[William Miller]

My sister lives out in North Canton Ohio.
Her Daughter is a beginner driver and will be driving My sisters small SUV so my sister is looking at new cars.

I'd like some honest opinions from anyone that owns an Audi.

Although there are 2 dealers in her area, I wonder if there are many indpendant shops.

I suggested she drive a bunch of simular cars.
So How does the Audi compare with the Japanese brands?
I suggested she at least drive a Nissan Maxima (We had one in the past an never had anything go bad.)
She drove a 6 cylinder Camery Thoughts "It's OK"

I don't think she needs AWD because she can drive the suv if the wheather gets too bad for a FWD car.

So what are your thoughts?
How's maintenance?
Anything particular issues on these A4 AWD?
Do they eat up expensive soft tires like some others?

Thanks!

[RENN 951]

Is she looking to buy new or used? Like other German brands - i.e. BMW, Porsche - Audi cars are more expensive to repair than most Japanese cars and generally aren't as trouble free. But if she is buying new, or a CPO used car, the warranty will cover her for a good while.

The Audi will also be a much nicer car to drive (if she cares about sporty driving) and the Audi interiors are second to none in terms of quality materials and fit and finish. And the Quattro is not just useful in snow; it also gives safety benefits in wet weather or sleet. Fred Baker Audi in Ohio has a first rate reputation as a dealer.

I have 111K miles on my 2000 S4 and it's been a great car.

[HoodPin]

We've had an '03 Audi 2.7T Allroad for about a year now, and really like it. However....its not a cheap or necessarily easy car to maintain. The expense might be worth it for an adult, but questionable for first-time driver.

I am really liking the used Ford Focus as a beginner's car. The hatchbacks are great utility vehicles, get very good mileage, are actually fun to drive, and maintenance is much cheaper. You can get a VERY nice example, possibly even an SVT, for under $10K. Our 2002 ZX5 has been with us since 2004. 2 boys have learned to drive in it. It's even been autox'd. It has airbags, ABS, power windows, power sunroof, AC that works great, nice 6-cd stereo, and gets close to 30mpg. And its actually fun to drive. Its got over 80K miles and is still going strong. According to Edmunds.com, its still worth about $4K, and IMHO, its worth every penny.

[William Miller]

Clarification:
The daughter will get the SUV to beat up.
My sister is getting the new car. After years of minivans and small SUV's it's her turn to get something she wants.

Intrestingly, the daughter wants a Focus too. But she'll be getting the old SUV for now. I think it's a Highlander.

I think my sister wants the Audi but want's her brother to tell her it's OK.

I suggested that It would be more expensive to maintain and might wearrubber faster than she's used to. So I suggested she have fun and drive a binch of cars before making a decision.

Thanks!

All info and ideas are appreciated!

[racer]

If new, I would check and see what type of maintenance program they have. It used to be 4/50 but I *think* they scaled it back. I imagine the same complaints from guys like Clarke and Rick V hold tru for VW as much as they do for Audis.

We had a 2002 A4 1.8T as a lease and it was a wonderful car with no issues.

[cmartin]

I wouldnt wish an Audi, especially out of warranty, on anyone.

Best of luck

[Clarke]

Originally Posted by racer

I imagine the same complaints from guys like Clarke and Rick V hold tru for VW as much as they do for Audis.

I wouldn't own a VW/Audi long enough to drive to the hardware store for the FOR SALE sign. Talk to just about any euro tech an they will tell you to stay away from VW/Audi. Then again some people love them, they are usually my BEST customers. Rick, feel free to put your .02 in. Maybe people will listen eventually.

[Dr K]

I had this discussion with a friend of mine when her daughter was learning to drive. You want the very safest car for your most valuable possession (i.e. daughter). A Highlander is a safe car to drive, and much better than a full-size SUV, but make no mistake, it's a mid-sized SUV, large and heavy, and will not be as easy to PREVENT an accident in such a car. She should seriously consider getting something she'd like but letting her daughter drive it the first year. The car can be replaced/fixed. The daughter, no so much...

Peter

[Lupin..the..3rd]

Get the 2.0t motor. More than enough pep to enjoy the drive, highly tunable (if she's into that sort of thing), better fuel economy, and far easier to service than the V6. Basically every Audi V6 is a PITA to work on, esp the T-belt.

[Vicegrip]

Originally Posted by cmartin

i wouldnt wish an audi, especially out of warranty, on anyone.

Best of luck

+1