Finally Saved $5000. Would A 2007 A4 Be A Good Idea?

[Chabo]

I've been researching what car I should get but there are so many options out there! Out of everything I've seen, though, the nicest looking car that I've seen is the Audi A4. It is also a beast in it's safety ratings and as far as I know unrivaled in it's price range and class in that regard. Plus I can afford one and I think they're beautiful!

But is this a horrible idea? I've heard one people say to stay away from these lemon cars. Are they exaggerating?

As someone who is poor and suffered to save up the little I have, I really couldn't afford something I'd have to sink money into. I've heard there is inherent risk in all used car purchases, though. And my friend is a car enthusiast mechanic in training who said he could inspect the A4 for me.

Should I get the A4? If not, which one of these cars from my list should I get? And why? I don't know anything about the reliability of these cars and couldn't find any non-anecdotal data on it. Also not sure about interior qualities and stuff. Thanks for your help.

I am a boring man who just wants to drive at 39MPH without dying and also I would like it if my car didn't explode. After that, though, comfort and aesthetics do play a factor for me.



MY LIST:

• 2004 Acura TSX
• 2006 Hyundai Sonata Sedan
• 2007 Audi A4 Sedan
• 2007 Volvo S80 Sedan
• 2007 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
• 2007 Toyota Camry Sedan
• 2008 Honda Accord Sedan
• 2011 Ford Fusion Sedan

Feel welcome to list anything else as long as it's under $5000 :]

[BigBen]

Having gone through the oil pump failure on my son’s A4 I would say skip the 2.0T B7A4 and go for the Camry/Accord/or similar with better reliability reputation.


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[Flygman]

If that money is life and death to you, then yeah you better buy a Camry/Accord. But if you enjoy driving I'd go for something like the A4 or similar.

[hvcceducator]

lease a hyundai or kia

[vce1232000]

If that money is life and death to you, then yeah you better buy a Camry/Accord.

x2

[Batman0424]

If money is tight, I would start by searching for the most reliable / least expensive to maintain car(s) you can find. Gather that list and then select the one you find most desirable.

Also, you should plan on needing some repairs, so I would either save more to have an emergency fund or purchase a car that is a little less expensive and put the rest into the emergency fund.


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[canadianA4B7]

1989 civic, cause clearly if it’s still on the road it’s more reliable then an B7 A4.

[Theiceman]

Yeah if you want to drive around and not all of a sudden explode/die. The b7 is out


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[Theiceman]

If you really like audi/ vw. I would. Consider a 1.8t. They pretty well had it figured out by the end. Then released the abomination of a 2 litre.
The other thing i might recommend would be a b7 3.2. Same lines but much more robust engine


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[DownhillA4]

I love my Audi's but based on your situation. 2008 Honda Accord, no question.

[Charles.waite]

Yea I love my car but it’s been an expensive mistress. The main car is really perfectly fine from a reliability standpoint, it’s the engine that can be a ticking timebomb.

I actually like the suggestion of a b6 1.8t. The b6 is the exact same chassis just a different body style and different engines. A 1.8t b6 that is ~15 years old often needs a bit of TLC to get up to snuff but they’re freaking bulletproof compared to the 2.0t. I’d recommend a 2004-2005 1.8t with the 6-speed trans. You can cruise on the highway and get 30mpg and throw a big injector stage1/1+ tune on it and they’re pretty damn quick. The ONLY thing you need to worry about is cracked heads on the AMB engine but those are getting more rare and isn’t really something to be overly concerned about. 1.8ts are decently easy to work on and simpler and more reliable than the 2.0t.

If you’re dead set on a b7, don’t just have your mechanic buddy take a look, have a shop do a full PPI. Check the cam follower, cam love and pump wear, have them check the oil pressure and compression. If those check out and the car drives well and doesn’t feel haggard, I say go for it. But be leery of a deal that’s too good to be true. You know the saying, there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap Porsche? That also applies to an Audi.

[esandes]

I'd recommend this car to friends and family based on the car's maintenance history.

If the oil pump is original, I'd replace it for piece of mind. I think they have a life of 100k+ miles. Replace the cam follower every few oil changes. Use great oil like Pennzoil platinum euro. Run good plugs like denso ik20tt. It will run forever if these few things are taken care of.

[Sylvania A4]

I'd recommend this car to friends and family based on the car's maintenance history.

If the oil pump is original, I'd replace it for piece of mind. I think they have a life of 100k+ miles. Replace the cam follower every few oil changes. Use great oil like Pennzoil platinum euro. Run good plugs like denso ik20tt. It will run forever if these few things are taken care of.

