I need a little advise please. I just test-drove a 1996 A4 2.8 FWD, automatic. It's loaded (including leather interior, winter pkg., upgraded stereo system). It has 39,000 miles, pretty clean exterior and is Autumn Red. (I'm getting used to the color...) I can get it for $20,500. Is this a good deal? You're feedback is appreciated!

I think you should think about gettinga new A4 if it's an A4 that you really want. That way you can take advantage of the 3 years free maintanence and the financing will be less. Also Audi make the best AWD for the money in the world, so by all means get the quattro. If cost is still a factor, go for a 1.8T, manual with leatherette. You should be able to get a decent A4 like this for around $25K +/- a little. I'm sure there are still a lot of 98's out there: the dealer where I live has several.

leather, heated seats, etc.?<p>It is not a steal in my opinion....

Summary:<br>If you really want a car like that, wait 6 months and get a 30v V6 for the same price with the same options on the same deal. Much better engine, and worth the wait for 1997 models to cycle into that price curve. You're driving a car of a color that no longer is produced, and one where you have to "get used to it." The average mileage for a car these days is 12,500 miles per year, so this car has been used an average or above average amount. The warranty period of three years is close to expiration, though you could extend it.<p>Wait 6 months for:<br>New 1999.2 A4 1.8T 5spd Quattro @ $26k<br>Used 1997 A4 2.8 5spd Quattro @ varying prices<p>Would rather buy now:<br>Used loaded Gen1 BMW Z3 5spd @ $21k<br>Used Nissan ZX T-Top @ wildly varying prices<p>Cameron

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If I read your post right, you are saying that the '97 2.8 is a 30V, this is incorrect, the 30V wasn't introduced until the '98 model year.<p>Matt

If I know what your priorities are, I can give you better advice. <br>I personally wouldn't go for it because:<br>1) I like stick shift. (96 automatic is slow...)<br>2) I like to have Quattro option.<br>3) it doesn't seem a good deal to me.<p>Is the car "Audi Assured" car from an Audi dealer? If so, the warranty will be<br>5 years from the original purchase date/75,000 miles whichever comes first.<p>But I still don't jump for the car you found.<br>If you like automatic, you might want to get a later year model with 30v engine<br>with Tiptronic.<p>Nozomi<p>

I've looked at a number of used A4's and for a '96 FWD, this price sounds to be about right. Most used A4's I've looked at have been Quattro and in the $25k range.<p>Is $20500 the list price or is it the price you have talked them down to? If it's the list price, you could probably get it for $500 to $1k cheaper than that. <p>Depending on when the car was originally purchased, the miles could either be high or just about right. If it was purchased at the begining of the model year (late '95) the 39k miles is just above average, if it was purchased at the end of the model year (late '96) the mileage is a little high.<p>The Autumn Red isn't a bad color, just the wrong name. Copper would have been a little bit more accurate in my opinion. Even thought the color has been discontiued, it doesn't mean that you won't be able to get it repaired if needed. Remember, Pearl White has been discontiued for '99 models and I'm sure that you will still be able to get touch up paint for that for years to come. Plus the color makes the car more unique.<p>I would suggest having the car checked out by a mechanic first. Even though it is still fairly new, you never know if something could be wrong. There may be a reason why the original owner got rid of it. You don't want to inherit their problem. It's well worth the $20 or so that you will have to pay.<p>Quattro would be nice on the car, but if you've never driven a car with quattro, you don't know what your missing anyway, so it doesn't really matter. And, the FWD A4 is suppose to be one of the best front wheel drive cars around, almost no torqe steer.<p>I know that most people here will tell you to "save" for the Quattro model, but if your like me, it's easier said than done. I've been trying to "save" for an A4, any A4 for over 2 years now, and I'm not any closer than I was before. If $20 is your price range, take a look at other cars in that range, both new and used, and I think you will find the A4 is nicer than most of those cars.<p>Anyway, I hope this helps you out a bit.<p>Matt<br>'93 90S fwd<br>'86 4000 CS Quattro<p>

I missed the fact that the car is an automatic. If it was me, I would definatly pass on it, just because I don't like automatics. But if you like the automatic in the A4, then go for it.<p>Matt

I don't know how long you've been looking, but there are a lot of used A4's around. A quick check of my local paper (Minnesota, where Audis are very popular) shows several '96 A4's at or below the price of yours. <p>If you drive in snow in the winter, GET A QUATTRO. There is a huge difference in roadholding ability, and you should be able to find a Quattro in your price range, give or take. I promise you will not regret it.<p>If you can stretch the budget, consider a new car. A new 1.8T Quattro could probably be had for $26K or so, and you would get the full warranty, and all scheduled maintenance (oil changes etc.) free for 50K miles. You may also be able to get the exact colors and options you want through factory ordering or a dealer exchange. I've always been a used-car guy, but when I was shopping for an A4, I just found the new car to be a better deal.<p>Just my opinions, I could be wrong. Good luck!<p>Rich D.<br>98.0 A4 2.8 QM