New car ideas

[nonick]

So some priorities in the life have changed (as they always seem to do people) a nice car has become a bit lower priority. So what I'm looking for is a decent AWD or RWD car around the 15k mark.. I'm mostly looking into older Audi A4s, preferably the 2.8 V6. But I don't really know what else is out there.. so if anyone has any ideas please let me know!

[R_Ethug]

Re: New car ideas

go with an e36 bmw or a B5 A4.. i'd get a 1.8T as you can get lots of power out of it with a chip still but the 2.8 is fine too.

[nonick]

Re: New car ideas

Well I was only really thinking the 2.8 because of maintance, how are the 1.8s for reliablity? (on that matter how is the 2.8? I really don't know that much I just figured a basic V6 engine is less complex than a turbocharged engine).

[R-Audi]

Re: New car ideas

Would you be modifying the A4? If yes then the 1.8T, if no do the 2.8. It has enough power to keep most happy, but once you start tinkering around there will always be more maintenance required.

[B5]

Re: New car ideas

2.8 has it own problem when come to cold weather. If you want to operate the car in winter, prepared to face these problems: head gasket oil leak, pvc pipe crack and water pump. They cost more than you can imagine.

[nonick]

Re: New car ideas

Hmm, well I wasnt' planning any real modding.. probably just a chip mostly for the engine, and then mostly cosmetic mods.

[Volinder D]

Re: New car ideas

E36 325i,or 328i is a far superiour car to the b4 A4. The earlier b4 A4's were riduled with problems, if your looking for reliability I would steer clear of them. Plus the E36 BMW's are bar none far better handling than the Audi is. That's my 0.02. This opinion is based on two of my close friends owning both cars, and there is no doubt I like the bmw better. I'm still a big Audi fan though.

[BadKenny]

Re: New car ideas

E36 325i,or 328i is a far superiour car to the b4 A4. The earlier b4 A4's were riduled with problems, if your looking for reliability I would steer clear of them. Plus the E36 BMW's are bar none far better handling than the Audi is. That's my 0.02. This opinion is based on two of my close friends owning both cars, and there is no doubt I like the bmw better. I'm still a big Audi fan though.

2nd that. The BMW will handle significantly better BUT....German "reliability" exists with those cars as well, though not as badly. Cooling system issues = water pump, radiator, fans, etc. were all assembled with the care and attention that only a half-blind, dyslexic monkey with no thumbs can provide. Fortunately, the engine is chain-driven thus no bent valves like an Audi or VW. If you're going for a BMW, get a 1994+ as they have VANOS (variable valve timing)...I love the sound of a BMW engine, its the european equivalent to a Honda (in that they are high-revving windup toys that rocket past things).

With the Audi, if you're looking at the V6...do not buy one older than 1998. That's when they became 30v and gained a bump in power (modest) AND they can get that sweet PES supercharger (that is equiv in power to the 1.8t's stage 3). Handling = modest, on the Audi, expect tons of understeer (not as bad with the Quattro) but good ride quality stock. However....remember catastrophic engine damage from broken timing belts that like to self-destruct, coilpack issues, etc.

The BMW rides a bit harsher, depends if you're really that picky. But I'd go with an E36 BMW, I love that body style even if it does look dated and resembles the later model Toyota Tercel, as it handles better, is slightly faster and though plagued by problems of its own, they're not as bad as the Audi.

[Volinder D]

Re: New car ideas

2nd that. The BMW will handle significantly better BUT....German "reliability" exists with those cars as well, though not as badly. Cooling system issues = water pump, radiator, fans, etc. were all assembled with the care and attention that only a half-blind, dyslexic monkey with no thumbs can provide. Fortunately, the engine is chain-driven thus no bent valves like an Audi or VW. If you're going for a BMW, get a 1994+ as they have VANOS (variable valve timing)...I love the sound of a BMW engine, its the european equivalent to a Honda (in that they are high-revving windup toys that rocket past things).

With the Audi, if you're looking at the V6...do not buy one older than 1998. That's when they became 30v and gained a bump in power (modest) AND they can get that sweet PES supercharger (that is equiv in power to the 1.8t's stage 3). Handling = modest, on the Audi, expect tons of understeer (not as bad with the Quattro) but good ride quality stock. However....remember catastrophic engine damage from broken timing belts that like to self-destruct, coilpack issues, etc.

The BMW rides a bit harsher, depends if you're really that picky. But I'd go with an E36 BMW, I love that body style even if it does look dated and resembles the later model Toyota Tercel, as it handles better, is slightly faster and though plagued by problems of its own, they're not as bad as the Audi.

Very well put!!!

[nonick]

Re: New car ideas

Hmm, well thanks for the insight, lots to think about. I'm not to picky about ride quality.. my golf has the H&R cupkit on it so its fairly harsh (imo at least) but it doesn't bother me. I think I'm leaning towards an Audi just because of quattro. What years are the E36 bmws?

Also, what about a 2000-2001 A4? They can be had for a bit more than 15k (usually in the 17-18 range which is doable as well if its worth the price)

[R_Ethug]

Re: New car ideas

get a an 99+ A4.. newer interior stuff.. drive by wire.. a few other upgraded things.. 1 peice lights..

[BadKenny]

Re: New car ideas

Hmm, well thanks for the insight, lots to think about. I'm not to picky about ride quality.. my golf has the H&R cupkit on it so its fairly harsh (imo at least) but it doesn't bother me. I think I'm leaning towards an Audi just because of quattro. What years are the E36 bmws?

Also, what about a 2000-2001 A4? They can be had for a bit more than 15k (usually in the 17-18 range which is doable as well if its worth the price)

2000-2001 A4's still share the same issues. Still the 30v V6 (which isn't bad, just still a belt-driven interference type engine). Quattro can be fun, but I only miss it when it snows HEAPS, even then I've never had a problem with my FWD A4...Tons of people drive RWD cars with no issues, and Quattro doesn't help you brake any faster! I've yet to get stuck, and my belly pan barely clears the speed bumps in Mount Royal College so you'd think it wouldn't be hard for me to get stuck. Quattro or not, it's all about driving for the conditions.

IIRC, E36 is 1992-2000/2001-ish without me checking the web first....
1994+ 325i's have the VANOS system and traction control as an option, as well as a LSD as an option. You'll notice the M50/M50TU engine does not have any different peak numbers, but the TU (VANOS) version has a flatter torque curve.