'04 Audi A4, any pervasive issues?

I am looking at purchasing a 2004-5'ish A4.... anything in particular I should be on the look out for? Any pervasive issues with this model year (recalls, major repair issues etc)? Any scheduled maintenance I should be on the look out for etc? I read one review that recommended the 5 speed over the auto, thoughts on this? I know this is a decidedly pro Audi audience, but general thoughts on the BMW 325 vs Mercedes C230 vs A4 would also be appreciated.....

Thanks in advance. If there is already a thread on this somewhere I apologize, this is my first trip to this NG.

Brian Charlotte, NC

Reply to
Tri Duck
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Charlotte, huh. Well, when it snows, you'll be the only one who gets to work (assuming your A4 is the Quattro and not the fwd). I know of no caveat emptors with that model. I've been driving Quattros since the mid 80s and I have never been disappointed in their service, especially in the rain and snow.

Dave

Reply to
Dave LaCourse

I currently drive an '04 A4 1.8 TQ 6 speed Ultra Sport.

It has been dependable and a fun car to drive.

The stock performance was just fine but I had it chipped with the APR stage 1 and it makes it even more fun.

Mileage ranges from 29 to 34 on the highway depending on how I drive and weather / road conditions. Around town it gets about 24 mpg.

I have owned six Audis from 1984 and all have been standard transmission. I have a few reservations about the automatic transmissions. If you change the trans fluid in spite of what the book says every 40 to 60 K they will usually do well but I still have more confidence in the standard transmissions.

If you are willing to take a bit less fuel mileage I would consider a V6

5 ro 6 speed stick. That would be a fun and dependable ride.

One option that I like and would try to find again is the auto dimming rear view and side mirrors.

The ultra sport suspension is fun but if you drive on the highway a lot it might seem a bit harsh.

I don't have any opinions on the BMW or Mercedes. Both nice rides but for those of us in the snowy North (Minneapolis) the Quattro is a great feature. Quattro is also a benefit on dry road handling as well.

Reply to
Tony

Brian, if you go for the 1.8T, make sure the PO has kept up with his oil changes, and more frequently than the 10k intervals than Audi recommends. Also make sure he has been using synthetic oil, something like M1 0w-40. This engine had some sludge issues due to 1) long oil change intervals 2) Audi initial recommendation of regular dino oil

3)too-small oil filter and 4) owners not changing the oil. This is really a great engine if cared for properly, with a LOT more power than can be had easily and cheaply. I haven't chipped mine yet (just coming up on the end of the warranty). I've had the rear mufflers replaced (due to a rattle), passenger's door switches replaced and the car is currently getting first gear replaced - all of these were under warranty. But I love the car. Mine has the Premium, Cold Weather and Sport packages. I echo the comment about the Sport-equipped cars riding harder than the non, but the handling is worth it. I've been driving a 2007 A4 without the Sport, and I don't like it at all - and the car sits about 3/4 of an inch higher, making it look like an SUV ;-)

Dan D '04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6 Central NJ USA

Reply to
Dano58
[snip]

I have that on my 03 A3 1.9TDI. However, Audi also saw the foresight to put a factory tinted rear windscreen in so headlights behind you do not dazzle you, (the window has a very light blue tint - but only seen at night) making this option somewhat useless. :-)

Reply to
G-man uk

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