Should I buy a 12-year-old Audi convertible?

"MUSASHI66" (musashi66) 04/09/2020 at 14:50 • Filed to: None

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It seems I can get my hands on an 2008 Audi A4 Convertible, automatic, 2.0L Turbo, 57k miles, or  the 2007 Honda Fit base model with 40k miles. Wife’s family is trying to dump one of them on us, and I am led to believe Audi would be cheap, somewhere south of $5k.

Audi is AWD, leather, low miles, barely driven since they got it. Is there anything I should know about this generation? Any horror stories about the transmission or roof motors?

I am not excited about the idea of a 12 year o ld Audi convertible with an automatic, but for some weird reason wife wants me to entertain the idea and to test drive it tonight. What does the hive mind think?

This is the listing before the family member bought it.

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E90M3 > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:00

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Should I buy a 12-year-old Audi convertible?

Yes, next question.

MUSASHI66 > E90M3 04/09/2020 at 15:03

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Next two questions are in the body of the post.

“ Is there anything I should know about this generation? Any horror stories about the transmission or roof motors?”  

Future next gen S2000 owner > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:04

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The Audi may be a headache but the Fit is probably a penalty box on wheels. methinks those 2.0's are pretty solid. You can make people think you are more successful in life.

Pull up to the golf course in a droptop Audi, nevermind you are there to be the bartender!

Make people think you are important! Fake it till you make it!

Interesting>boring all day

412GTI > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:05

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Choice between a 12 year old Audi or Honda Fit you could beat for years, hmmm?

I may drive a German car, but grab the Fit if you can get some sort of Family Deal on it! B7 A4's always seem to have some sort of issue. 

facw > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:09

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Audi looks nice!

Ash78, voting early and often > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:09

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I don’t think a 12-year-old deserves a car like this, nor can s/he drive yet.

RPM esq. > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:11

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Given the price and miles, yes!

MUSASHI66 > Future next gen S2000 owner 04/09/2020 at 15:11

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I wouldn’t mind more comfort than what Fit would provide but I really don’t want the headache. This car has super low mileage, so I might be able to get few trouble free years out of it, but then again, I had a barely used 2004 Touareg, still under warranty, and it was a nightmare. 

MUSASHI66 > 412GTI 04/09/2020 at 15:14

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The whole notion of this started with a free Audi, but I am really not sure if I want to buy it. Same with the Fit, I am not sure I want to buy it either. I’d much rather just go and buy/ lease a brand new or a slightly used car, and still have my old Tundra to beat and transport the dogs.

Cash Rewards > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:14

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-”I don’t want the headache”

-debates merits of 12 year old turbo German over honda

MUSASHI66 > Ash78, voting early and often 04/09/2020 at 15:15

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You missed a word... “legally”

MUSASHI66 > RPM esq. 04/09/2020 at 15:16

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That is the only thing even remotely interesting to me. But I don’t really want a 12 year old tiptronic convertible from WAG. Free gift was a different story, but there are other things I’d rather spend $5k on. 

MUSASHI66 > facw 04/09/2020 at 15:17

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It’s like new... but it is 12 years old and we all know German stuff has a self-destruct switch on all electronics. 

The Ghost of Oppo > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:18

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The KBB for B7 A4 Cabrio tops out at $5.5k even in excellent condition with low miles . 

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:18

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Between an Audi and a 12 year old, the Audi (surprisingly) will cost you less money. 

MUSASHI66 > Cash Rewards 04/09/2020 at 15:19

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Far from. I know Honda is going to be reliable. I don’t know if there are any major issues with this generation of Audi , like with the transmission and roof motors. Reliability advantage of the Honda was never in question. And Fit is manual as well!

RPM esq. > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:19

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Well to be clear I personally would never buy a 12 year old Audi or a convertible under any circumstances, but the price and miles here were so good I figured you were at least somewhat interested. The Fit would certainly be easier to live with.

MUSASHI66 > The Ghost of Oppo 04/09/2020 at 15:20

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Trade in is $4292-5387, and NADA is $5437. I think we’d probably pay around $4k. 

MUSASHI66 > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI 04/09/2020 at 15:22

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I have a 12 year old, and his vet bills are just pilling up.

MUSASHI66 > RPM esq. 04/09/2020 at 15:24

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Audi would be more comfortable, but I really got into this when the original offer was take it for free and cook us some meals. Now that it changed to buy for $4000-5000, I’m not thrilled at all.

promoted by the color red > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:29

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If you can only afford to have one car, the Honda. It goes without saying that this is easy to work on, cheap, etc.

If you have another car and are comfortable with the intricacies of Euro car maintenance (really just coming to terms with the idea “it’s not difficult, just time consuming”), the Audi.

