Buying an A4 Cab for dummies.
08-16-2006, 01:01 PM
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Buying an A4 Cab for dummies.
Hey all,
I was going to buy a new A3 until I realized that I can get a used A4 Cab for same or less money.
Give me a primer for what to look for and what to avoid in a Cab. Is a particular year better than another and why? I'm not opposed to a car with high miles, should I be? Is getting an audi certified car a must? I would likely lean towards a 1.8t because it's cheaper...any reason I should pony up for the 3.0? I would want a manual tranny, is this possible with either engine?
Any other advice, please chime in. While I didn't search, I did scroll down several pages and didn't find the info I needed.
I was going to buy a new A3 until I realized that I can get a used A4 Cab for same or less money.
Give me a primer for what to look for and what to avoid in a Cab. Is a particular year better than another and why? I'm not opposed to a car with high miles, should I be? Is getting an audi certified car a must? I would likely lean towards a 1.8t because it's cheaper...any reason I should pony up for the 3.0? I would want a manual tranny, is this possible with either engine?
Any other advice, please chime in. While I didn't search, I did scroll down several pages and didn't find the info I needed.
08-16-2006, 01:30 PM
#2
CPO is no guarantee as dealers do not always inspect them..
Always do true du diligence befor you buy. This includes going to a differnet dealer with eh VIN to do a history search as well as calling Audi Corporate to do the same.
Do you want quattro? Why the A3 and now the cab? Its apples an oranges.
Do you want quattro? Why the A3 and now the cab? Its apples an oranges.
08-16-2006, 02:35 PM
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A3's are pretty pricey, no? You might be able to get an S4 cab if you look carefully.
S4's are available with the manual transmissions, and I think I've seen 2005s going for low to mid 40's now. Breaks mah heart, but ah well- not looking to sell mine...yet. The V8 is absolutely intoxicating with the top down and would be a good reason to make this move.
You have a relatively low ID number, so I'm assuming you already have or had an Audi, and that you know these cars are pretty pricey to repair out of warranty. Probably not out of line for a German car, but something to be aware of if you're looking at a high mileage car. If you do go S4, keep in mind that replacing the timing chain on the V8 requires removing the engine- a prospect that I find financially troubling and which will probably lead to my selling before being too long out of warranty at the latest.
I'm just about to hit 25K miles, and for the most part my car has been pretty care free. It did, however, just start showing its age with a couple of issues involving the roof storage case (won't stay up) and an odd brake light and alarm that go away after the car gets warmed up (brake fluid looks fine). So nothing performance-related, but somewhat annoying. Fortunately, covered by the warranty.
Other than that, I don't have too much info to offer, but feel free to ask if you have any other questions. Good luck!
You have a relatively low ID number, so I'm assuming you already have or had an Audi, and that you know these cars are pretty pricey to repair out of warranty. Probably not out of line for a German car, but something to be aware of if you're looking at a high mileage car. If you do go S4, keep in mind that replacing the timing chain on the V8 requires removing the engine- a prospect that I find financially troubling and which will probably lead to my selling before being too long out of warranty at the latest.
I'm just about to hit 25K miles, and for the most part my car has been pretty care free. It did, however, just start showing its age with a couple of issues involving the roof storage case (won't stay up) and an odd brake light and alarm that go away after the car gets warmed up (brake fluid looks fine). So nothing performance-related, but somewhat annoying. Fortunately, covered by the warranty.
Other than that, I don't have too much info to offer, but feel free to ask if you have any other questions. Good luck!
08-17-2006, 06:54 AM
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Yeah, this ain't my first rodeo.
My first car was a used 1984 4000S, someone hit me and the car was never the same after the repair. I had a series of unmemorable cars until I got a '99 Passat wagon, 2001 S4, 2000 A8, 2004 Touareg and now I have a 2007 Passat wagon...I've come full circle.
