Audi A4 2004 and earlier

markcincinnati · January 2002

You certainly have a legitimate reason for an automatic, nitpicker (Karen). I just don't want to be forced to have the choice eliminated from my future (at least based on what I know now).

On the other hand, another apparently legitimate reason is a "better automatic" -- a 6spd Tip or a robust CVT may change our collective minds.

Time will tell.

dmmattix · January 2002

Mark: I read the Bimmer review of the 7 and sure enough a 6sp Steptronic. It is the only BMW with this and the stuff I have been reading indicates that the SMG type trans is likely to replace the Steptronic in the 3 and 5 series in the future. Who knows what they will end up doing. All I know is the media will always claim that what they put out is nirvana. Some things never change...

Mike

5thgearpinned · January 2002

Response to 'laukodg' asking about the SP5000's,
I have 16" wheels on my '96 A4Q - I live in Northwestern PA - Can you say 'Lake Effect Snow'.
We didn't get as much snow as Buffalo but I had the chance now to run these tires through Deep snow, Hard pack, slush and ice... I'm still impressed. The ASY. tread pattern works well, very quite and a good ride. Good Luck.

dbbarron · January 2002

Just took delivery of '02 A4 1.8 Tip/Sport pkg in notheast. I had the dealer remove the tire/wheel combo and deliver the car with Dunlop winter sports 205/65/16 on Factory Alloys (parts wanted to lighten the inventory, they gave me a great deal ($130 per rim and they look great) - otherwise I would have opted for steel rims.

Anyhow, I can't compare to the factory summer tires or tell about snow performance (we haven't had any yet). However, I can say that did I not know there was a substantial upgrade in tire/wheel waiting in my garage for spring, I would be completely satisfied with this tire/wheel combo year round. It is very quiet (same comment from a friend with the same tire on his C32AMG - 17") and grips very well - maybe a wee bit soft in hard corners. My friend comments that it is quieter than his P-zeros on the AMG.

Hopefully the winter performance will be just as good - I'll find out Monday as snow is predicted.

markcincinnati · January 2002

I have temporarily given up trying to find the URL with the article that discusses the 6spd (manumatic). The article -- or perhaps press release -- "pounded its chest" proclaiming that auto transmissions are taking over the world, and that the only reason they have not fully conquered it is that even the best 5spd can't keep the engine in its torque sweet spot and they weigh too much and they rob power, bla bla bla.

Indeed, if you check out the acceleration of the cars with manuals vs autos, the manuals generally [typically] accelerate quicker and return better fuel efficiency (of course I look at some of the gear ratios and final drive ratios and often it is not apples to apples; and, the reasons cited for the ratio differences are usually fuel efficiency). The cure for the common automatic transmission is/was(?) supposed to be the CVT -- which if it progresses and is widely adopted COULD be the best of both worlds. Today, despite Audi's version, the CVT still leans toward the novelty side of engineering rather than the mainstream side (this could change, of course with more robust CVT's -- one's that could handle both the V8's torque and be adapted for quattro; IMO it will change).

But, today -- according to the 6spd manumatic camp -- the 6spd Tip or Step provides "nearly" all of the benefits of a manual transmission plus it is lighter and more capable of higher torque (i.e., it is strong enough to handle a V8 or V12). And, it acts much more like an automatic in terms of tactile feel (which when you read some of the reviews of the CVT is some slight cause for concern -- IMO this "issue" will pass with market awareness much the same way that people are no longer -- for the most part -- upset by the pulse of anti-lock brakes.)

So, as is currently being debated, what will be THE future transmission of choice. Gulp, here is my prediction -- whatever the transmission is, it will not be an "orphan" device. Today therefore it would seem that both the CVT and the SMG are nice ideas (possibly superior) but they will not be rapidly and widely adopted by auto makers. Now, that is not, did not say "never" -- I just suspect that the constant improvement of the 6spd manumatic (and "improved" economic factors) will encourage auto makers (like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen) to use 5spd manumatics and start using 6spd manumatics in their flagship cars and push the 6spd "Tiptronic" down through the ranks.