Of course, where do both cars stand when it comes to maintenance? They both have pretty low miles.

412GTI > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:29

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Yeah that makes sense, especially if you already have a reliable beater/dog truck. Go get something you’d like if you have to pay for it.

And other the notion it has low miles. Looks in good shape, but like they always say - Cars are meant to be driven. I’d be afraid you start putting more miles on it and more mechanical or electric gremlins start popping up. Just my .02/cents.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:29

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Worth it!

The Ghost of Oppo > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:32

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At $4k I’d be inclined to say nice price, but it is a 12 year old Audi, and those leather seats will get mighty cold in the winter with a soft top.  

Old-Busted-Hotness > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:36

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Automatic or not, it’ll be more fun than a Honda Fit. Sure, something expensive will break in the future, but until then, enjoy it. Re-evaluate when it shits the bed. 

MUSASHI66 > promoted by the color red 04/09/2020 at 15:37

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Fit is late grandma’s car, not sure what it has done.

Audi is from another family member who gave it to my wife’s stepmother, and I have no clue what was done.

We are turning in both of our leased 2017 WRXs in a few weeks, and we were thinking we’d just drive the old Toyota Tundra and the Fit for a few months and buy a new family car just before winter as we only need one car now to go with the truck.

I could deal with issues and fix many small things if something comes up on the Audi, and we can still just buy a new car anytime we want if Audi turns to be what I am expecting to be. But I have to keep the wife happy and for some reason she wants me to look into it. 

MUSASHI66 > The Ghost of Oppo 04/09/2020 at 15:38

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Price is nice, but I am just not excited to buy it. If it was a 4 door manual 2.0T, I’d be all over it, but a convertible tiptronic... not my cup of tea. 

MUSASHI66 > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI 04/09/2020 at 15:38

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I’d do anything for my fur ball. 

Cash Rewards > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:40

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I had a 201 1 be GTI. I know they were part Audi, but not sure if it's the same turbo 2.0. it was a never ending source of headaches, and we sold it soon after warranty ended. But that car might have zero to do with this one.

MUSASHI66 > Old-Busted-Hotness 04/09/2020 at 15:40

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I guess I am just sour because it was “here is a free car, make us some meals” which turned into “buy this car and finance my yard project” in a matter of minutes. I don’t have to buy either of these, and in all honesty, there is a good chance I won’t. I might just go and buy what I really want if I have to spend money on it. 

MUSASHI66 > Cash Rewards 04/09/2020 at 15:45

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I think they are related but I am not sure when they switched from EA113 to EA888. At least I think B7 models are EA113.

Mid Engine > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:52

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Since you have a reliable beater I’d say enjoy convertible life, however, it has two pedals. 

Old-Busted-Hotness > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:56

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Go drive it to keep the Mrs happy, then buy what you want. Just know that as soon as you have to spend money on that, she’s gonna say “you should have bought Dad’s Audi.”

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 15:58

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This is purely anecdotal evidence from the two people I know who had them, but the B7 A4 was actually pretty reliable. No major issues, the engine held up well, and they both got 150k mostly trouble free miles with just basic maintenance.

That being said, only 50-some thousand miles on a 12 year old car is also worrisome, so make sure it’s been taken care of recently. But for like $4k, I’d do it. 

MUSASHI66 > Old-Busted-Hotness 04/09/2020 at 16:00

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Might just do that. 

MUSASHI66 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 04/09/2020 at 16:02

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I mean, it is only $4k, far from a life changing decision for me. If it broke permanently in a month, it would still be “oh crap, oh well” moment. But I’d rather spend $20k and just buy something I like that is slightly used, or find something nice to lease for $300-ish. 

Beefchips > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 16:11

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Seems like neither will as exciting as a WRX. B etween my 16 WRX and my buddy’s auto A4 (not sure the year but same generation as this one) I’d go for the subie any day of the week.

FWIW, his old A4 has like 180k on it now and the only major thing it’s needed was a valve job at ~100k. He did it in my garage and it was such a PITA that as I recall it took him like 2 weeks.

MUSASHI66 > Beefchips 04/09/2020 at 16:13

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I don’t expect excitement. When the time is right, I’ll be getting another Abarth 500.

Good to hear about the reliability on the Audi. 

facw > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 16:21

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If you follow the maintenance schedule with German precision I’m sure it will be fine...

Cash Rewards > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 16:27

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Mine had the ea888. We had the sort of bullshit where it'd be "didn't you just fix that?" "Well, we did, but 14 months ago, so it's out of warranty for the repair"

MUSASHI66 > facw 04/09/2020 at 16:28

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I’d probably do a lot of work on it if we get it. I would dig out the manual and catch up on stuff just to make sure everything is ticking well. 

