If you had $7-9,000 to buy a used, reliable car, what would you get?

It's for my wife and she'll be using it as a daily driver. 2001 Audi A4 is an option as there are a bunch in that price range. We found one with 59k miles, asking $7500. Anyone have experience with this model A4? problems and reliability issues?

What other options would you consider?

 

They are good car's but hella expensive in maintenance. I heard that it was like $2000 just to change the water pump Why not a bugeye for a DD

 

They are expensive to maintain like any european car and they go south once you hit 100k

 

My vote is definitely for another suby, but i can't convince the wifey to drive a wrx or forester.

 

http://monterey.craigslist.org/ctd/1610051818.html

 

mine hasnt gone south and it has almost 140k one the clock. it does, however have a hidden boost leak i need to find.

 

Well I know 4 people who had to spend 4+k on their audis and each had between 100k-112k but it might of been the year of there cars 02-04.

 

As much as like audi's, its probably best to stay away from them..

 

Also show her a legacy if she doenest want a wrx or forester

 

One issue that is prevalent on nearly all a4's and passats of this body style (B5) is the failure of the ABS module. It cots about $5-600 for the unit iirc. It's highly likely it has already been replaced if the ABS light isn't already blinking -- ask about that. The other issue I know of is with the wireless key system. Try locking/unlocking the car from ALL keyholes including the trunk, and obviously try the wireless function. I forget why this problem comes about, but I think it might have too do with water damage to the central computer (it's located like in the driver/passenger foot area and not well sealed off). I wouldn't be surprised if the ABS-unit issue is caused by water damage as well.

 

if you get anything VW/Audi with the 1.8t motor, get a quartet of extra ignition coils, you WILL need them, as well as fresh vacuum hoses, an possibly a cam sensor seal. oh an a multimeter handy to trace down the inevitable electrical snafus.

 

this would be the 2.8 V6 we're looking at btw.

 

From my experience with VWs of that same generation (Jetta, Golf, Passat), they have crazy electrical issues and if anything needs to be done on any part of the car, its going to be expensive.


Id just stay away.

 

What about an E90 3-series? They can be had for about that.

 

Just get a honda.