boosted475

I was thinking of buying an A4 1.8t or maybe an S4 if I can find one I can afford.

Are there any reliability/longevity issues I should be aware of before making my final decision? This next car I buy would ideally be lots of fun yet, last me a bunch of good years without breaking the bank in repair costs etc..

RallyVermont

The B5 S4 is at the age where maintenance can be quite costly. If you can do most if not all your own work on the car, it may be a viable option for you.

The S4's just cost more to maintain then the A4. With the value of A4's dropping drastically over the past few years, you can get yourself into a newer B5 A4 1.8t - good engine, long life, MUCH easier to do DYI work on. And when you get the hang of working the car/doing minor upgrades, you can easily bolt on an extra 150hp with good working knowlage of the car.

if you are questioning weather or not being able to afford an S4, I would skip.

thedukeofsf

I'm also in the market for a new car and was possibly thinking of buying a a B5 A4 1.8t quattro.

What should I be looking for? Warning signs. Any maintenance that should have been done before or around 100k miles. Basically, I need a A4 Buying for Dummies guide... I've never owned an Audi, but I have owned a brand new VW before. But got rid of the VW after 1 year for personal reasons.

Help! I'm looking to rule the A4 in or out within a week or two. My other choice was a 1998-2001 Honda Prelude SH. I know, I know. Two completely different cars, but I love the Prelude.

RMCS4

Read the link below - LOTS of information here. I concur, go with the A4. I owned an 97 A4 and sold it due to financial reasons, a few years later, when I was in better $ shape, I bought an 00 S4 but sold it due to high $ maintenance issues and, now that I'm in the best financial shape ever, I just bought a 00 A4 due to performance potential, style, lower costs, easier upgrades, etc. the A4 is a GREAT bang for your buck and the B5 body style is fast becoming a classic!

Here's the link . . .
http://www.audi-forums.com/b5-forum/...bout-1-8t.html

Nate (ETKA+Scumbag)

And THAT'S why I don't own one either.

boosted475

cool.. will look into the B5 A4's thanks guys

shawfm

You can always buy my B5.
I just picked up my B7 S-line last night.

boosted475

I would if it were manual