A $1500 replacement (parts only) on a 5k car doesn’t seem fiscally responsible just for peace of mind.

OP, as others suggest, it seems like something more cost friendly is your best bet. Even small things with these cars still carry a high price tag when compared to a Japanese counterpart.

If you need AWD, may I suggest a Subaru? Probably not a turbo car, but a mid to late 2000s legacy may be a good fit. Unfettered, those cars seem to last. Just avoid the performance mod bug.


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[Charles.waite]

Replacing a $1500 oil pump isn’t a “while you’re in there” peace of mind repair, absolutely.

Especially when a used running engine can be found on eBay for $1500-2000...

Playing parts darts with parts that are over $400 is pretty stupid. Especially when it’s not that hard to verify if it’s okay...

[esandes]

For the quality of the car, i think it is and i disagree with you both.

[vce1232000]

A $1500 replacement (parts only) on a 5k car doesn’t seem fiscally responsible just for peace of mind.

OP, as others suggest, it seems like something more cost friendly is your best bet. Even small things with these cars still carry a high price tag when compared to a Japanese counterpart.

If you need AWD, may I suggest a Subaru? Probably not a turbo car, but a mid to late 2000s legacy may be a good fit. Unfettered, those cars seem to last. Just avoid the performance mod bug.


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Replacing a $1500 oil pump isn’t a “while you’re in there” peace of mind repair, absolutely.

Especially when a used running engine can be found on eBay for $1500-2000...

Playing parts darts with parts that are over $400 is pretty stupid. Especially when it’s not that hard to verify if it’s okay...

points .....

[Audicionado]

I've been researching what car I should get but there are so many options out there! Out of everything I've seen, though, the nicest looking car that I've seen is the Audi A4. It is also a beast in it's safety ratings and as far as I know unrivaled in it's price range and class in that regard. Plus I can afford one and I think they're beautiful!

But is this a horrible idea? I've heard one people say to stay away from these lemon cars. Are they exaggerating?

As someone who is poor and suffered to save up the little I have, I really couldn't afford something I'd have to sink money into. I've heard there is inherent risk in all used car purchases, though. And my friend is a car enthusiast mechanic in training who said he could inspect the A4 for me.

Should I get the A4? If not, which one of these cars from my list should I get? And why? I don't know anything about the reliability of these cars and couldn't find any non-anecdotal data on it. Also not sure about interior qualities and stuff. Thanks for your help.

I am a boring man who just wants to drive at 39MPH without dying and also I would like it if my car didn't explode. After that, though, comfort and aesthetics do play a factor for me.



MY LIST:

• 2004 Acura TSX
• 2006 Hyundai Sonata Sedan
• 2007 Audi A4 Sedan
• 2007 Volvo S80 Sedan
• 2007 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
• 2007 Toyota Camry Sedan
• 2008 Honda Accord Sedan
• 2011 Ford Fusion Sedan

Feel welcome to list anything else as long as it's under $5000 :]

Toyota Camry's, Honda Accords and Civics..its nice and reliable. Audi A4 sedan 2.0T is a good pick as well. But Audi A4 B7's you will have to go through a lot of surprise expenses. If you're able to DIY better for your pocket but I recommend having a good friend /audi shop to bring your car in for major fixing. Goodluck and pls let us know what you've decided to get. ⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️


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[Nor_Cal_Driver]

I’d say the TSX. Free revving engine with great character. Solid Honda with a little luxury.


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[esandes]

points .....

Points in the game called anecdotal AZ opinions based on sheer opinion.

I traded in a 10 year old lexus for my new b7. The previous owner was a mechanic. Where can I start about money pits and inferior quality? After $5000 I gave up.

But hey, keep on drinking the jap crap punch and score more points.

To spend $3000 on a part which may fail after 10+ more years and have the rest of the car keep up after 20+...those are real points. Works out to $300/y or less for 10+ guaranteed years of service.

To favour or even compare a corolla or accord of the same vintage is absurd. The blue book value is far less than the car really is worth.

Roll the dice with other makes. At least I know the weakpoints in b7s to watch out for. With my old lexus it was everything from suspension to drivetrain to electrical issues. With the b7...a poorly designed oil pump and a first generation direct injection (on a large scale gas engine) fuel pump follower.

[vce1232000]

I’d say the TSX. Free revving engine with great character. Solid Honda with a little luxury.

also. Those K24 engine well

[oVeRdOsE]

B7 A4 2.0T is a great car when :

- its clean and a good deal
- when you're in audi world since a while and you have a good base in audi knowledge
- when you're are ready to go on forums, do preventive maintenance and put some x000$ /year

the A4 is probably the most fun car in the list, but the one that will require the most maintenance. Also, its very hard to resist on mods, since its kind of easy on those car.

tsx is my choice, even if its old, those car are not aging, and very reliable. k24 200hp, is not bad on this sedan.

