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I have 2100 miles on my 2002 A4 already and it's still going strong and flawless.
vince...8o)
Vince-- I've been told that AoA will reimburse the dealer for a loaner if warranty work is done that requires the car to be kept overnight. So if you ever have to have warranty work done, be sure to inquire about that. Also, those dealers that do not have a free service loaner program usually have rental fleets which allow them to rent you a car at corporate (or reduced) rates while your car is being serviced.
--'rocco
Please respond by March 9 to lordusky@aol.com
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The A4 I had seemed to be held back by the transmission, I was able to put 64 miles on it and tried the tip, the D the S -- I have recently driven both my wifes TT and a 2001 A4 1.8T with manual and they were great.
A couple of visits ago the loaner was an S4 w/tip -- it seemed fine engine/transmission match wise, tho. But I still like the manual better. Perhaps the "flaws" IMO are reduced or virtually eliminated with horsepower and torque, like in the S4 or my 4.2 A6.
I checked the dealer's lot while wating for some paperwork, and there were NO A6's or allroads and no A4 3.0's (at that moment) with manual transmissions. And, I must assume that most of the inventory was NOT for customers but for "stock" -- which is at once refreshing and kinda like watching "an old friend die." Sorry to be so dramatic, but if you have ever seriously driven virtually any of the Audi's in this country over the past 5 - 10 years with a stick shift, you really get hooked on them.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I'm in the market for a new car and have been comparing the A4, S4 and Subaru WRX. I'm aware of the explicit differences with the three: S4 has much higher performance than the A4; the WRX is a little "tinnier" and has less amenities than the Audis; the cost factors; etc. The one thing I'm not sure about is the differences under the skins of the A4 and S4. Specifically:
- Chassis: Is the chassis of the 2002 A4 much different than that of the newest S4? Did they increase torsional regidity?
- Suspension: I believe the 2002 A4 adopted the S4's suspension for the most part. Need confirmation.
I guess I'm leaning toward the S4 for performance reasons, but I've always been a "state of the art" kind of guy, which is where the appeal of the 2002 A4 lies. If the differences are minor enough, I can overlook the S4's older styling (which I still find attractive anyway), take the performance and be happy with my decision. Basically, I'm looking for differences that would justify A4 vs S4 and vice versa.
Thanks much!
However, when it comes to power, if you can afford the S4, go with it. The S4 and the WRX are 2 totally different animals. The WRX is raw, and the suspension and engine are tuned so that you feel like you are driving a rally car. The turbo sounds awesome, but it's annoying if you are in a conversation with your passengers. The S4 is a more civilized version of power. It's also the ultimate "sleeper".
I'd go for the 02 S4, then 02 A4, then 02 WRX.
(Great to have another Chicagoean!!)
Billy
Anyway...has anybody had a problem with creaking in the steering column? I'm hearing that occasionally when I turn the steering wheel on my 2001.5 1.8T Tiptronic. It isn't loud, and it doesn't happen very often, but I didn't know whether it was something I should be concerned about.
good decision.
I think the most expensive car component is the chassis. I believe the convertible shares that with the sedan. Bodypanels are just cosmetic fixes and they are not that expensive. Just like the Accord coupe and sedan which look different on the outside but are actually sharing the same chassis. The new S4 definitely bases itself on the sedan. I would think Audi will do the same thing as the 00 to 02 S4, which means they will drop a more powerful powerplant (currently most likely a 4.2L NA V8, but all of us would like to see a 2.9L twin-turbo V6), and put some more aggressive body panels and wheels and maybe a lip spoiler on it. It better beats the new M3's 333hp.....and would it be nice if the convertible can have the new S4 engine.....an S4 convertible.....mmmmmm is AoA listening????
Billy
goonies: answers: 3/4 inch; yes, big difference. Sales stats show that over 90% of A4's in North America are sold with Quattro. Quattro itself defines Audi.
Billy
Including this:
There is a 265HP Audi 4 cylinder engine that will be put into the new (2003) TT. Also there was a mention of a new 300 HP V6 that will be in the upcoming "S4" and will soon be made available for the TT. British CAR magazine says new S4 will have available a 340 HP V8, presumablly the same one that is in the S6 Avant here in the US.
When I see the word available, I get excited, 'cause as much as I am lusting for more HP and torque, I think a 300HP V6 in a new A4 body with appropriate suspension bits would be better balanced and, I assume, would have the same early-on torque as the current 2.7T. The 4.2 IMHO is Audi's most versitile engine, but only when it is twin turbo'd. In the US, an up-powered V6 (2.9T) in an A4 would be my choice if there are options available between the V6 and V8 -- as I said, I would love an S4 and an S4+ with the differentiation being the # of cylinders.