MUSASHI66 > Cash Rewards 04/09/2020 at 16:31

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Ouch. I only have one previous VAG experience, a 2004 Touareg. It was under warranty, and thank God it was under warranty. Worst car I ever owned and it was such a shame because it was a great concept.

That’s probably the biggest reason why I’m afraid of this Audi. 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 04/09/2020 at 16:45

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IMO 55k miles seems right for a fair-weather car, and it’s not low enough that I would suspect it’s sat for years. Under 5k it’d be a steal.

Cash Rewards > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 16:54

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Yeah, that decade of vw Audi sold a ton of cars, but you don’t hardly see any left o n the road, you know?

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 17:08

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If it was a manual I’d say yes. I am coming around to automatics for certain cars but here it would make me shrug. Buy and turn up the boost?

Spahrface > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 19:15

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I own a 4 door automatic version of that audi. 2006 2.0T AWD 130k miles on it now and minimal issues. Keep oil changes regular and if it is the 2.0T, give it 93 octane gas and a carbon clean out. Transmission is smooth. Engine is healthy and still gets 3os range on the highway. It has been a great daily for me for 4 years. Got it with 56k on it. 

Thisismydisplayname > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 19:38

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As long as you budget a few grand for oh shit repairs, you should be fine.  Any issues with the platform are well known by now and there should be plenty of support to fix them and aftermarket parts to fix OEM weak points.  

900SAAB > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 19:56

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I feel ya there. I daily a manual 2.0T wagon from that generation of A4. The manual makes B7 A4's super fun. The auto...meh

Gary > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 20:09

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I'll buy it!!

MUSASHI66 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/09/2020 at 21:07

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$600 for a chip. Already looked into that :)

MUSASHI66 > Spahrface 04/09/2020 at 21:09

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Thanks for the info!! That is good to know. We just test drove it. Is the vibration when stopped normal? It stops vibrating when I move it into neutral when stopped but it’s kinda harsh when in gear. 

MUSASHI66 > Thisismydisplayname 04/09/2020 at 21:10

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That is a good point. 

MUSASHI66 > 900SAAB 04/09/2020 at 21:11

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It is meh. We just test drove it and it moves nice and shifts well but it’s just so not exciting. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 21:57

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CompactLuxuryFan > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 22:03

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That 2.0T isn’t what I’d call smooth at low RPM by today’s standards. At the time, it was a revelation as far as small turbo engines went. I got a 2005.5 2.0T Avant (manual, luckily) right after my E46 got totaled and I honestly could never get used to how bogged it seemed under like 2.5k RPMs.

CompactLuxuryFan > MUSASHI66 04/09/2020 at 22:06

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2008 was the last year of that generation and many issues were worked out through the run. That said, $5k for an automatic convertible one might not be that great of a deal depending how it’s acquired those low miles. If it’s low mileage because it’s always lived in city stop and go, I’d pass unless it’s way lower than $5k. Those 2.0Ts ( and maybe German cars in general?) don’t like doing that.

In any case, I would get the Audi over the Fit. Driving experience is not even close. A4s aren’t exactly made for driving enthusiasts, but they are really nice cars.

MUSASHI66 > CompactLuxuryFan 04/09/2020 at 22:19

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Thanks!

MUSASHI66 > CompactLuxuryFan 04/09/2020 at 22:23

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I don’t know about the first 50-something thousand miles, but the last two thousand were basically spent in a garage with super occasional drive just a few miles from the house.

Ride is nice. It’s easier to have a conversation with the r oof down than it is in my WRX with windows up. Only thing I hate is the window vibration over bumps.

duurtlang > MUSASHI66 04/10/2020 at 05:33

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A Touareg is a totally different animal though. You cannot compare the two .

The upside of this Audi is that it is not a top of the line engine, this is just a generic one. They tend to be less problematic than the fancy ones.

pip bip - choose Corrour > MUSASHI66 04/10/2020 at 08:20

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no

unless you are wealthy

MUSASHI66 > duurtlang 04/10/2020 at 12:44

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VAG is VAG. 

Ssfancyfresh > MUSASHI66 04/10/2020 at 14:14

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I would buy it. I would buy that one if it wasn’t sold. 

Jacob Figgins > MUSASHI66 04/10/2020 at 20:27

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Own the B7 A4 Quattro Sedan . Pretty fun, although it’s tuned and a manual. Never driven the tiptronic version. Overall, no big issues, currently at 135k. The maintenance isn’t hard, just annoying and time consuming.

MUSASHI66 > Jacob Figgins 04/10/2020 at 21:27

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Manual would change things, but with all the issues I have with it and the price they are asking we’re not going forward.