Audi A4 2004 and earlier

lauk0dg

Yeah I called around other 6 Audi dealerships here in Chicago and all of them said the valve was on backorder.....Schaumburg Audi actually said they have 3 cars sitting in the lot for the same problem.

Well I just got the car back 2 days ago. Car drove fine even when the Evap Purge Valve went bad. So yeah now it drives exactly the same as before.

Which dealership did you go to for service and get the A6 2.7T? I had been to Continental and yeah I got an A6 2.7T for a loaner once....but they can also send you to Enterprise for a Ford Focus. Did you make an appointment and as a result get an Audi loaner or did you just go in there? I'd assume it's the second case.

03A4, Fletcher Jones used to be Loeber Motors, right? Well so far I had serviced my car at 3 suburban Audi dealerships and they'd been great....maybe you need to take a drive to the suburbs.

Yeah you two should come out for a get-together sometime. We do those quite frequently when it's warm outside.

Billy

mcmuney

Hi Guys... need some help!!

What are some inexpensive ways to boost power on the 2003 3.0 CVT's??? Please provide the type of change/modification and the benefit.

Thanks in advance!!!

chaz12

jmad325,

I was hit by a guy with "road rage" about 6 months ago. I also talked to Momentum thinking it would be better to go to the dealer. As it turns out, and as you've probably found out by now, they outsource most of their body work. I have Allstate insurance and they have "preferred" body shops that they do business with. I chose Sterling, there are many of them around the Houston area. The one I used is located in the The Woodlands. I would recommend them to anyone. They did perfect work and I received a 100% warranty on the work for as long as I own my car. Which is a 2001.4 A4. Hope this helps.

chaz12

2001.5 A4

dtwleungnyc

The only/best option in adding additional power to the 3.0 engine that I know of is the PES supercharger. Parts and labor in the $7k+ range I think? BUT, you have a FWD car though, are you sure you want 300 hp in a FWD car?

lauk0dg

What's wrong with burning some rubber in the front tires?? LOL just kidding.

Yeah you might have ASR kicking in all the time with that much power to the front wheels on a Fronttrak. Might want to ask at AudiWorld, A4 board Next Generation.

Billy

rich_a4

I bought my car at McGrath Acura/Audi in Glenview. I've had it serviced there twice; once for the valve and once for some paint and dent work (hit and run in a parking lot less than 72 hrs after I got the car). I got a minivan from Enterprise the first time because the appointment was on short notice and they were out of loaners. Sounds like the same deal as Continental. It may make sense to find out which dealer has the largest fleet of Audi loaners I did schedule the valve appointment about a week and a half out for the A6 loaner. The only knock is that it was really dirty inside but they don't put stickers on the windows saying that it's a loaner car which is nice. Service overall has been great there so far.

The explanation that I got from the service coordinator was that the valve is just an emissions thing and there should be no mechanical issue with driving. They are just required to keep the car and not let you drive it because of the emissions regulations.

Rich

kennrs

I'm on the verge of buying an A4 Avant 1.8T, but there's one thing that may hold me back. I was lucky enough to find a dealer not too far away (Sonnen in San Rafael, CA)that rents A4's and I rented one over the weekend (pretty reasonable rate, by the way, $55/day w/ unlimited mileage). A 20-minute test drive just isn't enought to know how you're going to like a car on a long trip. I took an all-day drive up from Sacramento to Reno and back, and found I really liked the car a lot.

Except for one problem, the console pressing up against my right leg. I've seen posts from time to time from people complaining about this, but it sounded like a minor annoyance. For me, it was a major pain, literally. I ended up with cramps in my right leg and butt that I could still feel the next day.

Has anyone else had this severe a reaction? Do you adjust to it with time?

The car I rented was a 1.8T sedan with a manual seat. For some reason, I'm very sensitive to the seating and to get really comfortable, I need to be able to adjust the bottom cushion so that the front of it is much higher than the back, and have the seat up pretty high overall. I couldn't adjust the seat angle on the manual seat, but the car I would get would have the power seat, so I could do this.

I hope to be able to rent a 3.0 next weekend to see if the power seat helps. I'm really hoping that it does, because I really want to get this car. But if it gives me pain, I'll have to go with the 325i Touring instead. I owned a 99 323i sedan for 3 years, and never had this problem with it.

But I'd rather get the Avant this time around. I think the BMW's probably a better car overall, but not worth $4k more than the 1.8T Avant. For my style of driving, the 1.8T had plenty of power (as did the 323) even with an automatic. The Avant has a beautiful interior, good ergonomics, handles great and rides well, feels very solid, and to me looks better than the 325i Touring. Plus, I don't want to get the same thing again.