[AudiKilla]

If you want a B7 A4 that breaks less often, perhaps buy the V6 version and not 2.0T.

[Snert]

I'll chime in and say that in the 6 months I have owned my B7 (which I love) I have spent an addition $4.5k give or take on maintenance, this is not including any tunes or fun parts. Granted I may have had bad luck compared to most but these are not cars you get into if money is a concern.

[rbjeepthing]

A few months ago I was in the same boat all bet with a higher budget and some decent mechanical knowledge. This forum was instrumental in myself purchasing an Audi as it seemed everyone was super helpful and there was a ton of DIY threads to help with the common issues. I've flip flopped from Honda's to VW's to Suabaru's a few times but one thing I can say is nothing drives like a VW/Audi at this price point. For me I spend a lot of time in my vehicle so its about the whole package and honestly I was willing to give up a bit of reliability for a better driving experience. As people have pointed out these cars require a high level of maintenance and shouldn't be neglected. I personally dont find them overly expensive to maintain but if something major goes wrong they are not on the lower side of things price wise to fix.

Feel free to have a look at this thread to see where/how I brought mine up to snuff when it comes to its service record. I had records up to 120k but nothing after that.
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ily-Driver-Log

[rhfosu]

If that money is life and death to you, then yeah you better buy a Camry/Accord. But if you enjoy driving I'd go for something like the A4 or similar.

This cannot be overemphasized. I would only add that, if having a car is life and death to you, i.e., you can't get to work without a car, a B7 is definitely not the car for you. Even if you can afford repairs, the B7 will leave you high and dry while it is in the shop.

Now, there will be people who talk about how reliable and well built the B7 is because they got 200k miles out of their 2.0T just doing oil changes and polishing the hood with their ass...I am surprised they haven't already chimed in...but those people won the BPG/BWT lottery, and those cars are the exception, not the rule. The high mileage A4 you buy for $5k WILL have issues.

Like others have said, if you have to buy an Audi, get a B6 with the 1.8T...preferably one with the timing belt and water pump already done...but do NOT, under any circumstances, buy ANY FWD Audi with that CVT.

[A4_PimP]

I’ve owned a B5 Passat and now my B7 A4. Reading your situation I would recommend you get neither. A used car is not a lemon but it is older and will require repairs. Euro car repairs are more expensive because of the cost of parts and also not just any indie can do it. You don’t sound like you want to do your own repairs either. I’ll put the ones I’d recommend from your list. You should also do the same for these cars as well. Go on forums for the brand and find out the common problems, repairs at certain mileage, reliability, different trim levels, etc. Just keep in mind that with millions of vehicles manufactured there are lemons in every brand. So take your mechanic friend with you to make sure the car is mechanically sound.

• 2004 Acura TSX
• 2006 Hyundai Sonata Sedan
• 2007 Toyota Camry Sedan
• 2008 Honda Accord Sedan

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[Charles.waite]

I’ve learned everything I know about wrenching on cars from this forum. Before I bought my b6 I’d never so much as changed my own oil before.

Since then I’ve rebuilt PCV systems, replaced b7 cams and HPFPs, replaced timing belts and b8 timing chain systems, a clutch, control arms, basically anything that can fail I’ve replaced it due to the info and guidance on this forum.

Now I’m tackling an engine rebuilt and swap. My A4s would have put me in the poorhouse long long ago if I hadn’t learned what I did from Audizine. That being said if you’re not inclined to work on your car then maybe don’t get an A4 if money is tight.

[thedanplasse]

If I lived in LA I would get something automatic, with ac, and maybe something I wouldn't lose my mind over if it got bumped or scratched.

I vote Camry. Plus toyota's are cheap and reliable. The urge to modify a camry is way low too.

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

BPG here... so far have swapped out the usual. Timing belt kit, coil packs & plugs, oil filter housing, vacuum pump, injectors, in tank fuel pump... need to do a front crank seal so I'll be doing the timing again. Owned since 09.

[vce1232000]

This cannot be overemphasized. I would only add that, if having a car is life and death to you, i.e., you can't get to work without a car, a B7 is definitely not the car for you. Even if you can afford repairs, the B7 will leave you high and dry while it is in the shop.

