Christople

I got a friend looking at 2004+ models, any suggestions? Quattro is a must

derryck

The little 4 banger turbo they use in half of the VWAG line up is a pretty solid little motor...their V6's have never really impressed me. The turbo has been around for a while and has proven to be a solid little engine.

Saki GT

The turbo motor is pretty gutsy - I liked the ones I've driven.

JakeJewler

Good thing your friend isn't buying new. The value on those 4cyl turbos plummet faster than any luxury car I've ever seen.

curiouz_G

They run out of steam too fast IMO.

Edit: Was referring to the 2.0T's.

mxt_77

Just based on specs, I don't like the V6 because it's only available w/ an auto. At least in the A3, you can get the DSG.

Dr. WOT

This is a strong positive about these cars if you buy CPO. The majority of the new cars are leased, then they come back to the dealer and people like me buy them certified for 65% of the original MSRP. It turns out to be a lot of car for the money.

I have the 2.0t, which was introduced to the A4 in 2005.5 with the B7 body style. It's a solid motor, and is very responsive to basic chipping ($600 APR chip claims 240hp, 290tq). Bigger numbers become much harder to get, but stay short of this point of diminishing returns, enjoy it for what it is and you'll do fine.

It does have the typical turbo powerband, which means very little below 2500 rpm, then a very nice wave of booost till around 5,500rpm. That's how turbos are, it's not a F20c but then again it has something called torque.

I get mid-20s for gas milage. Another unique thing about the 2.0t is that it at idle it sounds like a diesel from outside the car, making an awful clattering noise. Once in motion or from inside the cabin that is not the case, and the car has a nice sound. You can even hear some turbos spool, but it reminds you more of being in Europe than it does of a ricer's BOV.

I haven't driven the V6 but I imagine it has better low end response and should be a bit smoother overall. Contrary to what is stated above, you can definitely get a B7 v6 with a manual trans, but good luck finding one, particularly with the other options you want. They only made the B8 (new body style) A4 w/v6 for one year, then dropped it completely, not sure but maybe those were auto only.

Any other questions, just ask.

madkimchi

get 2.0T.

Christople

2.0 it is then

OverBooster

Agreed. The 2.0T is tried and true. Yes it does run out of steam pretty fast, but it wasn't designed to be a high performer. It is Audi's entry level model.