That's my story, and -- for the time being -- I'm stickin' to it!

merckx · January 2002

Don't forget that. There will always be a place for those who enjoy shifting. It is a false economy to just get the manual because it's cheaper or gets better milage. But I just bought my first manual last spring,and I'm finding it adds a whole other of fun to daily driving. The CVT seems like an outstanding idea,but entheuists' cars will offer manuals for some time.

lauk0dg · January 2002

Thanks for the update on the SP5000 Asy thread tires.....one side of my brain wants to do dedicated snow tire/summer tire packages since that gotta be the correct way to do it, but one side of my brain wants to save up some storage space and forget about all the hassle of switching tires twice a year.....please let me know what you think about them tires down the road though.

Billy

markcincinnati · January 2002

And they are more fun, more control and provide the possibility of better performance.

My point was NOT to hasten the death of manuals -- I believe it is virtually inevitable that they will fade away -- personally, I want all cars to offer the choice.

Economics and technology -- but mostly economics will win out, I am confident.

joyridea4 · January 2002

I recently made my first purchase of a Audi vehicle.
I purchased 2002 A4 3.0 6sp quattro, Crystal blue met. I traded in a
1999 VW Passat so I had a German feel to that vehicle, but the A4 raised that feel to the next
level. I also opted for the xenon lights and bose
upgrade and premium package, however no sport package. I have about 1200 miles on the car and have enjoyed it very much. I also made the winter tire switch over through Tire Rack with steel wheels due to living in Upstate NY. It looks like I will be able to try them out tomorrow with the snow coming.
I want to thank all members on this board for the
valueable information I have obtained over the last three months which helped me make my decision.
I hope to gain more info from following this board.
Thanks Again
Don

lauk0dg · January 2002

Welcome to the board......I test drove a 3.0 only during the Quattro Challenge and that's an odd-ball 5-spd Quattro with the sports pkg.....and it's just amazing.

Billy

joyridea4 · January 2002

I have been following your posts for several months. On one of them I had the feeling you lived in the Ithaca area from something you said about a
test drive, but later realized that you are in the
chicago area.
You must have been passing through my area or on
business.
In any case thanks for the welcome.
Don

5thgearpinned · January 2002

I had the same issue running through my head before I bought the SP5000- 16" tires, I wanted to get a set nice 17" wheels with SP's and then use my factory 16" alloys with snow treads. I thought about it almost too long, the original tires got worn out. Well I ended up going the cheaper route, plus the Quattro handle the snow pretty well last year with marginal tread. The biggest reason for not using winter tires is that I have an old toyota 4x4 (Weekend hauler)I use on the really bad days. I guess thats cheating, but I wouldn't want someone else sliding into my car that didn't have all-wheel-drive or winter tires...

lauk0dg · January 2002

Yup i was in northern PA on business and stopped by Ithaca NY to see a friend. He was in the market to shop for a car (he's driving an Integra Type-R) so we test drove some 02 A4's and 02 TT's.....so you are in the Ithaca area?

