Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

Hey Folks,

I currently have a 99 A4 2.8 quattro with 204km and was looking at upgrading to a newer model. Not being in a position to get the new model, I was looking to get a B7 with low milage (under 80km)...

My initial thoughts were to go with an A4 2.0T model (due to the better gas mileage), however, a friend of mine told me to STAY AWAY FROM THE TURBO, as he's owned one and after 120km , his engine light went on and it cost him $8k to repair the engine...he mentioned that I'm lucky to have a 6 cylinder car and to stay w/6 cyl, as turbo engines overheat and have a high probability of causing engine failure after 100km, hence the lower re-sale value

...now I'm a bit skeptic that Audi would produce crappy turbo engines that need to be redone at 70k, but I did notice that 90% of B7 used cars out there are 2.0T, and the price difference between a 2006 A4 2.0t & 3.2 is around 2-3k...so, before I make a decision, I wanted to hear from the "turbo experts" what their experience is, along with their valuable recommendation.

Thx

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

I had a B5 S4 with the twin turbo. It had almost 300K on it with no turbo problems. The trick is to warm up and cool down the turbo. In other words take care of it and it will last.

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

Sorry, as a non-turbo owner, how do you warm up & cool down the turbo?...plus, I have no way of knowing whether or not the previous owner abused the engine or not... Thx

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

After starting when cold go slow until car is warm. After stopping let it idle for a few minutes before turning it off. Don't get me wrong here. I now own a naturally aspirated 4.2 S4 and love it. I am somewhat old school and don't gravitate towards turbo cars. I gave you an example of a long lasting turbo car that didn't have turbo problems. It had a whole lot of other problems but no turbo problems.

Hope I was able to help?

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

Ok, I'm getting there...thx...not knowing how much the previous owner would have abused the turbo, I'm wondering what the associated maintenance costs would be to ensure a clean turbo. Thx

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

As a newb here and, looking forward to becoming an Audi owner, I can only comment on my experience with a SAAB that I've owned for almost 4 years. I can say that, in the 12 years post '99 that turbos have likely been improved considerably. My 2002 9-3 has 162k on it with never an issue with the turbo. I have to think that Audi's turbos are on par with SAAB's.

I think you may want to check the current resales and the residual values on leases for turbos. I don't think there's a huge (if any) discount.

Hope that helps. Did I mention I am looking forward to becoming an Audi owner. :D

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

Let us know what model you are considering and when you get it.

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

Hi mikeh,

It's an A3 quattro, S-Line, 2.0T. Supposed to pick it up next Tuesday. :thumb:

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

Congrats. When you get it post up some pics and your comments.

Re: Turbo or non-turbo? Need advise for next B7 purchase
 

I love the turbo in my car! today with this slightly cooler temps was amazing because its the ideal temp for them to perform. i have not had any probs as of yet and i'm at 64,000kms.