Audi A4, 1.8T or 2.8 V6 ?
 

Hi.
I'm looking for some info on A4s. Which one has more potential for future upgrades? 1.8T or 2.8 V6?

I have seen 1.8Ts with 310 WHP and 345 TQ, with no internal mods and just a turbo upgrade and exhaust and stuff like that...

Does anyone know anything about these cars?

1.8t has more potential imo. anything that comes stick turbo'd has tons of potential and are easily make fast, boost controller,upgraded turbo etc.

1.8T is a fine engine. You're right... with a cash it can be FAAAST :) I'd get taht instead of the v6...

none of the above in my opinion :nods:

Why not? A4 not good or sumthinn?

yeah, a4's are good.

go with the 1.8t

made by vw... vw can't do wiring... i know to many people who've had rather substancial problems with theres.. i'd rather stick with the tried and true honda... or a big ass V8

Re: Audi A4, 1.8T or 2.8 V6 ?
 

Yeah, they're fantastic cars. No brainer, really. The new style is superb.

I've driven both. The 1.8 is woefully underpowered. Can you say 'chip'. 2.8 is way smoother, rea;;y powerful.

Dunno, tho, chipping a 60G car to get some power is fukked to me...Audi should stock that thing with a 6 only and sell it for the same as a 1.8.

Then chip the 6:bling:

youll be paying out the ass if and when anything goes wrong with it.

audi's are nice, but terribly overpriced imo.

stay away from the 1.8T is what I hear when i did some research on the car, I was looking at buying one but this is what an "Audi Mechanic" had to say about the 1.8T engine.

I also hear mixed reviews from audi owners, def not a car I would want to own

Man, thats too bad....
I'm considering a newer and bigger car for next spring. I want AWD and plenty of power. I also want some luxary and a good resale value. Suburas are nice, but very simple. The resale value on them is also pretty low.
Audis have always being my favorite. And not every gino kid owns one (Hint: BMW). They have always being great cars, even before VW bought the company.

Now, someone tell me what would be wrong with a 98 A4 2.8 QUATTRO, Tiptronic, fully loaded, leather interior, full serive history, 123,000 Kms, for $15,800 ???

Thats about the same money you would have to pay for a 99-00 SIR, but without AWD, 2.8 V6, tiptronic, leather interior, and most important of all, SOME RESPECT!
I'm tired of being judged, because I drive a Civic.
God damn people always look down on you, as soon as they hear you have a Civic... :fight:

Anyways, I think A4s are very decent, and I especially like the pre 2002 body style....:yummy:

heres some info on both cars:

A4 1.8T

Nice looking car with LOTS of problems
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Two of the four front control arms making lots of noise - replaced ($400 each) at 80,000 miles. Right Front wheel bearing failed at 82,000 ($200), Electrical issue in instrument cluster ($900) at 78,000, emission control charcoal canister failed at 75,000 miles ($500). Radiator overflow container went bad at 70,000.
General comments?
The A4 is a great looking, comfortable car, with good performance. However, I will never buy an Audi again that is not new or under warranty. Audi's lack of quality is the reason they are so reasonably priced compared to comparable used BMW's. Of the 14 cars I have owned this A4 depreciated faster and cost much more to operate. A good friend of mine is having similar issues with an A6 4.2 with 80,000 miles.


What things have gone wrong with the car?
Timing belt broke at 79k miles, service interval is at 105k miles. Blown engine that I'm responsible for because of Audi's mistake.

Power windows, both, broke down. $300 a piece to fix the small plastic piece. Around 60k miles when this happened.

Driver airbag light came on, diagnostics showed a broken sensor. $450 to fix.
General comments?
Comfortable car that handles well and is ergonomic and somewhat luxurious. Great car, but not reliable at all. A lot of small details on top of the things listed above, in general a money pit. I think I'll stay away from Audi and VW in the future.

Then 2.8

What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water pump 47,000 miles
check engine light 51,000
sunroof - 52,000
new radiator - 65,000
steering fluid leak - 65,000.
General comments?
Maintenance of this car is a nightmare especially out of warranty.

Parts are custom and very expensive.

This car handles very well.