Billy

dej0 · January 2002

Hi Gang,
I have been on vacation and not checking in. I want to thank all of you who weighed in on the various options issue I raised in mid December. I really liked Cincinnati Mark's response to xenons. He is right, they are a safety item. I had not thought of it like that, and I immediately bumped them to the top of my list.
My wife and I drove several cars in a range of prices. We drove a 325 as well as the 3.0 A4, a Suburu Impreza WRX, a Jetta with the 1.8T and a Toyota Prius. The Prius is the 4 door hybrid. We new we wanted to replace our Miata and maybe the '97 A4 as well. To be able to do both might mean trying to save a couple hundred bucks where we could on the more expensive car, hard to say. Here are my opinions.
The Prius is better and worse than I thought. It is not as ugly when you see it in real life as the pictures make it look. It is nice on the inside, not luxurious mind you. The display on the dash is mesmerizing. I'm sure you would get used to it, but I found it distracting. It shows which engine the power is coming from, constantly. It is not a road noise quiet car, though more than I expected. It was a dog for performance, much worse than I expected. It is a very responsible commuter vehicle.
The Suburu was lots of fun, but it was loud. I could easily hear the turbo spinning up and down, something I never here on our A4. It was fast also, but it felt a little cramped (as did the Prius). Still, a fun car.
The Jetta was the biggest surprise. It was a tight package, very quick. It was quieter than the Prius or the Suburu. For 20K you really got a very good car. It did feel small compared to the other two German cars, but it would be just fine as a sporty daily commuter, and would really surprise someone who did not know about the 180 HP engine in it. I have not driven a front wheel drive car in a while, and I definately noticed the torque steer.
The BMW was a great car to drive. The 325 is very responsive. I honestly believe if you know what you are doing, the real wheel drive config is the way to go. Please remember that I have a Miata, plus the caveat, if you KNOW what you are doing. I admit, I do not, which is one reason I prefer the new A4. I felt the average driver (me) could get more out of the A4 than the BMW. Plus, the BMW trunk is too small to make it practical for two adults and a toddler to travel long distances on vacation.
So what am I going to do? Like any good, over consuming American, I am going to try to get both the BMW and the A4. I really had to work my wife on this one, but she agreed. She prefers the BMW (she drives the Miata more than me and really likes real wheel drive), and it will be her car. I get the new A4 and it will be our main trip car. That is, if I can get my local Audi guy to call me back. We have already ordered a BMW.

Sorry this is so long, have a good day.

Ned

vince217 · January 2002

Hello! Am seriously considering buying a used 1996 Audi A4 2.8 (no Quattro), automatic transmission, with many options loaded. The car has about 95,000 miles on it. Reason im considering it is because its being sold for a little less than $10k. I figure Id rather get a german car rather than a generic Japanese (ex: Accord) one.

Can anybody give me advice, etc. on what to look for, any trouble spots, and any parts, etc. that need to be replaced on an Audi this old and with that much mileage? Is it even worth buying at all?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

markcincinnati · January 2002

Personally, I would avoid this car. If you can pay this much for a car that has this many years and miles on it (cash I presume?) -- why not look into a much much newer or new perhaps Jetta or other VW and consider (if new or late model) a lease? A 36 month lease on a new VW product at $300/month is $10,800 (which may get you a brand new VW product at a Cap Cost of around $21 - 22,000). You would have some maint costs covered and a warranty.

Just a thought.

Oh and the reason I mention the VW family is based on my assumption that since you were OK with the front wheel drive Audi, that you you would be OK with a FWD VW.

Finally, one good repair bill on this car and you will know what I am talking about -- and I am an Audi and VW fan (but the warranty is your friend).

black_tulip · January 2002

The lease on my Y2K A4 1.8T Q is about to expire in a couple of months. It has about 30K on the odo and the buyout is about 20K. I am debating whether to keep it or not. How reliable are A4s for the long haul(it has given me zero problems till date)? Will it be very expensive to keep? Will it be dependable as the miles pile up? Thoughts?

joyridea4 · January 2002

Yes, I am just North of Ithaca. I leased my new
A4 from the Ithaca dealer. I also have a leased
2001 LL Bean Subaru outback through them. So I have the all wheel drive program covered at this time.
My wife is getting first choice on driving the A4.
So I drive the subie most of the time.
Let me know when you are in the area again and we can grab lunch and compare notes.

vince217 · January 2002

Thanks for the advice, markcincinnati. I have considered the Jetta, but found that the style of older Jettas doesnt appeal to me. I do agree though, that i could probably find a newer year VW (or other brand) for the amount of money that im willing to spend (and am currently looking for a 1999 and newer Jetta now... tough luck to me finding one at my price range though). Btw, the A4 im looking at is priced at $9000... with a little room for negotiation, i think (just to give you a better idea of my budget).

