Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T (2002 - current model)?

Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Looking into buying a pre-owned Audi A4 Quattro with the 1.8T engine (with 75k miles or less).

Anyone have a 2002 - current model? Are they reliable? :)

I used to test Audi's, in Tampa Florida, back in the mid 1990's and loved the A4 Quattro with the 1.8T engine. It was fun, sporty and achieved decent mileage. However, I've read mixed reviews concerning reliability and repair costs of the newer models (especially the TT).

I'd just assumed that they'd worked out all those issues that plagued them during the 1980's and early 1990's. That was the goal of extensively testing them in the mid 1990's at the Tampa facility.

Comments?
 
ninman

ninman

Hall of Fame
Bud said:
Looking into buying a pre-owned Audi A4 Quattro with the 1.8T engine (with 75k miles or less).

Anyone have a 2002 - current model? Are they reliable? :)

I used to test Audi's, in Tampa Florida, back in the mid 1990's and loved the A4 Quattro with the 1.8T engine. It was fun, sporty and achieved decent mileage. However, I've read mixed reviews concerning reliability and repair costs of the newer models (especially the TT).

I'd just assumed that they'd worked out all those issues that plagued them during the 1980's and early 1990's. That was the goal of extensively testing them in the mid 1990's at the Tampa facility.

Comments?
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If it has an automatic flappy paddle gearbox, then burn it. I don't know about the build quality of cars in America, but in Europe Audi's (and German cars in general) are generally very well made, and very reliable. But as I said, if it has a flappy paddle gearbox, burn it.
 
R

rommil

Legend
HAD a 2003 Audi 1.8T Quattro, love love love that car, very fun. Got it new but got rid of it after 3 years. Too many problems, yes reliability issues. I am not bitter about the car though. If Audi made more reliable cars, I would drive one for life.
 
S

SlapShot

Hall of Fame
I can't speak to the Audi, but I haven't had the best of luck with my VW Golf reliability-wise after about 85K miles (I have almost 130K on it now, and it's an '02). They are quirky and not the easiest to fix.

The general consensus on Audi/VW vehicles is that they are great for the first 75K-100K miles, and then they become money pits. They are also one of the most expensive vehicles to repair when they do have issues.

That being said, the 1.8T motor is reportedly one of the best motors that VW has built, so you might get a winner. If I were in your shoes, I'd look for one with much lower mileage, however - under 50K if I had a choice.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
ninman said:
If it has an automatic flappy paddle gearbox, then burn it. I don't know about the build quality of cars in America, but in Europe Audi's (and German cars in general) are generally very well made, and very reliable. But as I said, if it has a flappy paddle gearbox, burn it.
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Looking for a 5-speed (or 6-speed) manual :)

David_Is_Right said:
Why not the 2.0?
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Like the 1.8T for sportiness and the gas mileage

rommil said:
HAD a 2003 Audi 1.8T Quattro, love love love that car, very fun. Got it new but got rid of it after 3 years. Too many problems, yes reliability issues. I am not bitter about the car though. If Audi made more reliable cars, I would drive one for life.
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This mimics much of the feedback I've read. Like I stated... I tested the original A4 back in the mid 1990's before they were prevalent in the US and absolutely loved the car. They were rock solid and really surefooted (with the quattro drivetrain). The handling in the rain and snow was also phenonemal (again... with the quattro). Wasn't crazy about the FWD models.

SlapShot said:
I can't speak to the Audi, but I haven't had the best of luck with my VW Golf reliability-wise after about 85K miles (I have almost 130K on it now, and it's an '02). They are quirky and not the easiest to fix.

The general consensus on Audi/VW vehicles is that they are great for the first 75K-100K miles, and then they become money pits. They are also one of the most expensive vehicles to repair when they do have issues.

That being said, the 1.8T motor is reportedly one of the best motors that VW has built, so you might get a winner. If I were in your shoes, I'd look for one with much lower mileage, however - under 50K if I had a choice.
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Excellent comment! The one I have an eye on has about 60K miles.
 
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R

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
Generally speaking, the 3.0 V-6 has less to go wrong with it than the turbo'ed 1.8, with comparable power and torque, and economy. That 1.8 has an "interference" 5-valve per cylinder head, and a turbo and turbo-related hardware. If you are seriously looking to buy a 1.8T, be sure it has had a recent timing belt replacement, or budget to do one immediately. My mechanic tells me the going rate to replace one of those heads is approx. $2,500 for parts and again $2,500 for labor. Should the old T-belt go "boing," it's an expensive surprise. Why I know this is that I find this particular generation of A4 to be the best looking sedan in recent years, and a nice compromise between sporty and practical, elegant, and luxurious - and on my shortlist of cars I am considering buying soon.

However, my Audi-expert friends all tell me, "If you must, Dave, go with a 3.0 V-6 with manual transmission" (which is a rather rare combo here in the States).
 
S

SlapShot

Hall of Fame
El Diablo said:
The 1.8 T is the same engine as was used in the Passat of that era, had the notorious ignition coil failure fiasco.
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The 2.0 NA has the same ignition coil problem. Mine is on its second (first was replaced by the original owner) and the housing on the second is cracked, causing the idle to be terrible if it's wet and the car has sat overnight.

That alone is a $500 fix on a car that's only worth $5K or so, so I just deal with it.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
retrowagen said:
Generally speaking, the 3.0 V-6 has less to go wrong with it than the turbo'ed 1.8, with comparable power and torque, and economy. That 1.8 has an "interference" 5-valve per cylinder head, and a turbo and turbo-related hardware. If you are seriously looking to buy a 1.8T, be sure it has had a recent timing belt replacement, or budget to do one immediately. My mechanic tells me the going rate to replace one of those heads is approx. $2,500 for parts and again $2,500 for labor. Should the old T-belt go "boing," it's an expensive surprise. Why I know this is that I find this particular generation of A4 to be the best looking sedan in recent years, and a nice compromise between sporty and practical, elegant, and luxurious - and on my shortlist of cars I am considering buying soon.

However, my Audi-expert friends all tell me, "If you must, Dave, go with a 3.0 V-6 with manual transmission" (which is a rather rare combo here in the States).
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Holy crap... are you sure about the $5000 for a new timing belt?!

I like the 1.8T since it gets about 25 MPG/City and 35/HWY

How fuel efficient is the 3.0 V6? I loved the older 2.8L V6 with the 5-speed... but it got pretty crummy mileage.

zapvor said:
why does everyone buy into the audi hype? over priced, over rated.
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That wasn't the question posed in the OP... however, If you've ever driven one and/or been inside one, you'd understand. I'll take an Audi over a BMW or Benz any day.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
El Diablo said:
The 1.8 T is the same engine as was used in the Passat of that era, had the notorious ignition coil failure fiasco.
Click to expand...

SlapShot said:
The 2.0 NA has the same ignition coil problem. Mine is on its second (first was replaced by the original owner) and the housing on the second is cracked, causing the idle to be terrible if it's wet and the car has sat overnight.

That alone is a $500 fix on a car that's only worth $5K or so, so I just deal with it.
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Does the 3.0 have the same issue(s)?
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
Bud said:
Holy crap... are you sure about the $5000 for a new timing belt?!
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He's talking about the repair if the belt breaks. I believe the belt costs around $1,500 to replace however (which is really expensive). Toss in a water pump and the total cost will probably be around $2K, so be sure this used one has recently had the belt replaced, otherwise subtract that from the price you pay for it.

My wife has an A6 2.8 turbo automatic. Loves the car, but they are very expensive to get worked on. She's looking to dump hers for that reason.

I would never buy an Audi / VW because of how much repairs cost.

Personally, I like the older Mercedes. Built like a tank. I have a 1990 BMW 325 i that I just love. This is a well built car. The last mechanic that worked on mine offered to buy it.
 
R

rommil

Legend
Bud said:
Holy crap... are you sure about the $5000 for a new timing belt?!

I like the 1.8T since it gets about 25 MPG/City and 35/HWY

How fuel efficient is the 3.0 V6? I loved the older 2.8L V6 with the 5-speed... but it got pretty crummy mileage.



That wasn't the question posed in the OP... however, If you've ever driven one and/or been inside one, you'd understand. I'll take an Audi over a BMW or Benz any day.
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I agree. I have driven a BMW(3) and a Benz(C) and I would still pick my A4 or an Audi. I like the interior and exterior but the feeling that always got me was the tautness and the feeling of being surefooted, the control. Always told my friends if I ever become a millionaire, I would buy an Audi A8 and a supplemental car lol. Too bad Audis are not the most reliable out there. Everytime I see an Audi it makes my head turn and look.
 
R

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
Right. If the belt breaks, it lunches most (if not all) of the 20 valves and their associated components. And can broadcast little bits of metal elsewhere, through the intake and exhaust tracts (including cylinders and turbocharger). I had this scenario unfold on an old Audi 200 turbo I had long ago. A trusted mechanic has told horror stories about the 1.8T's in Audi TT's, A4's, and miscellaneous VW models doing this sort of Chernobyl-esque meltdown, which is putting his kids thru college...

I have worked on friends' 90CS's and A4's with the 2.8 V6 (essentially the same motor as the 3.0, only with slightly less bore) and am acquainted with their quirks. They get leaky on the top side of the heads, and can occasionally get coil pack problems (they use Hitachi coils, probably superior to the Bosch item), but are fairly sound and can achieve well over 200k miles with moderate attention to routine preventative maintenance. The 1.8T (or later 2.0T) is a much greater stressed motor to move those cars; they seem to not be able to rack up those miles with as much ease.
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Bud, are looking to get a B6 or B7 platform A4? I think Audi has the finest fit and finish of any of the premium German automobiles. Have you had a look at this site?
http://forums.audiworld.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34
http://forums.audiworld.com/forumdisplay.php?f=69
http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2780681
I would think you could get some good info as to what is going on as far as long term maintenance issues. I Also don't think the cost of maintaining a Audi is not any more than a BMW or M-B that is out of warranty.

Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQ_M2NLI4I
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
vsbabolat said:
Bud, are looking to get a B6 or B7 platform A4? I think Audi has the finest fit and finish of any of the premium German automobiles. Have you had a look at this site?
http://forums.audiworld.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34
http://forums.audiworld.com/forumdisplay.php?f=69
http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2780681
I would think you could get some good info as to what is going on as far as long term maintenance issues. I Also don't think the cost of maintaining a Audi is not any more than a BMW or M-B that is out of warranty.

Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQ_M2NLI4I
Click to expand...

What years did each platform run? I just know them by year.

I like the model that ran from about 2002-2008 or so. The current model I'm not crazy about.

The original model I also liked... but like the 2002 years model more.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
retrowagen said:
Right. If the belt breaks, it lunches most (if not all) of the 20 valves and their associated components. And can broadcast little bits of metal elsewhere, through the intake and exhaust tracts (including cylinders and turbocharger). I had this scenario unfold on an old Audi 200 turbo I had long ago. A trusted mechanic has told horror stories about the 1.8T's in Audi TT's, A4's, and miscellaneous VW models doing this sort of Chernobyl-esque meltdown, which is putting his kids thru college...

I have worked on friends' 90CS's and A4's with the 2.8 V6 (essentially the same motor as the 3.0, only with slightly less bore) and am acquainted with their quirks. They get leaky on the top side of the heads, and can occasionally get coil pack problems (they use Hitachi coils, probably superior to the Bosch item), but are fairly sound and can achieve well over 200k miles with moderate attention to routine preventative maintenance. The 1.8T (or later 2.0T) is a much greater stressed motor to move those cars; they seem to not be able to rack up those miles with as much ease.
Click to expand...

Good info... so it would be worthwhile to check to see if the belt's ever been replaced... if not then replace it ASAP... before it fails and damages a ton of other components.

This kind of information is why I love this forum (in addition to the cat fights in the pro player's forum) :lol:
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Bud said:
What years did each platform run? I just know them by year.

I like the model that ran from about 2002-2008 or so. The current model I'm not crazy about.

The original model I also liked... but like the 2002 years model more.
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The B6 was from 2002-2005. The B7 was the facelift and ran until 2008. The B8 is the current A4.
 
Kevin T

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
A buddy of mine had to replace the transmission in his 05 A4 at the tune of 7.5k!!! Too rich for my blood. I had (and very much loved) an A4 sedan for a couple of years but as others mentioned, the repairs/service $$ killed me and I traded it in.
 
zapvor

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
Bud said:
Holy crap... are you sure about the $5000 for a new timing belt?!



That wasn't the question posed in the OP... however, If you've ever driven one and/or been inside one, you'd understand. I'll take an Audi over a BMW or Benz any day.
Click to expand...

i know it wasnt but its implied. why else would you consider it? actually i prefer honda over any european make. i take it you havent ever driven a honda so you dont understand
 
LuckyR

LuckyR

Legend
Bud said:
Looking into buying a pre-owned Audi A4 Quattro with the 1.8T engine (with 75k miles or less).

Anyone have a 2002 - current model? Are they reliable? :)

I used to test Audi's, in Tampa Florida, back in the mid 1990's and loved the A4 Quattro with the 1.8T engine. It was fun, sporty and achieved decent mileage. However, I've read mixed reviews concerning reliability and repair costs of the newer models (especially the TT).

I'd just assumed that they'd worked out all those issues that plagued them during the 1980's and early 1990's. That was the goal of extensively testing them in the mid 1990's at the Tampa facility.

Comments?
Click to expand...

I was this close to getting a S4 a few years back and was talked out of it by a buddy with a TT, and tons of reliability issues. I am so happy I took his advice as plenty of objective reviewers comment on Audi build quality.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
vsbabolat said:
The B6 was from 2002-2005. The B7 was the facelift and ran until 2008. The B8 is the current A4.
Click to expand...

Thanks VSB... will look at the cosmetic differences of each. I do like the 2002-05 though... and the price range is right :)

Love all the comments (especially the ones based on personal experience).
 
007

007

Professional
re: 1.8L 20V turbo engine, I seem to recall this VW/Audi common engine is known for high oil consumption and excessive internal carbonization (coking).
I'd avoid it. Lots to go wrong in this small displacement multi-valve turbo motor.
 
E

El Diablo

Guest
ninman
We certainly can't drive like the Chinese. Did you read about the car in Anhui Provence (in Fuyang City) that veered off the road and drove directly into a river in February? Tragically, all 7 people in the 5 seat car were killed.
 
E

El Diablo

Guest
(Addendum -- Most recent statistics I came upon are 1998, showing 49,000 car accident deaths and 1.7 million injuries in all of North America. China, with far fewer cars, reported 179,000 deaths and 5.4 million injuries. Perhaps the Chinese need to learn more about driving??
 
ninman

ninman

Hall of Fame
El Diablo said:
ninman
We certainly can't drive like the Chinese. Did you read about the car in Anhui Provence (in Fuyang City) that veered off the road and drove directly into a river in February? Tragically, all 7 people in the 5 seat car were killed.
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Dude I'm not Chinese, I just live in China. I'm from the UK, and happen to be a very good driver.
 
E

El Diablo

Guest
No problem....the same 1998 data show Europe, with a total population not very different from that of North America, with 107,000 deaths and 3.2 million injuries. Europeans AND Chinese can't drive.
 
ninman

ninman

Hall of Fame
El Diablo said:
No problem....the same 1998 data show Europe, with a total population not very different from that of North America, with 107,000 deaths and 3.2 million injuries. Europeans AND Chinese can't drive.
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I never said they could, the French are terrible, as are the Spanish, Italians, Portugese and most of the Latin countries. However countries such as Germany, UK and Scandanavia have very good safety records.

Americans however are the worst drivers in the world.

Anyway, on topic, if I were you I would avoid Audies, BMW's and Mercs altogether and go for something that's less overpriced and more practical such as the equivalent VW (still overpriced, but not as badly). In America though the choice of vehicle is horribly poor. I really feel lucky to live in the UK, where there are swarms of really great hot hatches.
 
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r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
ninman said:
I'm from the UK, and happen to be a very good driver.
Click to expand...

ninman said:
Americans however are the worst drivers in the world.
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Charlie: Hey, who is this guy?
Susanna: He just jumped in the car.
Charlie: Yeah well he can jump out. Come on!
Raymond: I'm an excellent driver.
Charlie: That's good. Come on! Susanna, why'd you let him get in this car? It's not a toy.
Susanna: He says he drives this car.
Raymond: Dad lets me drive slow on the driveway every Saturday. 'Course the seats were originally brown leather now they're a pitiful red.
Charlie: [surprised] Hey, these seats were brown leather. You know this car?
Raymond: I know this car.
Charlie: How do you know this car?
Raymond: It's a 1949 Buick Roadmaster. Straight 8. Fireball 8. Only 8,985 production models. Dad lets me drive slow on the driveway. But not on Monday, definitely not on Monday.
Charlie: Who's your dad?
Raymond: Sanford Babbitt. 10961 Beachcrest Street, Cincinnati Ohio.
Charlie: That's my address. Hey, who's your mother?
Raymond: Eleanor Babbitt. Died January 5, 1965 after short and sudden illness.
Charlie: Who the hell are you?
Raymond: Uh oh, fifteen minutes to Judge Wapner.

rainman.jpg
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
ninman said:
I never said they could, the French are terrible, as are the Spanish, Italians, Portugese and most of the Latin countries. However countries such as Germany, UK and Scandanavia have very good safety records.

Americans however are the worst drivers in the world.

Anyway, on topic, if I were you I would avoid Audies, BMW's and Mercs altogether and go for something that's less overpriced and more practical such as the equivalent VW (still overpriced, but not as badly). In America though the choice of vehicle is horribly poor. I really feel lucky to live in the UK, where there are swarms of really great hot hatches.
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You know it is people like you who take threads completely off topic. The people in the U.K. can't even drive on the right side of the road. The U.K. has the worst auto industry in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAWH0EfMDfc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHtwY3_P9hE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YltxeGCJYVw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf7q8lWEd-o&feature=related
 
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Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Update...

Found a nice 2002, 1-owner, 1.8T, manual tranny, with 100K for about 9k... inquiring more about it now. It also has a Carfax report which I've requested to view.

I figure, if it has 100k... many of the niggling bugs were probably worked out by the original owner.
 
ninman

ninman

Hall of Fame
Bud said:
Found a nice 2002, 1-owner, 1.8T, manual tranny, with 100K for about 9k... inquiring more about it now. It also has a Carfax report which I've requested to view.

I figure, if it has 100k... many of the niggling bugs were probably worked out by the original owner.
Click to expand...

Exactly what are you looking for in a car? All of these "bugs" probably aren't an issue in real world driving, like doing 30mph in town for example. My mum owned a Mazda RX-8 once, and most of the time it was horrible to drive, especially in town. The other thing is you can't take the car to it's maximum potential, given the highly restrictive speed limits.
 
C

Consigliere73

Rookie
If you're buying a 1.8T make sure it has had meticulous and frequent oil changes at the correct spec (VAG have a very specific oil spec) so that you run into any 'sludge of death' problems with the engine.
 
S

SlapShot

Hall of Fame
Bud said:
Found a nice 2002, 1-owner, 1.8T, manual tranny, with 100K for about 9k... inquiring more about it now. It also has a Carfax report which I've requested to view.

I figure, if it has 100k... many of the niggling bugs were probably worked out by the original owner.
Click to expand...

i would turn around and walk away as quickly as possible.

100k is a trouble spot for Audi/VDub stuff. The engine isn't a Chevy smallblock - the wear and tear on a small turbocharged motor is enough that you'll likely face a significant amount of repair work.

I have a friend who picked up a lease return last year for $15k - it was an '06 1.8T with something like 18k miles. Look at the dealers if you can expand your budget - you'll have much better luck with something lower mileage.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
SlapShot said:
i would turn around and walk away as quickly as possible.

100k is a trouble spot for Audi/VDub stuff. The engine isn't a Chevy smallblock - the wear and tear on a small turbocharged motor is enough that you'll likely face a significant amount of repair work.

I have a friend who picked up a lease return last year for $15k - it was an '06 1.8T with something like 18k miles. Look at the dealers if you can expand your budget - you'll have much better luck with something lower mileage.
Click to expand...

I'll take a peek at the Carfax report and then decide. Perhaps the engine was ALREADY replaced, recently :lol:
 
Fearsome Forehand

Fearsome Forehand

Professional
In short, Audi's suck. :)

You probably would make out better asking about this on one of the major Audi forums. That is where the real Audi geeks go to exchange info. Used car shopping is a blast, enjoy.
 
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Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Fearsome Forehand said:
In short, Audi's suck. :)

You probably would make out better asking about this on one of the major Audi forums. That is where the real Audi geeks go to exchange info. Used car shopping is a blast, enjoy.
Click to expand...

Perhaps they do mechanically... but for the actual driving experience, they are unmatched, IMO.
 
W

wrxtotoro

Rookie
Just get a second hand Subaru Legacy Spec B. 6 speed manual with a 2.5 L H4 turbo engine at ~250 hp (6 speed directly from the sti and the engine is a detuned 300hp STi engine). Get an Access port and a turbo-back exhaust and you can probably have 0-60 at around 5s. More reliable better acceleration and better handling. Crappier ride and more road noise I am sure.

Don't just compare the HP, look at the HP vs RPM map as well. You wouldn't want an engine which peak at 1800 rpm but has no power when you reve it higher.

Spec B AWD system is comparable, if not better than the quattro in the A4. Audi has a few AWD design and I don't think the center/rear differential in the A4 is the top-notch in their line-up.
 