I'd appreciate any feedback from you A4 owners on this. Thanks.

dtwleungnyc

Definitely try the one with the power seat and see how it feels. In regard to the leg position, I place my leg with my toes pointing toward the center console, hope you can picture it. It really doesn't bother me much, took me like 2 days to get used to it, I don't even think about it any more.

BTW, don't know what your budget is, if interior room is important to you, check out the A6 also.

Good luck.

vocus

I am 6'3 and found the center console pushed against my right leg when sitting in an A4 3.0 Quattro with power seats at the dealership. I don't know why Audi put such an intrusive center console in this car.

And it's a big deal when you can't drive the car comfortably, I think.

bodble2

Well, the A4 is not a big car by any measurement, so you'd have to expect a rather snug interior.

tiredofmanual

It seems that some people do have a problem with the center console. I think it's more a problem with how you sit rather than your body size or dimensions. My brother-in-law is about the same size as me (except that he's a twig and I have 20 or 30 pounds on him). I don't have any problems, but he complained about the console when he drove the car.

I do remember a company advertising over on the forums at audiworld about making a pad that goes on the console where your leg would hit it. Since this never affected me I didn't pay much attention, but maybe you can go over there and do a search to see what the name of the company is. If you could get a hold of one of those pads, maybe you can rent another A4 for a weekend and see if the problem is solved with the pad.

If not, I think you may want to get the BMW. I certainly couldn't recommend buying a car that was perfect with the exception of hurting your leg every time you drove it. Also, if you're looking for a wagon, maybe check out the Saab 9-5 wagon; with the discounts you get the prices should end up being pretty similar.

uwscarguy

I found the same problem last fall when I was given a new loaner 1.8T when my A6 was in for routine service. It was an annoyance and ergonomic oversight that I've never experienced in any other car. For that reason I don't think I'd ever be able to live with the current A4. The only periodic relief I got was putting the car on cruise control so I could move my leg off the gas pedal and give the pressure point a rest.

bodble2

Funny that I don't recall any of the major car mags addressing this issue. One would have thunk that at least one of them would have encountered this problem.

kennrs

Thanks for the comments. I've reserved a rental 3.0, which will have power seats, for Saturday, and hopefully this will take care of the discomfort. I found a dealer with the car I want, and am just waiting to get past this problem before going ahead with a deal.

bodble2

Is the problem with the coils over-hyped, or is it a significant issue with the current A4?

vocus

From 2001 to 2003, ALL 1.8T A4 engines are affected. That engine accounts for half or more of sales in the A4 lineup. Does that kinda help determine how big an issue it is?

lauk0dg

Well Vocus, while you put down that half of all 01-early 03 A4 1.8T's and some 2.8 VR6 and some W8 engines are affected according to VW and Audi, it doesn't mean that ALL coilpacks are bad. I received the letter from AoA and they didn't mention recalling all cars.....they were just saying if they screw up, bring your car in and we'll replace them for free and offer alternate transportation.....and they'll also reimburse owners just in case they paid to fix them if their cars are out of warranty.

Billy

vocus

I don't know about Audi, but on the VW website they recalled them, from my understanding. I have an 02 Jetta 1.8T, and have lost one coilpack. I know people who have lost all 4 though, but I guess I am lucky. It's been 6.5K miles since the coil went though, so hopefully I am safe.

andys120

offering to replace all of the coils on your car
(i.e. the other 3 in your case). If you don't soon you should get in touch.

This "recall" affects over half a million V-dubs and Audis in the US (they aren't calling it a recall yet.).

cyberpmg

The coils on both the 1.8T and 3.0 engines used by the A4 have a design flaw that can lead to a failure. These coils were used in the building of the engines between 2001 to early 2003 (I think by mid-January).

While the 3.0 engine has had sporatic failues (like mine did), the majority of coil failures has been centered around the 1.8T engine. There are also some other engines used by VW that are also impacted: the W8 and the 2.8 VR6.

On January 31, 2003, Audi of America (AoA) had sent out a letter to all customers of these engines that there is a potential of coil failure, and that a replacement program was put in place: 1st time to replace only failed coil, and 2nd time to replace all remaining coils. If your car was not having any problems, no replacement would be made until a failure happened.

Since then, some heated articles in the press has made AoA post a statement that there will be a program to have all coils replaced without having to wait for a failure. I believe another letter is being sent out to the owners about it.

For Audi, this replacement program will be for the new A4 (both the 1.8T and 3.0) and the A6 (that has the 3.0). From what I've heard, the "proactive" replacement program will not begin until sometime in March. Until that time, the Audi dealers will be operating on the original January 31 announcement. The new A4s and A6s that have been recently built already have the corrected coil installed and will not be a part of the program.

Hope this helps.

vocus

I never got the second letter, so I will wait for that before taking the car in.

lauk0dg

So I will ask my service advisor and see if they are even aware of this 2nd letter. I'll give AoA time to rush the new coilpacks out to replace the bad ones first.....but they better act quick after they get spare coilpacks in stock.