Hmmm... at first, i thought the price was a good deal for an Audi (KBB and Edmunds both price the car at at least $10,000), but if you say that its not worth it... maybe i will look for other options. So... is it not worth it because of the age and mileage, or because i can get a newer model car (of the same or better quality, with fewer mileage) for the same price? Because if its the price... Id still rather get an Audi than a VW, Volvo, or any other Euro Brand (unless i can find a reasonably priced BMW). On the other hand... if its because the Audi cant take high mileage and wear (and if repair costs are as high as everyone says)... then im better off looking for a newer car.

Sorry for this rather long post... am really eager to get more opinions on this, so that i can reach the best decision.

dmmattix · January 2002

I would avoid it just due to the automatic transmission. 100-110K are about all you can expect out of most automatics. I have heard the repair bills for the auto rebuild are pretty steep $4-5K... A 5spd might get a different answer.

kyone · January 2002

How is the A4 ride and comfort on an all day trip at freeway speeds?

vince217 · January 2002

Hi dmmatix! Regarding your opinion on automatics, does that apply to Audis only, or to all cars with automatic transmissions? Coz the car i currently drive is a 1991 Toyota Camry automatic with over 200,000 miles on it, and to my knowledge, no transmission rebuild has been done on it.

Btw, thanks for the advice, dmmatix. So far, 2 neg responses. Looks like i should look for a different car. But still hoping for more opinions.

lauk0dg · January 2002

Kyone, I haven't done ultra long trips in my A4 yet (did a drive from Chicago to Seattle on my ex-Accord and it's not bad)......only had a 5 hr drive to upper wisconsin in the A4 and it was an awesome experience......like most german cars it rides very solid and passengers didn't even notice when i took it all the way to 85mph for a while. It requires little attention and the only thing that's "troubling" was that, I always wanted to bring it to a faster speed than 75 (speed limit is 65 and i cruised at 75) :>

Joyridea4, good thing I test drove the 02 1.8T over at that Ithaca dealership that time and not a 6-spd 3.0Q.....i wanted to test drive that one but it wasn't prepped yet.....is yours dolphin grey?? Yeah if I stop by Ithaca again we will definitely grab lunch and compare notes :>

Vince, I also don't think it's a good idea to get the 96 A4. It's the first A4 model year in US, although I think it was a 95 model in Europe before coming to US. I heard the 1.8T engine wasn't the most refined yet at that time too. Go to www.audiworld.com/forum/a4.html and ask the guys if 96 A4's are alright to buy or not.

Billy

chaseboy · January 2002

Hey guys, I recently bought a 2001 A4 2.8 Q and I love the car so far. However, I have been noticing just a couple of little things that are bothering me. One thing that I found was that when I have the radio on, or a cd in the player, the two Bose speakers located in the rear dash rattle. I like having the bass up because of the quality of the sound, but hate the rattling. I have an acura and a lexus that has the bass all the way up without any rattling. Does anyone else experience this same problem with their A4s? What should I do? Thanks.

uhclem6 · January 2002

Well after 6 months of obsessing, I decided to ditch my '92 Mazda MX6 for a 2001 A4 1.8TQ 5 sp.(Premium, cold weather, xenons and Bose). It had 14,000 miles on it, and was an Audi company car in its previous life.

I'm enjoying the hell out of it right now, but have two questions:

1) It's been fairly cold the past few days (well cold for Atlanta--20s in the am). I've found a couple of times that it's been hard to shift from 1 to 2. Anyone else experience this?

2) Love the xenons. However, I notice that the lighting distance cast by the right and left headlights seems just a bit off. The right side seems to give a few more inches of illumination than the left. Is this an aiming problem or by design?

