Anyone have experience with the Audi A4 Cabriolet?

[nfwb11]

My girl and I are looking into buying one and I am curious about any feedback (+ or -) any of you might have. Thanks!

[jackalope]

No experience with the cabriolet, but i've got an 02 A4 3.0 V6 Quattro bought new in 02, 90K miles, no issues at all. Regularly serviced, only minor mods (VAG COM some new codes for the lights, 18' Oettinger rims, but no engine/exhaust work).

Depending on the year, if i remember correctly, the Cabriolets only had the CVT transmission in the 1.8T.

In all honesty, Audi is kinda hit or miss. I've had no problems, but I've heard horror stories from others for the same car.

[eldotim]

We had a 98, nice a really nice looking car with a low 75k miles but no one had done any maintainence...I spent about 6grand in 8 months repairing driveline, suspension, trans, I got it 'perfect' and then the little things started, power top quit-another 350.00, CD player quit- didn't fix. etc etc so....get one with low miles and has had EVERY bit of maintainence performed. Do not buy a higher mile car without having the entire driveline inspected. Check it all. Brakes, CV joints, Timing belt, Struts, also, i would not recommend anything that's been modded unless you know the guy. Try to buy it from your decrepid old Aunt or something---Tim

[nfwb11]

Definitely staying away from buying from private party after past debacles. I'm looking at a 2007 certified pre-owned from a local dealership = all service records + warranty. I just remember some horror stories back in the day and, since I don't personally know anyone who's had an Audi in the past 10 years your input has been helpful. THX!

[Wolverine]

I had an 05, bought pre-owned from an Audi dealership and really loved it. Unfortunately it was the 1.8T with automatic transmission and I couldn't enjoy it that much (not really powerful either), but I had no issues and ran perfectly.

[nfwb11]

I've heard from a lot of people -- objective mag reviews as well -- that the chief complaint is the lack of giddyup... after all, it's no monster! Between my car and my bike, I've got enough HP & torque to go around so this isn't one of my concerns with the Audi. I'm just trying to confirm that it doesn't crap out and spend most of it's time in the shop. We are really just looking for a cute/fun/girly car for my GF to enjoy on a daily basis and for me to play with on occasion in sunny SoCal.

[junkart]

you buying a car for your GF?? can i be your GF? :-*

just jokin ;D

the cab is a little slower coz of the hardware crap for the roof in the trunk... it adds about a couple of hundred pounds to the curb weight... pretty heavy...

are you getting the 3.2L or 2.0T FSI? if you're getting the 2.0T, then get the Neuspeed or GIAC/APR ECU upgrade. it adds 50-60HP w/ 60lbs of torque for only $500-600. I think if you go by Neuspeed's ecu, the dealer won't void the warranty coz they can not see any code change. not sure on other's tho. They did my GTI. After a few months, i took it in to dealership for service and ECU firmware update. They didn't say anything, they just did the update and reset the ECU. I called neuspeed and they redo the programing again no charge! [thumbsup]

I'd get a BMW Z4... it's fun!!! rear wheel drive!

[nfwb11]

Luckily my GF is pretty self-sufficient so this will be her purchase. I'm just doing my part in gathering info for her to make an informed choice. We've found a few '07 certified pre-owned in SoCal that seem pretty reasonable: 2.0L, $30,000 range, <10,000 miles... so I'm prob not going to go with any engine upgrades -- although I appreciate that info. Sounds like most have had good experiences, I/she/we just need to be aware that it's a little slow off the line.

[sconly]

I am not an Audi tech but I do work on them, not sure of the Cab comes in a 3.0L option but if it does make sure the oil changes have been done regularly, they have been known to brake camshafts in half due to a poor oil return port the 1.8T is a good motor as are most of the others

[696]

my boss has an '06 A4 Cab 1.8t and the funny thing is the car was less than a year old and the transmission somehow disengaged, I had to help push it out of the street into a parking lot before the tow truck got there, it was uphill and I nearly died.....much heavier car than I expected.