And, wouldn't it be just dandy if the 225HP 1.8T or the purported 2.0T makes its way into the A4?
The new direction I read about in both the newest CAR and European Car magazine for Audi is incredible.
Even the possible (short term) VW's with the W8 engine are at the very least "interesting" as Mr. Spock used to say.
And BTW if you are looking for what's up with the Audi and VW product line, effective March 2002, check out the British magazine CAR (March 2002).
Lately I've been thinking of buying a 2002 Audi A4 1.8T. I have a few questions though, that I was hoping some of you might be able to help with. Here they are:
1.) I want to get the sports suspension, but I'm worried about the tires. I live in Southern California so 99% of the time I won't be in snow but there will be times I'll want to drive in the mountains and it is possible I'll be in the snow. Is it possible to get the sport package with all-weather tires or is that not recommended?
2.) I like the fact that the base stereo comes with an in-dash 6-CD changer. I like good quality audio, however, and was wondering if the Bose is worth the extra $600. How is the stock stereo? If I upgrade to the Bose, will it still have the 6-CD changer?
3.) When will information on the 2003 A4's come out? Does anyone think there will be any substantial differences in the 2003 A4 that would be worth waiting for rather than buying a 2002 this summer?
4.) I live in San Diego, CA. Anyone have experience with Audi dealers around here? If so, please let me know any suggestions.
Thanks!
I am in the market for a A4 3.0 since my lease is up. I am having difficulties deciding on wheather to get the the 3.0 quattro manual vs. 3.0 CVT (continous variable? transmission). I have heard both pro and cons for either choice. Btw, I am not interested in the tiptronic due to the higher cost, higher fuel consumption and slower acceleration.
If I get the 3.0 with the CVT, the resale value may be lower, since it does not have quattro.
If I get the 3.0 with quattro and 6-speed manual it may be hard to sell, since the majority of drivers these days prefer automatic, plus manual may get old if one gets stuck in traffic often.
I am also wondering if the CVT is as much fun to drive as the quattro 6-speed?
Thanks for your responses and opinions,
Luca7
lucas...Buy the car for yourself, not someone else 5 years down the road. If you're concerned with resale values, then lease. No matter which car you get, you'll never get what you think its worth when it is time to sell it (unless it is an M car or AMG car). I highly recommend the 3.0 with Quattro and a 6 speed. From the few times I've driven my friend's car configured like that it has been quite enjoyable. The stick is easy to drive, the car with Quattro makes it easy to launch.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Also, does anyone have a problem with rough idiling? They had to take the engine apart to replace the camshaft adjuster in October, and since then it is ocassionally rough at idle. The dealer "decarbonized" the engine, which seemed to help some. I've been using fuel injector cleaner which helps some, too.
On a positive note, my stereo finally came after a six month wait... Has anyone else had to get a new stereo because it blanks out, etc.?
Oh, and NITPICKER, one of the loaner A4's I was given had a creaky steering column. I don't know what caused it, but it was creaky and actually felt different than my car. Maybe that's because I have the sport pkg and that car didn't; I'm not sure.
Anyway, beyond those reliability problems (and others not listed) I like the car. It's just too bad mine is such a piece of junk.
Thanks!
My first impulse was to go 48 months and take full advantage of slightly lower monthlies plus the full scope of the warranty and free maintenance. However, over the last few weeks, I'm wondering if a shorter term might be better. My thinking is 1) assuming I stay with Audi, there are some neat things like CVT with quattro and spunkier powerplants on the way, 2) I may need something larger than the A4 as my kids get bigger, and 3) part of the reason I lease is that I seem to get bored with cars easily, although neither of my last two rides (an ML320 and a first-generation Altima) have done much to stir the soul.
So, what does this learned group think? I will not be putting any money down, and the payment will be manageable either way.
Rick
Lancel99, I got 16.7k miles on my 2001.5 A4 1.8T. The infamous 2nd gear grind had been giving me some scary gear grinding for 3 or 4 times, but now as long as I give it some patience it's not that difficult to put it in 2nd gear. It's nothing like Honda smooth, but it's doable. Good luck with yours!
Mark, dang, 265hp on the TT??? That thing will FLY!!!!
