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She has gotten the bug and now wants a convertible. We're looking at 2003 - 2005, probably the 1.8s, automatic (yeah I know). CVT transmission issues? Any advice or experiences, good or bad?
All bad. This is a high maintenance vehicle. I've known two people both with used audi's. Both had nothing but problems and they are big $$$$ to have worked on. Bro- in law had one. An interior light bulb went out and dealer wanted like $400 to touch it.
If you have the money to maintain it then go for it. If not then skip it. European auto maker's quality has been slipping dramatically in the last few years from things I have read.
I can think of a few other micro-chic cars I'd at least want her to test drive before settling on an Audi that old with a CVT tranny. The Mazda Miata has this class pretty well perfected by now. The Honda S2000 will take less maintenance, and the Saturn Sky is very cool, too, but maybe more money since it is a newer model. The 4 cylinder cars I've driven with a CVT sounded like they were having a hard time powering the car. I drove a Dodge Caliber a few weeks ago and thought it was gonna blow up!
Sounds like she's considering Audi b/c of 4 seats?
I've had Audis and found them to be great cars, and a little costly to repair/maintain. If you're going CPO, then you'll be in good shape for the next 2 years or so. If you're buying out of warranty, find a local guy who works on German cars and you'll cut your bills in half.
With every engine except the S4, don't expect it to be a quick car. Even though it's 200hp, they're heavy.
Drove a CVT as a loaner. It was weird. I'm listening for engine noise and my brain wanted to shift even though the car didn't want/need to. I would say that a CVT in an Audi would be a little concern because if anything does go, it'll be a lot of ching -- a lot more than replacing a clutch.
__________________ "You're gonna need a bigger boat" -- Martin Brody
"Kiss my a$$, I bought a boat. I'm going out to sea." -- Lyle Lovett
When I used to manage an Enterprise branch, we used to provide Audi loaner cars to the Audi Dealership service dept. They were probably one of the most sluggish cars I have ever driven, especially off the line (CVT trans). Not only that but they were always going to the shop for quirky electrical problems. I'm not so sure about the reliability or quality of the new 2.0Ts, but I would definitely stay away from the 1.8T CVT.
Run a fast as you can. Two years ago my neighbor bought one for his wife. Jim's a very nice laid back sole. He retired early at age 58. I never heard him speak an ill word of anybody or anything, never heard him curse in the 15 years they have lived 2 doors down from us. That all changed about 2 months after buying "the car". He sold it 11 months and 14 trips back to the dealer later. Run, run as fast as you can.
__________________ God doesn't bother me. His fan clubs do.
A mind is like a parachute, it only works when its open
I do not know if all of the stay away people have owned A4s or not. I am on my third Audi 1st two were A4s, 03 and 05 I drove each of them 60k and could not have been happier. I never had any problems beyond one steering issue that was taken care of by the dealer b/c a service bulliten had been issued. I now have the A6 and have not had one issue in 20k. My A4s were great and a nice break from the Jeep POS that I had driven prior. Go with an 04 or 05 they made some changes on the inside that I liked. Good Luck with the car
I am from the " run as fast as you can camp " My daughter bought one brand new and the car brought her to tears.
I have also owned German cars and found them to be over engineered, over priced, over rated, underpowered and very expensive to repair.
As long as you ditch A4's and S4's before 70K you are usually ok... 1.8T's are known to pop turbo's around 50-70K as are the S4's.. They all have a very complex split double wishbone with twice as many ball joints as a typical double wishbone suspension, the balljoints are NOT replaceable, the control arms are aluminum and cost $1500.00 just for parts to replace. To have a turbo replaced? Well on an S4 it's an $8000.00 job....
As much as I love the look of the Audi's they are NOT a vehichle to own once the warranty is gone.
I do not know if all of the stay away people have owned A4s or not. I am on my third Audi 1st two were A4s, 03 and 05 I drove each of them 60k and could not have been happier. I never had any problems beyond one steering issue that was taken care of by the dealer b/c a service bulliten had been issued. I now have the A6 and have not had one issue in 20k. My A4s were great and a nice break from the Jeep POS that I had driven prior. Go with an 04 or 05 they made some changes on the inside that I liked. Good Luck with the car
A new car every two years and 60K highway miles? (guessing here since 60K would be hard to do in two years on short trips to the store) Any car should be able to handle this. The problems start at about this time. Audi and their sisters VWs aren't all that great for reliability. Check JD powers for an objective view point.
If you go for a 1.8T I think you will be happy with it. I have a friend with and A4 and he loves it. My mom has had a 1.8T in her Passat for years(this is the same exact engine as the 1.8T in the A4, Audi and Volkswagon are pretty much the same thing). It is the most reliable car she has ever driven.
Audi A4, used, wife wants to buy 