Thanks for the feedback!

Jon

otis123 · January 2002

I got 161K miles on my 92Camry's auto transmission and my friend has continued it to 175K to date. Still rides like new, and I didn't change the fluid from 110K to 161K!

Now I am looking at purchasing a new car (bought a 6 cyl. LLBean Outback for my wife last year to replace the Camry). I scan the Passat and A4 rooms (along with Volvo and Outback H6 sedan) and still feel uneasy making the move back to VW (I owned a Beetle, 76Rabbit and 90Wolfsburg Jetta). European cars seem to have lots of problems. Miss the German handling, but I'm scared of the reliability. Then you say an auto trans. shouldn't get much more than 100K miles? Yikes!

gymshoe · January 2002

they're by design...
the left light is angled a few degrees lower so it doesn't blind oncoming traffic, the right one is angled higher to help illuminate side road signs or what not better.

it could be that the right one is at a standard level and just the left one is angled lower.
but yeah...it's by design.

uhclem6 · January 2002

Thanks for the info. I'm still getting used to a lot of the features of this car. I really like the xenons, but the abruptness in the way the field illumination cuts off takes some getting used to.

joyridea4 · January 2002

Otis123, I just traded in a 1999 2.8 tip. Passat for a A4. I did not have any problems with the Passat. It is a very nice car. Consumer Reports rates best family sedan. Since there is only my wife and myself we decided to step up to the A4, but we did consider another Passat. My second vehicle is also the 2001 LL bean Outback so our taste seem to be running about the same. I had three Maximas before the Passat. I also enjoyed the Max but opted for the VW.

Uhclem6, my Xenons are also as you and Gymshoe describe. In my area they are great for spotting Deer along the roadway getting ready to cross.

joyridea4 · January 2002

I ordered my A4 3.0 back in Oct. before the pricing and 3.0 6sp were available. My dealer told me that I could always change my mind when the prices and a test drive were available.
I did finally get to drive a dolphin grey auto before mine came in in Nov. which was earlier than I wanted since my Passat lease did not run out until Jan 15. I never did get to drive the 6 sp until mine arrived. Mine is crystal blue with Ebony interior. I really was going back and forth on the one I ordered and getting a 1.8 turbo. I was impressed with the Turbo.
My Son builds Dune Buggies in Calif. and puts Turbos on VW engines and ups the HP to around 250.
He is always down in the Southern Calif desert playing. He swears by Turbos.

lauk0dg · January 2002

Yup you got the 1st to 2nd gear grind. It happens to me too especially when it's cold. After I ground gears for 2 times I started to take extreme care, i.e. take it easy when switching from 1st to 2nd. Actually if you followed what I posted I started to get 2nd to 3rd gear grinds but now I found out it's my own fault for letting the clutch off too soon. The height the clutch engages is way high and at first I didn't get used to it but now I like it cuz I can shift gears in lightning speed BUT not when the engine and tranny is still cold. Just take some time to get used to it. Guys at audiworld also complained about it.

Xenons.....drooling.

Joyridea4, yeah that might be the same dolphin grey I saw in that dealership. They were offering to take off a whopping $5k on a 225TT my friend test drove.

Billy

markcincinnati · January 2002

I meant for you to lease a brand new 2002 Jetta -- I priced one (on a lease) and you are well within the ballpark if consider the maintenance on the A4 and almost certain "normal" repair costs on the A4 -- assuming nothing huge goes wrong with the used Audi. I would be wary of the used Audi -- and I say this not because I think the Audi would be certainly for sure for sure more likely to break. It may or may not break, it is just that if it does you will have to pay for it, with the new Jetta you will not.

On the other hand, there are those on this forum who would possibly suggest that an Audi of this age might actually be more likely to have extraordinary repairs.

