Need some opinions on '96 Audi A4 2.8L

[BanamexDF]

Hey guys, my little brother is planning on looking at a 1996 Audi A4 tomorrow (his first car) that has 84k miles and is a V6 2.8L. I've done a bit of research but I'd like some feedback from guys who actually own the car and can give some opinions on it. How's the reliability, gas mileage, does it take premium gas, recalls, ect. Any help / info would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Nick

Here's what I drive, we're in the same vag family:

[AudiA4Guy]

I've had my 96 A4 2.8Q for a year now, and I love it. I bought it with 112,000 miles and now have about 135,xxx. It does take premium, which kinda sucks but it's very reliable. The only problem I've ever had was the ICV got dirty, all I had to do was take it off and clean it. The only recall I've been notified about was something to do with the ignition, but I never got my lazy self down to the dealership to take care of it.
Here's the site that, because of the reviews, I bought my car.
http://www.edmunds.com/used/1996/aud...08/prices.html

[wood_e]

If he's into modding stay away from the 96 2.8 (12v). Sure - I have some mods on mine that make it a little more fun, but there's no potential for the engine as far as turbo or SC applications without investing serious time and money.

As far as reliability - I have no complaints. I've put almost 20k on mine since buying it and it has started every time. The clutch also feels good.

Premium isn't required... but some say you lose power by not using it.

[BanamexDF]

Thanks for the responses guys!

If you don't put premium gas, will you just loose power? Will you get pining / knocking in the engine if you use a lower octane?

[wood_e]

The knock sensor minimizes pinging by retarding the timing - I wouldn't have a problem running regular, but I usually put in 89 thanks to the shitty ethanol gas around here...

[bloodstar57]

It's good you can do a lot of appearence mods and performance. You get a supercharger for it but your gonna spend money and time. Still for a first car it would be great

[Shortness]

i have a 99 30v 2.8 that just cracked 120k miles, and runs like a dream. working at a used car dealership that specializes in Audis and VWs, ive driven just about every Audi from 96-2001, save the A8, and i can say that the 2.8 12v A4 is a very solid vehicle. we just sold a 96 2.8 12v auto with 140k and it drove wonderfully, the costumer stops in now and again just to say how pleased he is with the car. if you plan on tunig, however, the 12v might not be your best bet.

i get about 25mpg, and use premium. there is no knocking with the regular, but my milage and performance seem to suffer

[Euro-Tuner]

you cant s/c the 12v, and you cant really do nay performance mods at all, intake, exhaust, cams...thats about it, other than minor things like ported TB & intake runners

[bloodstar57]

you cant s/c the 12v, and you cant really do nay performance mods at all, intake, exhaust, cams...thats about it, other than minor things like ported TB & intake runners

I've seen the supercharger for it but it's 7k+

[wood_e]

Is it from motodyne? If so it's a fake... SC on the 12v is a totally custom job.

[Euro-Tuner]

Is it from motodyne? If so it's a fake... SC on the 12v is a totally custom job.

thats exactly what I was thinking. Motodyne is the biggest aftermarket company for 12v's...and none of their products exist!!

[20vpower]

if you dont use 91 oct doesnt it burn ur cats out faster? and for the 12v w/ the 1.8t, and make sure its quattro. oh ya check out the b5 a4 buying guide on audiworld its got great tips

[wood_e]

if you dont use 91 oct doesnt it burn ur cats out faster?

Bull

and for the 12v w/ the 1.8t, and make sure its quattro. oh ya check out the b5 a4 buying guide on audiworld its got great tips

The 12v isn't all bad. Plus you can get em pretty cheaply...

[onemoremile]

The 96 is just a strange car. There are a lot of one year only components on it. I'd look for a 97+ or a 99.5+ if he can afford it. The 99.5 changed the door handles, side marker lights, headlights, foglights, hidden washer nozzles, nicer interior, etc.. 2000 gets the same exterior as 99.5 but with a much nicer cd/tape radio.

[bloodstar57]

Bull



The 12v isn't all bad. Plus you can get em pretty cheaply...

true i got mine for 2k

[bastosmafka]

i just hit the 140k mark and my cars still upa nd running. but i went through a lot of bullshit. replaced all 4 oxygen sensors, waterpump and timing belt, changed a few valve lifters, coolant temp sensor, and a cv boot. engines a gem. but everything around it just seems to break down on me after i fix something else. oh well! still a great car. i raced a turbo 1.8 i think it was an 97 and i didnt see much differnce in the speed. saw an intercooler on it. should be somewhat modded. haha funny cause im stock. well. yeah just find someone who did all the bullshit so your bro doesnt have to deal with it.