Manual A4 wagon

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/22/2016 at 00:58 • Filed to: definitely not a paseo

I do like these A4 wagons, and this one’s a six speed! But reviews online a little concerning. Even ones that love theirs say it’s not the most reliable. Also: 125,000 miles seems pretty high. I suppose if I’m not prepared for unexpected problems, I should probably not look at these or Allroads? I mean, maybe closer to $5k I could take a chance on it.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

DISCUSSION (18)

slipperysallylikespenguins > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 01:14

I think you will be horrified by the reliability since you are coming from a stable of Toyotas. It is pretty cool though.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > slipperysallylikespenguins
08/22/2016 at 01:26

That’s one of my bigger hangups going from *old* Toyotas to other makes. I’m willing to accept that not every car will have a 22R motor, but what I don’t want is a $6000 car that costs $1000 or more a year to keep on the road.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 01:28

I’ve got a friend who had one of these. He’s still recovering financially. And he had lambo racecar mechanic friend do all his work on the cheap.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
08/22/2016 at 01:34

[sad face]

I love almost everything about this era of Audi, except the idea of actually owning one.

My citroen won't start > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 01:35

The 3.0 is not so bad, better than the 1.8T and the 2.7 TT in terms of reliability, and manual means no finicky auto gearboxes. Also, if I’m not mistaken this gen A4 got ADAC’s used car reliability prize in Germany a few years in a row.

Also consider the 325i Touring.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 01:38

I know what you mean. I’ve looked at my fair share. Every single one is a complete turd and major disappointment.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
08/22/2016 at 01:43

I’m looking for alternatives to having to drive/fly vast distances to pick up an IS Sportcross. Shopping for wagons is a PITA

slipperysallylikespenguins > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 01:52

*Immediately thinks about the feasibility of a 22R swap*

Most people I know that have a Volkswagon or Audi vehicle really like it for the premium feel and how it drives. But all of them either have problems that are being ignored until the vehicle dies or are in a state of constant concern about the inevitable next breakdown. I find way too many post 2000 VAG products in the junkyard to feel good about them.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > My citroen won't start
08/22/2016 at 02:59

It’s not as bad as Americans want us to make believe it is.

sdwarf36 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 06:58

My wife has one with 220k miles. Pain in the ass car. I’ve come to accept that there will always be a minimum of 3 lights flashing on the dash at any time.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 07:05

No Zoidberg. No.

bhtooefr > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem
08/22/2016 at 07:34

One thing to note in the US is that European car parts and service seem to cost more than it does in Europe, and there’s a lot of incompetent techs.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 08:13

125k isn’t that much. I’m closing in on 180k. I dont know much about the 3.0 but i’d assume its very similar to others which some sort of deadly timing belt or chain. when I got rear ended I talked to a couple mechanics who had great things to say about Audi motors. if they are maintained they should be very reliable.

LOREM IPSUM > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 08:57

My biggest issue with Audi’s and VW’s is like most german cars the timing chain guides will start to crumble, eventually necessitating their replacement. The problem with Audi and VW however is that the timing chain is on the rear of the engine, which means when the guides go the engine needs to come out to repair them.

Fuck. That. Noise.

Give me an old v8 powered BMW instead please. Sure, it’ll probably need guides too, and a water pump (among other things), but everything is located on the front of the engine where it is easily accessible.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 09:14

Oh I know. That’s how I ended with an R-class. Pressed for time before a road trip, couldn’t find the right wagon. Not enough wagons to be found, and most of them were beat to hell. If you find something promising a few hours south of you just over the border I might be able to check it out.

jkm7680 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/22/2016 at 10:25

Go for a naturally aspirated one. Trust me.

And keep in mind that most people who’ll tell you “oh you’ll hate the reliability” have never actually owned one.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/23/2016 at 12:08

Think of all of the Tercels that can be purchased with each repair bill.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/23/2016 at 12:09

There is no alternative to an IS300 Sportscross, unfortunately.