08-17-2006, 06:57 AM
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I've lusted after the A4 Cab since they came out.
I'm cross shopping A3s and GTIs (gti is the far better buy, probably no longer considering the A3). I stumbled upon the Eos in the VW showroom and I thought to myself why anybody would want that when they could have a CPO A4 Cab for less money. That got me thinking about the A4 Cab again.
I wanted the A3/GTI for weekend track duty. I'm now considering an A4 Cab for daily use and an older E36 BMW for weekend track abuse.
I wanted the A3/GTI for weekend track duty. I'm now considering an A4 Cab for daily use and an older E36 BMW for weekend track abuse.
08-17-2006, 08:33 AM
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What I've learned so far...
<center><img src="http://a137.g.akamai.net/n/137/3538/20060812062513/www.cars.com/photo300-ad/DMI/84303/4K002914.jpg"></center><p>Hey Krisko, I too am looking for an A4 Cab (would like a 2004 Aquamarine with light interior).
I have found, through extensive research over the past couple of months, that I like the 3.0 because it comes with more standard equipment and a couple of key upgrades from the 1.8- more wood trim and steering wheel-mounted controls.
The only major thing I'm worried about with a high-mileage car is the roof needing to be replaced. It seems this can be a $6,000+ project.
Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket warranty for this?
I would say to look for a model with at least the premium package. I really want one with NAV, but that seems to be a very rarely ordered option.
There isn't much difference between the years. Here's what the Audi Certified site says...
"The 2004 A4 3.0 Cabriolet. A sensation of a car. Whether equipped with the revolutionary multitronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and FrontTrak® or new-for-2004 optional quattro® all-wheel drive and a five-speed Tiptronic®, more than a refined convertible. The convertible redefined. Not only beauty, brawn. The all-aluminum 220 hp 3.0 liter V6 delivers prodigiously smooth power across the full spectrum. And it's a full 112% stiffer than our previous entrant in the class, while providing class-leading room as well."
and
"With increased horsepower and more standard features, the 2005 A4 3.0 Cabriolet is even more refined. Like every Audi Cabriolet, it benefits from an array of electronic assists, including an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®) -- designed to keep you on your intended path -- Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Anti-Slip Reduction (ASR). Combine these safety features with a standard power folding top and optional quattro® all-wheel drive"<ul><li><a href="http://www.audiusa.com/certified_model_library_search/0,5780,305,00.html">Audi Certified Model Library</a></li></ul>
I have found, through extensive research over the past couple of months, that I like the 3.0 because it comes with more standard equipment and a couple of key upgrades from the 1.8- more wood trim and steering wheel-mounted controls.
The only major thing I'm worried about with a high-mileage car is the roof needing to be replaced. It seems this can be a $6,000+ project.
Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket warranty for this?
I would say to look for a model with at least the premium package. I really want one with NAV, but that seems to be a very rarely ordered option.
There isn't much difference between the years. Here's what the Audi Certified site says...
"The 2004 A4 3.0 Cabriolet. A sensation of a car. Whether equipped with the revolutionary multitronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and FrontTrak® or new-for-2004 optional quattro® all-wheel drive and a five-speed Tiptronic®, more than a refined convertible. The convertible redefined. Not only beauty, brawn. The all-aluminum 220 hp 3.0 liter V6 delivers prodigiously smooth power across the full spectrum. And it's a full 112% stiffer than our previous entrant in the class, while providing class-leading room as well."
and
"With increased horsepower and more standard features, the 2005 A4 3.0 Cabriolet is even more refined. Like every Audi Cabriolet, it benefits from an array of electronic assists, including an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®) -- designed to keep you on your intended path -- Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Anti-Slip Reduction (ASR). Combine these safety features with a standard power folding top and optional quattro® all-wheel drive"<ul><li><a href="http://www.audiusa.com/certified_model_library_search/0,5780,305,00.html">Audi Certified Model Library</a></li></ul>
