Reliability of a 2002 A4 3.0?

[Hercules]

Hi all,

I am looking to buy an A4 (used, certified probably) as a commuter vehicle. I have an M3 right now that doesn't cut it for the winter, and I'd rather not pile on the miles onto that car.

Are there any issues outstanding that the A4 is known to have problems with? Are there any recalls I should check out to see that the car had completed before I go running to buy it?

I am pretty sold on the car.... AWD, gorgeous interior, comfort and quiet is why I want it. The 3.0 does decent gas mileage as well, as I recall when my friend bought one a few years back (it was on lease though).

Much obliged to any help.

Thanks!

[roarincheetah]

What year m3? Why do you particularly want a 3.0 over a 1.8t?

[seph]

i have an 02 3.0 and i love it ive only had it since march though but its been totally reliable so far. if your looking to mod get a 1.8 if your not get the 3.0

[Hercules]

Yea, no mods... also, I have read that the 1.8t isnt' that great with regards to passing power on the highway. I just want to keep it simple and avoid having turbos.

I have a 2003 M3 with low miles -- I prefer to keep it with low miles :)

[AudiGuy666]

why the downgrade?

[JStanger]

I have an '02 3.0 quattro with 72k miles. I purchased it with 49k and have only had a few electrical problems. Nothing major mechanically, MAF sensor needed replaced but that's about it. Very reliable so far.

[Hercules]

I'm keeping the M3... it will be my weekend car. I just need a car that I can commute daily about 40 miles (each way) to my new job. I used to work in NYC, so my commute was on the train and my M3 was totally for fun, but now that I'm switching positions, I need a reliable car that is comfortable, quiet, and decent on gas. I know I could get a japo car but if I spend a few bucks more, I know the A4 is well within my reach as well. And I would opt for that, given the gorgeous interior, AWD, and respect I'll get at a dealer as opposed to a Japo dealer :)

[JWERNER24]

My 02 3.0 is great - I love it and it does a KILLER job in the snow

[seph]

if your not gonna mod i think the 1.8 sucks on stock power. go for the 3.0

[eddiehdz1jr]

I also have a 3.0 Quattro with 89,000 miles on it and it drives like a champ, but if your looking for good gas mileage, it doesnt get better than 22-24 on the highways and city you get around 15-17, it also depends how you drive.

[Hercules]

22-24 is fine by me... gas is not THAT expensive yet that I really care. I know I can get 5 more MPG in a 4 banger, but what will that save me over a year? Maybe $500? Honestly, I don't care about the $500, I'd rather put that into an investment in my comfort on a daily drive.

Thanks for all your replies guys, makes my choice a lot easier. Now... to find the car! :)

[deephouse]

Originally posted by Hercules
I'd rather put that into an investment in my comfort on a daily drive.

[Ill 3.0]

i've had my 3.0 almost a year and only problem was bad turn signal socket.

i love it. consider a chip, i've got powerchip and the car is by no means fast compared to most of the cars here, but it's faster than most on the road and more fun to drive.

[Hercules]

I don't think I'll be chipping the car... if I want more power, I have my M3 :)

This is strictly a daily driver -- I might buy the Avant if I can get a good deal on it, but time will tell on that. I'm waiting a few weeks before I get anything regardless, so we'll see.

[Hercules]

Here's my baby by the way

[akademiks120]

i love my 02 3.0 , it was an upgrade for me coming from an N/A 4banger. I use it as a daily driver myself, but i like to let it show..

its been good to me for almost a year now, havent had any mechanical problems or anything. For stock power, i think it pretty good...your not going to be doing the 1/4 mile or anything in it, so the power it has is great for the roads. Oh...........and you gotta love a 6speed!

[Hercules]

I want an automatic... I have a 6 speed m3 so.... my power and 'fun' are taken care of in that. I might even get the Avant... I found one I can get a decent deal on, and I figured I'd get quite a bit of room if I was going somewhere with it :) Only 16s on it, but like I said... it's a daily driver and grocery getter :)

[seph]

youll like the 3.0 for a daily driver. the m3 is a very nice car for the other stuff =].

[dpatel]

I had an issue with my engine cooling fan unit and also convenience module. All replaced under warranty. No issues since. Had it almost 5 years now. Great car!

[Sydeshow MO]

131k<<< no major problems till now. CV joint replacement I am in the middle of. Timing belt, water pump, changed at 100K as preventive maintenance.

[Hercules]

How reliable are the 1.8Ts? I only ask because from what I'm seeing, there is a lot more choice in what I can get in a 1.8T flavor.... sport package and such.

I'm not fretting too much about it, odds are I'll still go with the 3.0 and lose some stuff, but I am curious :)