Billy
lauOdg...I don't think he'd need a dedicated set of 15" wheels and winter tires in Southern California.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
lucas - Definately go with the 3.0 quattro with the 6 speed. I ordered one to replace my 1.8T in january. The dealer cannot keep these things on the lot, I doubt you will experience any trouble reselling it. I bet you will enjoy it much more. Have you driven them? I also agree with nyccarguy, get what you want.
Ned
The car magazines, most notably European Car and the British Car magazine have been writing about what's up at the VW group now that Piech is no longer the top executive.
Much has been written, and the only article that I believe (mostly) is the one that contains the actual interview with the new top executive, who is called (affectionately, I presume) BP.
BP claims that the market is having trouble differentiating Audi from VW and that as part of a master plan this will stop -- the first tap on the brakes will actually happen so says BP in calendar 2003 (which will cover model years 2003 and 2004 from both divisions).
Audi will move up market in sportiness and price -- and over time away from VW.
VW will move up market in "Classic Cars" and price -- and over time away from Audi.
The first such moves, IMO, do just the opposite, at least in the US -- and that is the production of the Passat W8, which competes in price with the A4 3.0 quattro and in size with the A6.
The second move is even more perplexing to me in that the VW Phaeton will come out just about 12 months from now at $71,000+ -- right in the neighborhood of the Audi A8.
Both the top class cars will use W12 engines.
Meanwhile, Audi will -- so says BP -- create a stronger sporting identity with more powerful engines, many based on the 4.2, most "cranked" up via turboing.
For 2003, in the A4, in the US, I think it is safe to say that the base HP rating of the 1.8T if it survives into the 2003 model year will be stated at 180HP -- just like the TT and some of the VW's already state.
Moveover, it is not beyond the pale that the RUMORED 2.0T engine will become the Audi (US) base engine and that it will have a broad application and a broad tune -- such is the 1.8T today which can be stated as 150HP 170HP 180HP and 225HP -- the 2.0T can with ease, go to 265HP so says EC magazine. And they predict that the TT will soon have the 300 HP version of the 2.9T put under its hood.
Who knows.
I would only leave it at the minimum, IMO, for Audi to bump the 1.8T up or out, add an S4 and figure out what to do with what could be the most anemic engine -- the 3.0 V6. I mean who amongst us would take a 220 HP V6 when a 245HP 2.0T will out gun it?
What do you think?
I am moving to philly the next month. Do any of you guys live around the area? Which dealer do you recommend? any suggestion is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
phill
I bought at Don Rosen Imports (Conshohocken). I'm in the western suburbs, so I had them and YBH Audi in Edgemont to consider.
I thought I got a fair deal at Rosen (a little less than 3% over on an order).
http://www.donrosenaudi.com
I just had the car in for it's first service. Nothing occurred to turn me off. We currently have a drought going on here, so they couldn't do the wash. Funny, all the cars on the lot looked really clean though
-Barry
This is a pain in the butt.
The infamous 2nd gear grind? Is this something numerous people have a problem with? Mine pops out of gear, too, when I depress the clutch to upshift to 3rd. Is this common, too?
The dealer couldn't "reproduce" the problem, even after I took the mechanic on a ride and I had the problem with him in the car. I just hate that... They think it's the synchronizers? and will have to take the transmission apart. Should I let them do this? After they took my engine apart it has never run properly.
One of the things that I noticed prior to the fix was that on REAL cold mornings (I lived in Chicago then), I could make it all the way to the local freeway before the tranny lube warmed up enough to allow the problem to occur. So, for those of y'all who are currently having the problem, does it only happen when the car is warmed up?
Best Regards,
Shipo
As Shipo pointed out, yeah it does help out quite a lot after the car is warmed up. Just take it easy before the car is warmed up.....
Billy
It seems to be pretty near Manayunk (that's the place I will be staying).
I already have an A4 (2001.5qmsc), I just wanted to check where to take the car for oil changes and stuff. My current dealer here in Naperville (Continental Audi) was 5/5 in everything and I want it to continue like that
First of all I've to say, that I don't know anything about Audi but I am also very interested in new models and changes. But I haven't heard anything about a new 2.0T or even a new 2.9T. The TT will definetely get more hp, but only with the 1.8T which develops around 250hp in this version.
The new S4 will get the 4.2 V8 with 300-340 hp (not sure yet) and no 2.9T that's for sure! At least in nearer future.
Greetings from Germany
I run my OEM Dunlop SP 8000's in the spring through fall, and I have Blizzak WS-13's as dedicated snow tires for winter. Even with Quattro, you'll need to have some kind of tire change to be safe in real snow.