Billy

vocus

VW and Audi will start proactively replacing the unfailed coils in March when their supplies are ramped up. VW is contemplaing offering a $1000 'owner loyalty' coupon good toward another VW to offset this inconvenience, for current 1.8T owners. Don't know about Audi though.

I know alot of people who are fed up with VW's crappy customer service and methods. I am beginning to be one of them...

fredvh

Volkswagen/Audi in Massive Recall

More than 850,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles --
about 530,000 sedans and hatchbacks sold in the
U.S. alone -- are being recalled for a faulty
ignition coil. Volkswagen announced the recall last
week, noting that the problem could cause spark
plug failure and rough running, which is usually
indicated by the vehicle's "Check Engine" light.
Most of the cars affected carry the VW corporate
1.8-liter turbo four (which includes the Audi A4
and TT coupe; the VW Golf, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle
and Passat), the 2.8-liter VR6 and the 3.0-liter
V6 engines, as well as the VW Passat's W8.

bodble2

But is it a confirmed fact that the problem is not fixed in VWs/Audis built after January, 03, and not just corporate damage control?

lauk0dg

I think what they're saying about the later batch of 03 is that those vehicles don't have the bad batch of coilpacks. As a result they aren't included in the "recall" campaign.

Billy

lee0001

Hello all,
I'm considering to buy a black A4 within the next few days. The offers this TST Paint Protection for this vehicle (cost $395). Supposedly, this will help the protect the finish and I'll not need to wax the car. Have any of you Audi owners purchased it? Is it worth it? Or, will the cars current wax/finish suffice? Thanks all.

nevcool

Hi,

I'm planning to buy one of the three listed over the next week, but I can't decide. I really need someone to tell me what to get and why. Here are some of my reasons for and against each.

A4 1.8TQ - Manual
Pro - Best looking of the bunch inside and out, Quatro, The cheapest of the 3.
Con - Even with a manual it seems a little sluggish. Very poor cupholders(I do a lot of driving, often with a beverage in tow). I've heard about some quality problems.

325xi - Manual
Pro - Best handling, Sport seats w/sport package. AWD
Con - The Most expensive when options are put on ie sport, premium, cold.

2002 Saab 9-5 Aero
Pro - Price (I think that I can get a loaded 2002 Aero for around $31,500). 250 HP.A back seat built for adults. A fair amount of decent options.

Con - Somewhat dated design. FWDrive. Would probably have to buy snow tires

ajayme

These products including undercoating, fabric protector, etc are all schemes to boost the dealers bottom line. Save your money and buy a high quality wax like Zaino and protect it yourself. You can buy a lot of wax with $395.

ajayme

A visit to the Audiworld.com site could shed some light on your quandry. Saab has unquestionably the poorest resale of the 3 that's why you can get the best deal. The 9-5 body style is due for a change. I would opt for either the A4 or the BMW. Since I have an A4 and had an A6, I'd be somewhat biased. The A4 has the most sophisticated 4 wheel drive system of the two and also has the most experience building 4 wheel drive cars of the two. Good luck!

linard

Actually, I have read a number of comments on the large center console on Audi's in general but especially on the the A4 and TTs. Can't remember now, but they were weren't huge issues, just something they chalked up to an Audi idiosyncracy.

madamjee

Hey guys
A friend of mine wants to lease a 2003 Audi a4 1.8T (tip) - the car is fully loaded with every option except OnStar (the price of the car has been d/c from 32,500 to 30,500) and the lease payemnts with $5,000 down are $380 a month. The total over 36 mths is 17,000. Is this reasonable, or do you think the dealer is charging too much? Are you guys paying this much?
Thanks
Mishal

dtwleungnyc

In regard to any lease car payments. NEVER put money down.

To answer your question, if you divide the $5000 down payment by 36(months)and add it to the monthly payment, you get roughly $518/month. To put things into perspective, I am paying roughly $560/month for my loaded A6 Avant for 39 months. The OTD price for my A6 Avant was roughly $42k. I put $0 down for my lease.

Just curious, the residual for your friend's proposed lease seems really low.

Good luck.

markcincinnati

My dealer offers a service they call "shiny toys."

You get a hand wash and dry, floor mats shampoo'd, interior wiped out and vacuumed, windows cleaned with a spray cleaner and dryed streak free -- and you get a full paint wax and buff and the tires and wheels cleaned and made shiny. It is $80 - $100.

Doing the above annually plus keeping the car "normally" clean yourself is all that your Audi with clearcoat needs. Save your money, or send it to me and I'll add it to my profit. Tell you what, I'll do nothing for half that amount!

nyccarguy

is never a good idea. You're just giving them their money early and if the car is stolen or totalled, then you lose out on $5 grand.

