'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

On Mon, 14 May 2007 21:12:34 -0400, "Tri Duck"
> wrote:

>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

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

Dave LaCourse wrote:
> On Mon, 14 May 2007 21:12:34 -0400, "Tri Duck"
> > wrote:
>
>> 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
>
> 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
>
>
>
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.

On May 14, 9:12 pm, "Tri Duck" > wrote:
> 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.....

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

Tony wrote:

[snip]

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

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. :-)