Acceleration for this car is moderate even with a 5-speed.

Car is comfortable for 2 people or maybe 3.

4 wheel drive system works well on wet roads.

Car struggles on snow without snow tires.

Audi dealership is worst I have ever seen


What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine imploded at 55,000 miles. Cost of this repair $9,000.00. The car has never been the same. Eight months later the transmission needed to be replaced, at a cost of $7,000. Brakes have been replaced 6 times over the 5 years I have owned the car. Many of the recurring problems were diagnosed and repaired under warranty. To repair simple things is costly, for example to replace the generator the entire front of the engine has to be removed.
General comments?
Never buy an Audi A4 out of warranty.

Holly sh*t!! Thats serious reliability issues!! So these problems are common? God damn!

How about the pre-owned, Certified ones?

save for a next year and get a used Audi S4

The 1.8T can easily gain a ton of horsepower simply by chipping.

As for reliability issues, unfortunately yeah they're there. Check out Consumer Reports or magazines like that, they'll give you all the info you need about all this stuff. :)

People who look down on others base on their material belongings are shallow. And I do not think one should be mad or feel even remotely upset if you have been judged by a shallow person.

A car may reflect your financial status, but it does not reflect who you are completely. If one thinks an A4 can bring him or her some respect, god knows what else he or she needs when the bigger needs come? I believe we all strive for the best we could, and I still believe we should live for ourselves and live by our own standards; not what others thinks.

I do not mean to lecture or anything, just saw this subject and had the feeling to elaborate a little.

the car's DIRRRRRRRRRRTY...... audi a4's are pimp still.. my boy owns a black one.... he's had it for over 2 years and no problems so i dunno if those facts loudsubz put up are fully true about a4's... 1.8t's more potent... 2.8's are actually slower... this i know koz he actually owns a white 2.8 v6... ....

<img>http://members.rogers.com/s.p.o.c.k/marka4.jpg</img>

I was at one time seriously looking to buy one. 1.8T is a little slower and a little cheaper stock but has more potential for mods. Nice looking cars but are not the best new because they are expensive. Not the best used because if something goes wrong they are expensive to fix. There are some common problems, they seem to develop electrical problems. Check Lemonaid, the used car guide, I think it's on the net but it will be in the library for sure. Anyway, after researching I decided against Audi, for now. If you are looking for something like that used BMW's are rated high.

There not "facts" there testiments from different owners who actually own the car, not what others "dream up" or "****** the word from their buddies" on the net.

From my research it seems about 1/2 to 3/4 audi owners are not happy/

Audi, and by extension Volkswagen, make average cars and sell them at inflated prices. The fact that you can pick up a car that was 50000ish in 98 for 15000 should tell you a lot about how people view the car in terms of its functionality and quality, and also how much some people are willing to pay for a car to be "pretty".

Tuning VW/Audi's is also really expensive. Unless you plan on designing your own kits and using junkyard parts, the upgrade turbo kits and parts are very pricy since it's a small market.

Hey Man

I had and A4 1.8T
It was a great car the only problem is the turbo pumps 4.5psi stock
The chip that you can get for it bumps the psi to 14.5
I was running 14.5 psi for 2 years on stock internals but my head gasket did blow ... I only had and exaust, chip and A CAI ...bunped power to about 225hp .... still b/c of the 4 wheel drive it was always slow
Fun as hell in the winter though ... best 4 wheel drive car i have ever driven

I don't get the rumores about 1.8T motor being not good....
The motor comes with Golf, Passat and A4 (New beetle too...?).
Now these cars are hands and feet of VW, and it is these cars that have made VW, the poeple's company.

If the engine has blown, it was obvoiusly abused... Think about it it has 4.5 psi stock, and all of the sudden, it gets pumped-up to 14.5 psi !!! And considering a lot more redlines that are caused by the newly-found power, sooner or later it will let go. No matter if its a Honda, VW, Audi or WRX. Its just the way boost works...

I dunno, I still like A4s ALOT. Its a REAL car. Not a tin can with 125 hoursepower and no gutts (torque).... :shrugs:

if you want torque, buy a big rig

If one was poor and then later became rich, should he look down on all poor people? I understand your need of wanting something, but please don't bash what you once loved dearly. It is not just about cars, it can be applied to all things.