IndyAudiLouie
We're also looking for people who recently switched one way or the other and what they like/dislike about what they're driving now.
If you are interested in participating, please provide your city/state of residence and your daytime phone number to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than March 20, 2002.
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In 2000 when I was in Ingolstadt Germany and Seefeld Austria for our annual visit to the Audi holy land, I mentioned that I had previously owned an A8 (a 1997 quattro). And that it came with a 5spd non-Tiptronic automatic transmission. The Audi employees while they were not in any way rude, were in disbelief. They were confident that there were A8's produced with 4spd autos and 5 spd Tiptronics and that no such version of an A8 was ever commercially produced.
I had one, I am 100% certain.
Other apparently "non-European" market configurations of Audi cars are in some cases unknown, as I have chatted each year with Audi representatives. Recently, the Audi executive who ate lunch with us told a group of American quattro club members that the RS4 Avant would be sold in the US (this was within the past 2 years, as I recall). Not gonna happen, at least so far.
Special ordering cars with options such as leather in an A4 1.8T was said, by Audi employees, to be "sure no problem." Try it. Also at the Audi presentation center in Ingolstadt there was one example of virtually every Audi for sale on the "showroom" floor -- they were all in Silver with a "camel" leather interior -- they were all stunning. This combination is not available -- but Silver paint with (screaming) yellow (vanilla) was made a legitimate combination here in the US by AoA. What were they thinking, yechh!
My point is that I have seen cars and combinations and permutations there that don't make it here. And, I have owned a car here that Audi employees didn't even know was made.
The magazines which tout "spy" photos and "factory sources" that I read with some frequency are European Car, CAR, Car and Driver, Road and Track and Audi. I also browse other British car magazines and web sites from time to time, and as my wife and I travel to Europe quite frequently, I often "load up" on European only magazines especially if they have articles and pictures of my favorite car mfg products (Audi, of course).
Car and Driver, in a "sidebar" article within the last few months mentioned the "Cosworth engineered" 2.9T, the twin turbod 4.2, and a ZF 6spd Tiptronic (not CVT) that will make its debut (so says the article, as if it is a press release) on the next A8 (the transmission is similar to the new BMW 7 series, with Audi software of course).
The web site www.audiworld.com has buried within its labrynth of threads, URL's with spy photos of upcoming cars -- recently the slightly modified TT was shown "testing on a track in Germany and the caption was something like "shown here with slightly modified front end and boasting a 245HP 2.0T. Then in the European Car magazine that was current as of March 1, another picture of the TT, this time with a caption discussing 265HP (from a 4 cylinder) and a plan to put the turbocharged V6 engine from the "upcoming S4" (yielding 300HP) in it.
I read this stuff, I browse the web, I visit the Audi factory on a regular basis -- none of which makes me an expert on "what's coming out." Yet, it is at least worth noting that there is at least consistancy in some of these "rumors" and some tiny reason to give them some credence as they come from sources that "do this for a living" -- unlike me, who does it as an avocation.
The British magazines seem to support the notion of a 4.2 non turbod S4 in the current A4 body (albeit with some "S4" distinction).
This speculation is fun to read, to write and to "discuss" on this forum.
We'll probably find that there is some truth to everything we have "uncovered." The fact that a 2.9T engine exists at least "on a test bench" would not be too far fetched. The probability of its actually going into production and for sale in the US -- is anybody's guess. And what we see as logical from our perspective, may not be part of the grand plan.
My guess, as I stated, is that the 1.8T engine (assuming that it is still going to be the "standard bearer") will be rated in Audi products, soon, at no less than 180HP, if for no other reason than to make certain that VW does not have a product in the US market with a 1.8T engine that, on paper at least, has "bigger and better" numbers.
The 2.0T information has been repeated, by me (and others), not as fact, but as extrapolation (and some would say, including me) and possibly rumor. But this forum is the place for such speculation and discussion.
I am pumped about the next year or two within the Audi lineup -- horsepower and torque "wars" are being waged, and we consumers will be the winner.
I want a 2.9T S4 -- and I know that just 'cause I want it does not mean it will happen.
Hermann -- keep us posted since you actually can go to the holy land probably any time you want (since you live there)!
