I will have a chance to purchase my fathers's A4 when it comes of a three year lease (he is going for the S4). Three years of trouble free and very enjoyable driving. It is currently in perfect shape. I was wondering what kind of long term reliability people were having with their A4's? I want the car, but I don't need expensive repairs popping up. For the same money I could get a new Civic Si or something. Civic would probably be more reliable, but of course, it is no A4.

Thoughts?

I bought my used A4 for my crew team and we haven't had a problem yet! Nothing beats it, the best vehicle I've ever towed a trailer with.

I agree with the tuccmeister! The best car I've ever driven and the chicks dig it!

Buy the car, it rocks!

There was a recent story (now in the news archive) about an A4 2.8 breaking 100,000 miles. It seems to indicate good reliability, and since the A4 is your father's you know that has been maintained well (it HAS been maintained well, right). But, insurance isn't cheap on the A4, nor is regular maintenance, and IF something does go wrong it probably won't be cheap. If you can afford it, go for the A4, it's a spectacular car (as you know). If, you're trying to save for a house, are just starting a family, or the A4 would be a strech for any reason, the Civic or other more reasonably priced car would be a better choice.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

If you plan on keeping your next car for 6 years or more I think the Civic is a safer choice. If you plan on keeping it for only 3-4 years, have some fun (and maybe even save money) and get the used A4. The A4 should be nearly as reliable as the Honda over a shorter time frame. BTW, I just bought a '93 BMW 525i (w/75k miles) from a friend using the same reasoning. I thought I was going to buy a new A4 - oh well, maybe next time - or maybe I can get an Avant to replace my wife's trouble free 1996 Civic EX!

thanks for the tips. It is a tough call. I have yet to drive the civic (the most inportant factor). I am trusting car and driver, they loved the civic Si.