Look at it this way -- a 2002 Jetta is a good car. It is at full list price MSRP of under $18K or you could go up to a GLS and it would be around $21K before any dealer cap cost reduction. Then the lease price, at current mostly attractive rates plus the reliability and warranty factor make it a high value proposition (and a fairly low lease per month in the overall scheme of things).

The Audi, and I love 'em, may be asking for trouble$.

gymshoe · January 2002

I was shopping for a used A4 and someone on this board kept on insisting i test drive the 02 1.8T...and that it was close to my price range....so I went and test drove. So...whoever's advice it was...the bugger cost me about 8000 bucks more than I had planned on spending... Grrr....

however...I'm damn glad I did cause the 02 1.8T is a sweeet car and worth every penny that I spent...so I actually gotta say that I'm glad someone pushed me to test drive the 02's!

joyridea4 · January 2002

Gymshoe, glad you jumped in, the water is fine.
Besides as far as I know you only go around once. Might as well make the most of it while there is time!! Note: I am not the one who gave you the test drive advice just for the record

.

Laukodg, about a year ago my original plan was to get a audi tt roadster. I really loved the look and so did my wife which is half the battle won.
I kept wondering how practical the TT would be?
Not much truck space. I never did get to test drive one.
How do they drive?
I test drove the BMW 330XI and 330I. They were very nice, but felt I was getting more content with the A4 for less money.

markcincinnati · January 2002

Check out the latest CD magazine, tests of many contenders -- A4 came in second, but barely to the 330i.

The value prop was that the Bimmer was about $1K more than the A4 3.0 quattro sport which had several options.

The apparent reason for being number two instead of top ranked was the weight factor, the Bimmer weighed less and therefore performed better in a couple of the statistical shoot outs.

The rankings were the Bimmer scored a 97 the Audi a 95 -- considering the price difference and content, boy oh boy was it close. Adding an option or two (to level the option playing field) would have added $$$ to the Bimmer. Which makes the A4 the value winner for certain -- throw in any "weather" at all, and, well most of us know the quattro would have handed the Bimmer its lunch.

Again, as the report said -- two of the best sedans in the world are produced in Ingolstadt and Munich Germany and they are the 330 and the A4 3.0 quattro.

For the money -- the Audi is the overall champ. For 0-60 times and the weight penalty, the BMW champions. Quattro is both a safety and performance factor -- I sometimes wonder what would happen if they (whoever they are) would change the gear ratios a little bit. The Audi appears to have longer legs and two overdrive gears -- the BMW is a bit more of a sprinter.

Makes one want to have one of each -- especially for the Summer months.

vince217 · January 2002

Thanks again for the advice, Mark. Well, i looked at the Audi again, and guess, what, they raised the price by $1,000 to put the final price of the car at $10,000. Reason is that they had to change the tires, as well as the timing belt and v-belt. Doesnt look like im getting it anymore. Once again, thanks for the advice.

Will look at the price of a Jetta lease. Since we are on the topic of getting cars, maybe you could help me out. Im a first time buyer (22 yrs old)... so, interest rates are going to be sky high for me. I dont think i would want to buy or lease a brand new car at this time. So, what other brands and models (doesnt matter what) do you suggest?

lauk0dg · January 2002

Joyridea4, I test drove the 225TTQ at the Quattro Challenge for a short while and the driving dynamics is totally different from the A4. The TT is more of a screamer and handling is wonderful although I didn't get a chance to do the test drive at higher speeds. Should be fun and addicting, right Mark??

Vince217, if they charge only $1000 for changing the tires and the timing belt, it's not too bad of a deal although I understand the total might be out of your price range. How about Civics if you don't want to buy or lease a brand new car? True it's more expensive than comparably equipped Sentras or Proteges but Civics are fun cars! My girlfriend got a Civic coupe and even now when I drive her car I am still having fun.