$518/month for a 1.8T sounds like a lot of dough.

music_wheels

I have a 2001 At 1.8t quattro with a burnt-out low beam halogen bulb. I would like to replace it myself if possible to save money. I also figure that the dealers will be a bit busy for a while.

Has anyone done this on their A4? How difficult is it to replace the bulb?

Thanks for any help.

madamjee

Actually, with the downpayment, its a bit cheaper than that.
The total he will be paying, INCLUDING downpayment will be approx. 17,400 (after you get the sec. deposit back, if ever).
5000 + (380*36)13000 - 600 sec. dep.
This is approx. 480 a month with 0 down. This sounds more reasonable, as it is approx. half the MSRP over 4 years.
Also, if one terminates a lease deal, say 4-5 mths early, how much do you think they will be charged (an approx is okay - just to get some vague idea).
Thanks for the help
Mishal

mbnut1

I've done it. It's pretty easy. The hardest part was getting the guy at the parts store to sell me the correct bulb. Just don't touch the bulb glass with your fingers. Just look at the back of the bulb housing and you will be able to figure it out. I had to spend a minute or two to make sure which bulb was the low beam. Fifteen minutes tops.

philly2002

I just got a quoate from my local Audi dealer for a 2003 Ming Blue A4 Avant 3.0 6-speed.

3yrs/36K/10000miles/1000down/53%residual

$588/month!!!!

Is this a good deal? I was hoping for mid to high 400/month

markcincinnati

The headlight will be replaced at no charge if the car is less than 48 months from delivery or less than 50,001 miles on the OD.

The headlight may be "trickier" than you think to replace.

Don't know why other than high milage it wouldn't be covered.

markcincinnati

Why put money down on a leased car -- at today's tiny interest rates, it is better to keep your money and pay it out over time than give it to them in one lump.

If you want a lower payment, lease a lower priced one -- but please don't give them money up front.

dtwleungnyc

Without knowing more details about your lease deal. Here's what I am paying my current 2002 A6 Avant with a cap cost of $42k, residual at around $23k, with 12k miles/yr at 39 month, and $0 down. Roughly $560/month. I think you can do better.

kinnman

I was negotiating on a 1.8T Q - Auto, with a 48 month lease. I would suggest considering a 48 month lease vs 36 month, as the payments are considerably lower. 3yr is a more common lease term since most warranties are 3yr, 36K. Audi gives you a 4yr 50K bumper to bumper warranty, so why not? The only reason I would not consider would be if you are looking at 15K + miles per year. Also, be careful with the money factor, as these could vary between lease terms. Money factor x 24 = approx interest rate. Current money factor rates are around 0.0025 x 24 = 6% interest rate. Final note: Audi is offering 2.9% financing for 60 months which is what we decided on. Hope this turns out to be a good car!

gusharls

My 2002 fully loaded A4's Navigation system is not complete!
It took me through the States and up the west coast to home (Vancouver). I go over to Vancouver island and I find out that someone forgot to include This huge island which just happens to have the Capital(Victioria) is not a viable. This past weekend I drive to North Vancouver and far too many main streets and side streets are not there.
I call the dealer,the company,Audi.Audi says that for $293.00 I can get the upgrade. I tell Audi they sold me an incomplete system. Either they supply me with an upgrade or refund the cost of the nav system. Anyone else have similar problems?

JBaumgart

This is a common problem throughout most of these boards. It is always recommended that you get to know the coverage detail for the areas that you need it before buying any nav system. I don't believe any nav system contains street level detail for every small town and remote area in the U.S. (let alone all of Canada).

One advantage of the portable units is that you can download upgrades and additional coverage areas from your computer directly into the unit or onto a removable memory card (depending on what model you buy) as long as compatible map sets exist for the area you're interested in.

andys120

bodble2

andys took the words right out of my mouth! Hi-tech is great, but sometimes there is nothing wrong with the old mousetrap.

markcincinnati

Well, I agree with all these posts -- but I love the Sat Nav anyway.

But I can't believe they want you to pay for it.

They (the dealer) said the same thing to me, so I went to the sales guy and about two days later Fed EX delivered a new CD for me NO CHARGE. But, I bought a lot of cars from this one guy over the years and I guess he has the latitude to do this.

black6speed30

Can anyone provide advice for purchasing an extended warranty on a new A4 3.0? How much should I pay? Are there variable levels of service offered? Does city/region make a difference in pricing? Is there standard pricing or is it negotiable like the purchase price of the car??

I've just been taken to the woodshed over my Bimmer (1995 325ic, 85,000 miles) and expect to own my new Audi for many years beyond the 4/50 warranty period. Any advice would be helpful! Thanks!