Here's my situation, last july I bought a used 96 A4Q automatic (<---problem #1, I have regretted this since the first month). No one in my family has ever bought a used car before and I was advised against it, but this was the only way I could afford an A4, which was far superior than any of the other cars I was considering. I am a 19 yr old college student (Tufts) and over the past year I only used the car on weekends and breaks, I live 25 min from my school. In the small amount of time I have used it, I have had the car stall and set off check engine light 3 times, each time getting "repaired" for less than 2000 miles. In addition, every problem possible for a 96 has occurred, peeling dash, burned out mirrors, faulty moonroof control, dead battery, etc.

Here's the most recent frustration, The car was in at Clair 2 weeks ago for a problem with the throttle sensor and 3 months ago for the 45000 mile check up. Evidently, at some point I sprung a leak in the cooling system and overheated today, now the car has to be towed and who knows what has to be fixed. I have only used the car for about 5 months worth combined and 8000 miles. I LOVE this car and am happily addicted to the a4.org forums, but it just doesnt seem to make sense for me to keep this car. Although my parents paid for the car, all expenses are mine, and seeing as I am a full time student waiting tables 12-15 hours a week, I feel that it would only make sense to get rid of the car. I'm thinking about a 2000 Golf 1.8t, not an A4, but perhaps more reasonable in a number of ways.

Please let me know what you think...

-Josh

I'm a 19 year old A4 owner as well so I can sympathize with your plight. In my humble opinion you should sell the car and use it as motivation for school. Everytime you look at your Golf (a great car by the way) you'll think I need that new A4 and I'm going to GET it!! However if this turns you to a life of crime I won't be held responsible :)

Sorry to hear about your car. I have to chime in on the pessimistic side and say that it may only get worse. A4's were supposedly not as well put together in the first couple of years (96-97). Your repair bills will be substantial to say the least. I'm taking a guess here, but coolant leaks which lead to overheating often leads to a blown head gasket or worse which leads to thousands of $$$. Get out of it asap. IMHO.

Sincerely,
Paul C.
been down that used car road before...

I bought a 93 Civic for my son a couple of years ago with 93,000 miles. He is now up to 114,000 and all he has done is oil changes, brakes, etc. normal stuff. Yeah sure he love my A4 (when I let him drive it) but the reliability of used Honda/Acura's can't be beat. Hope my 99 A4 holds up!

My father's 93 Legend L, which he is trading for an A62.7t is NOT reliable...53k miles and the transmission has failed twice on the highway and in on the verge of collapse.

I am not sold on the idea that any car make is much better than the other, it all depends on the model year, care given and luck of the draw (some cars are unexplainably lemons) all play a part.

Latest idea is that we will get rid of the A4 and the Legend when the A62.7t arrives and pick up a golf/jetta 1.8T this winter. I can live without the car while at college for 3 months.

being that you don't have the resources right now to keep it maintained. Sell it, buy yourself a practical new Golf 1.8T, enjoy that great VW warranty while you are working your way through school. After you get out and get that good job, trade the Golf for the car you really want.

BDW '99 1.8Tqms (Wett, K&N)