Anything I should know about B5 Audi A4s?
Discussion
We're currently looking at replacing the family shed (currently a ZT 1.8T) and the old A4s are starting to look a decent buy, we'd [i]probably/i] be looking at a petrol engine with Quattro - we're moving north and suspect the roads will not be ploughed (plowed?) or gritted up there so I'd like something that has a fair chance of getting me to work in awful conditions when combined with winter tyres that isn't a huge off-roader.
I feel like the diesel models would feel too sluggish for us but haven't actually driven one - does anybody have any feedback? It's not out and out speed that bothers me really, for example at the moment we're running a 1.2 mk1 Punto for a while which feels just about quick enough thanks to a revvy engine and a relatively close gearbox which makes it feel amusing enough to drive - even though it takes circa 10s to 60. Diesel A4s reportedly match this figure but I'm concerned that a big Derv lump will be slow and FEEL sluggish thanks to the low revs. We'll be doing a little more motorway than average, but it's not going to be a 30k a year repmobile; however things are more spread out at the new place than we're used to here in Herts and it's a good 7-8 miles to even the nearest supermarket so better fuel consumption WOULD be a bonus - just not at the expense of a mind-numbing drive experience.
So if anybody has any experiences with the old A4s positive or negative I'd be interested to hear!
I feel like the diesel models would feel too sluggish for us but haven't actually driven one - does anybody have any feedback? It's not out and out speed that bothers me really, for example at the moment we're running a 1.2 mk1 Punto for a while which feels just about quick enough thanks to a revvy engine and a relatively close gearbox which makes it feel amusing enough to drive - even though it takes circa 10s to 60. Diesel A4s reportedly match this figure but I'm concerned that a big Derv lump will be slow and FEEL sluggish thanks to the low revs. We'll be doing a little more motorway than average, but it's not going to be a 30k a year repmobile; however things are more spread out at the new place than we're used to here in Herts and it's a good 7-8 miles to even the nearest supermarket so better fuel consumption WOULD be a bonus - just not at the expense of a mind-numbing drive experience.
So if anybody has any experiences with the old A4s positive or negative I'd be interested to hear!
Not much room in the back for adults. Interior isn't as big as you think, but it's a nice enough place to sit.The 1.8T is a decent enough engine, and moldable, if that's your thing. If not a modded, go for the V6. the 2.5 Tdi is a decent enough engine as well. Quattro is good in the snow. I used mine in Upstate NY within problems in that regard.
I had bearing go on mine, a few times, which all totted up. Probably the most unreliable car I have owned thus far.
I had bearing go on mine, a few times, which all totted up. Probably the most unreliable car I have owned thus far.
The facelift model (1999 - 2001) is a much better bet as it has not got the same silly multilink suspension as pre facelift. So you'll be left to choose beteween 1.8T Quattro, 2.8 Quattro or 2.5TDI quattro (rare). My brother had a facelift 2.8 and it was really good, not THAT quick but still not bad at all, and we took it skiing with no problems with grip. I had a pre-facelift 1.8 and although it was an ok car it was REALLY REALLY slow, and the worn suspension did my head in.
I have a 7 (or 8?) year old A4 diesel Cabrio.
Not a quatro or s-line, but it did come with the sports suspension.
It’s the 2.5l v6 turbo.
The drive is quite stiff (which I like but you may not want the sports suspension), the engine is a lot better than I expected.
It's quiet and powerful.
A lot of mid range torque, cruises happily at 70+ or 70++ if you like and can give 30-45 mpg depending on how much ++ you're doing.
It's not a sports car, but it's got a lot more instant power than I expected from a diesel when I first test drove it.
It drove better than the 1.8 petrol which was the other option at the time.
Don't discount it immediately – give it a try.
Not a quatro or s-line, but it did come with the sports suspension.
It’s the 2.5l v6 turbo.
The drive is quite stiff (which I like but you may not want the sports suspension), the engine is a lot better than I expected.
It's quiet and powerful.
A lot of mid range torque, cruises happily at 70+ or 70++ if you like and can give 30-45 mpg depending on how much ++ you're doing.
It's not a sports car, but it's got a lot more instant power than I expected from a diesel when I first test drove it.
It drove better than the 1.8 petrol which was the other option at the time.
Don't discount it immediately – give it a try.
Thanks for the info guys.
Snowboy I think you're referring to the model one generation newer than the one I'm talking about - I'm referring to the one in the picture a few posts above.
With regards to budget we're probably looking at sub £2k. There seem to be a fair few ex-OAP looking cars on the market in that range, I think they can brush up well with a good clean and some minor bits and bobs doing too.
It sounds then like I should be looking more at the V6 engined models, preferably facelift?
Snowboy I think you're referring to the model one generation newer than the one I'm talking about - I'm referring to the one in the picture a few posts above.