Billy

dmmattix · January 2002

Probably apples and oranges. Most things on Japanese cars last longer without failure and I can believe your Camry still rides like new. It's just in my opinion a new Camry still rides/handles poorly. A new Audi or BMW will handle and ride much better than a comparable Japanese car. I have an 2000 I30 and a 1997 A4 so I have direct experience. The I30 is just over a year old and rides worse than the A4 and it never did handle as well as the A4 does today...

The failure rates for German automatic transmissions I was using came from BMW and Audi forum postings from some fairly in-the-know folk. My A4 only has 67K on it so I have no personal experience and sinc I am expecting to trade it for a new A4 sometime in the next 3 months I hope not to have the experience.

Mike

nobee · January 2002

Off the wall question: A couple of nights ago I sat down and watched "The Fast and the Furious". One of the main characters talk about double-clutching vice old grandma shifting...what is double-clutch?
thanks in advance,
-nobee

visordoc · January 2002

To match engine revs to the transmission when down shifting. This site explains it quite well.

http://www.happytogether.com/318ti/notebook/shifting/index.html

markcincinnati · January 2002

Buy or lease a new car. Period. If you are "confident" (which in this climate -- both economic and terrorist related takes on a new meaning) in your outlook for your employment (and your W2 can justify it) and our economy (it is not a question of if it is a question of when) here are some thoughts.

1. Often Jan - Feb (especially Feb) are key months to acquire a NEW vehicle (dealers are often very hungry then, i.e.)
2. Interest rates NOW are really low -- even for German cars
3. If you have no gremlins (credit wise) in your closet, you will be able to lease or buy a new car -- there will be a dealer or a finance arm of a dealer or manufacturer that will "get you done"
4. You may find that VW of America (to name but one) has a "recent college grad" program or a first time car buyer program -- which offers attractive financing (just make sure you build a good history -- and this goes for everything you buy on credit)

Now, assuming your personal employment outlook is "acceptable" -- now is a fantastic time to get into a car -- on the other hand, if you are likely to get laid off, well -- "keep your powder dry." Do not buy an old "dead or practically dead" car and plunk down $10,000 or don't borrow $10,000 for Pete's sake.

If you are really desperate for transportation and really having trouble with your employement crystal ball -- keep as liquid (financially) as possible. Someone, somewhere has a "new car" for $200 - 300 a month on a 39 (or less) month lease -- don't buy trouble is my point. And don't go too far out on a limb in either time or amount of payment (manage your obligation that is).

But keep as much of that $10K as you can -- even though this recession is very likely to moderate and end in 2002 -- it "ain't over yet!"

Repeat after me: "I will keep my powder dry. . .I will keep my powder dry. . .Ohmmmmmm, Ohmmmm. . ."

Signed,

Been there, done that (made the mistakes that is), Mark.

lauk0dg · January 2002

Visordoc, what you described is rev-matching. Double clutching is more like a combination of actions including rev-matching. The website you attached provides a good explanation of what those two things are. In modern manual trannys it's not that important to do double clutching. In short in double clutching, let's say you downshift from 4th to 3rd to make a corner. You engage the clutch, move the stick from 4th to neutral, let go of the clutch, "blip" or touch the throttle to match the revs, engage clutch, move the stick from manual to 3rd, let go of clutch, and if you match the revs right, wah-lah, smooth transition. Rev-matching is always a good idea to reduce wear-and-tear on the clutch.....and of course, provides a smoother ride for yourself and your passengers. It just takes time to practise and honestly I still can't do it well 100% of the time. Maybe 80% of the time :>

Billy

dmmattix · January 2002

I guess the only problem with their comparison would be the price difference. I had been looking at the BMW 330i until I drove the A4 3.0. Using Edmunds pricing (TMV) I compared the two as equally equiped as I could get (Leather, Memory Power Seats, Sport Package, Xeon, Cold Weather Package (heated seats)) and got:

BMW 330i 5spd - $42,407
A4 3.0 Q 6spd - $38,418

Now according to MY math that's closer to $4K than $1K. I guess if you get the base models it might be closer as the A4 has a bit more standard equipment but whenever I see the $1K figure thrown around I start wondering because that wasn't what I was getting.

