My local Audi dealer has a 96 Blue A4 Quattro (5 speed) with 45,000 miles that it is just gorgeous. I need input on reliability as I don't want to spend a lot of $$ for maintenance shortly after buying this car and what would be a fair offering price? It has sunroof, heated leather. Thanks.

I bought a 96 2.8 qm pearl in march of this year with 55,000 kms (approx 34000 miles). It is manual, and fully loaded. It had an ABT skirt kit on it and stiffer shocks. Paid $28k $CDN. Good price since new one 2.8 Quattro is about $50+k. No problems other than squeek in suspension that everyone else seems to be experiencing regardless of year of production.
Good luck!

About 6 months ago I sold my Dad's black '96 A4 2.8 quattro for $16k in U.S.$. It had 67k miles and some lifting of the dash. Other than that it was in great shape, has new tires and the 60k service PLUS the timimg belt and water pump replaced (at the 60k service).
We did take a bit of a loss ($3k) from the loan that was still on it. Mostly because of mileage and the cosmetic-only dash issue. That and we just wanted to get it sold (estate issue). I think a dealer would add 2-3,000 for the car and have sold it at $19k with a warranty. Models with about 40-45k miles were going for about $23-24k at the time.
Now, the cars may have dipped in price for dealer sales...I would imagine it's still in low 20s, or high 19s for about 40-45k mileage though.
Have you tried to check what your local "retail" price might look like with the on-line Kelley Blue Book? www.kbb.com It's not perfect but it's not too far off either, judging from comparisons I've done.
-C.

That's my opinion. Should be less, possibly. One year ago I was looking at a similar model - 2.8, 5-speed, Quattro, but leatherette, no heated seats from what I could tell, sunroof. Same mileage, I had the dealer at $19,900 but didn't bite. Looking back it was a great deal, but I'm glad that I'm waiting for my 1.8T. If you can get the dealer under $19k I would go for it. Check out traderonline.com to see what private parties are selling theirs for also.

Mark Collett

Neal,

I have a '96 quattro manual in creampuff condition. About a month ago, when I had 34,000 miles on the odometer, I was offered $18,000 for it by two separate, independent (non-Audi) dealers. They each had '96 A4s on their lots selling for $20,000 to $21,500, depending upon the options. That pretty much conforms to the prices I saw at www.edmunds.com.

Although I was considering selling my '96 and buying a '00 A4, I have decided to wait and see what the 2001 models will look like. By Oct. 2000 I should still have less than 45,000 miles on my car.

By the way, my '96 has been very reliable, with no major problems. In fact, it is the most trouble-free car I have ever owned.

Good luck and happy motoring if you buy the '96 A4.

StevenN

About 2 months ago I bought a 96 2.8QM in cream puff condition with 36K miles for $21,500. Purchased in Northern New Jersey (Bell Audi in Rahway). Car is loaded (leather, sunroof, cold weather pkg) with everything but the CD changer (which I ended up getting at E-Bay for $280) and the cellular phone. Dealer had a price of $23,999 on his lot, was advertising $22,900 through Autobytel (or one of the services). I love the car, best purchase I've ever made. Go for it!