Don't forget where you were before because your history is part of you. Think of where the water came from while you are drinking it down. It will only do you good in the long run.

Big rigs only sound good. They are heavy, unreliable and low-tech. They use large displacements to make up for the low-tech engine design. Plus most of the times, they are good for summer only. They barley handle well on dry roads, and are just impossible for winter time. Now I know that I want 1 car only. I hate winter beaters. I want 1 car and 1 car only. It has to be HOT and sexy and powerful for when there is no F*ucking snow around, and it has to be able to handle any snow-storm.
Living in GTA, we must accept that dealing with snow is our bussiness for at least 6 months of a year!! :shooter: So you see where I'm comming from...

Anyway, I have always being a sucker for AWD and Turbo. If I could afford one, if would be a 2004 Sti, no doubt. But for now, a $15000 AWD turbo would be just as good... :nods:

you make it sound like alaska here lol

i have never had a problem driving my civic in the winter, i dont know how you drive.

And driving a HOT car as you post, its debateable by everyone who views it

just get whatever you like, nobody will think of you any diff

What 'rumours'? It's a great engine. It's just too slow...and the car's up to 60Gs...

I have an A4 1.8T.
The car is awesome, but maintenance and repairs can be expensive. Not sure how much research you've done, but I can tell you that the only problems I had were my front control arms. This is a known issue with all B5 models (96-01). They tend to go at around every 80,000 - 100,000 kms. So if you decide on a B5, expect that to be on your maintenance schedule like I did. I just had all 8 of my control arms replaced about 3 weeks ago and costed $2000 and change, and that wasn't even from the dealer. Another thing to look out for is the timing belt. The manual recommends changing it at 140,000 kms. DON'T wait that long. I've heard a lot of stories of peoples timing belts snapping at around 100,000 - 120,000 kms. I had mine changed at 90,000 to be safe. That costed $1000 and change. Other than that, I've experienced no problems what so ever. Well, except for a vac hose being cracked, but that can happen with any car.
Word of advice. Try looking for one that has already had it's control arms and timing belt changed.

As for performance, the 1.8T has a lot more options than the 2.8. Yes, 150 hp and 150 lbs/tq is kinda weak. That's where a chip comes into play. I have a chip by GIAC and for $1000, it pushes the hp up to 197 and torque is at 200 and you don't lose any gas milage :thumbup:. Talk about best bang for the buck. Don't worry about your internals because that motor can handle 300 - 350 hp stock.

Hope this is enough info. If you got any more questions, just ask away.

A grand for a timing belt change is quite a bit...A friend of mine was quoted that for his VW Jetta and ended up paying somthing like 250 at a VW specific garage. Anywyas, my point is that some money can definitely be saved if you go an independent mechanic rather than and Audi Dealership.

I didn't take it to the dealership....I also should have mentioned that I had the water pump replaced as well. Also, not sure about the Jetta, but for the A4's, the whole front end (bumper and all) has to be removed in order for the timing belt to be changed. Therefore, it's the labour that's expensive.

Dude, who said I was looking down on anybody? I just like cars, and eventhough I realy, truly, and deepfully love my Civic, it is the most apperent to me, that there are better things out there. Now if one decides to isolate himself in his own little world, and live with one-thing, and not getting a taste of better things in life, do you think that the one's life is justified? I believe-in the best, one can being. I also believe in democracy, and single-class society. A society, without filthy rich, and without hungry poor.
If you ask anyone here that has met me, they will tell you that you have a totally wrong impression about me. I'm not what you think I am. I'm by no means rich. I just like to work hard and enjoy the best I can afford, at the present time.

At least Matt has faith in me! :thumbup:

By HOT, I mean a hot, Modified car. A4s aren't that exotic. Hell they don't even fit the category. But they can look amazing, with the right mods. They are just like a Civic. They can adopt themselves to the environment very nicely. A nice body kit and rims and a drop would make them very, very good looking during good seasons, and they can survive very well, during the nasty seasons in stock trim.