With regards to budget we're probably looking at sub £2k. There seem to be a fair few ex-OAP looking cars on the market in that range, I think they can brush up well with a good clean and some minor bits and bobs doing too.
It sounds then like I should be looking more at the V6 engined models, preferably facelift?
Main thing to check on all B5 cars in water ingress, drain holes block under the battery compartment causing water to enter the cabin, often damaging the comfort control module in the passenger foot well, check all windows / locks and radio work as should.
As others have said facelift models (B5.5) avoid the suspension issues of the earlier cars.
Have you thought about a VW Passat 4motion, essentially the same car under the skin with better rear leg room. The big plus being they don't command the Audi price premium.
My 2.8 V6 petrol is rather thirsty, 30mpg on a run driven like a grandma, down in the teens if you give it some but brilliant in the snow and ice.
As others have said facelift models (B5.5) avoid the suspension issues of the earlier cars.
Have you thought about a VW Passat 4motion, essentially the same car under the skin with better rear leg room. The big plus being they don't command the Audi price premium.
My 2.8 V6 petrol is rather thirsty, 30mpg on a run driven like a grandma, down in the teens if you give it some but brilliant in the snow and ice.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Have a look there - there was some handy info posted.
I have the 2.6 v6 and i love it. Great noise! Not very spacious in the back - 3 adults is a queeze. Quite thirsty, if quite enthusiastic on the throttle and got about 25mpg over the course of a tank.... Thats 80 / 90 on the motorway slightly higher for short periods... and then some NSL country lane abuse.
Driving normally i would think 30mpg is possible.
Mine isnt a quattro but it handled last winter fine.
As mentioned make sure the inside stays dry - apparently the CCM unit is very sensitive and can cause electrical faults if it gets wet. Its located under the front passenger seat.
We have had issues with the imobiliser not recognising the key. Apparently this is common as the wiring isnt given enough slack in the factory so adjusting the wheel too often causes the imobiliser connectors to fray / come loose (they are push pin rather than soldered). Fixing is an arse because you have to remove the steering wheel & airbag so is really a dealer jobbie and can be expensive.
On the whole a very good solid car. Treat it right and it will last ages and rack up galactic miles. One poster on here has a 2.6 v6 which has just crossed the 350k mile mark! You can pick them up for about £1k as well.
Have a look there - there was some handy info posted.
I have the 2.6 v6 and i love it. Great noise! Not very spacious in the back - 3 adults is a queeze. Quite thirsty, if quite enthusiastic on the throttle and got about 25mpg over the course of a tank.... Thats 80 / 90 on the motorway slightly higher for short periods... and then some NSL country lane abuse.
Driving normally i would think 30mpg is possible.
Mine isnt a quattro but it handled last winter fine.
As mentioned make sure the inside stays dry - apparently the CCM unit is very sensitive and can cause electrical faults if it gets wet. Its located under the front passenger seat.
We have had issues with the imobiliser not recognising the key. Apparently this is common as the wiring isnt given enough slack in the factory so adjusting the wheel too often causes the imobiliser connectors to fray / come loose (they are push pin rather than soldered). Fixing is an arse because you have to remove the steering wheel & airbag so is really a dealer jobbie and can be expensive.
On the whole a very good solid car. Treat it right and it will last ages and rack up galactic miles. One poster on here has a 2.6 v6 which has just crossed the 350k mile mark! You can pick them up for about £1k as well.
I have an early B5 1.8T.
Keeping the rpm below 2500 returns 35-40mpg (!), high 20s/low 30s if you push it more often.
I keep the area in front of the scuttle clear of debris, it's very good at collecting leaves and muck.
Re the suspension. Rather than mess about replacing different bits, I bought a complete kit on ebay (from Germany, guaranteed) which came with all new nuts and bolts, cost circa £150 delivered within 3 days. If you've a modicum of confidence with a spanner and a Haynes it's fairly straightforward. I started just before lunchtime and was finished by lunchtime the following day, this included heating/cutting a couple of seized original components. Had the alignment done (£35 for 4-wheel inc camber adjustment) and that was it. This was 40k miles ago. Of course if you have to pay a mechanic think twice.
Keeping the rpm below 2500 returns 35-40mpg (!), high 20s/low 30s if you push it more often.
I keep the area in front of the scuttle clear of debris, it's very good at collecting leaves and muck.
Re the suspension. Rather than mess about replacing different bits, I bought a complete kit on ebay (from Germany, guaranteed) which came with all new nuts and bolts, cost circa £150 delivered within 3 days. If you've a modicum of confidence with a spanner and a Haynes it's fairly straightforward. I started just before lunchtime and was finished by lunchtime the following day, this included heating/cutting a couple of seized original components. Had the alignment done (£35 for 4-wheel inc camber adjustment) and that was it. This was 40k miles ago. Of course if you have to pay a mechanic think twice.
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff