So due to unforeseen circumstances, I am no longer getting the SUV that I previously bragged about getting. But I did see a decently priced Audi A4 2004 and the price matches the KBB. I know old timers been around the block a few times, so in terms of reliability, how well does it compare to a Toyota or a Nissan? I know it's German so parts down the road will be pricey but can I ride for a while without maintenance (barring car accidents)
Because I like having something different. As long as maintenance can be spaced out between considerable time, cost of parts isn't an issue (unless it's foreign sports car prices, then we have a problem)
I don't think it's a good investment - cars like that are worth having fairly new b/f they start becoming a headache since Audis are expensive to maintain & the reliability is not the best - if you're gonna wing-it w/ a used luxury car I'd go w/ an Acura or a Lexus
Understood, Tiberon. Variety is, indeed, the spice of life. Why not consider Porsche? I understand that from my Porsche colleagues at work, that other than dumping a bunch of money into them at the 10 year mark, the Porsches aren't too bad to maintain (assuming you can predict failures and order the parts 30 days in advance from Germany). The trouble is getting one with an auto trans (assuming you aren't looking at the Porsche Panamera sedan, which is auto only). I am not trying to talk you out of the Audi. I just wanted to get your thought process.
Seems to me a fella that is 6'10" would be getting himself a SUV, a pickup, or a limo. Something about having to bend down and bump your head a lot. What exactly precludes you from getting a SUV ? If you're set on a certain new/late model, I can see price being an obstacle.
If I could not buy the car that I wanted new, I would not be wasting money at strip clubs. That is just me personally. Having reliable transportation is more of a priority than strip club entertainment.
"if you're gonna wing-it w/ a used luxury car I'd go w/ an Acura or a Lexus"
I concur with Papi.
In 1996 I bought a new Camry LE 6-cylinder. I thought it was the greatest car in the world. Until I bought an Acura in 2006. I thought it was the best car. Until I bought a Lexus this year. It's the greatest. (You can see I keep cars a long time. I get my money's worth). But I love the Lexus.
Concurring with 2for1. This is a car to lease new, not own used. They drive great, but suck to work on. They are not reliable.
For example. If you need a steering rack on this car it's mounted up, near the firewall. The engine comes out. Lots of plastic in the engine compartment. Don't do it. What about a 3 series bimmer?
Best headroom in a good used SUV. Yukon/Suburban/Tahoe. Nissan Pathfinder. BMW X1. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Subaru Forester aren't bad on headroom. Get them without a sunroof to maximize headroom.
In cars (less headroom than SUV), try a Hyundai Genesis. They depreciate fast, so a 2-3 year old is reasonable.
To echo the others, we had a temp contractor worker in 2014 and she had an Audi A4. She bought it at 5 years old and said the car has been nothing but problems the whole time she owned it. She cited turbocharger problems along with other things. I think it was a 2008 or 2004 but I'm not sure.
If you're going to get an Audi, get a newer one (no more than a few year old). Audi's are nice, but if you're going to go into the german luxury pool, Bmw and Benz are both more reliable. With regard to reliability and cost of parts, Benz is your winner.
If you're gonna go with an 04 you might as well choose the Toyota or Nissan.
Lease a newer Audi if that's still what you really want.
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To me, the feeling of driving a cooler car would be worth the added cost of maintenance/repairs.
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/08/ford-…
Well does Audi at least last for 36 months before requiring maintenance? I'm a DIY type of guy so car shop isn't an issue
I concur with Papi.
In 1996 I bought a new Camry LE 6-cylinder. I thought it was the greatest car in the world. Until I bought an Acura in 2006. I thought it was the best car. Until I bought a Lexus this year. It's the greatest. (You can see I keep cars a long time. I get my money's worth). But I love the Lexus.
For example. If you need a steering rack on this car it's mounted up, near the firewall. The engine comes out. Lots of plastic in the engine compartment. Don't do it. What about a 3 series bimmer?
In cars (less headroom than SUV), try a Hyundai Genesis. They depreciate fast, so a 2-3 year old is reasonable.
If you're gonna go with an 04 you might as well choose the Toyota or Nissan.
Lease a newer Audi if that's still what you really want.