And Matt, my friend, thanks for having faith in me and not thinking me any different for having something else than a Civic! :D
(p.s: we DO live in Alaska! God I hate winter....!!)

Those things don't make me worried. I am going to become a Automotive Technician (Mechanic) in the next 6-7 months, so I'll be able to pull the labour off the bill. And there must be a source for cheap parts some where out there.... :D

Thanks for the info bro. Thanks for the tips. Control arms and timing belt, checked! :thumbup:

Hmmm? If you're interested in a 97, I may have mine up for sale. Completely stock with the exception of a GIAC chip and bypass valve from the 220 HP TT.
A lot of brand new parts:
timing belt - approx 10,000 kms
control arms - approx 1,000 kms
Spark plugs - approx 2,0000 kms
With all service records

Has 104,000 kms
sports package
Silver on black

Hell, I dont drive a civic anymore, but that still does not change my view on civic drivers, or any car drivers in general. Were all in this sport to share the same love for cars, no matter what you drive, I have the utmost respect for anyone trying to learn more and make their car truly a part of themselves and how they view the car scene in general.

Hey man,

ive done a lot of research into audis and the 1.8T engine, and i currently own an a4. when i was looking to buy my car i spoke with a lot of ppl and this is what i learned. all a4's before 99.5 or 2000 had many problems with water pumps, timing belts, front suspension as well as coil packs and their ecu's. this led them to being fairly unreliable and ill admit that. for 2001 audi did a lot of r&d into their a4 and the 1.8t. a lot ot things were changed this model year and the engine internals were strengthened and the front suspsnsion was changed. all pre 2001 a4's 1.8t only make 150hp and i think 160tq, but in 2001 as i said a lot of the enginer internals were strengethed allowing higher boost levels so the 2001 and on 1.8t's made 180hp and 175tq.

my suggestion to you is that if your gonna get an a4 1.8t, i would shop around for a 2001 1.8t quattro. dont forget audis come with a 4 year/80000 km bumper to bumper full warranty which includes maintenance like oil changes and brake pad replacement as well as things like ur tranny, engine and all other parts of the car. that way you can get all kinds of work done b4 the warranty expires, by the way this is why most audis are in fairly good shape b/c of the free maintenance audi offers.

as other ppl have said, a car with a stock turbo can make hugh hp if u want it to. that and audis legendary quattro system and youve got urself a fairly nice car. with a simple chip and exhaust, an a4 can make as much hp as a wrx. and another benefit is that audis a4's arent played out like the bmw 3 series.

if u wanna see something cool check this out:
http://www.atpturbo.com/root/releases/release050304.htm

this a4 with stock engine internals and some mods ran 12.44 1/4 mile which is pretty damn fast.

i think a4's are pretty nice cars, and if u desire they can easily be modded to extreme performance levels.

Note: don't take this as a flame or any kind of bashing. :)

What problems did they have with the ECU's and the water pump? I have never heard a problem with them. As for coil packs and suspsension, they're the same. If I remember correctly, 2001 models actually had a recall on the coilpacks.

All 97-2001 A4 1.8T's are the same. Only difference between those years is all cosmetic (tail lights, headlights, inteior). Another difference is pre 2000 models are non-dbw as for the 2000+ models are dbw which will make it harder to mod.

2001 doesn't have 180 hp. It has 170 and the pre 2001 had 155 lb/tq, not 160. All 97-2001 models can handle the same amount of boost on stock internals. Like I said in a previous post, it can handle up to 300-350 hp and up to 20 psi (approx).

My suggestion is if you're thinking about modding the car, go for a 99.5 because it's non-dbw. Also, that's when the major cosmetic changes were made and has all the options of the 2000+ models.

You will not make as much hp as a wrx with a chip and exhaust, but will come close. However, the wrx is a few hundred pounds lighter
Also, don't decide what car to buy by determining if it's played out or not.

Thats some great info there guys.
Honda25 thanks for taking your time and writing up all that. I'm total stranger to 1.8T and Audis in general. So every little bit helps! :thumbup:

ImportRacer thanks for the info bro, appreciate it. :D

imo 1.8T is a very very tunable engine. so much potential.