Now, there will be people who talk about how reliable and well built the B7 is because they got 200k miles out of their 2.0T just doing oil changes and polishing the hood with their ass...I am surprised they haven't already chimed in...but those people won the BPG/BWT lottery, and those cars are the exception, not the rule.

pix of my odometer 3 years ago. My current mileage is about 250,000 miles. Still the out of it ....... Stock motor with just KO4 bolt ons

[vce1232000]

I vote Camry. Plus toyota's are cheap and reliable. The urge to modify a camry is way low too.

I can agree to this. Some cars just dont have the urge for me to mods .

I had a 2008 Acura TL Type S. Bone stock . I hid fog lite bulbs.

[hvcceducator]

its wrenching, not nasa

I’ve learned everything I know about wrenching on cars from this forum. Before I bought my b6 I’d never so much as changed my own oil before.

Since then I’ve rebuilt PCV systems, replaced b7 cams and HPFPs, replaced timing belts and b8 timing chain systems, a clutch, control arms, basically anything that can fail I’ve replaced it due to the info and guidance on this forum.

Now I’m tackling an engine rebuilt and swap. My A4s would have put me in the poorhouse long long ago if I hadn’t learned what I did from Audizine. That being said if you’re not inclined to work on your car then maybe don’t get an A4 if money is tight.

[Charles.waite]

its wrenching, not nasa

Well aren’t you a fucking all-star.

Didn’t say it was hard, but it can sometimes be really intimidating if your day job doesn’t involve hand tools and lifts.

Gtfo troll...

[Nor_Cal_Driver]

Veeeeettteeeeecccc!

One more time for the 200hp TSX that revs and revs.


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[bwdysart]

Well aren’t you a fucking all-star.

Didn’t say it was hard, but it can sometimes be really intimidating if your day job doesn’t involve hand tools and lifts.

Gtfo troll...

I’m reasonably certain that this is ahotboy back at it


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[Gosser]

I would avoid the 3.2 B7 too. I have two of them in my stable and the hard/cold start issue is enough to drive you mad and embarrass you when it takes two or three times to start your car. It is a wide spread problem and there is no cure for it yet. Not all 3.2s suffer from it, but most do. IMO, the B6 1.8 or 3.0 is where its at if comparing reliability to the B7 power trains. I miss my wifes 3.0 b6 with the 5v and really enjoy my 1.8t 6spd. Toyota or Honda would be my next pick.

[TarbynHD]

I have a 2007, I bought it for roughly 6k everything was good up until two months of owning it the clutch gave out keep in mind it only have 110k miles on it the ignition housing broke shorty after, two of my ignition coils failed I had to replace both 614 relays and the Evap valve all in all I’ve put in roughly another two thousand in fixes easily. However I love driving it everyday, I always tell myself not to purchase anything until I can purchase it twice I’d recommend the 2007 Toyota Camry Hyundai and Kia are complete shit

[oVeRdOsE]

Well aren’t you a fucking all-star.

Didn’t say it was hard, but it can sometimes be really intimidating if your day job doesn’t involve hand tools and lifts.

Gtfo troll...

hahah, i know you know who that is !

I must add
all people I know with a B7 got issues/towing.

But me.

I got once a check engine light, but it was the thermostat. easy fix. But like many said, a thermostat its an easy fix , about 70$, 2h. But let say you dont know shit about audi. Some people will tow it, get it fixed, and a simple issue like this will turn out like a 600$ fix.

Its all relative.

If op gets a rare version ( like a avant sline 6mt low-mileage fully equiped ) just like mine, you'll be more motivated to put some $$$ in it to keep it away from the towing.

[EvolutionArmory]

I'd recommend this car to friends and family based on the car's maintenance history.

If the oil pump is original, I'd replace it for piece of mind. I think they have a life of 100k+ miles. Replace the cam follower every few oil changes. Use great oil like Pennzoil platinum euro. Run good plugs like denso ik20tt. It will run forever if these few things are taken care of.

A $1500 replacement (parts only) on a 5k car doesn’t seem fiscally responsible just for peace of mind.

OP, as others suggest, it seems like something more cost friendly is your best bet. Even small things with these cars still carry a high price tag when compared to a Japanese counterpart.

If you need AWD, may I suggest a Subaru? Probably not a turbo car, but a mid to late 2000s legacy may be a good fit. Unfettered, those cars seem to last. Just avoid the performance mod bug.


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I finally get the joke you made in the other thread, Sylvania. 🤣🤣🤣

Esandes, you don’t replace a 1500 dollar oil pump on a stock A4 just for peace of mind. That one repair would cost half of what the car costs. 🤣🤣 Maybe you missed the part where he said he doesn’t have a lot of money and coming up with the 5K just for the car was hard.

Know your audience when you make suggestions.

[DownhillA4]

OP hasn't even responded, everyone has given him enough input.