....

Brian, if you go for the 1.8T, make sure the PO has kept up with his
oil changes, and more frequently than the 10k intervals than Audi
recommends. Also make sure he has been using synthetic oil, something
like M1 0w-40. This engine had some sludge issues due to 1) long oil
change intervals 2) Audi initial recommendation of regular dino oil
3)too-small oil filter and 4) owners not changing the oil. This is
really a great engine if cared for properly, with a LOT more power
than can be had easily and cheaply. I haven't chipped mine yet (just
coming up on the end of the warranty). I've had the rear mufflers
replaced (due to a rattle), passenger's door switches replaced and the
car is currently getting first gear replaced - all of these were under
warranty. But I love the car. Mine has the Premium, Cold Weather and
Sport packages. I echo the comment about the Sport-equipped cars
riding harder than the non, but the handling is worth it. I've been
driving a 2007 A4 without the Sport, and I don't like it at all - and
the car sits about 3/4 of an inch higher, making it look like an
SUV

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

Dano58

On May 14, 9:12 pm, "Tri Duck" <pbdr...@nospammingctc.net> wrote:
> I am looking at purchasing a 2004-5'ish A4.... anything in particular I
> should be on the look out for? Any pervasive issues with this model year
> (recalls, major repair issues etc)? Any scheduled maintenance I should be
> on the look out for etc? I read one review that recommended the 5 speed
> over the auto, thoughts on this? I know this is a decidedly pro Audi
> audience, but general thoughts on the BMW 325 vs Mercedes C230 vs A4 would
> also be appreciated.....

Brian, if you go for the 1.8T, make sure the PO has kept up with his
oil changes, and more frequently than the 10k intervals than Audi
recommends. Also make sure he has been using synthetic oil, something
like M1 0w-40. This engine had some sludge issues due to 1) long oil
change intervals 2) Audi initial recommendation of regular dino oil
3)too-small oil filter and 4) owners not changing the oil. This is
really a great engine if cared for properly, with a LOT more power
than can be had easily and cheaply. I haven't chipped mine yet (just
coming up on the end of the warranty). I've had the rear mufflers
replaced (due to a rattle), passenger's door switches replaced and the
car is currently getting first gear replaced - all of these were under
warranty. But I love the car. Mine has the Premium, Cold Weather and
Sport packages. I echo the comment about the Sport-equipped cars
riding harder than the non, but the handling is worth it. I've been
driving a 2007 A4 without the Sport, and I don't like it at all - and
the car sits about 3/4 of an inch higher, making it look like an
SUV

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

Dano58

On May 14, 9:12 pm, "Tri Duck" <pbdr...@nospammingctc.net> wrote:
> I am looking at purchasing a 2004-5'ish A4.... anything in particular I
> should be on the look out for? Any pervasive issues with this model year
> (recalls, major repair issues etc)? Any scheduled maintenance I should be
> on the look out for etc? I read one review that recommended the 5 speed
> over the auto, thoughts on this? I know this is a decidedly pro Audi
> audience, but general thoughts on the BMW 325 vs Mercedes C230 vs A4 would
> also be appreciated.....

Brian, if you go for the 1.8T, make sure the PO has kept up with his
oil changes, and more frequently than the 10k intervals than Audi
recommends. Also make sure he has been using synthetic oil, something
like M1 0w-40. This engine had some sludge issues due to 1) long oil
change intervals 2) Audi initial recommendation of regular dino oil
3)too-small oil filter and 4) owners not changing the oil. This is
really a great engine if cared for properly, with a LOT more power
than can be had easily and cheaply. I haven't chipped mine yet (just
coming up on the end of the warranty). I've had the rear mufflers
replaced (due to a rattle), passenger's door switches replaced and the
car is currently getting first gear replaced - all of these were under
warranty. But I love the car. Mine has the Premium, Cold Weather and
Sport packages. I echo the comment about the Sport-equipped cars
riding harder than the non, but the handling is worth it. I've been
driving a 2007 A4 without the Sport, and I don't like it at all - and
the car sits about 3/4 of an inch higher, making it look like an
SUV

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

G-man uk

Tony wrote:

[snip]

> One option that I like and would try to find again is the auto dimming
> rear view and side mirrors.

I have that on my 03 A3 1.9TDI. However, Audi also saw the foresight to
put a factory tinted rear windscreen in so headlights behind you do not
dazzle you, (the window has a very light blue tint - but only seen at
night) making this option somewhat useless.

G-man uk

Tony wrote:

[snip]

> One option that I like and would try to find again is the auto dimming
> rear view and side mirrors.

I have that on my 03 A3 1.9TDI. However, Audi also saw the foresight to
put a factory tinted rear windscreen in so headlights behind you do not
dazzle you, (the window has a very light blue tint - but only seen at
night) making this option somewhat useless.

G-man uk

Tony wrote:

[snip]

> One option that I like and would try to find again is the auto dimming
> rear view and side mirrors.

I have that on my 03 A3 1.9TDI. However, Audi also saw the foresight to
put a factory tinted rear windscreen in so headlights behind you do not
dazzle you, (the window has a very light blue tint - but only seen at
night) making this option somewhat useless.

G-man uk

Tony wrote:

[snip]

> One option that I like and would try to find again is the auto dimming
> rear view and side mirrors.

I have that on my 03 A3 1.9TDI. However, Audi also saw the foresight to
put a factory tinted rear windscreen in so headlights behind you do not
dazzle you, (the window has a very light blue tint - but only seen at
night) making this option somewhat useless.