I would not buy new. From what I've read the A4's sure tank in value.

 

I just turned in my leased 2007 A3 a few months ago and bought a 2010 A4 Sline sedan. I reflashed the ECU with APRs S/W on both cars and it makes a world of a difference. I agree with almost everything that has been said, so far ... except about the reliability thing. I had zero problems with the A3 and I'm not having any with the A4 (knock-on-wood).

A3 --> re-flash is a must; fun to drive; back seat is a bit tight; MPG is awesome
A4 --> re-flash is a must; not as fun to drive; NAV is OK; B&O over-rated; back seat is decent - my 3 and 5 y/o have no problems getting in and out of their booster seats

I love my A4. But, I think I would've gotten an Avant if I had the chance to do it over again. It was just hard to pass up on the deal they were offering at the time.

 

A4

 

FWD, nose heavy, and $3.50 for diesel makes that a no go.

 

Let me add some more info for everyone that's giving me advice.

I already own a turbo S2000, so I could care less about handling and speed. I have that already, sleeping in my garage. For the main family car, I already own an 09 CRV EX-L, which will be the main baby car.

However, when the baby arrives, I need to make sure my wife has access to a car, thus, we need another car for the family. She can't drive stick, and I don't want another stick for driving day to day in the tri state NY area.

I would like something that is AWD, but having an AWD CRV, I quickly learned that the only two companies (not counting wranglers and evos) that make real AWD systems are Subaru and Audi. 25% to every wheel all the time, PERIOD.

So, I need another car that CAN carry some stuff, carry my wife and the baby, AWD, good looking and a tad fun if possible.

Talking to the dealer this week, he told me that Audi doesn't push avants in the US, so the leases on them are not good, and would cost me MORE than than A4, even though the A3 is a cheaper car. The 2011s come out in August, as well as my baby, so I have some time.

The A4 is leasing at $399 a month, which I realize I am paying a little Audi tax for it. I love their interiors, and equally spec'ed VWs are almost the same price, so there is no savings there.

 

Don't forget that the A3 has Haldex Gen4 AWD(MK2 TT,TT-S, TT-RS, Golf R) and not the Torsen AWD like the A4 and others.

It's still FWD based. "under straight-line cruising conditions, to conserve fuel and driveline wear, the torque split to the rear wheels is reduced to a level between 5 and 10 percent"

 

Oh wow, see, I'm glad I posted here. That would completely rule the A3 out for me. The A4 is 25% to each wheel all the time?

 

if you like the 2.0T and A3, why not get the new GTI 4 door? basically the same, interior is better(IMO), looks better, and save tons.

 

Not 4WD.

I actually like the build of the Golf. However, when optioned out with similar stuff as the A4, the lease price is within $40, and for that money, I'd rather have an A4. It's like popcorn at the movies. For an extra 50 cents, you get a tub of popcorn, rather than a bag.

 

I'd personally take a fully loaded subaru legacy over an audi A4. When we test drove the A4, both my father and I were unimpressed with the car especially considering the price of it (price difference is huge between a legacy and A4). Your clearly paying a huge mark up for the audi badge which I just can't can't personally do.