Special options: In my opinion Audi has done - and still does - some market research to look for the most popular options, colour-combinations, etc...! I know those silver/camel-combinations being shown in the representation-center in Ingolstadt! But on most models this combination is also a special order you have to place on the QUATTRO GmbH. They make you everything with your car. You can have every colour you wish (for example you can order a pink Audi A6 with bright green Leather! For EXTRA money! And for this little company (Quattro gmbH) it's possible to satisfy also the american needs, I guess.
Another example: From what I've heard, there are no leaher, nav and some other things available in A4 1.8T?! Ok, Audi says, there is no need in America (And I'm sure, there has been research) for those combinations and/or "why offer it in the 1.8T? people who want comfort-features take the 3.0!" There will always be some people who want special options but then it would get too expensive for Audi to produce. I know, European and US cars are produced on the same line, but U.S. cars are running in a special program!
I ordered a 2002 A4 1.8T 5speed with the xenon,bose,heated seats,sports sus,and the premium pkg on feb 2 from sunset imports in beaverton oregon.Dolphin grey with ebony leatherette.This car makes my mouth water!I payed MSRP for it.$31,700.I am not too happy about that.It is kind of hard when there is only two audi dealerships in oregon.Ther is one in bend,It is on the other side of the casades.I gave them $1,000 deposit to order it.It should be here in early may.The reason i am posting a message is i am having second thoughts about buying it.Having to wait three months to get it sucks.When i read the message boards about the problems the A4 has,I can't wonder if that is going to happen to me.All the reports in auto mags are 50-50 in what there think about audi's.A lot of them say they have reliability problems.I had a 2000 golf 1.8T and the maf sensor went.I know that is a big problem with the 1.8T.Then again the 1.8T is one of the best motors by wards.I still have two months to make my mine up.If you guys can convince me,that would help.
10k_oregon is your wifes durango white.I think i saw you at sunset when i was there.
Danke und Auf Wiedersehen
Before I decided to go with the A4 I had the same thoughts as you are having now regarding the reliability issues. Previously driving a trouble-free 97 Corolla, I had doubts in my mind too. I wouldn't say I gambled on this but I thought with a strong warranty it's definitely worth a try. Plus, like you said, this car makes my mouth water. I really love it. This alone is enough to sway me for an easy decision. And I think at this point it's paying off. I am enjoying every minutes of driving it.
Mark: Should the 2.0T be fitted into the later A4s, I would seriously consider trading in my current one for it....hehhe...
vince...8o)
You are correct, you cannot buy an Audi A4 1.8T with leather, power seats, sat navigation. You are "forced" to buy a 3.0 V6 for such features.
We generally cannot get manual transmissions on most Audis even though they are on the German and British "konfigurators" of Audi web sites in those countries.
The Audi A6 3.0V6 is at least $5,000 more than the new Passat W8 -- and while I would agree that the Passat is slightly smaller than an A6, it is also slightly larger than an A4.
In the US, the Passat W8 will cost $37,900 and the A4 3.0 with many options will cost over $39,000. I am wondering if you think that it is possible that the marketing of these three cars in the US will cause confusion in "new customers" minds.
I find myself, so far, able to differentiate between Audis and VW's and prefer Audi's to VW's -- but the Passat W8 and Phaeton seem to be in the same market segment as the Audi A4, A6 and A8 respectively.
I would think, making more options available (e.g., leather, sat nav, parktronic) on the A4 1.8T would mean more dollars in Audi's pocket -- if I wanted leather and was willing to pay for it, but did not want an V6 I should be able to buy.
vince...8o)
Pros:
* Quattro - sure handling and good brakes
* Details to exterior and interior except the cup holders
* Nice firm seats and material
Cons:
* Cup holders
* Engine - My turbo had 150hp and had decent acceleration but after about 4 years, power has been reduced dramatically and I must downshift to speed up or for passing
* Brake squeal and dust
* Remote - works only near the car
My only problems were the warning chime system quitting and a whining noise from the water cooler. But other than that I love my car.
Now I am considering to change my car to something new. I am narrowing down my choices to new A4 1.8T, BMW 325Ci or 330Ci (depends how much I can sell my car for), and Infiniti G35. I sat on the new A4 the other day and I noticed the differences b/w mine and the new one. I will just say that 95% of the things are nicer in the new A4. Cupholders still need to be worked on. I wanted to get a coupe for my next car and was waiting for A4 coupe. But I am not hearing it's coming soon. Anyone know of any news about A4 coupe? I still need to check out the coupe version of G35 which comes out in the fall. I am not in a rush to get a new car so I will wait and see. I will keep you posted about my decision or any other news about my car. Thanks for reading.
DL