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vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
wrxtotoro said:
Just get a second hand Subaru Legacy Spec B. 6 speed manual with a 2.5 L H4 turbo engine at ~250 hp (6 speed directly from the sti and the engine is a detuned 300hp STi engine). Get an Access port and a turbo-back exhaust and you can probably have 0-60 at around 5s. More reliable better acceleration and better handling. Crappier ride and more road noise I am sure.

Don't just compare the HP, look at the HP vs RPM map as well. You wouldn't want an engine which peak at 1800 rpm but has no power when you reve it higher.

Spec B AWD system is comparable, if not better than the quattro in the A4. Audi has a few AWD design and I don't think the center/rear differential in the A4 is the top-notch in their line-up.
Click to expand...

Yes, the 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro has the top notch AWD design of that time:
Quattro Generation IV: Starting from 1995 on Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 (B5 platform), Audi A6 / S6 / allroad / RS6, Audi A8 / S8 with both manual and automatic transmissions. Also on VW Passat B5, where it was initially referred to as syncro, but by the time it reached US soil, it had been re-christened 4motion. Also used on the Volkswagen Phaeton and Volkswagen Group D platform sister vehicles; also the Volkswagen Touareg where they use separate transmissions, PTUs and front axles.

The manually locking rear differential from the earlier generations was replaced with a conventional open differential, with "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL) (which detects wheelspin via ABS road wheel speed sensors, and applies brakes to the one spinning wheel, thus transferring torque via open differential to the opposite wheel which has more traction). EDL works at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) on all quattro models (on non-quattro models: up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

System type: Permanent four-wheel drive.

Torsen T-2 centre differential, 50:50 'default' split, automatically apportioning up to 67% of torque transfer to either front or rear axle.

Open rear differential, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL).

Open front differential, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL).

It is models that have transversely mounted engines like the the A3 or TT that have a different AWD system.
 
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Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
vsbabolat said:
Yes, the 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro has the top notch AWD design of that time:
Quattro Generation IV: Starting from 1995 on Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 (B5 platform), Audi A6 / S6 / allroad / RS6, Audi A8 / S8 with both manual and automatic transmissions. Also on VW Passat B5, where it was initially referred to as syncro, but by the time it reached US soil, it had been re-christened 4motion. Also used on the Volkswagen Phaeton and Volkswagen Group D platform sister vehicles; also the Volkswagen Touareg where they use separate transmissions, PTUs and front axles.

The manually locking rear differential from the earlier generations was replaced with a conventional open differential, with "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL) (which detects wheelspin via ABS road wheel speed sensors, and applies brakes to the one spinning wheel, thus transferring torque via open differential to the opposite wheel which has more traction). EDL works at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) on all quattro models (on non-quattro models: up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

System type: Permanent four-wheel drive.

Torsen T-2 centre differential, 50:50 'default' split, automatically apportioning up to 67% of torque transfer to either front or rear axle.

Open rear differential, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL).

Open front differential, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL).

It is models that have transversely mounted engines like the the A3 or TT that have a different AWD system.
Click to expand...

VSB... what do you think about a 1-owner vehicle in excellent condition with 100K miles (see my earlier post)? I'll have the Carfax in my hand tomorrow. It's a bit less than 9K.
 
R

retrowagen

Hall of Fame
Bud said:
VSB... what do you think about a 1-owner vehicle in excellent condition with 100K miles (see my earlier post)? I'll have the Carfax in my hand tomorrow. It's a bit less than 9K.
Click to expand...

If there is a full service history available on this specimen, see if you can spend some time perusing it. Check to see if the turbo has been replaced, timing belt replaced (and at what mileage), clutch replaced? Coil packs, etc. A Carfax probably won't show these items. If no FSH is available, you are wisest to assume the work hasn't been performed.
Also the hoses in the engine bay (and the heater core) tend to poop out circa 100k miles and can be more expensive than one might imagine to replace. Really, the miles above 50k on any German car are the more expensive ones to drive, particularly if shortcuts have been taken to its maintenance.

Good luck! I love the 2002-2005 A4's. Haven't found my good one yet, though.
 
R

rommil

Legend
Just go and get it! Deal with the love and the heartache. Just look back from the future and say you've done it. You'll do fine. Nadal is your player after all. Nadal=Audi.........uggh, I didn't need to say that esp that I really like Audis.
 
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