Mike

bluetrane · January 2002

Vince,

If I were in your position, I would lease or finance a car. Establishing a good credit rating is something that will benefit you in so many ways. A credit rating is nothing more than a way for lenders to determine how risky it is to lend money to you. Strangely enough, the only way to enhance this rating is to borrow money and pay it back on time. Paying cash for a car (or anything else), no matter how much, does nothing to enhance your credit. Financing or leasing, even a cheap Kia, will give you a positive credit reference that lasts for years. And trust me, you will be wanting to borrow money a frightening number of times in your future.

The flip side of this is that defaulting on a auto loan or lease will royally screw your credit rating for years, so make sure you buy within your means. Take a good look at your finances and come up with a monthly payment that you can afford without undue pain. There are plenty of auto sites that offer calculators that will help you determine what you can afford, and what price vehicle will fall into your range.

My apologies if you are some sort of econ/finance doble major or math prodigy and know this already, but if you work at establishing good credit at 22, your 30, 40, and 50 year old selves will thank you endlessly.

Good luck!

Rick

wishnhigh1 · January 2002

Ive been looking in classified ads and such, and have been noticing 2-3 year old A4s in the 20-24k range. Is there anything I need to look out for? Im looking at cars in this range, and this is one attractive option in my search.

Im primarily looking at 1.8ts although I might accept the 2.8, but it has to have a manual.

audibon · January 2002

FYI ALL:
Most drivers that have sporting intentions now use the heel and toe method to scoot around corners or make a smooth transition when downshifting. It is rather awkward to explain but here goes:
The driver engages the clutch pedal and begins to brake somewhat as well,
The shifter is brought into play and driver begins moving from 4th to 3rd etc.,
While applying light pressure to the brake the driver rolls his right foot and blips the throttle,
Driver should be ready to shift down at this point
and the trans should allow that to happen when the throttle is blipped,
Once the trans allows you into the lower gear release the clutch and slide your right foot over to the accelerator to power out of the corner.
This is a very simple explaination of heel and toeing and it takes practice, practice, practice. When done properly and you'll know when you do those corners become even more fun!
A couple of good resources: Jackie Stewart has a book out, Bob Bondurant's high performance driving is another good book. There are some great videos at Blockbuster as well for drivers and race fans in the special interest section. My favorite was one by Mario Andretti. They may also have a Bondurant or a Skip Barber video as well. If you can't find these in your area try Motorbooks.com for all sorts of driving and car books/videos. Happy Motoring!
Brian

audibon · January 2002

FYI ALL:
The Mario Andretti video is titled Drive to Win and the Skip Barber video is titled Going Faster. Hope this helps improve everyones driving skill and enjoyment.
Brian

nobee · January 2002

-nobee

sixpines · January 2002

My car has the stock suspension with 15" OE wheels and Eagle 205/60/15 tires. I have Blizzaks on these rims for the winter and would like to make a minor upgrade in the spring. If I only go to a 16" wheel, I believe a 17 would give me to harsh a ride, what are my tire size options? I know the recommendation is 205/55/16 but I was hoping to go with a 225/50/16. Anyone have this size? Any problem with fender rubbing in tight turns, bumps etc? How about potential problems if I lower the car slightly with sport springs and shocks? I plan on getting a high performance all season tire such as the Bridgestone RE 950s or the Yoko AVS dBs. Anyone know anything about either of these tires? Thanks for the feedback.

nyccarguy · January 2002

The few '02 A4s I've seen have been Black w/ Sports Package...What a gorgeous color, especially with the grey trim on the bottom!

My friend has an Amulet Red 3.0 w/ Sports Package which is also striking!

Audi A4 2004 and earlier

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